Green Gables Inn is a Queen Anne Victorian mansion overlooking Monterey Bay in Pacific Grove, and it’s one of those places where the architecture actually lives up to the hype. Conde Nast Traveler readers voted it one of the Top 50 Small Hotels in the US, which tells you something about the level of detail they’ve put into the place—from the period-appropriate furnishings to the way the rooms are positioned to catch those ocean views.

What matters if you’re traveling with a dog: they welcome them in designated rooms, so you don’t have to leave your dog behind while you’re exploring the Central Coast. The inn sits in a great location for walks. Pacific Grove’s coastline is right there, and Lover’s Point Park with its cypress trees and tide pools is nearby if you want to get out and move around. The town itself is pretty walkable, with shops and restaurants along Ocean View Boulevard.

The grounds have landscaped gardens that are pleasant to move through, and having access to a place like this—where someone’s already thought through the details—makes a difference when you’re traveling with a dog. You’re not staying at a chain where everything feels generic. The Victorian aesthetic means high ceilings, interesting architectural details, and the kind of quirky charm that actually makes a trip feel like something other than just a place to sleep.

Pacific Grove is quieter than nearby Monterey or Carmel, which some people prefer. You get the coastal scenery without as much tourist crowding. The inn is positioned well for that kind of trip—you can easily drive down to Big Sur for the day or explore the other towns along the peninsula. If you’re planning a stay, it’s worth calling ahead about their current dog policies and which rooms work best for traveling with your dog, since these details sometimes shift with the seasons.