California is a paradise for road-trippers, and there’s no reason your furry companion should miss out on the adventure. Whether you're exploring dog-friendly beaches, hiking trails, or charming small towns, California is a fantastic place for fur babies to explore and play.
“California is by far the most dog-friendly state in the country and most likely, the world,” says Dave Kendrick of DogTrekker, a website and app that details pet-friendly hotels, restaurants, and things to do in the Golden State. “California offers up over a hundred great dog-friendly activities, from houseboating in the Shasta Cascade to riding Mendocino’s Big River on redwood outrigger canoes or eating with your best friend in the Farm-to-Fork Capital.”
Before embarking on your next dog-friendly road trip, research potential stops at Dogtrekker and check out the recommendations at BringFido’s Ruff Guide to California. Here are a few more tips to help you plan:
Head to the beach. Dogs and sand go together like surfers and waves, and the Golden State offers a wide array of dog-friendly beaches. Along the canine-friendly Central Coast, dog-welcoming spots include Monterey County’s Carmel Beach and Asilomar State Beach, as well as Surfer’s Point and Harbor Cove in Ventura County. In Los Angeles County, check out Rosie’s Beach in Long Beach, or head to Orange County for the sandy playground of Huntington Dog Beach. In San Diego County, pups love Del Mar Dog Beach and the stretch of Ocean Beach known as the Original Dog Beach. Lake Tahoe has its own dog-friendly beaches, including South Lake Tahoe’s Kiva Beach and North Lake Tahoe’s Patton Landing. The Bay Area has sandy fun, too, like the dunes at San Francisco’s Fort Funston.
Think outside the dog park. A DogTrekker survey showed that cultural and historical destinations are on the upswing for traveling dogs. California’s North Coast region—which encompasses Mendocino, Lake, Humboldt, and Del Norte counties—features dozens of dog-friendly things to do, including outdoor wine tastings, touring the Trees of Mystery in Klamath, and riding on Fort Bragg’s historic Skunk Train.
In the Napa Valley, the outdoor tasting room at Frenchie Winery has dog beds so your pooch can chill while you tour the grounds. At Sonoma County’s Mutt Lynch Winery, your pup can enjoy free dog-treat flights while you sip on Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noir. Ventura County is so dog-friendly that pooches can browse at the Camarillo Premium Outlets.
Know the rules at state and national parks. Most national parks allow pets in campgrounds or on paved trails, but typically not on hiking trails. Many of the 280 California State Parks, however, do allow dogs on trails, including Mendocino Headlands State Park, Monterey State Historic Park, and the grounds of Sacramento’s California State Capitol.
Check for fees and breed restrictions when choosing a hotel. Some charge a one-time fee for dogs, while others charge a per-night fee or perhaps no fee at all. At the Beverly Hills Hotel, up to two small dogs (15 lbs. max) are welcome for $35 per dog per night. Some brands are known for welcoming big dogs too—such as Kimpton, La Quinta, Motel 6, and Loews.
“You can almost always find a La Quinta, even alongside the road,” says Alli Talley, whose blog with her husband Bobby, Traveling Newlyweds, includes tips on road trips with their bernedoodle Sallie. “They're super dog friendly, and no dog fee, so we love that.” The boutique-chain Kimpton also charges no fee, and the Talleys love their dog amenities, including bowls, treats, and more. “They'll write your dog's name on a welcome sign outside, and they almost always have a happy hour in the evenings where dogs are invited.”
It’s a good idea to contact the individual property before you stay, because policies can vary from location to location. Also, many hotel chains now allow guests to bring two dogs at a time, but not more.
Look at the hotel’s map view before you book. See if there are parks, cafes, or other necessities within walking distance. In Monterey, the city’s off-leash dog park is about a mile from both the dog-friendly Portola Hotel & Spa and top spots such as Old Fisherman’s Wharf and Cannery Row.
Don’t overpack. The Traveling Newlyweds love their Kurgo doggie seatbelt tether for comfortably securing Sallie on road trips, but otherwise, “we just bring collapsible water bowls and snacks,” says Alli. “Anywhere in California, there will be a store where you can buy supplies as needed.”
Let your pup set the tone. You might find that planning a vacation around the dog ends up feeling pretty liberating. “Traveling with Sallie actually forces us to walk more in destinations,” says Alli. “We’ll say, ‘Let’s find a restaurant that’s walking distance from the hotel,’ and we end up seeing more of the destination that way.” Bobby adds that Sallie is the ultimate conversation starter. “When we’re in a hotel lobby or at a brewery, people want to know what kind of dog she is—or ask about dog-friendly travel. We make friends.”
Don’t overpack. The Traveling Newlyweds love their Kurgo doggie seatbelt tether for comfortably securing Sallie on road trips, but otherwise, “we just bring collapsible water bowls and snacks,” says Alli. “Anywhere in California, there will be a store where you can buy supplies as needed.”
Let your pup set the tone. You might find that planning a vacation around the dog ends up feeling pretty liberating. “Traveling with Sallie actually forces us to walk more in destinations,” says Alli. “We’ll say, ‘Let’s find a restaurant that’s walking distance from the hotel,’ and we end up seeing more of the destination that way.” Bobby adds that Sallie is the ultimate conversation starter. “When we’re in a hotel lobby or at a brewery, people want to know what kind of dog she is—or ask about dog-friendly travel. We make friends.”