Mitchell's Cove Dog Beach

The Mitchell's Cove Dog Beach is a public beach in Santa Cruz, California. It is not an enclosed dog park, but a natural part of the Californian coastline. There is free parking available on the streets nearby.

The Mitchell's Cove Dog Beach is a superb expanse of soft sand, around half a mile in length, where the ocean waves roll in. It is a tidal area and at high tide, the beach can be underwater until the tide turns. Mitchell's Cove itself is backed by sheer cliffs and some areas of the beach are strewn with large rocks. 

Access to the beach is via a steep staircase which some dogs or pet owners with any mobility problem might find difficult to contend with.

The Mitchell's Cove Dog Beach has controlled hours for off-leash exercise although dogs are permitted on the beach throughout the day if kept on their leash. Off-leash times are from sunrise to 10 am and from 4 pm to sunset. There is no special section for small dogs. 

Poop bags are not supplied so pet owners are expected to take their own and clean up after their dogs. There are no trash bins on the beach itself so poop bags must be taken away when leaving.

The Mitchell's Cove Dog Beach is a great space for dogs to enjoy having a run, chasing a Frisbee, and jumping around in the waves. It is a beach, so be prepared for a wet dog to get coated in sand. There is often seaweed laying on the sand, which can smell and which some dogs love to roll in.

Several short trails wind across the lower cliffs and are perfect for a quick, drying-off walk before getting back into a vehicle. There are no water fountains on Mitchell's Cove Dog Beach, so remember to take a bottle of fresh water and a drinking bowl.