Calling all river dogs!

Natural beauty and colorful history converge at Mendocino’s Little River Inn, a classic Victorian establishment with 65 ocean-view rooms, a nine-hole golf course and day spa on 225 wooded acres overlooking the coast. This summer the inn is rolling out the red carpet for dog-lovers and their four-legged friends with an amenity-rich River Dog Package. It includes two nights in a pet-friendly, ocean view room with fireplace; a three-hour excursion on the Big River estuary in an ultra-stable, dog-friendly outrigger canoe; a $100 dinner voucher for use in the dog-friendly parlor, the pro shop or for room service; a goodie bag with pet treats; an info sheet on where to hike, bike and boat with dogs; and a one-hour massage for each adult human. Packages start at $685 (plus tax and gratuity) for two people and up to two pets. Advance reservations at least two days in advance are required; call 707.937.5942 or go to littleriverinn.com. Read more.

Kayla at the Little River Inn

Kayla at the Little River Inn Kayla loves the Little River Inn for so many reasons. The staff is always so welcoming, she can take a short path from the property to play and swim at the Van Damme State Park beach, she can dine with her best friends in the Little River Inn Restaurant's 'Parlor', she can get up on the comfortable beds using the protective sheets that are provided and so much more. Read more.

Minimize driving, maximize scenery

Bridge over ravine with stream leading to ocean below in Albion Ca.

Heritage house: same time, next year

Stunning ocean views from the deck at Heritage House. Photo by Heritage House.

For decades, they were not alone. Returning to the Heritage House Resort was an annual tradition for many guests until the resort closed in 2008. It reopened last year with fresh interiors, four-star service and a focus on being dog-friendly. Read more.

17 miles of magnificence

It’s just 17 miles along scenic Highway 1 from the coastal village of Albion to the more muscular city of Fort Bragg, but considering how much lies in between, you could take an entire, leisurely week to go the distance. In Little River, just north of Albion, the charming Little River Inn welcomes four-legged family members as well as their uprights, offering bed, breakfast and majestic views of the sea.