The Bridgeport Inn, a charming historic establishment dating back to 1877, sits right in downtown Bridgeport, Mono County, offering visitors a genuine base for exploring the Eastern Sierra. If you’re traveling with a dog, the inn welcomes them throughout the property—there are comfortable lodge rooms in the main building as well as a one-story motel wing at the rear where many dog owners prefer to stay for easier access in and out.

The location itself is what makes this place worth considering. You’re surrounded by the kinds of landscapes that make dog owners happy: mountains, pristine lakes, and wide open spaces. Mono Lake is close enough for a casual walk along the shore. The scenic trails threading through the area are legitimate hiking territory, not just short loops. Bodie State Historic Park, one of California’s most interesting ghost towns, sits nearby and welcomes leashed dogs on its grounds. After days spent exploring, your dog will be ready to crash in a comfortable room.

The inn has a restaurant on-site, though it closes on Wednesdays, so plan accordingly if you’re hoping to eat there. Complimentary WiFi is available in the lobby if you need to check in with anyone back home. One practical thing to know: the inn closes seasonally from November 15 through February, so winter stays aren’t an option here.

The Eastern Sierra gets real winter weather and real summer heat, so think about when you want to visit. Spring and fall tend to be pleasant, with fewer crowds than midsummer. The town of Bridgeport itself is small—you’re not coming here for restaurants or shopping—but that’s partly the appeal. You’re here to be outside with your dog in genuine high country, with the inn providing a comfortable place to return to when you’ve had enough of the elements for the day. Most dogs adjust quickly to the elevation and the cooler mountain air.