Borrego Springs Resort sits in the middle of nowhere in the best possible way—ninety minutes from both San Diego and Palm Springs, smack in the Anza-Borrego Desert with the Santa Rosa Mountains rising nearby. It’s a golf resort that takes its accommodations seriously, offering comfortable rooms and a restaurant on-site where you can actually eat well without leaving the property.

The resort welcomes dogs in designated pet-friendly rooms, which means you’re not stuck eating alone in your space while your dog waits around. You’ll have actual desert to explore together—the landscape around here is otherworldly, especially if you time a visit for cooler months. The resort grounds themselves give you space to walk without feeling hemmed in by other guests.

What makes this work for a dog trip is the layout. Unlike some resorts where you’re packed into a tight space, Borrego Springs has the kind of sprawling grounds where your dog can decompress after a car ride. The restaurant and dining options mean you’re not limited to room service, and you can scope out what works for your schedule. Golf isn’t required to stay here, though if you’re into it, the course is right there.

The trade-off is that Borrego Springs is genuinely remote. There’s not much around it, which is exactly why people come here—for quiet and space. If you need to be near shops or multiple dining options within walking distance, this isn’t it. But if you want your dog to experience something different from the usual hotel stay, and you don’t mind driving for supplies or entertainment, the desert setting and room to move around make it worth the trip. Summer heat can be brutal, so plan accordingly. Visit their website for current room availability and reservation details.