The 100% non-smoking La Quinta Inn & Suites in Davis, located on Research Park Drive off Richards Boulevard and adjacent to I-80, works well if you’re traveling with a dog through Yolo County in California’s Central Valley. The hotel welcomes dogs at no extra charge, which beats having to find a kennel or leave your dog behind while you explore. The location gives you quick access to downtown Davis and the neighborhoods around it, where you’ll find art galleries, theaters, and historic sites worth visiting. The hotel itself sits close to parks where you can walk your dog before heading out for the day.
The staff has experience with guests traveling with dogs, so they’re matter-of-fact about it rather than making a big deal. Your room comes with the basics you’d expect — comfortable beds, clean bathrooms, and climate control. The hotel offers complimentary breakfast, which means you can fuel up before a morning walk with your dog around the neighborhood. There’s free Wi-Fi if you need to check the weather or look up dog-friendly spots in the area, a fitness center if you want to get some exercise, and an outdoor pool for cooling off on hot Central Valley days.
Davis itself has a relaxed college-town atmosphere thanks to UC Davis, and locals are generally accepting of dogs in public spaces. You’ll notice dog owners around town without much fuss. The tree-lined streets downtown make for pleasant walking, and there are several nearby green spaces where your dog can stretch out. After a day of walking around downtown or exploring nearby parks, you can settle back into your room knowing your dog had a normal day and didn’t spend hours in a crate.
If you’re driving through on I-80 or need a base for exploring the broader Sacramento Valley region, this location beats a generic highway chain. The price point is reasonable for what you get, and the no-pet-fee policy makes the math work out better than some other hotel options in the area. The combination of dog-friendly policies, convenient freeway access, and proximity to a walkable downtown makes this a practical choice for a stop rather than a detour.
