The tranquil town of Scotts Valley – a half-hour from Silicon Valley and six miles from Santa Cruz – mixes lush redwood forests with high-tech businesses. Nearby, Henry Cowell and Big Basin Redwoods State Parks offer a multitude of options for hikers. And on the Fourth of July, Scotts Valley is the place to be, with an impressive fireworks celebration. In summertime, the Scotts Valley Art & Wine Festival brings together local wine makers and artists, all in a pet-friendly outdoor setting.

Combining the redwoods and the sea into one idyllic setting, Aptos is a quaint town that serves as home to the forested Nisene Marks State Park, perfect for mountain biking and hiking. Historic Aptos Village features antique shops, restaurants and boutiques. For the perfect spot to picnic, barbecue, or take a seaside stroll, head to Seacliff State beach and walk to the end of the pier to see the S.S. Palo Alto, an experimental concrete vessel known as “the cement ship”.

The first thing you need to know about Carmel: Clint Eastwood used to be the mayor, so don’t come here if you’re a hooligan. But if you’re after a romantic getaway to a seaside, art-filled village, Carmel might be perfect for you. You can even bring your dog—Carmel’s hotels, restaurants and galleries are remarkably Fido-friendly.