Located in a picturesque mountain setting at the Mt. Hermon exit of Highway 17, the Hilton Santa Cruz/Scotts Valley sits between Silicon Valley and the Santa Cruz Mountains wine country—there are 41 wineries within reach if you want to do a tasting run. The hotel is positioned well for exploring the broader area. The coast is just four miles away via Highway 1, so you can get to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk or other beaches without much trouble. The redwood forests and hiking trails in the immediate vicinity are accessible for a quick outdoor break with your dog.

This is a dog-friendly hotel with dedicated policies to make traveling with your dog easier. The grounds are spacious enough for morning and evening walks, which matters more than you’d think after a long drive. The hotel staff includes dog-friendly touches—you might find dog treats waiting at check-in, and there are pet-friendly areas throughout the property where your dog can move around comfortably. Rooms accommodate dogs, so you don’t have to leave your travel companion behind while you’re inside grabbing dinner or settling in for the evening.

After time spent hiking nearby trails or walking through the redwood forests, you and your dog have a comfortable place to recover. The hotel’s location means you’re not isolated—you can hit wineries, explore downtown Santa Cruz, or drive to the Boardwalk without spending hours in the car. It’s also convenient if you’re using it as a stopover between San Francisco and Big Sur, since the Highway 17 corridor sits right in that path and cuts your driving time significantly.

The dog policy is clearly in place, but calling ahead before you book gives you specifics about what’s included with your stay and whether there are any restrictions you should know about. Details like whether there’s a pet fee and what size dogs they accommodate will help you plan accordingly, so you show up knowing exactly what the hotel offers and what rules apply to your dog’s stay.