Beaches Blog

Here are our favorite stories about the best dog-friendly beaches in California! Whether you’re a local or visiting from afar, we’ve got you covered with the most paw-some spots for your furry friends to enjoy some sand and surf. Check out our list below and get ready for some tail-wagging adventures!

Wine with your pup

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.

Put paws to paths in Fort Bragg

Fort Bragg offers miles of dog-friendly coastal trails. The Haul Road Recreation Trail crosses a converted railroad trestle with ocean views, while the Noyo Headlands segment of the California Coastal Trail adds five paved, ADA-accessible miles.

Dog on Glass Beach, Fort Bragg. — Adobe Images

Beaching it with your pup in Fort Bragg

Fort Bragg beaches give dogs plenty of sand time. Glass Beach dazzles with smooth, colorful sea glass, Noyo Beach offers off-leash fun where the river meets the Pacific, and Seaside Beach has roomy stretches for running free.

Room to roam in Mendocino

Head to Mendocino County, where dog-friendly trails wind along the coast and through shady inland forests. The Noyo Headlands Coastal Trail offers ocean views, while the Shakota Trail follows the wooded shores of Lake Mendocino.

Living local in Santa Cruz County

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.

Waves away with your dog on the Central Coast

California's Central Coast is loaded with dog-friendly cabin and cottage lodging, from Santa Cruz and Monterey to Big Sur, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Barbara. Here are favorite retreats for you and your pup along this scenic stretch of coastline.

Visit a close-in, dog-friendly campground

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.

Beachcomber Motel, a dog-friendly hotel in Fort Bragg, California

Every dog has its day in Fort Bragg

Fort Bragg's Beachcomber group includes three dog-friendly hotels near the ocean, each with special pet amenities. The Beachcomber Motel offers fenced pet suites with ocean views, while guests without dogs can borrow an adoptable pup from the local shelter.

Combat your dog’s boredom blues

A bored dog stuck indoors can become stressed and destructive. Keep your pup engaged with hide-a-treat puzzles, burrowing toys and scavenger hunts around the house. Practicing commands or teaching new tricks also provides great mental stimulation for both of you.

Mendocino: More than a day trip

Mendocino County offers dog-friendly lodging for every taste and budget, from the Stanford Inn and Little River Inn to the pet suites at Beachcomber Motel. With ocean views and direct beach access, your pup will feel at home.

Get your float on in Sonoma Wine Country!

A four-hour float down a secluded stretch of the Russian River near Healdsburg is a must-do for water-loving dogs. Custom inflatable canoes keep everyone stable while you swim, picnic, and play fetch at sandy beaches along the way.

Paddle with your pup in Mendocino County

Get out on the water with your dog in Mendocino County. Little River Inn pairs kayaking on the Albion River with a two-night stay, while Catch A Canoe offers a canine cruiser catamaran on the Big River estuary.

It’s splash time in Lake County!

Lake County offers plenty of water fun beyond Clear Lake. Nearby Blue Lakes feature clear, spring-fed swimming and electric boat rentals that welcome dogs. Waterfront cabins and cottages at several dog-friendly resorts make it easy to stay lakeside.

Start at the dog-friendly border town of Gualala

Gualala, just over the Sonoma County line in Mendocino County, is a boho coastal town with dog-friendly lodgings, beaches, and restaurants. Go beachcombing at Gualala Point Regional Park or stay at the ocean-view Whale Watch Inn with your pup.

Little River: A canine paradise on the Mendocino Coast

Little River on the Mendocino Coast rolls out the red carpet for dogs. Stay at the historic Heritage House Resort or the five-generation Little River Inn, where pets get welcome treats, designated exercise areas, and even indoor dining privileges.

Dog-friendly brags in Fort Bragg

Fort Bragg on the Mendocino coast welcomes dogs with luxury motels featuring pet suites and leash-free dog parks. Explore the botanical gardens, run free at Noyo Beach, and hike the unusually dog-friendly trails at MacKerricher State Park.

Paws and pillows

Santa Cruz has dog-friendly hotels for every budget. The boutique Hotel Paradox is steps from downtown, Chaminade Resort offers on-site trails and dog menus, and Ocean Echo Inn puts you blocks from the beach. All welcome your four-legged travel companion.