If there’s one destination in Northern California that really rolls out the red carpet for your pooch, it’s Mendocino County. Pet-friendly properties such as Stanford Inn by the Sea, Little River Inn, the Beachcomber Motel and Surf & Sand Lodge welcome you and your pup with open arms, treats and amenities, while dozens of restaurants and wineries have patio tables and bar seats with water for diners with four-legged companions.
Don’t miss Husch Vineyards, where dogs are allowed in both the tasting room and picnic area. Looking for some novel ways to enjoy the day with your dog? Take a ride on the Skunk Train, paddle in an outrigger kayak rented from Catch a Canoe or visit the dog-friendly Mendocino Botanical Gardens.
Dog-friendly shops, gorgeous beaches and vast tracts of public lands also contribute to the picture, making Mendocino one of the nation’s most cherished destinations for people traveling with their pets.