Manresa State Beach

Whether you're watching dolphins and other native wildlife, or just looking to take in some beautiful coastal vistas, Monterey Bay is littered with spots that are well worth visiting. And plenty of them, like the picture-perfect sands of Manresa State Beach, are dog-friendly.

Roughly 10 miles south from Santa Cruz, the Manresa State Beach welcomes leashed dogs all year round. With plenty of sand to explore and sweeping ocean views, this bluff-backed beach is a pupular spot for dog lovers and their furry friends. Your pooch will love sniffing their way around this picturesque stretch of coastline, and getting their paws wet too. Be cautious of going too far in, however, as the waters here are known for their frigid temperatures, dangerous rip currents, and deep offshore dropoffs, which make swimming very hazardous.

While there's ample room for you and your fur kid to take a stroll and go exploring, perhaps the best way to experience Manresa State Beach is to just sit back and take it all in. With the chance to see everything from dolphins and sea otters, to hummingbirds and finches, there's plenty of scenery to appreciate, and all of it on a canvas that also boasts some spectacular sunsets

Manresa is also home to more than 60 tent campsites open from early spring to October where leashed dogs are welcome, and can be reserved in advance. Fishing is another popular pastime in this part of the world, and there are plenty of nature walks nearby.

If you and your furry friend want to stop for lunch, you'll find picnic tables along the top of the bluff where you can enjoy your meal with a side serve of panoramic views. Other facilities available on site include restrooms and outdoor showers. Parking is $10 per vehicle per day, but walk-ins are free. Be sure to bring enough water to share with your beach pup, and clean-up bags, and always pick up whatever your dog leaves behind.

Spend a day in the sun and sand with your furry bestie at the Manresa State Beach today!