New Brighton State Beach

Santa Cruz County boasts a plethora of gorgeous beaches just waiting to be explored, and several of them allow you to hit the sand with your furry friend in tow. New Brighton State Beach is one of the best.

This beautiful beach stretches for miles and is backed by forested bluffs that offer lots of recreational opportunities. Best of all, this beach is one of the few in Capitola that your dog can join you at, on leash of course. If you like long, meandering beach walks with your dog by your side, this is the spot for you. You can do a little beachcombing, splash around in the shallows, or just stretch out and relax on the sand with your dog. Swimmers, kayakers, sunbathers, and fishermen frequent this beach, so there's usually plenty of activity going on for you and your dog to check out. With parking near easy beach access, and a restroom right on the beach, this furbulous spot is the pawfect place to enjoy the gorgeous California coastline.

If you have a true hiker on your hands, take a hike on one of the forested trails in the park. The 93-acre bluff-top campground is also a pupular spot with holiday-makers. There are over 100 developed campsites available, as well as hook-up sites for RVs. There's plenty of parking available, though spots can be a little hard to come by on weekends. A $10 vehicle day use fee applies to enter the park, with additional fees for a campsite.

Be sure to bring all the essentials for a puptastic day out, including water to share with your dog. Have clean-up bags on hand, and always pick up whatever your pup lays down. Keep your dog on a leash no longer than six feet at all times, even in the water. 

For a furbulous day in the sun and sand, head to the New Brighton State Beach with your pup!