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I grew up in the beautiful hills of the Sierra Nevada and have had the opportunity to travel throughout Northern California since childhood. So I explored several great dog-friendly weekends in Northern California.
Best Dog Friendly Vacations In California
There is much to experience, from towering redwood forests to stunning coastal cliffs. Emily and I have also traveled the world, so we have a lot to compare to what we have here. There are so many wonderful places to visit, but every time we return we feel lucky to call Northern California home.
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There aren’t many places like this. In a few hours you can go from snow-capped mountains to towering redwood forests and stunning coastal cliffs. Northern California offers a wealth of unforgettable weekend getaways that you and your dog will love. We often travel with our little ones, so we know how important it is to find places that welcome you and your dog.
This is our favorite dog-friendly weekend getaway in Northern California. We hope you will be able to explore one or more. There are many ways to enjoy the natural beauty and make some memories, so if you’re ready, let’s check it out!
Immerse yourself in the charming Russian River area of Sonoma County, where the allure of the woods and a bohemian, artsy atmosphere make for a perfect retreat for nature lovers and creative souls. Here you can stroll through majestic redwood forests, breathe in fresh air and soak up the vibrant energy of the eclectic local art scene. Cute shops, cozy cafes and charming galleries line the streets, inviting you to explore and connect with the unique spirit of the place.
The owner brings in pastries and delivers fresh pastries every morning that are to die for. We take an international flight just so they can eat!
Pet Friendly Vacation Destinations
– Very dog-friendly policies: very low fees, many dogs allowed without weight limit, some cabins have a small fenced backyard
Located on a gravel side road in a forest next to a stream, so just steps away from a great walk or swim with your dog
Best for: Experience the magic of the redwood forest, enjoy the creative atmosphere and explore dog-friendly wineries, river activities and charming local attractions.
We seem to end up in the Russian River area most years. It’s close to the Bay Area so it’s an easy drive. But when you’re there, the city seems far, far away. With the Russian River winding through the redwood forests, it feels like a fantasy world lost in time. Especially when early morning mist is still on the trees.
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The charming town of Guerneville invites you both to an unforgettable experience. Just outside of town is the charming Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve. Your dog can accompany you on the main paths. The trails are very close to most of the main orchards, giving you the chance to admire the beautiful old trees.
Enjoy an action-packed day on the Russian River, participate in activities like kayaking and canoeing, or just relax on the water with your pup. Note that the main beach “Johnson’s Beach” only allows service animals, but there are parks and trails nearby.
Be sure to stop at the iconic Korbel Champagne Cellars and check out the region’s pet-friendly wineries, so you and your dog can experience the true spirit of Northern California.
If that wasn’t enough, the Russian River area is also within a 30 minute drive from the beach. Most state beaches (like Goat Rock Beach in Jenner) allow dogs on the beach on a leash. There is also Dillon Beach, which is a ribbon beach, but a little further down the road.
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San Francisco is a wonderful destination for vacations that include your dog, as it offers a variety of activities and places to suit you and your pet against the iconic city and bridge sights that make this place iconic.
This dog-friendly hotel has many pet amenities, including a small dog park on the 5th floor complete with cable car, pet beds, treats, playground owner’s dogs, and room service for dogs. which is included in the more expensive pet fee (waived in some packages).
Here are some things that make it a great vacation. Crissy Field is a scenic park and beach area located along the bay, perfect for a leisurely stroll or some energetic play with your dog. North of the city, Marin County has beautiful scenery with many trails suitable for different fitness levels, making it an ideal place for adventurous pet owners and their pets If you or your dog don’t really want to spend time in the car, Golden Gate Park has over 1,000 acres, and offers many dog-friendly areas such as off-leash areas and designated dog play areas. With so many opportunities for outdoor exploration and recreation, San Francisco stands out as an excellent destination for a fun and memorable vacation with your dog.
There are some interesting dog-friendly places to stay in San Francisco, if you’re looking to travel, check them out!
11 Best Dog-friendly California Vacations For Your Pup
Best for: various off-leash experiences for your dog, cities, beaches, dog parks, art, food and music
As frequent visitors to San Francisco with our dogs, we have had many memorable experiences in this vibrant city. One of our favorite places to explore is Lands End, where we enjoy off-leash areas, allowing our dogs to run and play freely amidst the beautiful coastal scenery.
We’re never short of food options in San Francisco, as the city has endless options, from dog-friendly cafes to gourmet restaurants.
During our visits, we always take the time to see the iconic view of the Golden Gate Bridge. We love the art and architecture that define San Francisco’s unique urban landscape. This brief summary does not do it justice. If you want to explore more, we have a complete dog-friendly guide to San Francisco.
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It is important to note that petty crime has increased in the city in recent years. Despite this, San Francisco remains a beautiful and rewarding destination for us and our little ones. We always look forward to our next adventure in this fascinating city.
Carmel-by-the-Sea is just one of the places you should see with your dog. At Carmel Beach you can take the dogs off the leash, take off your shoes and enjoy a nice playground with a great view.
Strolling through the charming downtown, visitors will find many establishments happy to welcome people and their pets, including welcoming cafes and restaurants. Of course, you’ll want to stop by the Carmel Dog Shop and try on the latest dog trends and trends. It’s also close to Monterey, so there’s no end of things to do.
Best for: one of the friendliest beach spots we’ve seen, off leash, beautiful downtown, Refuge Spa (no dogs, but so worth it)
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Carmel is just one of those places that makes us happy. There are plenty of dog-friendly accommodations, perfect for a weekend visit. You can put your toes in the sand for a few hours, maybe go for a walk, come back in the evening and enjoy some good wine at sunset. It’s hard to go wrong. If you’re looking for a place to stay, we’ve compiled a list of our top dog-friendly places to stay in Carmel.
Also, don’t tell your dog because they’re not allowed, but if you can sneak in a few hours, there’s an amazing spa called Refuge. They have everything: hot and cold pool, sauna, steam room. Retreating is one of our favorite things to do while there
4. Wine Country (Napa, Calistoga) Why Napa is great for a week or day trip from the Bay Area:
The wine country of Napa Valley, with its lush vineyards and rolling hills, is an excellent destination for a few relaxing days with your beloved pooch. A variety of pet-friendly establishments and activities make it an ideal choice for dog owners.
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Pet-friendly policy allows up to 3 dogs in the room and can join you for outdoor dining at their on-site restaurant
Calistoga, a beautiful town known for its spas, welcomes you and your dog to enjoy a rejuvenating experience at the Calistoga Motor Lodge and Spa.
Wine lovers have endless choices for dog-friendly wineries like Hall Wines and St. Claire Brown Winery doesn’t. You can enjoy a delicious wine tasting while your dog enjoys the sights.
In addition, Kennedy Park offers a peaceful place for leisurely strolls,
