Dog walking in Moss Landing

Moss Landing Harbor

W Beach St/ Walker St

This Watsonville neighborhood just northeast of Moss Landing is host to the dog-friendly Watsonville Slough National Wildlife Refuge and Trail System. This wildlife sanctuary provides a perfect environment for leisurely walks with Fido, viewing birds and looking out for sea otters and harbor seals as they meander through the slough in search of food. There are many protected species in residence here, or passing through on their migratory journeys, including the endangered White Plover. The contrast of the waters in the slough with the red-tipped picklewood, along with views of the mountains and walks beside strawberry fields make this a paradise for nature lovers and their furry besties. Pawsome!

Reservation Rd/ W Blanco Rd

This neighborhood in the city of Marina sits 10 miles south of Moss Landing and hosts the Marina (Schoonover) Dog Park. Fully fenced with a separate area for small dogs, the park features convenient waste-scooping tools and receptacles, plus water bowls. There is no water provided, so be sure to bring a gallon or so for the pups to share. The doggy play areas are grassy and wide open (the park having been a ball field in a past life) so there is plenty of room for free-style carousing, running at full speed, fetch and other doggy-games!  If you and your tired doggy come away from the park hungry, stop in at Wild Thyme Deli and Café, which features a patio just made for a bite and beverage with your furry bestie. Sandwiches are the stars of the menu, and Fido can munch on one of their homemade dog biscuits while you enjoy your meal.

La Selva Beach

The La Selva Beach neighborhood of Watsonville is a short 9 miles from Moss Landing and home to dog-friendly Manresa State Beach. This flat expanse of beach is protected by sand dunes, and offers views of mountains to the north, and forests to the south. It allows dogs both on the beach and in the surrounding green park area if the pooches are leashed. The park beyond the dunes features a dog-friendly campground for tent camping, and the beach is perfect for surf-fishing with your bestie by your side. Picnic sites dot the bluff on top of the dunes, offering ocean views and appetite-producing sea air. Bring Fido to this great little park on San Andreas Road – there is plenty of room for walks on the beach or just relaxing on a blanket in the sun. Pawrrific!

E Lake Ave/ Blackburn St

Watsonville has invested in several recreational parks, and one of the most dog-friendly in town is Martin J. Franich Park, which features baseball fields, BBQ facilities and picnic areas, and a great dog park! The dog park sits between 2 baseball fields, instead off in a corner as in so many parks, so you and your fur-pup can feel part of the community. The park provides separate large and small dog sections with double safety gates, convenient waste bags, and receptacles placed both inside the dog play area and around the perimeter of the entire park, which you can also walk your pup on leash. No one will get too thirsty, because water fountains are provided, and there are shady spots where you can pull up a lawn chair and relax. If you didn’t bring a lawn chair, you can use one of the benches provided or a plastic chair left behind by another dog-lover! This is a great place for you and Fido to exercise, play catch and socialize with other dogs and humans. Woofderful!