Dog-Friendly Activities in La Honda, CA

If you're looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Silicone Valley and the South Bay Area, Portola is the place to head. This shaded redwood forest spans 2,800 acres and is just down the road from some of the busiest parts of California. Dogs are allowed in campsites, picnic areas, on paved roads, and the Upper and Lower Escape Roads at Portola Redwoods State Park in La Honda, CA. Unfortunately, the trails in the park are not dog-friendly.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Arizona Cactus Garden is a pet-friendly botanical garden located inside Stanford University in Palo Alto, CA. Fido is welcome to join as you tour the grounds, but please note that there are no boundaries around the cacti. Guests can expect to see a variety of unusual plants, including Cholla, Prickly Pear, several types of Aloes and more.

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.

Let Fido enjoy a day in the sun. Both horses and leashed dogs are welcome at the pet-friendly Poplar Beach in Half Moon Bay, CA. The area is operated by the city and dogs are allowed on the sand, unlike most of the state-run beaches.

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.

Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve is a dog-friendly park in Redwood City, CA. Take your pet for an on-leash hike throughout this large, lovely nature preserve, or let them run free in the 17.5-acre area located in the center of the preserve, accessible from the Cordilleras Trail, Polly Geraci/Hassler Trails and the Blue Oak Trail. Be careful as the area is fenced and signed at entrances, but there is no fencing around the off-leash area. Dogs must be on a leash when outside of the off-leash area.

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.

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.

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.

Four-legged friends can socialize and exercise off leash at Ozzi Dog Park at the McGregor Multiuse Park in Capitola, CA. This wood-chipped, fenced recreation area, adjacent to the skatepark, features separate small and large dog spaces. Amenities include waste receptacles, a water fountain, benches and shade trees.

Bring Fido to play off leash at the fenced John Boulware Park Dog Park in Palo Alto, CA. This half-acre synthetic-turf recreation space offers a place for four-legged friends to exercise and play without restrictions. Pups should be leashed when entering and exiting the dog park.

Cuesta Park is a dog-friendly area in Mountain View, CA. Enjoy tennis, volleyball, or a simple walk through nature. Pets are welcome if they remain on a leash and are cleaned up after.

Fido can run and play off leash at University Terrace Dog Run, a pet-friendly, fenced dog park in Santa Cruz, CA. Leashed dogs are allowed in the other areas of the park.

NewBark Dog Park in Newark, CA, offers agility equipment, double-gate portals, drinking fountains, seating areas with shade and more. The 1-acre park is located within Newark Community Park and features a smaller area for dogs under 30 lbs. Dog handlers are limited to two dogs under their care and are reminded to clean up any mess that is left behind.