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Growing up in the beautiful Sierra Nevada foothills, I have had the opportunity to travel throughout Northern California since childhood. So I searched for dog-friendly hiking trails in Northern California.
Vacations With Dogs In California
Experiences range from towering redwood forests to stunning coastal cliffs. Emily and I also travel the world so we have to compare what’s here. There are many beautiful places to visit, but each time we return, we feel lucky to call Northern California home.
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There aren’t many places like that. In a few hours you can go from snow-capped mountains to towering redwood forests and beautiful coastal cliffs. Northern California offers a wealth of unforgettable weekend getaways that you and your dog will love. We often travel with our puppies, so we know how important it is to find a place that suits you and your dog.
Here are Northern California’s favorite dog-friendly weekend getaways. I hope you can explore one or more of them. There are so many ways to enjoy nature, beauty, and make memories, so check it out if you’re ready!
Immerse yourself in Sonoma County’s magical Russian River area, where the charm of the woods and bohemian artsy atmosphere create an ideal retreat for nature lovers and creative souls. Here, you can wander through majestic redwood forests, breathe fresh air and take in the vibrant energy of the local art scene. Quaint shops, cozy cafes and charming galleries line the streets, inviting you to explore and connect with the unique spirit of the area.
The owner brings bread and fresh pastries to die for every morning. I would take international flights just to eat!
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– Dog Friendly Policy: small fee, multiple dogs allowed with no weight limit, some cabins have small fences
It’s located on a gravel road in the woods next to a river, so you’re steps away from walking the dog or swimming.
Best for: Experience the magic of the redwoods, enjoy the creative atmosphere, and explore dog-friendly wineries, river activities, and fascinating local attractions.
It seems that we go to the Russian River District most of the year. It’s close to the Bay Area, so it’s an easy drive. But once you get there, the city seems far away. As the Russian River flows through the redwoods, it can feel like a fantasy world lost in time. It’s even more so that you can still hear it in the forest in the morning.
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The ancient city of Guerneville invites you both for an unforgettable experience. Just outside of town is the stunning Armstrong Redwoods State Nature Reserve. Your dog can accompany you on the main paved road. This road is very close to many main groves, giving you the opportunity to marvel at the magnificent ancient trees.
Enjoy a fun-filled day on the Russian River, participate in activities like kayaking and canoeing, or just relax on the water with your dog. 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 beautiful Corbel Champagne Cellars and check out pet-friendly wineries throughout the region, allowing you and your dog to experience the true essence of Northern California.
If that’s not enough, the Russian River region is just 30 minutes from the coast. Most state beaches (such as Goat Rock Beach in Jenner) allow dogs on a leash on the beach. There is also Dillon Beach, an unconnected beach but a short walk away.
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San Francisco is a great destination for a vacation that includes your dog, as it offers a variety of activities and locations that are perfect for you and your pet.
This dog-friendly hotel has many pet amenities, including a cable car, pet beds, treats, play dates with the owner’s dogs, and a 5th-floor puppy park with room service for dogs. Which is included in the pricier pet fee (waived in some packages).
These are some of the things that make this holiday great. Cae Crissy is a beautiful bayside park and beach, perfect for a leisurely walk or active play with the dog. Just north of the city, Marin County has a stunning landscape with a variety of trails suitable for different fitness levels, making it the perfect destination for adventurous dog owners. If you or your dog don’t want to spend time in the car, Golden Gate Park spans over 1,000 acres, offering plenty of dog-friendly areas like off-leash areas and designated dog play zones. With countless options for outdoor exploration and recreation, San Francisco is a great destination for a fun and memorable vacation with your dog.
There are some really interesting dog friendly places to stay in San Francisco, check them out if you want to take a trip!
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Best for: A variety of off-track experiences for dogs, cities, beaches, dog parks, art, food and music
As frequent visitors to San Francisco with our dogs, we’ve had many memorable experiences in this vibrant city. One of our favorite places to explore is Land’s End, where we enjoy an off-leash area, letting our dogs run and play freely amidst the stunning 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 visit, we always take time to enjoy the beautiful views of the Golden Gate Bridge. We love the art and architecture that define San Francisco’s unique urban landscape. This short summary does not do it justice. If you want to explore more, we have a comprehensive dog-friendly guide to San Francisco.
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The city has seen an increase in petty crimes over the past few years. However, despite this, San Francisco has been a wonderful and rewarding destination for us and our dog. We always look forward to our next adventure in this exciting city.
Carmel-by-the-Sea is one of the must-see places with dogs. At Carmel Beach you can take your dog off the lead, kick off your shoes and enjoy a great place to play with a great view.
Walking through the attractive downtown area, visitors will find many businesses that are happy to accommodate humans and pets, including inviting cafes and restaurants. Of course, you should stop by Carmel Dog Shop and try out the latest dog trends and fashions. It’s very close to Monterey, so there’s not much to do there.
Best for: Beachfront, cute downtown, spa retreat (no dogs, but it’s worth it)
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Carmel is one of the best places for us. There are several dog-friendly accommodations here, 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 a good wine in the sun. It’s hard to go wrong. If you’re looking for a place to stay, we have a list of the best dog-friendly places to stay in Carmel.
Also, not to mention the puppies because they’re not allowed, but if you can get away for a few hours, there’s a wonderful spa called the Refuge. They have everything: hot and cold pools, saunas, steam rooms. Getting away was one of our favorite things to do while we were there
4. Wine Country (Napa, Calistoga) Napa is a great weekend or day trip from the Napa Bay area:
Napa Valley wine country, with its lush vineyards and rolling hills, is a great destination for a few days away with your beloved dog. A variety of pet-friendly establishments and activities make it an ideal choice for dog owners.
Best Dog Friendly California Vacations For Your Pup
The pet-friendly policy allows up to 3 dogs per room and can join you for terrace dining at the on-site restaurant.
Calistoga, a town known for its spas, welcomes you and your dog for a rejuvenating experience at the Calistoga Motor Lodge and Spa.
Wine lovers can enjoy Hall Wine and St. Claire Brown Winery. You can enjoy a fine wine tasting while the dog enjoys the scenery.
In addition, Kennedy Park offers a quiet place to take a leisurely stroll.
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