The Surf and Sand Lodge sits just 50 yards from the ocean in Fort Bragg, with most rooms offering direct views of the water. You’ll wake up to the sound of waves and can watch for whales migrating right from your private balcony or patio. All the rooms were recently remodeled and come with refrigerators, coffee makers, hair dryers, cable television, and access to a video collection of over 300 movies in the office if you want a quiet evening in.

The location works well for exploring the area. Downtown Fort Bragg and Glass Beach are about a 10-minute walk away, and you’re adjacent to a miles-long footpath through MacKerricher State Park that’s great for getting out with your dog. The lodge also has spa tubs available if you need to relax after spending time on the mountain bike trails in the region.

For your dog, the lodge provides dog waste bags, water and dining bowls, dog treats, and special dog suites. They don’t have size or breed restrictions, though they do ask you to call ahead if you’re bringing more than one dog. There’s a $20 non-refundable deposit per pet per night. Keep in mind that pets can’t be left alone in the rooms, and they need to stay on leash around the property.

The innkeeper pointed me toward two good local dog parks worth checking out. The fenced dog park by the new Aquatic Center is useful for letting your dog socialize with others. If your dog does well off-leash, Noyo Dog Beach (down under the Noyo Bridge on North Harbor Drive) allows free-roaming beach play and has the bonus of ocean views and the Noyo fishing harbor right there—you can watch the fishing boats coming and going while your dog runs around.