Pet-Friendly Travel Guide: California
Spanning 840 miles of coastline along the Pacific Ocean, California offers more in the way of travel and leisure opportunities than just about anywhere else in the U.S. With its wide variety of cities, landscapes, and attractions, California has something for everyone – humans and fur babies alike. That laid-back California lifestyle lends itself to a notoriously pet-friendly attitude, so if you’re traveling with your four-legged friend, expect plenty of dining, lodging, and entertainment options! Read on for some of sunny California’s pet-friendliest spots.
Northern California
Pet-Friendly Attractions:
- Catch A Canoe & Bicycles Too (Mendocino) – If you’ve ever wanted to take a canoe trip with your canine companion, this is the adventure for you! The redwood vessels at Catch a Canoe are built with the utmost safety and stability in mind. Some of them are specifically designed to accommodate four-legged friends, with a comfortable padded area for dogs to sit, stand, or lie down. You may even catch a glimpse of harbor seals and river otters!
- Skunk Train (Fort Bragg & Willits) – This historic train, in operation since 1885, winds its way through some of Northern California’s vast wilderness landscapes. Venture deep into old-growth redwood forests, cross scenic bridges, and spot wildlife against incredible backdrops. History buffs and nature lovers alike will enjoy every minute of the ride – and dogs are welcome on board!
- Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens (Fort Bragg) – As long as you’ve got a leash, your pup is welcome to accompany you on a walk through these peaceful seaside botanical gardens. Sitting on 47 acres fronting the Pacific Ocean, the gardens boast a wide variety of plant life, including special exhibits for succulents, heritage roses, wild mushrooms, and an orchard. Be sure to bring a bottle of water and a bowl for your pal, as there are no drinking fountains along the paths.
- Dog Friendly Wine Tours (American Canyon) – Northern California is rife with vineyards, many of which will welcome your pooch. And, as it just so happens, Dog Friendly Wine Tours is a one-stop shop to find them! This private tour, hosted by a wine enthusiast who also happens to be a professional dog trainer, will take you all over the prestigious wine regions of Napa and Sonoma, stopping at those that will welcome your furry friend(s) with open paws. In the van between destinations, water is provided for humans and canines alike.
Pet-Friendly Restaurants:
- Ravens Restaurant (Mendocino) – Enjoy a dog-friendly atmosphere, a farm-to-table menu, and a breathtaking local wine list all under one roof! This award-winning restaurant serves only plant-based fare (which is about as animal-friendly as you can get) and is committed to dishing out only the finest organic and locally-sourced ingredients. Pets are welcome – even inside! Two paws up.
- Django’s Rough Bar Cafe (Fort Bragg) – If casual seafood and live music on a pup-friendly patio with a harbor view is your thing, head over to Django’s for all of the above. Known for their fresh local oysters and lots of other seafood classics, this is the perfect spot to relax with Fido, and maybe even order a Dog Patty for a special treat!
- Taste of the Himalayas (Sonoma) – Offering up spectacular Nepali and Indian cuisine, this establishment’s large courtyard patio is the perfect place for your dog to relax while you enjoy your meal! The colorful tilework lends to an atmosphere that’s almost as delicious as the food (we hear the basil naan is a must-have).
- Downtown Joe’s American Brewery (Napa) – Does Fido like French fries? Of course, who doesn’t?! Bring your furry friend to the patio at Downtown Joe’s, and the friendly, pet-loving staff just might spoil them with their very own side order. Featuring a large menu with American pub classics and a broad selection of brewed-right-here craft beers, this Napa staple has something for just about everyone.
Pet-Friendly Hotels:
- Dillon Beach Resort (West Marin) – Situated on 55 acres of California coastline, Dillon Beach Resort is a gem of a property waiting to welcome you and your furry friend with open arms. There’s a variety of cabins and cottages to choose from, all of which are dog-friendly, as is the beach on which your pup is permitted to run off-leash. The resort regularly runs promotions specifically for pets and their humans, so keep your eyes open!
- Stanford Inn Resort (Mendocino) – This luxurious, sustainable, and pet-friendly hotel and resort offers a blend of rustic charm mixed with elegance. Nestled atop a gorgeous meadow that overlooks Mendocino Bay, there are plenty of activities to keep you and your furry friend occupied, including canoeing in the Canine Cruisers, which are specifically designed for dogs! Your pal can also expect treats to be delivered directly to the room – how’s that for service?
- Little River Inn (Mendocino) – For an incomparable travel experience with your canine companion, look no further than Little River Inn. Including a generous pet welcome package, a cozy parlor in the main building where dogs and humans can dine together, miles of hiking trails, a pet-friendly beach just across the street, and a luxurious day spa, you and your best buddy will have everything you need. Play a round of golf, enjoy a game of tennis, or take advantage of the River Dog Package, offered in the summer and fall, for a kayaking adventure both of you will love!
San Francisco
Pet-Friendly Attractions:
- Baker Beach – If hanging on the beach with your best buddy sounds like a nice way to spend an afternoon, head over to Baker Beach, where your four-legged friend can splash around off-leash in designated areas, as long as they’re under voice command. Located just one mile south of the Golden Gate Bridge, this is a fantastic spot to enjoy a killer view while you do some diving with your doggo. Those waves aren’t going to chase themselves!
- Golden Gate Park – Whether you’ve got two legs or four, Golden Gate Park doesn’t disappoint. With not one, not two, but four designated off-leash areas, including one all-sand dog training field, it’s the perfect place for Fido to run around, socialize, and burn off some energy – in a beautifully landscaped urban paradise, no less.
- Lands End Trail – Supercharge your daily walk by leashing up your pup and heading to Lands End Trail. Winding along the western edge of the city – and the continent- it offers stunning views, incredible outlooks, and a scattering of World War II-era monuments and artifacts for history buffs.
- Flying Furbaby Photos – Like Glamour Shots, but for your dog (and much more fun). Meet up with a canine action photographer for some epic in-the-moment shots of your pal living their best life and receive a minimum of 10 high-quality digital images to use however you see fit. Your furry friend has never looked more Instagramable.
- Oakland Charms Scavenger Hunt – This interactive outdoor scavenger hunt is the perfect activity for a team of sleuth-minded humans and their faithful companions. The app-driven hunt will lead you all over Oakland, where you will discover landmarks, sniff out clues, and learn all about local arts, culture, and history.
Pet-Friendly Restaurants:
- Palm House – Caribbean food. A killer happy hour. Tropical alcoholic slushies. And – the pièce de résistance – free dog treats. What else could you possibly want? Not much, probably – and you’ll find all this and more at Palm House. Whether you’re seeking lunch, dinner, or weekend brunch, this taste of the island life will whisk you – and your pup – to paradise.
- Zazie – At Zazie, Monday nights are anything but boring. Stop by with your canine companion for a spot on the heated back patio and enjoy $10 off bottles of wine, plus dog treats. Any other night of the week, the patio is off limits to furry friends, but the sidewalk tables in front of the restaurant are available for you and your pet anytime.
- Brotzeit Lokal Biergarten (Oakland) – This Bavarian-inspired restaurant and biergarten is the perfect place for you and your fur baby to spend an afternoon. Sit on the expansive patio and enjoy a boot full of beer and a locally-sourced lunch, leave with a bottle or two of house-made specialty mustard, and continue your afternoon with a walk along the waterfront. Your pup will thank you.
Pet-Friendly Hotels:
- Viceroy Hotels (Multiple locations) – Viceroy’s four boutique hotels, scattered across San Francisco, are urban retreats offering invigorating and brazenly contemporary atmospheres – and they’ve all recently partnered with the dog-walking app, Wag!, to provide an outstanding experience for guests and their pets. Coordinate dog-walking through the concierge and receive a discount on Wag! services. You’ll also receive a bed for your furry friend and a detailed map full of information about pet-friendly locations and activities in the area.
- W San Francisco (SoMa) – Pamper your deserving dog or cat with the PAW (Pets Are Welcome) program at W San Francisco. You and your companion will be greeted with a welcome package full of fun canine- or feline-friendly goodies, including toys and treats. In the room, your pet will have their own bed, food and water bowls, and special surprises at turndown. The cherry on top? The hotel’s signature restaurant, TRACE, offers an in-room dining menu catered specifically for pets! With offerings like their Pawsome Meatloaf, made of ground turkey, sweet potato, and spinach, you may be tempted to try it yourself.
- Hotel Vitale (North Waterfront) – Stunning views of the Ferry Building and Bay Bridge await you at Hotel Vitale, along with pet-friendly rooms and a generous welcome gift to help your four-legged friend feel right at home. Ideally located along the Embarcadero, there are several dog parks within walking distance and many iconic San Francisco sights to take in. As if that wasn’t enough, a portion of every pet fee is donated to Copper’s Dream Rescue, an all-breed dog rescue in the Bay area that helps shelter dogs find loving homes.
- Casa Madrona (Sausalito) – This Victorian-inspired hillside hotel and spa is committed to providing a paw-sitively perfect getaway for you and your furry friend! Its “Go Fetch” package includes overnight accommodations, a squeaky toy to take home, and a bed, bowls, leashes, and collars for use during your stay. The establishment’s historic legacy blends seamlessly with contemporary elegance, culminating in a lavish experience for you and your pet. Unwind and relax in the day spa, admire the gorgeous bay view, and take a trek through the redwoods in the nearby Muir Woods or Mt. Tamalpais State Park.
Silicon Valley
Pet-Friendly Attractions:
- Bark in the Park (San Jose) – This event happens just once a year, but if you time your visit right, you can experience the largest dog festival in the U.S. You and your pup will love this all-day affair, which includes live music, lots of vendors, contests, and opportunities for all the furry friends (and their humans) to socialize. The best part? The proceeds benefit local animal charities, which means you’ll be having fun and making a difference.
- Stanford Shopping Center (Palo Alto) – Need to pick up a few things? Head to Stanford Shopping Center, an open-air mall that welcomes pets year-round. Beyond the wide variety of shops and boutiques, you can enjoy the outdoor garden and the vast array of different trees and flowers. Dogs are allowed in many of the shops, too – just make sure to ask.
- Baylands Nature Preserve (Palo Alto) – Offering fifteen miles of trails spread throughout nearly 2,000 acres of undisturbed marshland, Baylands Nature Preserve is the perfect place for a walk with your furry friend. The preserve is often touted as one of the best bird-watching spots on the west coast, due to its substantial avian population as well as its position as a major migratory stopover for many different winged species along the Pacific Flyway.
- Raymond C. Gamma Dog Park (Santa Clara) – This clean and well-maintained dog park is spread out over an impressive 1.5 acres, giving your best pal lots of space to run around and work the social circuit. Separate fenced areas for large and small dogs are provided, as well as water fountains, benches, shade trees, and plastic bags with garbage cans for easy cleanup.
Pet-Friendly Restaurants:
- Waterdog Tavern (Belmont) – This newly renovated restaurant and beer garden is an ever-popular Silicon Valley destination. Serving up classic dishes with a fresh twist, irresistible cocktails, and 20+ beers on tap, all in a dog-friendly and beautifully scenic environment, it’s not hard to see why. From waterfalls to fire pits, there’s a lot to take in here.
- Saint Michael’s Alley (Palo Alto) – If upscale eats in a stylish, yet homey, environment is your thing, Saint Michael’s Alley is the place to be. Their food, ranging from seared wild sea scallops to roasted duck breast, gets rave reviews from customers, and their roomy and lush dog-friendly patio is the perfect place for your canine companion to lie at your feet and hope you’ll drop something delicious.
- Steins Beer Garden (Mountain View) – For classic, contemporary food and drink in a casual and low-key setting, head over to the spacious patio at Steins, where your precious pup will be welcomed with their very own water bowl. Between the impressive array of draft beers, the large and varied wine list, and the menu with everything from shepherd’s pie to jambalaya, you’re bound to leave happy… especially if you order the cruller donuts for dessert.
- Pezzella’s Villa Napoli (Sunnyvale) – Established in 1957 and family-owned ever since, this traditional Italian restaurant has all the comfort of a cozy mom-and-pop gem. Call ahead to let them know you’re bringing a four-legged friend, and they’ll seat you on the gorgeous Mediterranean-styled patio, making sure you both stay hydrated and well-fed. Treat yourself to succulent dishes from their substantial offerings, and don’t forget to order something for Fido from the special dog menu.
- La Fondue (Saratoga) – Rumor has it that if you bring your beloved buddy to this eclectic establishment’s dog-friendly terrace, someone just might bring them their own miniature tasting plate. We’re just the messenger, but this restaurant is worth a visit either way. The unique decor alone – splashy, swank, and delightfully eccentric – makes for an unforgettable experience… and we haven’t even talked about the food yet. Ever tried alligator, antelope, or kangaroo? La Fondue is your chance to indulge.
Pet-Friendly Hotels:
- Hotel Nia (Menlo Park) – Ensuring that pets receive the same luxury experience as their human companions is of the utmost importance at this high-end Silicon Valley hotel. With furry family members top-of-mind, Hotel Nia offers a “Nibbles and Kibbles” pet menu as part of their room service offerings. Using the same locally curated ingredients their on-site restaurant utilizes in all its menus, you can rest easy knowing your doggo is enjoying the highest-quality, fresh food available. There’s also a non-alcoholic Bark Brew for your furry friend to sip, as well as a lush outdoor courtyard for playtime. It doesn’t get much better than this!
- Park James Hotel (Menlo Park) – This high-tech, ultra-modern luxury hotel is proud to be pet-friendly. The Park James Hotel offers high-end amenities and bespoke services for guests and VIPs – Very Important Pets – with the Paw-fect Package. Including gourmet dog treats, puppy turndowns with a cozy blanket, interactive toys, and puppy spa days, your pooch will be pampered like never before. Ten percent of the proceeds from each Paw-fect Package will benefit a local animal charity.
California Coast Towns
Pet-Friendly Attractions:
- Sunset Kidd Sailing Cruises (Santa Barbara) – Your seafaring pup will have the time of their life on the Sunset Kidd. This 41-foot sailing yacht offers day or sunset cruises and whale watching, with passengers reporting frequent sightings of seals, sea lions, and dolphins as well. All pets are welcome as long as they’re friendly, and with a full bar on board, chances are you’ll be feeling pretty jovial yourself.
- Main Beach Park (Laguna Beach) – Grab the leash and head for the coast. Laguna’s Main Beach is pet-friendly in the autumn, winter, and spring, when it’s less packed with tourists. You’ll fall in love with the view, and your four-legged friend can have a great time watching seagulls and chasing the waves. Bonus: this beach is just a couple minutes’ walk from downtown shops and restaurants.
- Ghost Tours of Old Monterey (Monterey) – If your doggo weighs less than 40 pounds, they’re welcome to accompany you on the Ghost Trolley through Old Monterey. You’ll visit California’s oldest church, the city’s historic cemetery, and more delightfully spooky locations on this 90-minute tour.
- San Clemente Beach Trail (San Clemente) – This gorgeous trail is part of a network of rail-trails: old railroad lines that have been renovated into well-maintained pedestrian walkways. Previously an unused railroad corridor, it’s now the perfect place for you and your pet to enjoy a scenic walk. You’ll see dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, and interesting plant life before ending up at the San Clemente pier, where restaurants and shops await.
Pet-Friendly Restaurants:
- The Brewhouse (Santa Barbara) – No matter what kind of beer you’re in the mood for, you can probably find it at The Brewhouse. Their many taps offer lagers, IPAs, stouts, and everything in between, all of which are brewed in-house. Their menu contains a variety of appetizers, salads, and sandwiches, as well as steak and seafood entrees. Plus, Fido can order off the special doggy menu, which is sure to have them wagging their tail.
- The Cliff (Laguna Beach) – Come for the dog menu, stay for the breathtaking ocean views. You can trust that your canine companion will be treated like royalty, and you’ll have plenty of dishes to choose from yourself, including salads, burgers, pasta, Mexican fare, and, of course, fresh local seafood. You’ll never want to leave – and since they serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, you may not have to!
- Paluca Trattoria (Monterey) – Situated right on the water at Old Fisherman’s Wharf, this charming eatery offers up lively bay views, traditional Italian classics from the Sicilian-born owner & chef, a dazzling wine list, an espresso bar, and – of course – a bowl of water for your best buddy. It’s on the pricey side, but worth every penny.
- Newport Landing (Newport Beach) – If you want to experience the epitome of coastal culture, get a table on the covered Lanai patio at Newport Landing and let the restaurant staff do the rest. Enjoy stunning views of the water and the historic Balboa Ferry while you enjoy your catch-of-the-day. Bowls of water for your furry friend are available upon request.
- The Forge (Carmel-by-the-Sea) – Rumor has it that The Grapes of Wrath was inspired during one of novelist John Steinbeck’s many meetings under this very roof. Given this historic Carmel staple’s transcendental nature, it’s not hard to believe. The greenery surrounding the exquisite patio has a way of closing off the outside world, and your dog is sure to appreciate the Canine Cuisine menu, with offerings ranging from kibble to steak. (The people-food constantly gets rave reviews, too.)
Pet-Friendly Hotels:
- Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel (Dana Point) – Travel in style with your best pal! The Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel cares as much about pets as they do about their human guests, which is why they have created the Posh Pooch Experience. Your pup will drool over their plush doggy bed and housemade treats, and their tail is sure to wag when you order them dinner from the special canine menu! Be sure to time your visit with the hotel’s monthly Yappy Hour – a canine and companion cocktail paw-ty on the Dana Lawn overlooking the ocean. Your furry friend can enjoy bacon-flavored water (yes, it’s a thing) and homemade biscuits while you sip a glass of wine and enjoy the coastal sunshine.
- Cypress Inn (Carmel-by-the-Sea) – It’s been coined “a legendary overnight oasis” and is known as one of the most dog-friendly hotels in the country. Once co-owned by singer, actress, and animal activist Doris Day, this boutique hotel masterfully blends old world hospitality and service with modern comforts and Mediterranean elegance. Bring your pup to Yappy Hour, or order room service with a full doggy menu. The hospitality even extends beyond the walls of the inn: the town of Carmel is known for its love of four-legged creatures, and you’ll find water bowls and treats all over town during your walks.
- Portola Hotel & Spa (Monterey) – Perched on the edge of Monterey Bay and surrounded by boutique shopping and fine dining, this hotel and spa is a taste of coastal luxury for you and Fido. Take advantage of their exclusive VIP amenities, including a welcome treat, pet spa services, and doggy daycare. The onsite brewery and eatery offers pet-friendly dining on the heated patio, featuring delicious (and budget-friendly!) Bark Bowls that will have your pup wagging their tail long after the last bite.
- Belmond El Encanto (Santa Barbara) – Dogs and humans alike can find a slice of heaven at Santa Barbara’s Belmond El Encanto. The lush hideaway in California’s Central Coast is home to expansive lawns with ocean views, home-like bungalow accommodations, nearby hiking trails, dog-friendly wineries and beaches, and gourmet dinner and tea menus for your canine companion. Your dog can indulge in dishes such as organic chicken with kale and rice and a braised beef and quinoa bowl. Enjoy the oceanfront views, take a walk around the on-site botanical garden, and spend an afternoon at the world-class spa. This is truly the life of luxury – for both you and your beloved buddy.
- La Casa Del Camino (Laguna Beach) – Built in 1929, this historic boutique hotel overlooks the Pacific Ocean and boasts panoramic views of Catalina Island. Take in the Spanish-style architecture and decor, and be sure to visit the Rooftop Lounge – there’s a special “wooftop menu” for your best pal! A Pet Package is available if you want the royal treatment; your pooch will receive toys and treats on top of the already luxurious experience.
- Balboa Bay Resort (Newport Beach) – This one-of-a-kind waterfront hotel is an oasis for all members of the family, including the ones with four legs. When furry friends check in, they’ll receive a bandana, a toy, food and water bowls, treats, and a cozy bed, just for them. Additionally, weekly Yappy Hours are a great opportunity for you and your pup to socialize while taking in the impressive ocean view. There’s a pet fee, but you can feel good about it: a percentage will go toward the Newport Beach Animal Shelter.
Los Angeles
Pet-Friendly Attractions:
- Hollywood Walk of Fame (Hollywood) – Leashed dogs are always welcome in this iconic southern California destination. See the sights, admire the stars on the sidewalk, and measure your pupper’s paws against those of your favorite celebrities.
- Rosie’s Dog Beach (Long Beach) – This 4.1-acre stretch of shoreline is the only off-leash dog beach in Los Angeles County, making it a must-see on your visit to LA. Your faithful friend will love splashing in the waves and running through the sand.
- Laurel Canyon Dog Park (Laurel Canyon) – Located on the prestigious Mulholland Drive, this park is known for its scenic beauty and occasional celebrity sightings. It’s one of the few parks where Fido can rub elbows with the dogs of the rich and famous.
- Westridge-Canyonback Wilderness Park (Sherman Oaks) – Over 1,500 acres of open space await you and your canine companion. Set out on the vast network of trails and enjoy all that nature, plus incredible views of downtown Los Angeles and the Pacific Ocean.
- DEN Urban Dog Retreat (Cypress Park) – This self-described “nature-based urban oasis” uses holistic techniques to naturally balance your dog’s energy and health. Choose from a variety of modalities, and decide whether you want to get your chakras balanced right alongside Fido.
- Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden (Westwood) – Located on the UCLA campus, this lovely garden contains 7.5 acres of plant-lover’s paradise. Visit the collections to learn more about different ecosystems, like subtropical woodlands and ancient forests, and take a few minutes to let your pup stare at the fish and turtles in the pond. Insider tip: bring your own water.
Pet-Friendly Restaurants:
- The Attic (Long Beach) – With a high-quality dog menu and rave reviews from pet-parents, this is the spot to seek out. Culinary offerings include old classics such as steak frites, southern favorites like shrimp & grits and gumbo, and the eyebrow-raising Mac-N-Cheetos, a fun dish for which this restaurant is known.
- The Morrison (Atwater Village) – Look, we all know your pup deserves to be served top-notch food on a silver platter. Fortunately, The Morrison will do just that. Your pup will get the royal treatment for only $6 per serving, and, if the list of creative burgers is any indication, you’ll be pretty stoked, too.
- Lucky Baldwin’s Pub (Pasadena) – A must-visit for all the Anglophiles out there, Lucky Baldwin’s takes their designation as an English pub very seriously. Fish & chips, bangers & mash, and cottage pie take the culinary lead, and the waitstaff has been known to dote on canine guests, bringing fresh water and lots of attention. All hail the queen!
- Wicks Brewing (Riverside) – With an eclectic variety of brewed-in-house beers on draft and a selection of wine, sangria, and craft cocktails, Wicks has something for everyone. Bring your dog right into the taproom, where you can hang out, taste some beer, and order an appetizer or six.
- Ashland Hill (Santa Monica) – Upscale multicultural cuisine with a California flair is the name of the game at Ashland Hill. Fortunately for Fido, they’ll have a menu all their own! Choose from pup-sized portions of beef patty, chicken, rice, and even canine-friendly ice cream! They’ll be licking their chops all night. Keep an eye out for the restaurant’s regular Yappy Hours, too!
- Muddy Paw Coffee (Silver Lake) – When the company motto is “Have a Cup, Save a Pup,” you know you’re in dog-lover territory. Through sales of high-quality coffee and loose-leaf tea, Muddy Paw supports independent groups nationwide who provide care and services for animals in need. Now that’s a cause we can get behind.
Pet-Friendly Hotels:
- London West Hollywood at Beverly Hills – In true dog-loving fashion, this high-end hotel is home to two bulldogs, Winston and Churchill, as its official mascots. Twice a day, guests have the chance to meet, greet, and play with these crowd-pleasing pooches. Your pup is welcome here as well, with a selection of premium dog beds, leashes, toys, and food bowls at their disposal. They’ll be especially excited about Winston’s Menu – a list of dog-friendly culinary offerings from the Executive Chef, available via room service. Given the upscale decor, top-notch hospitality, and rooftop pool with a stunning view, you’ll be pretty happy, too.
- Dream Hollywood – The Dream Hollywood Hotel is a west coast haven for humans and dogs alike. This four-star Los Angeles hotel rolls out the red carpet for your furry friend with an array of perks, such as “pupcakes” for them to snack on and a mini bathrobe so they can feel just as relaxed and pampered as you do. Take a dip in the rooftop pool, choose from a host of dazzling dining options, and enjoy the central location near the Walk of Fame, the Capitol Records building, and other iconic Hollywood institutions.
- Hotel Indigo Los Angeles – This boutique urban hotel located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles welcomes travelers to bring their furry friends along for the ride. Your pup will be greeted with a fresh bowl of water and some delicious treats, and a dog bed will be provided on request. A canine-friendly menu is available via room service, and there’s an on-property dog station, with potty bags and a fire hydrant. With dramatic city views, a heated pool, and a dog-friendly happy-hour, there’s plenty to keep you and your pooch occupied.
- Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills – This chic French-inspired hotel offers the ultimate luxury experience for you and your pet. Dogs stay at Sofitel for free, and upon arrival, they’re greeted with delicious treats. In-room dining options are featured on the Gourmet Pet Menu, including hand-cut prime steak with baby carrots and chicken vegetable stew. Your beloved pal can also enjoy luxury bedding with fitted linens to relax in style. The hotel nurtures a partnership with D.O.G. Pet Boutique & Daycare, which offers discounts on daycare and dog walking when Fido is feeling restless.
San Diego
Pet-Friendly Attractions:
- Howlistic – It may look like a pet supply store, but it’s so much more than that. Stop by to take advantage of the self-serve dog wash; with the gentle shampoo and conditioner and the warm aloe and cucumber face cloth to pamper your pooch afterward, it’s been touted as a true spa-like experience! Stock up on all your holistic and natural pet products here, too.
- Coronado Dog Beach (Coronado) – Leash-free year-round and open 24 hours a day, Coronado Dog Beach is as good as it gets. Enjoy views of the historic Hotel del Coronado and the Point Loma skyline while your pup runs and splashes. Be aware, though, that the trail from the parking lot to the beach has a strict leash requirement, so make sure to keep your pal leashed up until you enter the run.
- Seaport Village (Downtown) – This 14-acre waterfront shopping, dining, and entertainment complex offers plenty of people-watching, among other things. Many of the restaurants in the village will welcome your dog on the patio, and they can even stretch their legs in the large park right alongside the harbor.
- Otay Ranch Town Center (Chula Vista) – More than just a mall, this dog-friendly shopping center leaves out bowls of water for its canine visitors, and there’s even a 10,000-square-foot dog park for your furry friend to run around and socialize while you take a breather.
Pet-Friendly Restaurants:
- Queenstown Public House (Little Italy) – Another San Diego staple for those who can’t bear to leave their buddies behind! Queenstown Public House offers up delicious New Zealand-inspired dishes for brunch, happy hour, and dinner. They’ve also been known to host dog-friendly events throughout the year.
- The Wine Pub (Point Loma) – A great selection of wines awaits you, which you probably already knew, given the name. What may surprise you, however, is the specialty dog menu, served on the enclosed outdoor patio. Small and large plates for humans are available, too.
- Shorehouse Kitchen (La Jolla) – This breakfast and lunch spot is so pet-friendly that it seems to have been created with canines in mind. Spoil your pup with offerings from the dog menu, such as honey-cured bacon bits, scrambled eggs, and turkey patties, all of which are reasonably priced.
- Anthony’s Fish Grotto (La Mesa) – After over 70 years in business, there are quite a few reasons to visit Anthony’s, including the special dog menu with portions for large and small pups. Have a seat on the patio and enjoy the stunning view of the restaurant’s private lake, complete with fountains and waterfalls. They’re serious about their seafood, too, making this a can’t-miss destination.
Pet-Friendly Hotels:
- Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego (Downtown) – Waterfront views await at this stylish and conveniently located hotel. Get out the leash and take a walk through Seaport Village or the Gaslamp Quarter, and enjoy the view of Coronado Island across the bay. The patio at Sally’s Fish House & Bar, one of the hotel’s on-site restaurants, welcomes four-legged guests with a creative gourmet menu just for dogs. Options include the Sit, Stay, Roll, a sushi roll with seared tuna, broccoli, and rice, or some delicious Doggy Sliders with bacon.
- L’Auberge Del Mar – L’Auberge is an award-winning pet-friendly resort located in the heart of the coastal village of Del Mar. A variety of services are available, including grooming and pet-sitting, and you will be welcomed with amenities for your furry friend, as well as trail maps and beaches so the two of you can plan your adventure. This establishment was named Best Pet Friendly Hotel in 2020 by LA Travel magazine, ensuring you and Fido will experience only the highest level of hospitality.
- Kona Kai Resort & Spa (Shelter Island) – Kona Kai is your luxury island escape in the center of San Diego. Offering lavish cabanas, waterfront dining, and nightly bonfires on the private beach, this opulent destination will give you a taste of the tropics right here in California. All canines are welcomed on the property, with welcome amenities, special perks, and in-room dining options. Additionally, regular Yappy Hours are hosted in support of The Barking Lot Organization, a San Diego-based nonprofit dog rescue that helps pups find their forever homes. True to Kona Kai’s nature of going above and beyond, Yappy Hour is a full-on themed affair at which costumes are encouraged for you and your furry friend.