After summer crowds thin out, California's Central Coast is ideal for a dog-friendly getaway. From Santa Cruz cottage rentals and KOA campgrounds to retro motels in Pacific Grove and cabin-style inns in Carmel, options abound for you and your pup.
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Shasta Lake, California's largest reservoir, is the state's houseboat capital. Dogs are welcome aboard, and with boats ranging from basic fishing models to floating luxury suites with hot tubs, it's a novel way to vacation with your pup.
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Clear Lake in Lake County is a natural freshwater paradise about 75 miles north of Santa Rosa. Rent a dog-friendly pontoon boat, stay in waterfront cabins, sample local wines, and let your pup splash at Clear Lake State Park.
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From the Mendocino coast to Lake Tahoe, Big Sur, and the Eastern Sierra, California's most scenic dog-friendly campgrounds put you right in the action. These five picks offer beaches, waterfalls, redwoods, and mountain lakes for you and your pup.
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You do not need to drive hours for a great dog-friendly camping trip. Folsom Lake, Samuel P. Taylor, Point Mugu, and Campland on the Bay in San Diego all offer close-in outdoor fun with your pup.
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The Santa Cruz SPCA opened a modern facility in 2020 with spacious animal habitats, indoor and outdoor play areas, and rooms for community programs. The shelter also offers pet food assistance, youth education, and training resources for new pet owners.
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Santa Cruz County keeps getting more dog-friendly. Dogs can now hike a 7-mile route at Big Basin Redwoods State Park, romp at Ozzi Memorial Dog Park near Capitola, and hang out at the Heart of Soquel Park.
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Santa Cruz County's fog-kissed climate produces excellent pinot noir and chardonnay, and many wineries welcome dogs. Follow DogTrekker's wine trail itinerary or visit Alfaro and Nicholson on the Corralitos Wine Trail for organic wines and relaxed patio tasting.
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Santa Cruz County's 29 miles of coastline include 15 dog-friendly beaches. Walk West Cliff Drive's coastal path, explore Seabright and Davenport beaches on-leash, and choose from dozens of pet-welcoming hotels, inns, and cottages for your stay.
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Chester, a young Catahoula mix, went from running the streets to training with inmates through Friends of the Animal Community's PUPP program in Tuolumne County. After 12 weeks of intensive work, he'll graduate with his Canine Good Citizen certificate.
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Monterey County's wine scene is wonderfully dog-friendly, from the intimate tasting rooms along the River Road Wine Trail to Carmel Valley's laid-back vineyards and the strollable Wine Walk by the Sea in Carmel-by-the-Sea.
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Monterey's Cannery Row is a dog-friendly destination packed with waterfront restaurants, wine tasting rooms, shops, and pet-welcoming hotels. Stroll the historic mile of coastline and soak in the seaside atmosphere with your pup.
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