The Benmore Valley Ranch spreads across 800 acres of mountain valley in the hills above Hopland, and it’s one of those places where you realize how much space your dog has been missing. For the first time, the ranch is opening to the public for recreational stays, and dogs are welcome—though you’ll need approval at check-in to make sure everyone’s a good fit.

The location works well for a long weekend. You’re looking at 45 minutes to Healdsburg’s town square, 15 minutes to Hopland’s wine tasting and restaurants, 35 minutes to Ukiah if you want to soak at Vichy Hot Springs afterward, 20 minutes to Clear Lake for bass fishing, and two hours to San Francisco. It’s the kind of place where you can spend time actually outside with your dog rather than constantly driving.

The ranch rents out a compound of three houses—you can book them together or separately, sleeping up to 30 people total, and there’s a hot tub on the property. The setup works for weekend getaways, family reunions, small group gatherings, workshops, or weddings. Since it’s a working ranch, they do ask that dogs stay away from livestock. That’s the trade-off for having this much land: everyone needs to respect that the animals here are part of the operation.

A few practical things: dogs need to stay leashed outside the houses, and they’re not allowed on furniture inside (though they provide covers if you need them). The usual rules apply—pick up after your dog and you’re responsible for any damage. The staff will flag any pets that seem like they might be a problem before you arrive, so it’s worth being honest during booking about your dog’s temperament if there’s anything they should know.