Surf enthusiasts come from all over the world to ride the waves in Santa Cruz because of its awesome surf breaks and mild weather all year long. Located just about 30 miles southwest of San Jose and about an hour from San Francisco, this popular city in the middle of California draws millions of people every year to the West Coast. Dog lovers come here to let their fur babies play in the many parks and beaches that are pet-friendly, too.
But it is not just the surf that brings them. The city is also a popular spot for tourists who come to visit the boardwalk, climb the mountains, and enjoy the festivals. Some of them include the Santa Cruz Film Festival, Cabrillo Festival of Contemporary Music, and the Open Studious Art Tour. No matter whether you are a fan of music, film, dance, food, or drink, there is bound to be an event in Santa Cruz that celebrates it.
The city enjoys mild weather all year long, with highs in the 70s during the summer and 60s in the winter. It does not get too hot or too cold here, so it is the perfect spot for any kind of outdoor activities. Because of all the tourism, there are hundreds of great hotels and motels here, too. With so many dog-friendly hotels, we found the top 15 noted for specific amenities and features that you may like.
Sunny Cove Motel
https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/sunny-cove-motel.en-gb.html
21610 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Best for: Overall
Right next to Ocean Echo Inn & Beach Cottages across from Sunny Cove Beach, the Sunny Cove Motel has full kitchens with an oven, stovetop, full-size fridge, microwave, toaster, sink, and dining area. It is also stocked with all the kitchenware you need, including dishes, drinkware, silverware, pots, and pans. So you can make meals in your room if you do not feel like going out. With all the money you save, you can go shopping and buy some souvenirs and dog toys, food, and treats.
If you are sick of the sand in your swimsuit, you can enjoy the water in the large outdoor pool. Dogs are welcome as long as you do not let them get in the water and you are sure to clean up after them. It is a small and cozy motel with just 13 rooms, but each one is big and spacious. There is an outdoor barbecue area as well in case you and your cuddly canine companion want to grill up some burgers.
Pet policy:
- Dog fee: None.
- Pet deposit: None.
- Breed Restrictions: No restrictions.
- Weight Restrictions: None.
- Dogs allowed per stay: Two.
Continental Inn
https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/beach-way-inn-and-suites.en-us.html
414 Ocean Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Best for: Affordable
Right across the river from downtown Santa Cruz, the Continental Inn is the perfect hotel to check into when you want to save some money. You still get all of the awesome amenities like satellite TV, Wi-Fi, a fridge, microwave, coffee maker, and hairdryer. All for under $100! And your fur baby is always welcomed with lots of treats and attention. There are even several dog parks in the area, including Branciforte, Ocean View, Frederick Street, Pacheco, and Grant Street Dog Parks.
The hotel also has a fantastic pool with loungers and sun umbrellas, as well as a jacuzzi with a pavilion. After you work up an appetite in the pool, head across the street to Special Noodle, Beach Hut Deli, or the Golden Palace. If you want to take your pup, try Cafe Limelight, Cole’s Bar-B-Q, Pleasure Pizza, or Aldo’s Harbor Restaurant. You are also just a quarter mile from the San Lorenzo River and Riverwalk Park, which are both pup-friendly.
Pet policy:
- Dog fee: $30 per dog per day.
- Pet deposit: None.
- Breed Restrictions: No restrictions.
- Weight Restrictions: None.
- Dogs allowed per stay: Two.
Ocean Pacific Lodge
https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/ocean-pacific-lodge.en-us.html
301 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Best for: Big dogs
If you have a huge Hound or a large Labrador, you may have trouble finding a hotel in some cities. But not in Santa Cruz. Ocean Pacific Lodge does not care how big your pup is as long as he fits through the door! And you are right next to Neary Lagoon and Depot Park, which both allow pets. And Seabright Beach, about 1.5 miles down the coast, is dog-friendly too! The rooms here are similar to the Continental Inn since they are run by the same company.
Similarly, the Ocean Pacific Lodge has a heated pool and hot tub with comfy sun loungers and a few tables. You will also find several nearby eateries, including Yan Flower, Stagnaro Bros, and Las Palmas Taco Bar, where your canine companion can join you. He can also join you at the Surfing Museum, which is really cool. Or leave the pup with a pup sitter and walk over to the Museum of Art and History or the City Museum of Natural History.
Pet policy:
- Dog fee: $30.
- Pet deposit: None.
- Breed Restrictions: No restrictions.
- Weight Restrictions: None.
- Dogs allowed per stay: Two.
Ocean Echo Inn & Beach Cottages
https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/ocean-echo-inn-amp-beach-cottages.en-gb.html
401 Johans Beach Drive, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Best for: Extended stay
Several of the rooms and cottages at Ocean Echo Inn & Beach Cottages are dog-friendly, including the Sea Breeze Room, Water Tower Cottage, and Beachcomber Cottage, which all have full kitchens, including a stove, oven, fridge, dishwasher, and microwave. And the best part? The Sunny Cove Beach is less than 500 feet from the Inn, and it allows dogs as long as they are leashed. In fact, the street dead ends onto the beach, so you cannot miss it!
All rooms have flat-screen TVs, pillow-top beds, private baths, and a patio. They do not have a restaurant, but they have several barbecue pits you are welcome to use to grill up some burgers. Then, take your pooch for a walk across the harbor to Frederick Street Park, where he can play off the leash in the fenced dog park while you enjoy the view of the boats coming in and out of the harbor.
Pet policy:
- Dog fee: $50 per pet per night.
- Pet deposit: None.
- Breed Restrictions: No restrictions.
- Weight Restrictions: None.
- Dogs allowed per stay: Two.
Hilton Santa Cruz Scotts Valley
https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/hilton-santa-cruz-scotts-valley.en-gb.html
6001 La Madrona Drive, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Best for: Families
Five miles north of the city center, Hilton Santa Cruz Scotts Valley is great for families with kids and fur babies. Located at the base of the Santa Cruz Mountains just minutes from a variety of family-friendly attractions, this fun hotel boasts free Wi-Fi, a restaurant on-site, an outdoor pool, room service, and a gym. And the prices are great too. You can get a huge room with two large TVs, a seating area with a sofa sleeper, cozy chairs, a Serenity bed, and a work desk for about $200!
The restaurant has a kids’ menu and a children’s buffet, so you do not have to pay for adult portions that do not get eaten. Family time is all the time here, with an outdoor picnic area, garden, terrace, and fireplace for s’mores. If you forgot anything, there is a minimarket here that carries everything from snacks to personal care items. Less than a mile away, Skypark Dog Park is the perfect place to let Fido off the leash while the kids play.
Pet policy:
- Dog fee: $100 per stay.
- Pet deposit: None.
- Breed Restrictions: No restrictions.
- Weight Restrictions: 50 pounds.
- Dogs allowed per stay: Two.
Hampton Inn Santa Cruz West
https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/santa-cruz-2424-massion-street.en-gb.html
2424 Mission Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Best for: Fitness center
If you love working out and do not want to miss out on any of your fitness routine while you are in Santa Cruz, this hotel has what you need and then some! There are treadmills, chest press machines, rowing machines, free weights, leg press machines, bikes, and cable machines. After, enjoy a smoothie or snack in the snack room or grab something and eat it outside on the patio. The weather is almost always in the 70s here.
You and your pooch can choose from a King Studio Suite, King Room, or Queen Room. All rooms have free Wi-Fi, HDTVs, microwaves, minifridges, Hampton beds, a work desk, coffeemaker, irons, hairdryers, and free Neutrogena bath products. You even get a free hot breakfast here! Also, less than a mile away is Mitchell Cove Beach (no dogs) and Lighthouse Field State Beach (leashed dogs). You can also take your fur baby to the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum, just 1.4 miles away.
Pet policy:
- Dog fee: 1-4 night stay $50; 5+ night stay $75.
- Pet deposit: None.
- Breed Restrictions: No restrictions.
- Weight Restrictions: None.
- Dogs allowed per stay: Two.
Surf City Inn & Suites
https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/beach-way-inn-and-suites.en-us.html
619 Riverside Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Best for: Indoor pool
Even though you are within walking distance to the San Lorenzo River and the Pacific Ocean, sometimes you just want to swim in a pool. At Surf City Inn & Suites, they have a heated indoor pool and hot tub where you can do some laps or relax your muscles after a long day of sightseeing. The hot tub is enormous and can hold over a dozen people easily. You can enjoy them both all year long, even when it gets chilly (60 degrees) in winter.
The rooms are incredible, some with three queen and king beds. They even have one with a full kitchen, including an oven and stovetop. Outside, there are lawn games, including a small putting green and cornhole, and a seating area where you and your pup can relax with the other hotel guests. Put your pup’s leash back on, and you can walk down to the Riverwalk, less than 500 feet away, or head down to explore the wharf.
Pet policy:
- Dog fee: $40 per night per pet.
- Pet deposit: None.
- Breed Restrictions: No restrictions.
- Weight Restrictions: None.
- Dogs allowed per stay: Two.
Best Western Plus All Suites Inn
https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/best-western-all-suite-inn.en-gb.html
500 Ocean Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Best for: Jacuzzi
Right across from the Continental Inn and a short walk from the San Lorenzo River, the Best Western Plus All Suites Inn features a King Suite with a jacuzzi where you and your pooch can relax after exploring the city for less than $200 per night! It comes with all the amenities you need and more, including a flat-screen satellite TV, fridge, microwave, sofa bed, and a special plush bed for your cuddle buddy.
The hotel is near all the great spots, including the boardwalk, beach, harbor, wharf, wineries, restaurants, and shops. Many of them are pet-friendly, but ask first. You also get a complimentary breakfast with eggs, sausage, bacon, cereal, yogurt, and fruit. Out in the courtyard, you can enjoy the whirlpool hot tub after working out in the gym. If you want to enjoy the ocean, you are only a mile from both Cowell (no dogs) and Seabright Beaches (leashed dogs welcome).
Pet policy:
- Dog fee: $30 per day.
- Pet deposit: $150 refundable.
- Breed Restrictions: No restrictions.
- Weight Restrictions: 80 pounds.
- Dogs allowed per stay: Two.
Sunny Cove Motel
https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/sunny-cove-motel.en-gb.html
21610 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Best for: Kitchen
Right next to Ocean Echo Inn & Beach Cottages across from Sunny Cove Beach, the Sunny Cove Motel has full kitchens with an oven, stovetop, full-size fridge, microwave, toaster, sink, and dining area. It is also stocked with all the kitchenware you need, including dishes, drinkware, silverware, pots, and pans. So you can make meals in your room if you do not feel like going out. With all the money you save, you can go shopping and buy some souvenirs and dog toys, food, and treats.
If you are sick of the sand in your swimsuit, you can enjoy the water in the large outdoor pool. Dogs are welcome as long as you do not let them get in the water and you are sure to clean up after them. It is a small and cozy motel with just 13 rooms but each one is big and spacious. There is an outdoor barbecue area as well, in case you and your cuddly canine companion want to grill up some burgers.
Pet policy:
- Dog fee: None.
- Pet deposit: None.
- Breed Restrictions: No restrictions.
- Weight Restrictions: None.
- Dogs allowed per stay: Two.
Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection
https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/paradox.en-us.html
611 Ocean Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Best for: Luxury
If you like to be pampered, have lush accommodations, and lay in a poolside day bed and want to bring your fur baby with you, check into the Hotel Paradox. They also have a whirlpool hot tub and an outdoor fireplace and will serve food and drinks right to your poolside. The rooms include cozy robes, TVs with premium channels, wardrobes, fluffy towels, luxurious linens, and so much more. Some of the rooms have a pool view, some have a city view. You can choose between a balcony or a terrace as well.
Solaire Restaurant is right inside the hotel and serves all sorts of cuisines from American to Mediterranean. You can enjoy a burger and fries or a New York strip steak with the works or get some calamari, pasta, shrimp, or soup. Whatever you like, they probably have it or can make it for you. Although your pup cannot join you at the restaurant, you can bring him a doggie bag to enjoy in the room.
Pet policy:
- Dog fee: $75 per stay per dog.
- Pet deposit: None.
- Breed Restrictions: No restrictions.
- Weight Restrictions: None.
- Dogs allowed per stay: Two.
Motel 6-Watsonville, CA – Monterey Area
https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/motel-6-watsonville.html
125 Silver Leaf Drive, Watsonville, CA 95076
Best for: No pet fee
About 15 minutes southeast of Santa Cruz downtown in Watsonville, Motel 6 is the perfect place to take your fur kids because they do not charge you a penny! It is situated just off Highway 1 across from Watsonville State Wildlife Area and five miles from the coast. For less than $150, you and your canine compadre can enjoy a cozy room with free Wi-Fi, a private bath, and premium cable TV built into the wall. These new rooms boast hardwood floors, vibrant colors, and modern beds and linens.
Their heated outdoor pool is outstanding and has loungers, sun tables, and palm trees. Although there is no restaurant, you can find any soft drinks and snacks you need, from Cheetos to Twizzlers. If you want something more substantial, Applebees is right across the parking lot, and there are several eateries down the road, like Cilantros, Imura, Baskin Robbins, and Starbucks. Also, just a few minutes away, Franich Dog Park is the perfect spot to let Fido run leash-free.
Pet policy:
- Dog fee: None.
- Pet deposit: None.
- Breed Restrictions: No restrictions.
- Weight Restrictions: None.
- Dogs allowed per stay: Two.
Seaway Inn
https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/seaway-inn.en-gb.html
176 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Best for: Ocean view
When you are staying in Santa Cruz so close to the ocean, you should have a sea view to enjoy, right? You and your best fur buddy can see the water all day and night from your bed or just sit out on the balcony and enjoy the view. The King Room with a View has all the best amenities, including a minifridge, microwave, premium cable TV, Wi-Fi, a coffee maker, iron, and hairdryer for under $200! And he gets his own pet bowls!
You can walk to the sand right across Beach Street, but keep in mind that Cowell Beach does not allow dogs. You will have to take your pup across the San Lorenzo River to Seabright Beach, which is only about 1.5 miles. There is no pool at the hotel, which is fine since you are so close to the beach. Also, there are several eating establishments within walking distance, including Jack O’Neill Restaurant and Ideal Bar & Grill.
Pet policy:
- Dog fee: $50 per dog per night.
- Pet deposit: None.
- Breed Restrictions: No restrictions.
- Weight Restrictions: None.
- Dogs allowed per stay: Two.
Casablanca Inn on the Beach
https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/casablanca-inn-on-the-beach.en-gb.html
101 Main Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Best for: On the beach
Right across Pacific Avenue from the Seaway Inn, the Casablanca Inn is right on the beach, so you can just step out of your room and walk across the sand to get to the water. Although your fur buddy cannot join you on this beach, you can walk down the way to Seabright Beach, where he can swim and play in the sand as long as he is on a leash. All rooms have TVs with premium cable, coffee machines, refrigerators, microwaves, and gorgeous views of the beach.
No pool is needed, of course, but they do have a restaurant. Sawasdee’s by the Sea serves Thai cuisine as well as some other dishes and any kind of cocktails you can dream up. Or you can take a walk to The Picnic Basket, Ideal Bar & Grill, or Jack O’Neill Restaurant. Each room has a terrace or balcony as well as outdoor furniture, so you and your dog can sit and enjoy the view.
Pet policy:
- Dog fee: $35 per night per dog.
- Pet deposit: None.
- Breed Restrictions: No restrictions.
- Weight Restrictions: None.
- Dogs allowed per stay: Three.
Chaminade Resort & Spa
https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/chaminade-resort-amp-spa.en-gb.html
One Chaminade Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95065
Best for: Resort
Surrounded by thick groves of lush forest and the Santa Cruz Mountains, Chaminade Resort & Spa is the only resort hotel with a spa in Santa Cruz that allows pets. They have 156 rooms and 11 villas spread out on 300 acres of property, so you get a gorgeous view no matter where you stay. They also have three miles of hiking trails that you are welcome to explore and enjoy. But keep your pooch on a leash, and you may see some wildlife like deer.
Put your pup down for a nap and go enjoy the spa while you are there. They have a gym with trainers, yoga, a steam room, a sauna, and a jacuzzi.. You can even get a special massage. Or head over to the pool, where you can relax in the heated water or climb into the whirlpool hot tub. Do not pass up dining at The View. It is a treeside restaurant that has breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Make sure you bring your pooch back some leftovers.
Pet policy:
- Dog fee: $75 per dog per stay
- Pet deposit: None.
- Breed Restrictions: No restrictions.
- Weight Restrictions: 60 pounds.
- Dogs allowed per stay: Two.
Masoods Lodge
https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/masoods-lodge.en-gb.html
13420 Big Basin Way, Boulder Creek, CA 95006
Best for: Rural
To really get away from it all, you only have to drive about 20 minutes to the north, where you will find Masoods Lodge, also known as Merrybrook Lodge, in Boulder Creek. Tucked into the redwood forests in the Santa Cruz Mountains, the peaceful place is a great way to get back to nature. And your pooch will love sitting out on your porch watching the wildlife. You may even see some deer!
The cabins are adorable, and all of them have kitchens and fireplaces as well as heat and air conditioning. There are family rooms, private bedrooms, and bathrooms, as well as Wi-Fi a Smart TV with satellite. If you want something smaller, you can get a single room for just you and your pooch to share. All of them have a view of either the river or the mountains so you cannot go wrong here no matter which one you choose.
Pet policy:
- Dog fee: Free for one dog. An extra $20 per night for each additional pet.
- Pet deposit: None.
- Breed Restrictions: No restrictions.
- Weight Restrictions: None.
- Dogs allowed per stay: Two.
The Historic Brookdale Lodge, Santa Cruz Mountains
https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/brookdale-lodge-brookdale.en-gb.html
11570 Highway 9, Brookdale, CA 95007
Best for: Wheelchair accessible
You will not have to worry about getting around at the Historic Brookdale Lodge. The entire unit is completely wheelchair accessible with wide 32-inch doorways and a roll-in shower with a seat and grab bar. The toilet has a grab bar as well. The sinks and desks are lowered, and all the handles are all easy to open with one hand. The closet bars and shelves are lowered, too. Also, per ADA standards, there is a 36-inch path of travel between and around beds.
Your pooch will enjoy his holiday here as well, with a comfy bed to sleep in and plenty of room to romp around. There is a fridge, coffee maker, TV, and Wi-Fi, but no microwave. You can enjoy a meal and drinks at Brookdale Cafe Grill, where they also have happy hour and karaoke. Or you can grab some grub at the taco truck, El Buen Taco, where your pooch can join you.
Pet policy:
- Dog fee: None.
- Pet deposit: None.
- Breed Restrictions: No restrictions.
- Weight Restrictions: None.
- Dogs allowed per stay: Two.
The Final Woof
While you are in Santa Cruz, take your fur baby out on the water in Monterey Bay. You can rent a kayak or get a tour from Venture Quest, which is totally dog-friendly. Another fun activity for you and your pup is Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad. Located in Los Gatos, you can enjoy a ride on a real steam engine traveling through Vasona Park and Oak Meadow. After, stop by Betty Burgers for a burger and brew with your little buddy, where dogs are always welcome on the patio.
If we had to choose just one, the Sunny Cove Motel would be our favorite. Not only do they have a dog-friendly beach right there outside the place, but they also have a full kitchen in case you want to cook for you and your pup, and pets stay free no matter how big they are. If you would rather not hit the beach, you can bring your canine companion with you to the pool as long as he stays out of the water.
For more detailed information on dog-friendly attractions, weather, accommodations, and dining options in Santa Cruz, don’t forget to check out our dog-friendly Santa Cruz travel guide. This comprehensive guide is an essential tool for planning a fun and enjoyable visit to Santa Cruz with your dog
