East Bay Area
Alameda,
Contra Costa and
Solano Counties are collectively referred to as the East Bay. We add to that Tri-Valley and the cities of
Concord, Pleasant Hill and
Vacaville. Recreational opportunities with dogs find high expression in the
East Bay Regional Park District, which includes 1,200 miles of trails in Contra Costa and Alameda counties.
Dog-loving residents of Oakland have it all: tons of bars and restaurants with dog-friendly outdoor seating, an overall welcoming attitude toward canines, and a wealth of open-space trails.
Solano County is filled with farms, wineries, wildlife areas and coastal trails, all dog-friendly and ready for you and your dog to explore together. The city of
Vacaville has a pack of dog-friendly restaurants and lodging properties and the historic town of Benicia has been named one of the nation’s most accommodating dog-friendly towns.
“Dogs Welcome Here!” isn’t just a tagline in Concord. Pups are central to the community’s fabric, and you’ll see that in the way hotels, restaurants, breweries, bars and parks put out the welcome bowls for four-legged visitors.
In fact, this dog-friendly city just produced a dog-gone great guide to the Concord Perro Trail. Named in honor of the community’s Hispanic heritage, the free, downloadable map covers Concord’s very dog-walkable downtown plus nearby parks and open spaces.
Here are some of our favorite places to hike, eat, grab a drink and stay in Concord:
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The Concord Perro Trail guide spotlights five pup-friendly properties, all close and convenient to adventures in Concord and the surrounding area. (Please be sure to confirm any weight and breed restrictions or pet fees before you book.)
Settle in for a stay at the Hilton Concord, which offers an outdoor pool and Mount Diablo views. The property is certified “Clean & Safe” by the California Hotel & Lodging Association in light of the fading Covid-19 pandemic, more »
Pup at Epidemic Ales. Photo by Visit Concord.
Have you heard the one about the dog who walks into a bar? Bartender nods and says, “Hey dog, haven’t seen you in a while. How are things going?” Dog looks over and says, “Ruff.”
In Concord, finding a dog-friendly place for a pint isn’t “ruff” at all. Download the Concord Perro Trail map for an at-a-glance guide to all the options. Start at the Hop Grenade Tap Room on Todos Santos Plaza. more »
Photo by Visit Concord.
Concord has a dizzying number of dog-friendly restaurants —nearly four dozen and counting! You’ll find several in the Concord Perro Trail guide, including Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar, Eureka!, Five Guys, Guadalajara Grill, La Piñata, Lima, Parkside Bar & Grill and Puesto. From burgers to tacos to pub fare and pizza (plus treats for furry family members, of course!), you’ll find something to suit every taste. Check out the Concord Taco Trail. more »
Photo by Visit Concord.
DogTrekkers tell us that hiking is their favorite activity when visiting new destinations. Happily, Concord has so many hikes that you’ll want to stay a few extra days. The trails of Briones Regional Park unfold to the west of town. Lime Ridge Open Space stretches across the southern landscape. Both Baldwin Dog Park and Newhall Park Paw Patch welcome pups within the city. Get historical with the Concord Historical Society’s self-guided walking tour. more »