Not only are California State Parks awesome places to exercise; they are great destinations to spend quality time with your dog. Areas like the Channel Coast, Monterey and Malibu offer amazing hiking and scenery for you and your canine companion to explore.
Canines on the Channel Coast
The Channel Coast stretches from western Ventura all the way to Santa Barbara. A great place to visit with your dog in this district is Marina Park Beach. With plenty of grass, a great play area for children and walkways for walking your dog, this dog-friendly destination is wonderful for the whole family to enjoy. But law requires you to to keep your dog on a leash, so make sure to keep a collar handy.
Muts in Monterey
Great places to visit with your dog in Monterey are Monterey State Beach and Carmel River State Beach. Running all the way to Seaside, Monterey State Beach is host to tons of outdoor activities. You and your dog can observe surf fishing, kayaking and scuba diving along the coast. Sea glass and treasure collecting is another activity you can do on your walk.
Carmel River State Beach is another neat place to visit. Kayakers, birders, and divers make this mile-long beach a fun and entertaining place to explore with your furry companion. Carmel River State Beach is also the home to the Carmel River Lagoon and the Wetlands Natural Preserve. Be sure to bring a leash when visiting these beaches.
Malibu Creek State Park
Offering 15 miles of streamside hiking, this park is popular for hiking, bird watching, and horseback riding. You and your dog can enjoy beautiful oak and sycamore forestry on this historic trail. The only places that dogs are not allowed to go in this park are the backcountry trails. Find more information at Malibucreekstatepark.org.
Be Responsible
Remember, most state parks in California require dogs be on a leash six feet in length. Also, your dog should never be left unattended. It is your responsibility to clean up after your pet, and if your dog harms another, know that you are financially responsible. It is always a good idea to double-check with park rangers for specific rules to the state park you are visiting.
More pooch-friendly beaches can be found on the California State Parks website.
