Best Dog Friendly Vacations In California – Delicious food, golden beaches and the feeling of endless summer: California is the perfect vacation destination for everyone, including your dog. No one should miss out on a vacation, but luckily California is full of dog-friendly activities and places for you to enjoy together. From the North Shore to the Southern Golden State, discover dog-friendly beaches, national parks, outdoor restaurants and, of course, pet-friendly vacation homes to get away from it all. Put on matching sunglasses and relax along the beaches of San Diego or take a unique hike to Lake Tahoe: the adventure is up to you.
Here’s our list of the most dog-friendly cities in California so you can get out and explore. Pack your bags and don’t forget Fido’s favorite toy: the fun starts here.
Best Dog Friendly Vacations In California
Often considered one of America’s most dog-friendly cities, San Francisco offers plenty of places, beaches, and parks for you and your dog to enjoy together. If you’d rather take Fido along for the day, you’ll enjoy outdoor dining and cozy shopping centers, not to mention downtown’s Golden State Dog Park, which reopened after a $2.4 million renovation.
Pet Friendly Hotels
Outside of town, head to the Presidio and hike more than 1,500 acres of scenic trails (chains required and no chains). To play near the water, dog owners can head to Chrissy Field or the Fisherman’s Wharf boardwalk.
Looking for a lakeside getaway that you and your dog will enjoy? South Lake Tahoe is a very dog-friendly vacation destination, not only because of the number of activities to enjoy, but also because of the pet-friendly accommodations where you can relax together. Grab a lake house near Camp Richardson or Taluk Beach, where you can relax on dog-friendly beaches, although leashes are still required.
Pick up treats at Dog, Dog, Cat, eat the whole lake at the Tahoe Rim Trail, and cool off with a refreshing dip in the water. Snuggle up in the evening as you join your dog for a nap by the fire.
Wild beaches, botanical gardens and wine country: what more could you ask for? Find your footprints with paw prints near you in Mendocino. Start your morning at one of the dog-friendly cafes at Mendocino Headlands State Park before entering the lush treeline. In the afternoon, go hunting at the Mendocino Dog Park, take in the sights at Point Cabrillo Light Station State Historic Park, or board a dog-friendly charter boat on All Aboard Adventures.
How To Have A Dog-friendly Stay In San Francisco
Other area must-sees include the Mendocino Seaside Botanical Garden, Fort Bragg Skunk Train, and Russian Gulch State Park, all of which are leash-friendly. For some off-leash exploration, head to Nooyi Beach and enjoy the sand dunes.
Sandy Paws is a welcome home in the dog-friendly town of Newport Beach, just a short walk from Irvine. The beach itself allows four-legged friends before 10 a.m. and after 4:30 p.m., so you can start and end your days chasing waves or throwing a Frisbee. For more fun on the water, visit Corona del Mar State Beach or take a pet-friendly boat tour with Fun Zone Boat Company.
Don’t forget to stop by the Newport Beach Dog Park to play with other dogs. When it’s time to eat, you’ll have no problem finding an outdoor restaurant where you can both relax, whether it’s a brasserie, grill or café in sea side.
The City of Angels is known for its Hollywood glamour, celebrity luxury, stunning beaches, and one of the most dog-friendly vacation spots in California. Live like a local and bring your pet with you for every adventure, whether it’s indulging in a shopping spree at outdoor malls, soaking up the sun at Venice Beach, or stretching your legs in Griffith Park.
Where Are The Dog Beaches In Los Angeles And Orange County?
Los Angeles is home to plenty of outdoor dining options, from cafes to fine dining restaurants, so no matter what you’re craving, you’re sure to find a place for Fido to join you. Among other dog-friendly activities, be sure to take a photo with the Hollywood Sign, visit the Santa Monica Pier, and splash around at Rosie’s Dog Beach.
Pack your hiking shoes and water bottles for two as you head to the slopes of Big Bear Lake. Here you will see many pets joining their families for outdoor adventures. There is therefore no shortage of ways suitable for dogs so that you can stay at home for a while. Whether you’re skiing, boating, hiking, or having fun by the water, you’re ready to take a dip. All beaches along Highway 38 in Big Bear Lake are dog friendly, so feel free to take a trip to the beach for some fun.
Additionally, Meadow Park is a popular park for dogs to make new real friends and many stores as well as Big Bear Village are pet friendly. Breathe in the fresh forest air, admire the city, and take your child kayaking (if they have the skills to sit and stand.)
Relax or stay with your dog in peaceful Southern California. The dog-friendly town of Oceanside is no stranger to bringing pets in for walks. Grab a bite to eat on the beach while watching the tide come in, take a leisurely cruise around town from Wheel Fun Rentals, or catch a wave at Cardiff State Beach. The Poinsettia Dog Park and Outlets of San Clemente are also popular spots for dog owners.
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While there are plenty of dog parks and dog beaches, plan your day by sipping wine at Beach House Winery or sipping tea at McKellar’s Brewing San Diego (both dog-friendly places are down). At the end of an exciting day, watch the sunset from your beach house or relax with a good book by the outdoor pool.
Catch a wave or hang out by the water at Southern California beaches like Coronado Dog Beach in Coronado, Huntington Dog Beach in Huntington Beach, Ocean Beach Dog Beach in San Diego, and Arroyo Boro Beach in Santa Barbara.
Take your dog for a day at Northern California beaches, such as Crescent Beach in Crescent City, Nauvoo Beach in Fort Bragg, and Portuguese Beach in Mendocino.
No need to hire a dog sitter. Bring your four-legged friend for an unforgettable adventure at this dog-friendly vacation home.
The Best Dog-friendly Beaches In The Us
List Your Owner Reviews Partnerships & HOAs Select Preferred Markets Long Term Management Resource Center Real Estate FAQ California is a sunny state with lots to see and do. When you can take your dog with you, it’s even better! With its beautiful beaches, towering mountains, lush vineyards and charming towns, California is the perfect place to travel with your four-legged friend. The state has many dog-friendly lodges, hotels, restaurants, parks and other places.
So grab your treats, toys and portable food bowls because a great California pet adventure awaits! If you like to treat your pet like royalty, this list of the best dog friendly places in California has something for you.
Los Angeles is one of the best dog-friendly cities in California. The Venice Beach Boardwalk is a popular spot for dog owners who want to take in the sights and sounds of the city while soaking up the warm California sun. Many pet-friendly restaurants in Los Angeles offer special gourmet menus for discerning pets.
For outdoor adventure, Runon Canyon Park offers 160 acres of urban escape in the Hollywood Hills. Numerous trails crisscross the park, some of which allow dogs to run off-leash while admiring stunning views of the city. Then, Los Angeles neighborhoods welcome you and your four-legged friend to enjoy the many patios and outdoor cafes.
Backyard Ideas For Dogs
This city ensures that dog lovers have no shortage of excitement and comfort. Four-legged visitors can expect a real star-studded treat in the English city.
To fully enjoy your trip to California with a dog, consider this charming 3-bedroom Landerhurst cottage as your home base. Conveniently located just south of trendy Third Street, it puts you and your pet within walking distance of numerous shops, restaurants, and major attractions like The Grove and Beverly Center, many of which welcome four-legged guests.
Beverly Hills is a beautiful and wealthy area that also loves dogs. Here, owners can give their pets the royal treatment at one of California’s best dog destinations.
Although it’s a classy place, Beverly Hills has some great dog-friendly parks. The large park at Beverly Gardens has an off-leash area where dogs can run. A two-dog playpen also allows small and large dogs to play in separate areas.
Top 10 Dog-friendly Beaches In Southern California In 2024
If you want an ultra-luxurious home for your dog-friendly California vacation, this large, modern one-acre Lago Vista cottage is perfect. A large grassy yard, beautiful swimming pool with sundeck, and several outdoor living areas create a backyard oasis for enjoying the California sun with your four-legged family member.
Marina del Rey is a charming beach community in Los Angeles County. Dogs can have fun on the beaches. Places like Marina Beach and Fisherman’s Village allow dogs to run in the sand and play in the waves.
