When temperatures get toasty across California’s inland valleys, the majestic Mendocino coast presents a cooler travel option. Enjoy blue skies and temperate sunshine at the Stanford Inn, set where the tranquil Big River meets Mendocino Bay. This family-friendly favorite promises easy access to hiking and biking trails, while the on-site Catch A Canoe & Bicycles, Too, rents paddling gear that accommodates furry guests.
Catch A Canoe & Bicycles, Too, runs guided tours and rents cycles and watersports equipment right on the Stanford Inn grounds. The full-service shop serves hotel guests and day-trippers alike with a selection of bikes, canoes, kayaks and paddleboards that connect travelers to the magic of the Big River Estuary. Carbon or redwood outriggers and catamaran canoes in 12 different configurations seat up to 10 people per trip, depending on the model.
DogTrekker readers rave about Catch A Canoe’s special canine cruisers. These stable decks, which pair well with outriggers, accommodate pups on a large, padded platform. Dogs can take in the scenery as people do the paddling, all with a first-class view of this rich habitat where shorebirds, harbor seals and river otters frequently frolic. The river water can be brackish, so remember to bring fresh drinking water for your two- and four-legged family members.
Back on land, the sustainably minded Stanford Inn has spent more than four decades refining its dog-friendly amenities. Resident pups Ellie and Parker, together with innkeepers Joan and Jeff Stanford, greet dogs with house-made treats, stainless steel food and water bowls, waste bags, and special sheets that protect furniture so pets can lounge beside their people. Pups can also explore the property’s bookstore and dine on organic doggie dishes in the lobby.
