Mitchell's Cove

Off-leash dogs allowed midnight to 10am and 4pm to midnight, all year. Dogs allowed the rest of the time (local leash laws apply)

The city page doesn't say whether leashed dogs may visit between 10am and 4pm, so check signs.

Source: City of Santa Cruz, Dog Off Leash Areas. Checked October 28, 2026.

Shorebird nesting areas can close to dogs at short notice. Follow the signs at the beach.

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City of Santa Cruz: the rule in full

Dogs may run off-leash at Mitchell's Cove before 10am and after 4pm (stairway on West Cliff Drive at Sunset Avenue). Dogs are banned from some other city beaches. Keep full control of your dog at all times.

Nearby beaches

• Carmel BeachOff-leash dogs allowed all year
• Kehoe BeachDogs on a leash all year
• Arroyo Burro Beach (east of the estuary)Off-leash dogs allowed all year
• Leo Carrillo State BeachDogs on a leash all year
• Rosie's Dog BeachOff-leash dogs allowed 6am to 8pm, all year. No dogs midnight to 6am and 8pm to midnight, all year. No dogs the rest of the time