Top 5 Dog-Friendly Road Trip Destinations in California
Time to Take a Road Trip with your Furry Friend
From lush redwood forests, to golden sandy beaches, to snowcapped mountains, California has it all. It’s a great place for explorers, and an even better place for the pets. All dogs want to feel the wind in their hair, the grass between their paws, and have endless sniffing possibilities. So where should you take your dog on this magical adventure? Here are our top five dog-friendly locations in California.
First Stop, Wine Country
While dogs may not be the first thing we think of when we think of wine country, you would be surprised how welcoming this place is for your companion. From dog-friendly wineries to restaurants, it’s safe to say this would be a good stop to take.
Hotel
While these aren’t the only options for hotels, here are the top three recommended pet-friendly options. If you are staying in Yountville, check out Bardessono (they even have a dog bar every first Tuesday of the month). In Napa, the Harvest Inn is a popular option for pets and owners. They provide plush dog beds, custom pet bowls, and doggy bags and treats! Solage Calistoga is another great option and will accommodate pets with advanced notice and they offer dog beds and bowls upon request.
Restaurants
Safe to say that for all of the destinations on this list, there will be plenty of dog-friendly restaurants. To narrow it down for wine country, some local favorites are Grace’s Table, River Deck at Oxbow Public Market, or Bistro Don Giovanni if you’re in Napa city. If you’re closer to Yountville, check out Bottega. And if you’re in Calistoga, the Calistoga Inn and Brewery.
Activities
What better to do in wine country than to go to wineries? Hall Wines hosts Harvest Hounds which is a social event for dogs and owners every year, and V. Sattui Winery hosts an annual “Pamper Your Pooch.” Raymond Vineyards has a whole vineyard (“Frenchie”) dedicated to their bulldog that dogs are free to roam around safely. St. Supery Estate will also happily invite your dogs in.
SAFETY TIP: Dogs can’t have grapes, so just be careful to watch them if you decide to roam the actual vineyards. These places often have dog guests, but just a note to keep in mind.
Carmel- the European town for dog lovers
Carmel by the sea is a world-famous destination for good reason. The English Cottage architecture right next to the dark blue water is breath-taking. This town was rated #1 dog-friendly town in the country.
Hotel
There are roughly 25 dog-friendly hotels to choose from, so feel free to be picky. Our suggestions are the Green Lantern Inn, Lamplighter Inn, and Hotel Carmel. All of these are tucked away from the streets, have an outdoor space, and are still in the midst of Carmel.
Restaurants
Pretty much everywhere you go here will welcome your dog with welcome arms. You could honestly pick any restaurant and chances are they are pet-friendly. If you can’t decide, here are our suggestions: Portabella, Forge in the Forest, Cottage Restaurant, and Sur at the Barnyard.
Activities
To take in the stunning views, take your dog on a walk along the Scenic Road Path which stretches all the way from Carmel Beach to Carmel River Beach. This whole path has famous views, and Carmel Beach also allows dogs to run around off-leash. For a tasty treat for both you and your dog, head to the Cottage of Sweets. This British-imported sweets store even has some dog “sweets.” If you’re in the food for some shopping, the Diggidy Dog Store has unique items that you’re sure to love. A lot of shop keepers will actually keep dog bowls and treats out in front of their store as well!
Mammoth Lakes- Yosemite’s more dog-friendly little brother
Most people will know of Yosemite and its stunning pine trees and hikes. Unfortunately, Yosemite doesn’t allow dogs. Instead, try Mammoth Lakes just right next to Yosemite if you want to hike with your dog with equally beautiful views.
Hotel Camping Grounds
The front country area is the best place to go for camping. The campgrounds are obviously dog-friendly and have a lot of freedom for you to run around and do as you please.
Restaurants Cooking your own food
Our best recommendation for this category is to cook up some of your own food - camping style! You can bring a portable dog bowl and some dog food. Or, if you want to spoil your dog and you’re grilling, you can give them a grilled chicken breast with no seasoning.
Activities
Mammoth Lakes is full of amazing hikes to take your dog on. Convict Lake is beautiful at sunrise if you’re willing to get up that early. Lake Mary is the largest lake in this area and you can fish, boat, kayak, or paddle board all with your dog by your side. June Lake Beach has shallow water if your dog is more hesitant to swim in the deep, and Wild Willy’s Hot Springs is an easy short walk if you or your dog are feeling a little tired. For some fun playtime, the Hot Creek Geological Site is just a short walk down the hill.
Oh, Santa Barbara. You’re perfect!
With its iconic Spanish architecture and a consistent 70 degree and sunny temperature., this famous town is the perfect backdrop for some fun activities.
Hotel
There are hotels around every corner, and all are beautiful options. If you need some ideas for you and your dog to stay, try Hotel Milo, Vivieva Beach House, or Canary Santa Barbara. All of these are listed as the best options for pets.
Restaurants
One thing that comes with the perfect weather of Santa Barbara is lots of outdoor seating, one of the few good things to result from COVID. The restaurants with outdoor seating are almost always okay with having your dogs over. Brewhouse Restaurant even has a dog menu! You can also try Finney’s, Crushcakes Cafe, Cafe Stella, Jeanine’s, or Mesa Verde.
Activities
While in Santa Barbara, might as well go to the beach! Off leash beaches include Arroyo Burro Beach, Shoreline State Park, and Thousand Steps. Hendry’s Beach is another off-leash beach and is right next to a Boathouse restaurant with delicious food. More on-leash dog-friendly beaches include the more popular Butterfly Beach and Summerland. If you’re up for a hike, the Douglas Family Preserve is a 70-acre plot of land with trails and stunning views, or Inspiration point is a four mile trail along the coast. For a more leisurely walk, check out the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. There are even some dog friendly wine tasting and tap rooms.
SAFETY TIP: A lot of walks and hikes in Santa Barbara are along steep bluffs, like the Douglas Family Preserve. Make sure your dog is well trained if you let them off-leash next to these cliffs.
Who doesn’t love San Diego?
San Diego - with the warm sunshine, the refreshing ocean breeze, and the amazing food, what’s not to love? Your dog will be in paradise; San Diego has repeatedly been named as one of the most dog-friendly cities in the country.
Hotel
San Diego is a huge area with lots of hotels all around to cater to your needs. Some of the most highly reviewed hotels for you and your pup are Hotel Indigo San Diego if you’re in the Gaslamp Quarter, Hilton Garden Inn if you’re in Old Town San Diego, and the County Inn and Suites by Radisson. You can’t go wrong with these, but there are plenty of options all around the city for you to stay.
Restaurants
With about 585 pet-friendly restaurants in this California Dreamland, you’re sure to find one that satisfies your cravings. We compiled a list that the locals and their dogs seem to love to give you a starting point in this food playground: Daybreak Island Grill, Bull’s Smokin’ BBQ, Sally’s Fish House and Bar, Queenstown Public House, and Edgewater Grill. With delicious seafood and Mexican food all around, there’s a good meal on every corner that you can take your dog.
Activities
Of course San Diego is known for it’s golden beaches, so it’s time to go let your pup run free into the waves! Dog Beach in Ocean beach, Coronado beach, or Dog Beach in Del Mar are all popular off-leash beaches. If you want to run around on grass instead of sand and water, Fiesta Island is a large off-leash dog park with stunning views and lots of freedom. You can also hike at Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve, or Batiquitos Lagoon. If your dog is less of a “get in the water” type dog, the Boat Seaforth Boat Rentals on Mission Bay rents out boats your dog can hop on to feel the breeze, they even provide doggy-life vests!
Now, Go Have Fun!
Now that you have some ideas brewing, why not make the trip with your companion. It’s fun for everyone, and they will sure give you extra cuddles for it. Go frolic in the fields, run on the beaches, and see the amazing views. If you do decide to embark on a new journey, make sure to check out our blog on safety tips for traveling with your dog linked below!
Sources
https://lajollamom.com/things-to-do-with-dogs-in-san-diego/
https://www.bringfido.com/attraction/city/san_diego_ca_us/
https://santabarbaraca.com/itinerary/dogs-day-in-santa-barbara/
https://www.carmelcalifornia.com/dog-friendly-carmel.htm
https://www.visitmammoth.com/blogs/your-ultimate-guide-hiking-dogs-mammoth-lakes/#:~:text=Mammoth%20Lakes%20is%20known%20for,facilities%20and%20developed%20recreation%20areas.
https://www.visitnapavalley.com/things-to-do/trip-ideas/pet-friendly/
https://www.bringfido.com/destination/city/mammoth_lakes_ca_us/
https://www.thetravelpockets.com/new-blog/super-dog-friendly-destinations-in-california
This blog was written by Samantha Dailey, the Social Media Associate at Dog Tired Adventures. Sam loves to hike around the hills, find new recipes, and to hangout with her Shih-Tzu Maltese she’s had since she was a kid.