Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes sits on 102 acres of a private peninsula with the Pacific Ocean on three sides, and it’s one of the few truly upscale hotels in the area that welcomes dogs without making you feel like you’re getting the side-eye. The rooms have real space—we’re talking patios and terraces where your dog can actually stretch out—and many have views of the water or the coastal cliffs. The paths throughout the property are excellent for walks, winding through landscaped grounds that feel genuinely peaceful rather than overdone.

What makes Terranea work for traveling with a dog is the combination of room to roam and actual amenities. There are restaurants and bars on-site where you can eat while your dog hangs out on your patio, which beats spending your whole trip figuring out where to go. The resort isn’t in the thick of Rancho Palos Verdes’s busier areas—it feels removed, quieter—but you’re still close enough to reach other coastal spots. The cliffs and coves around here are dramatic, and the nearby parks and beaches give you plenty to explore beyond the resort itself.

The main thing to know going in: this is a destination resort, not a hotel where you’ll pop in for the night. Prices reflect that luxury positioning. But if you’re planning a longer stay on the coast and want somewhere you can actually relax with your dog rather than constantly manage logistics, the space and amenities here make a real difference. The staff is used to dogs being around, which means fewer awkward moments and a generally more straightforward experience. Check their website for current dog policies and any associated fees before booking.