Escondido has been called the “Hidden Valley” of San Diego, located just 30 miles northeast of Downtown San Diego. Settled in a valley in the coastal mountains of Southern California, surrounded by avocado and citrus groves, the area is as diverse and vibrant as it is low key and friendly. Escondido was named by Money Magazine as the Best Place in the West in which to retire and, at the other end of the spectrum, was named a Kid-Friendly City and City of Choice.

Chosen by Good Sam Club as a 2014 Top Pet-Friendly RV Park, Escondido RV Resort is home to Sunland’s largest dedicated pet area. In June 2013, the resort introduced a completely fenced one-third-acre off-leash dog park with a grand opening event. If you’re rolling in with your dog, you’ll appreciate having actual space where they can stretch out without a leash. The off-leash area gives dogs room to run around and socialize, which is genuinely helpful after hours on the road.

The resort itself sits in a location where you’re surrounded by those groves the region is known for, so there’s a real sense of being away from the urban sprawl despite being relatively close to San Diego proper. The valley setting means you get different weather patterns than you’d find closer to the coast—generally warmer and drier. This matters if you’re planning to spend time outside with your dog.

The fenced dog park is reserved exclusively for resort guests, so you’re not dealing with random traffic or overcrowding. It’s a genuine amenity rather than an afterthought, which says something about how the resort approaches accommodating traveling dogs. After a long drive, having a dedicated space where your dog can run freely without you worrying about them heading toward the road makes a real difference in how relaxing your stay will be.