There’s nothing like the non-stop sigh of the sea to instill a meditative state of mind. And in Sonoma County, there are dozens of places where you and your pup can bed down to the sound and sight of the restless Pacific. Closest to the Bay Area is Bodega Bay, just an hour and a half north of San Francisco.
A short drive north brings you to Jenner, where the Russian River rushes into the Pacific Ocean. Dog-friendly choices here include Jenner Inn and Timber Cove Inn, each providing a warm and welcoming seaside atmosphere but accepting small dogs only.
Take your bigger pet to Sea Ranch, where you can cuddle up in a pet-friendly room at Sea Ranch Lodge or seek out a dog-friendly vacation rental within walking distance of the shore. Developed in the 1960s and noted for its distinctive, minimalist architecture and serene setting, Sea Ranch seems like a new discovery whether it’s your first visit or your 50th. About half the 1,800 homes here are vacation rentals, many of them pet-friendly. Don’t forget some old towels for the inevitable sandy paws, and be sure to adhere to the community’s strict “clean up your dog mess” code of behavior. (Management will fill you in.)
