Beaches of Santa Cruz and Capitola

Have a favorite beach story with your dog? Here is mine!

There are many beautiful beaches in the Bay Area and I will share a typical day that Kanaya and I had where we went from Santa Cruz to Capitola and along the way stopped at various cafés and coffee houses.

Starting out at West Cliff Drive which has one of the most breathtaking views in Northern California, parking between the Lighthouse and Natural Bridges we enjoyed the walking path along the beautiful coast dodging strollers, bicyclists and other dogs! “Dog Beach” is the unofficial name of the stretch of beach where you can bring your dog to play off-leash even though there is a sign prohibiting off-leash dogs! Kanaya did not play well with other dogs so we really enjoyed the stroll along the path and stopping at the Lighthouse to take in the views! Make sure you stop in the Surfing Museum, a very cool picture history inside is not to be missed!

Next we would head to Capitola, driving along the coast and passing the Yacht Harbor and Twin Lakes State Beach and
stopping at Coles Bar B-Q, enjoying the great ribs and chicken! Finally reaching Capitola, I have a secret spot that I park and walk down a path that overlooks the pier and the beach village. If we have not stopped at Coles I check out Café Violette, or The Fog Bank and then Mr. Toots for dessert. Dogs are not allowed on the beach so Kanaya and I would sit along the many benches that overlook the beach as well as a grassy patch common area at the far end of the beach village. Click under Beaches and Places and the flash gallery slideshow will begin and below the slideshow are the links to become more familiar with Santa Cruz and Capitola, enjoy!

Also while in Santa Cruz make sure to check out the Beach Boardwalk and Downtown area!