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!
Stanford Inn: #1 for dogs
The Stanford Inn has welcomed dogs since its earliest days, with no size or breed restrictions. Pups get welcome treats, in-room dog sheets, stainless steel bowls and 10 acres of trails and gardens to explore.
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Stanford Inn: #1 for health and happiness
Happiness and health are woven into every stay at the Stanford Inn on the Mendocino coast. Expect plant-based dining at Ravens Restaurant, wellness workshops, ocean views and four state parks within two miles.
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Dog-friendly delights in Dillon Beach
Dillon Beach sits between Bodega Bay and Tomales Bay with an off-leash public beach perfect for well-behaved dogs. Stay in chic tiny home cabins at Dillon Beach Resort or historic waterfront cottages at Nick's Cove.
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Paws-itively welcoming hotel properties
Mendocino County's coastal hotels go above and beyond for dogs. From Rendezvous Mendocino's peaceful B&B setting to the Stanford Inn's dog-friendly canoe rentals and the Little River Inn's fireside cottages, these properties make four-legged guests feel right at home.
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Unleash the fun at Muir Beach
Muir Beach is a dog-friendly Marin County cove just 12 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge. Pups can play off-leash or under voice control on the beach, and nearby hotels in Mill Valley and Sausalito welcome pets.
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Bask in San Francisco’s fall sunshine
Fall brings San Francisco's sunniest weather, making it the perfect time to explore the city with your dog. From off-leash Fort Funston to the Presidio's bay-view trails, here are our favorite spots.
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Sea breezes and sand on the San Francisco Peninsula
Half Moon Bay on the San Francisco Peninsula is a natural getaway where dogs can romp on beaches, dine at patio restaurants with special pet menus and stay at seaside lodges right along Highway 1.
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Putah Canyon Campground: Dog-friendly camping on Lake Berryessa
Putah Canyon Campground on Lake Berryessa's quiet west side offers waterfront campsites, gentle lakeshore walks and peaceful mornings with your dog. Facilities are basic, but the wide-open shoreline and starry skies make it an ideal low-key camping getaway.
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Five ways to explore the California coast
Five dog-friendly stops near Noyo Harbor Inn showcase the best of the Mendocino Coast. Glass Beach, the Noyo Headlands Trail, the Skunk Train, Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens and the Big River Trail all welcome leashed pups.
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Sunset Travel Awards showcase California’s coastal jewels
The 2024 Sunset Travel Awards spotlight three dog-friendly coastal California hotels: Timber Cove Resort on the Sonoma Coast, Laguna Surf Lodge in Orange County and the charming Orli La Jolla near San Diego.
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Comfy rooms with fetching design features
Noyo Harbor Inn blends Arts and Crafts architecture with modern comfort on the Mendocino Coast. Half the rooms welcome pets, with wood floors, private patios and park-like grounds for dog walking just steps from the harbor.
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Culinary gems for people and pups
HarborView Bistro at Noyo Harbor Inn has added an impressive whiskey menu, a cigar lounge and a winemaker dinner series. These dog-friendly culinary events pair great food and drink with Mendocino Coast views and gracious hospitality.
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Eight dog‑friendly stays between Mendocino and the Oregon border
Eight small lodges between Mendocino and the Oregon border treat dogs like honored guests. From Little River Inn's cliff-top rooms to Requa Inn's salmon scraps at breakfast, each property sits near trails through ancient redwood groves.
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This season, we share gratitude (and getaways for you!)
This Thanksgiving, DogTrekker celebrates a year of readers supporting California rescues, fostering pets and protecting park access. As a thank-you, we're sharing winter lodging specials from Mendocino County's most pup-friendly properties, including Little River Inn and Stanford Inn.
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Planning a pet getaway? Airlines just changed the rules
Airlines have tightened pet travel rules, limiting cabin spots, ending emotional support animal policies and enforcing stricter crate requirements. California dog owners need to book early, prepare paperwork and plan ahead for smooth flights.
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Wagging tails and water play in Big Bear Lake
Fall at Big Bear Lake means fewer crowds, crystal-clear water and prime fishing season. Bring your pup along for kayaking, pontoon cruises, shoreline casting and sunset picnics on the 22 miles of scenic alpine shoreline.
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Surf and sand in Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz pairs legendary surf breaks with towering redwoods and 17 dog-friendly beaches along its 29-mile coastline. Add wineries, breweries and a walkable downtown, and you have the perfect pup-friendly getaway.
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Canines reign supreme in Carmel
Carmel-by-the-Sea is one of America's most dog-friendly towns, with loose leash laws, an off-leash beach, pet boutiques and patio dining galore. More than half of the village's 40-plus hotels welcome four-legged guests.
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Slowdown in SLO CAL
San Luis Obispo County stretches 100 miles along Highway 1, with off-leash beaches, dog-friendly wineries and charming towns from Cambria to Pismo Beach. Stay at coastal lodges or the Michelin Key-awarded San Luis Creek Lodge.
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Top tips for safe Earth Day adventures
This Earth Day and every day, follow these five tips for keeping your dog safe on the trail. Plan ahead, respect wildlife, practice good trail etiquette, pack out all waste and support businesses that champion environmental stewardship across California.
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A haven for hounds in Huntington
Paséa Hotel and Spa in Huntington Beach earned the top spot in USA Today's Best Pet-Friendly Hotel awards. Dogs of all sizes are welcomed with a private dog park and dedicated dog menu.
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Not every California town loves your dog
Not every California town is dog-friendly. Breed bans, strict leash laws, hefty fines and park restrictions vary widely from city to city. Before you travel, check local ordinances so you and your pup don't get caught off guard.
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Santa Barbara County calls
Santa Barbara offers a stunning coastal escape for dogs and their people, with off-leash beaches like Arroyo Burro, dog-friendly wine tasting rooms, waterfront hotels and the open spaces of Douglas Family Preserve.
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Ventura loves dogs
Ventura is an ultra-dog-friendly surf town with beaches for splashing, trails for hiking, breweries with big patios and a walkable downtown. Pet-friendly lodging ranges from coastal hotels to vintage glamping trailers.
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