Dog-Friendly Activities in Boulder Creek, CA

Big Basin Redwoods State Park is California's oldest state park and is home to the largest span of old-growth Redwoods south of San Francisco. Leashed dogs are allowed in the campsites, picnic areas, and on paved roads. They must be on a leash and attended at all times. Dogs are also allowed on North Escape, a 2.5-mile one-way (5-mile round trip) paved road that is mostly gated off to cars and alongside old-growth redwoods, a creek, and lush undergrowth. Dog owners can check out Big Basin's official website for information on day-use and camping fees. Dogs are not permitted on any of the trails or fire roads excluding the campground connector trail from Sempervirens and Blooms Creek campgrounds to park headquarters. Dogs are not allowed in any portion of the Rancho del Oso area, or on Waddell State Beach.

Roaring Camp Railroads offers dog-friendly train rides in Felton, CA, through the California Redwoods. Located just a few miles from Santa Cruz, you and Fido can climb aboard an authentic 19th century steam train for a trip through the magnificent redwood forest. As you travel along the historic, winding narrow-gauge track to the summit of Bear Mountain, the conductor will entertain you with the history of the railroad and its locomotives, which were once used to haul giant redwood logs out of the forest. Tours are offered daily and departure times vary by season.

Leashed dogs are welcome at the dog-friendly Seabright State Beach in Santa Cruz, CA. Parking is available in the neighborhoods surrounding the beach. Restrooms and outdoor showers can be found at the east end of the beach.

Twin Lakes State Beach is a dog-friendly beach in Santa Cruz, CA. Leashed pets are welcome. There are nearby outdoor showers and restrooms for your convenience.

Pets are welcome to join you on-leash as you explore the rocky shores of Bean Hollow State Beach in Pescadero, CA. Bring Fido to enjoy this great spot for for tide-pooling and beachcombing.

Fido can play in the sand and watch the surfers with you at Rio Del Mar Beach, a pet-friendly beach in Aptos, CA. Dogs are allowed on leashes no longer than 6 feet.

Bring Fido for a hike along West Cliff Drive, a pet-friendly trail in Santa Cruz, CA. This 3-mile one-way, walking and biking path along the Pacific Ocean starts at the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf, winds past the iconic Santa Cruz Dream Inn, Steamer Lane, and Lighthouse Point, and ends at Natural Bridges State Beach. Please keep Fido leashed.

Hapa’s Brewing Company is a pet-friendly brewery in San Jose, CA, where Fido is welcome inside and outside. Sample IPAs and other craft beers while you play a game of cornhole. Food trucks are sometimes onsite in case you get hungry; check their website for the current schedule of events.

Windy Hill Open Space Preserve is a pet-friendly recreational area in Portola Valley, CA. Leashed dogs are allowed on all trails at Windy Hill Open Space Preserve except Lost and Razorback Trails. Dog owners are reminded to clean up any mess that is left behind.

Dogs are welcome in the pet-friendly picnic areas and campsites of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park in Felton, CA. Also, unlike many state parks in the area, leashed dogs can join you on a number of trails, including the Meadow Trail, Pipeline Road, Graham Hill Trail and Powder Mill Fire Road. The park has been established to preserve forests and the areas next to the watershed of the San Lorenzo River, including a number of huge redwood trees.

Dog-friendly Butano State Park is a quiet canyon brimming with babbling creeks and redwood trees in Pescadero, CA. Leashed dogs are welcome in the campground and in paved developed areas. Dogs must be confined to a tent or vehicle at night, and they are not allowed on trails.

Vasona Lake County Park in Los Gatos, CA is dog friendly. Bring Fido along as you explore the serene natural beauty of this park. Enjoy a scenic walking trail around the lake, stroll along shaded pathways and take advantage of the 45 acres of lush lawn.

Bring Fido to Las Palmas Dog Park in Sunnyvale, CA. This off-leash dog park features a large, fenced space for pups to run and play, as well as running water, donated toys, and waste bags. Please note that the dog park is located within Las Palmas Park, and dogs must be leashed until they enter the designated dog park space.

Take Fido for a day of fun in the sun at Manresa State Beach, a dog-friendly beach in Watsonville, CA. Leashed dogs are welcome to stroll the shoreline and enjoy the waves. Please note that there is a fee for parking.

The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park in Aptos, CA, is dog friendly. This redwood forest is home to trees that stretch up to 2,600 feet into the sky above. Although logging felled thousands of trees that once stood in the area, many new trees are starting to grow back to cover the land that lay bare for so long. Dogs are only allowed on Aptos Creek Fire Road and the four single-track trails below the steel bridge. Unfortunately, dogs are prohibited beyond the gate at the Porter picnic area parking lot.

Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing in Santa Cruz, CA, offers a great selection of organic, microbrewed ales. Leashed dogs are welcome both in the taproom and the beer garden, making it a perfect stop for craft beer lovers with pups in tow. Enjoy a relaxed, dog-friendly atmosphere just minutes from the coast.

Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad in Los Gatos, CA is pet-friendly. Committed to providing a great experience to children and adults alike, ride aboard a real steam engine as it goes through beautiful Oak Meadow and Vasona Parks. Dogs & Pets are permitted on the train as long as they are on a leash.

Leashed dogs are welcome at Greyhound Rock, a pet-friendly beach in Davenport, CA. You and Fido can enjoy the surf and the sand, as well as an observation deck, fishing and more at this beautiful coastal access point.

Stevens Creek County Park is a dog-friendly recreation area in Cupertino, CA. Leashed dogs are welcome to join you for a hike across nine miles of multi-use trails, many of which connect to Mid-Peninsula Open Space Fremont Older Preserve. Visitors will also find shaded picnic areas and an 82-acre reservoir suitable for boating and fishing.

Pet-friendly Almaden Quicksilver County Park in San Jose offers a view of California's mining era history, and springtime offers the chance to see one of the most spectacular wildflower displays of the region. There are over 34.2 miles of hiking trails for you and Fido to explore, and picnic tables are scattered throughout. Dogs must be on a six foot leash and wear proof of a current license and rabies vaccine. Owners are responsible for pet care and clean up, and aggression is not tolerated. Please note that park trails are subject to closure due to poor conditions.