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City of Santa Cruz: dogs on beaches

Monterey Bay, California

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.

Source: City of Santa Cruz, Dog Off Leash Areas. Checked October 27, 2026.

Beaches and walks

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