Dogs on leash are allowed in part of this park. They are allowed on a beautiful wooded trail that parallels the gravel Aptos Creek Road (on the left or west side of the road only). A good starting point is at the park entrance booth. Park after paying the minimal day use fee and then join the trail next to the parking lot. On this trail, head into the park (north). Dogs are allowed on the dirt trail up to the Steel Bridge (about 1 mile each way). You can continue on Aptos Creek Rd to the Porter Family Picnic Area, but dogs need to stay on the road (cars also allowed). The dirt trail up to the bridge is usually the best hiking trail that allows dogs and it includes several trails that divert towards the creek. Here your pup can enjoy playing in the water. To get there from Hwy 17, exit Hwy 1 south towards Watsonville. Drive through Santa Cruz and Capitola on Hwy 1 and then exit at the Seacliff Beach/Aptos exit. Turn left onto State Park Drive. Then turn right on Soquel Avenue. After going under the train bridge, you’ll soon turn left onto Aptos Creek Rd. It’s a small street, so be careful not to miss it. Drive up this road until you reach the park entrance booth.