Gorda Springs Resort sits right on Highway One in Big Sur, that dramatic stretch of coastline where the Santa Lucia Mountains practically tumble into the Pacific. It’s about 65 miles south of Carmel if you’re coming from that direction, or 75 miles north of San Luis Obispo heading the other way. The resort has a collection of cottages scattered across the property, each with views of the ocean and the steep, forested hillsides that make Big Sur so striking.

The real appeal here for traveling with a dog is that the resort actually welcomes them. You’re not dealing with a place that grudgingly allows dogs in one back cottage—this is genuinely dog-friendly throughout the property. The location itself is pretty ideal for that. You can step out of your cottage and immediately access the kind of scenery that makes Big Sur worth the drive. The surrounding area has trails and coastal access where you can walk around without feeling like you’re squeezed into a busy tourist trap.

The cottages are comfortable enough that you won’t feel like you’re roughing it, which matters when you’re trying to relax during a long coastal road trip. The grounds have that quiet, somewhat removed feeling you get when you’re truly away from civilization, but the accommodations are modern enough that you’re not sacrificing basic comforts. It’s that sweet spot between rustic and actually pleasant to stay in.

If you’re planning a Big Sur trip and want a place where your dog is genuinely welcome rather than tolerated, this works well. The drive down Highway One is spectacular but can be tiring, so having a solid home base where both you and your dog can decompress makes sense. The resort has a website where you can see current availability and get specifics about their dog policies before booking.