Sonoma County
The largest county in the nine-county Bay Area is also the most diverse from a dog-lover’s point of view. In a single weekend, you and your four-legged friend can wander among ancient redwoods, romp on a national seashore, visit some of the state’s most singular wine-tasting rooms, enjoy patio dining and turn in for the night at a place that doesn’t just tolerate dogs, but actively courts them.
Sonoma County’s laid-back Russian River region is especially renowned for its dog-friendly atmosphere. In summer, happy dogs floating down the river in canoes or kayaks are a common sight. Many restaurants have added patios just to accommodate the dog-travel demographic, while several of the region’s Fido-friendly wineries stage high-profile annual events to benefit shelters and rescue groups.
In urban areas such as Santa Rosa and Petaluma, visitors will find plenty of off-leash dog parks where their furry companions can run off steam. Most regional and state parks welcome dogs on leashes, and only a handful of the county’s gorgeous state beaches are off limits to canine visitors.
DogTrekker's DogCation Sweepstakes moves into spring in grand style as this month's prize is a two-night stay at the dog-passionate Sea Ranch Lodge.
Situated on Sonoma's rugged northern coast, this small secluded property is a serene destination for guests to connect with nature, the outdoors, oneself, and of course, your four-legged friend. more »
In the old days, San Franciscans journeyed by stagecoach and boat to soak their cares away at Boyes Hot Springs on the outskirts of Sonoma. Today they come by car, sometimes with pets in tow, to enjoy the luxury and romantic ambience of the Fairmont Mission Inn and Spa, a bright pink, 1927 landmark built in Spanish mission style atop a hot spring discovered in 1895. more »
The stretch of Russian River between Geyserville and Guerneville and can be a floating party in summertime, but after Labor Day the crowds disappear like magic and a mellow atmosphere rules. Russian River Adventures' inflatable, custom-made SOAR canoes are stable as a rock, easy to maneuver and as much fun for your dog as for you. A standard float trip starts with a safety briefing at company headquarters in Healdsburg (coffee served while you wait) followed by launching across the road at Healdsburg Memorial Beach. A shuttle bus meets paddlers at the take-out point 8.5 miles downriver. In between is (mostly) calm water and plenty of scenery to enjoy. “We offer one of the most fun days a dog and his owner can have,” says owner Larry Laba. Need a dog-friendly place to stay? Russian River Getaways maintains an inventory of dog-friendly vacation homes for rent in the Russian River region and elsewhere in Sonoma County. Photo: "SOAR Kayak" - Russian River Adventures more »
Eight—count 'em, eight—dog-loving wineries in Sonoma County are paw-ticipating in the 7th Annual Dog Days of Summer Open House to be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Mutt Lynch winery in Healdsburg. Mutt Lynch will provide live music and "apps and yaps" for humans and dogs, along with exhibitions of dog art and a super-cool Hound Lounge for hanging out. Mutt Lynch, which is proud to call itself the worldís most dog-friendly winery, will also be releasing its Out of Reach Muttitage.Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door, with a portion of proceeds donated to the Healdsburg Animal Shelter. more »
Welcome to Santa Rosa, where everything comes together: wine country and farm country, redwood forests and rivers, lakes and ocean. Just 55 miles north of San Francisco, Santa Rosa is a vibrant city that overflows with all you love about California, including dog–friendly accommodations, nearby wineries, events and activities to suit every lifestyle.
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