Best Dog Friendly Vacations In California – Delicious food, golden beaches and that endless summer feeling – California is the perfect vacation spot for everyone, including your dog. No one should miss out on a vacation, but luckily California is full of dog-friendly activities and places you two can enjoy together. From the North Shore to the southern tip of the Golden State, find dog-friendly beaches, national parks, outdoor dining and, of course, pet-friendly vacation spots. Put on matching sunglasses and relax on the beaches of San Diego or hike the hiking trails of Lake Tahoe—the adventure is up to you.
Here is a list of the most dog-friendly cities in California. Pack your bags and don’t forget Fido’s favorite toy – that’s when the fun begins.
Best Dog Friendly Vacations In California
Often named one of the most dog-friendly cities in America, San Francisco offers many attractions, beaches, and parks that you and your pup can enjoy together. If you want to bring Fido with you all day, you’ll enjoy outdoor dining and cozy shopping malls, not to mention the Golden State Dog Park, which is open and ready to play after a $2.4 million renovation.
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Just outside of town, head to the Presidio and hike 1,500 acres of scenic trails (shoes and trail required). To play closer to the water, dog owners flock to Crissy Field or stroll along Fisherman’s Wharf.
Looking for a beach vacation that you and your dog will love? South Lake Tahoe is a dog-friendly vacation destination that not only offers plenty of fun activities, but also offers pet-friendly accommodations. Park at Camp Richardson or a lakeside lodge at Talaki Beach, where you can relax on dog beaches, but leashes are still required.
Grab some treats from the dog, dog, and cat, and cool off with a refreshing dip on the Lake Tahoe Trail. Spend the evening snuggling by the fireplace with your dog.
Wide beaches, botanical gardens and wine country – what more could you ask for? Create your own path in Mendocino with the ladder next to you. Start your morning at one of the dog-friendly cafes before enjoying the lush greenery of Mendocino Headlands State Park. In the afternoon, play tag at the Mendocino Dog Park, enjoy the view from Point Cabrillo Light Station State Historic Park, or take a dog-friendly charter boat at All Aboard Adventures.
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Other must-sees in the area include the Mendocino Ocean Botanical Garden, Fort Bragg Skunk Train, and Russian Gulch State Park – each of which accepts dogs on leashes. For wild exploration, head to Noyo Beach and enjoy the sand.
Sandy Paws welcomes you to the dog-friendly town of Newport Beach, just a stone’s throw from Irvine. The beach itself allows four-legged friends to hang out from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., so you can start and end your day chasing waves or throwing a frisbee. For more fun on the water, visit Corona Del Mar State Beach or take a pet-friendly ferry ride with Fun Zone Boat Company.
Be sure to stop by the Newport Beach Dog Park to play with other dogs. When it’s time to eat, whether it’s a brewery, a grill, or a seaside cafe, it won’t be hard to find an outdoor dining spot where you can both relax.
The City of Angels is known for Hollywood magic, celebrity luxury, stunning beaches, and one of California’s most dog-friendly vacation spots. Live like a local and take your pup on a variety of adventures – whether it’s indulging in retail therapy at outdoor malls, soaking up the sun on Venice Beach or stretching your legs in Griffith Park.
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Los Angeles has tons of outdoor restaurants, from cafes to fine dining, so no matter what you’re craving, you’re sure to find a place for Fido to join you. Don’t forget to take pictures with other adorable dogs at the Hollywood Sign, stroll the Santa Monica Pier, and play on Rosies Dog Beach.
Pack your hiking boots and two water bottles as you head into the mountains of Big Bear Lake. Here’s where you can join the family and enjoy the great outdoors, so there’s no shortage of dog-friendly resorts to call home for a while. Whether you’re skiing, boating, hiking, or having fun at the water’s edge, you’re looking for a tail fin. All the beaches along Highway 38 in Big Bear Lake are dog-friendly, so feel free to walk the beach as long as you like.
Additionally, Meadow Park is a popular dog park for meeting new furry friends, and many of the shops throughout Big Bear Village are pet-friendly. Breathe in the fresh forest air, enjoy the sights of the city, and take your pup on a kayak (if he can sit still, that is).
Relax or unwind with your pup in peaceful Southern California. The dog-friendly town of Oceanside is no stranger to seeing pets come for walks. Watch the lake flow and paddle down to the beach, ride around town with Wheel Fun Rentals or catch a wave at Cardiff State Beach. The Christmas Star Dog Park and Mall in San Clemente are also popular spots for dog owners.
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While there are plenty of dog parks and dog beaches to explore, shake up your plans with a wine tasting at Beach House Winery or a drink at Mikkeller Brewing San Diego (both dog-friendly spots). At the end of an exciting day, you can watch the sunset on the beach or relax with a good book by the outdoor pool.
Catch a wave or stroll along the waterfront 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 Burro Beach in Santa Barbara.
Take your dog to the beach for the day at Northern California beaches like Crescent Beach in Crescent City, Noyo Beach in Fort Bragg, and Portugal Beach in Mendocino.
You don’t need to hire a dog sitter. Take your four-legged friend on a memorable experience at a dog holiday home.
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List Your Property Homeowner Reviews Select Partnerships & HOAs Markets of Interest Long Term Management Resource Center Real Estate FAQs California is a sunny state with lots to see and do. When you can bring your dog, even better! With its beautiful beaches, high mountains, green vineyards and charming towns, California is the perfect place to travel with your four-legged friend. There are many dog-friendly villas, hotels, restaurants, parks and other places in the state.
So bring your treats, toys, and portable bowls because a California pet adventure awaits! If you treat your pet like royalty, this list of dog-friendly places in California has you covered.
Los Angeles is one of the best cities for dogs in California. The famous Venice Beach Trail is a popular spot for dog owners to enjoy the warm California sun and take in the sights and sounds of the city. Many pet-friendly restaurants in Los Angeles offer special food menus for select pets.
For outdoor adventurers, Runyon Canyon Park offers a 160-acre urban escape in the Hollywood Hills. Several trails run through the park, some allowing dogs to walk on leashes while enjoying beautiful views of the city. Then the neighborhoods of Los Angeles welcome you and your four-legged companion to enjoy the many patios and beer gardens.
Pets. Please Follow The Rules Of Bark!
This city provides no shortage of worries and amenities for dog lovers. Four-legged visitors can expect a real star in the City of Angels.
To get the most out of your dog-friendly trip to California, consider this charming 3-bedroom Linderhurst villa your home base. Ideally located just south of the trendy 3rd Street area, it brings you and your pet to dozens of great shops, restaurants, and iconic attractions like The Grove and The Beverly Center – many welcoming four-legged guests.
Beverly Hills is a beautiful, affluent neighborhood that also loves to pamper dogs. Here, owners can treat their pets to the royal treatment at one of the most expensive dog kennels in California.
While Beverly Hills is a beautiful place, it also has beautiful parks just for dogs. Big Beverly Gardens has a dog run area. Doheny Dog Park also allows small and large dogs to play separately in their own space.
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If you want an ultra-luxury dog-friendly vacation home in California, this 1-acre Lago Vista Modern villa is perfect. A large grassy yard, a beautiful pool with sunbath and several outdoor living areas create a backyard oasis in 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. Dogs run on the sand and play in the waves at places like Marina Beach and Fisherman’s Village.
