Check-in time at the Stanford Inn is a joyous moment. Pups and their people linger in the lobby, sharing stories about their favorite outdoor adventures. Dogs are welcome across the resort’s guestrooms, grounds, bookstore and lobby, of course, but leave some time to explore the region’s pup-friendly beaches, parks, waterways and trails, too. 

For Fido-friendly paddling, rent a canine cruiser from Catch a Canoe at the Stanford Inn. The redwood outriggers feature a stable place for pups to sit, and humans can navigate 8.3 miles of the Big River Estuary via twin sails or a foot-controlled rudder system. Well-behaved dogs are welcome on the windswept beaches of Big River Beach, as well. 

For on-land adventures, consider exploring the Big River logging trail. This 10-mile multi-use path connects Mendocino Woodlands State Park and Big River Beach, where the river flows into the Pacific Ocean. Interpretive signs along the trail detail the area’s history and nature, and, depending on your route, you might see redwoods, railroad trestle pilings, old-growth timber and wildlife.

However you spend your day, you’ll be welcomed back to a comfortable resort that has rolled out the red carpet for dogs for 40+ years. Owners Joan and Jeff Stanford and their furry family members, Parker and Ellie, offer dog beds, stainless steel water bowls, house-made doggie snacks, special dog sheets that protect furniture, activity guides for four-legged friends, and more. And if you need recommendations for pet sitters, veterinary services or special food for your pup, just ask the Stanford Inn team for assistance.