Unplug and explore with Concord as a dog-friendly base

By: DogTrekker Staff

A vibrant dog park bathed in sunlight features abundant greenery with mature trees, offering ample shade for leisurely outdoor activities. In the distance is a well-equipped playground that presents an additional activity area. An inviting picnic table spreads out nearby, ideal for enjoying meals al fresco or taking relaxing breaks from play. A neatly-placed trash bin aids in maintaining the park's cleanliness for everyone's enjoyment. Dominating the scene is a generously wide dirt path gracefully curving through the expanse of grass, promising exploratory walks and lively fetch games.

Photo by @thedoodriley.

This East Bay community of Concord has a vibe all its own, not to mention reasonably priced lodging and all manner of indoor and outdoor places to explore with your dog by your side. It might be discovering a new brew while exploring the thriving craft beer scene, trying poke for the first time or making an excursion into a nearby slice of wine country you never knew existed.

Downtown Concord revolves around Todos Santos Plaza where you’ll enjoy farmers markets, free summer concerts and walking-distance access to many restaurants and shops including Tower Grille, where you and your pup can enjoy pizza, sandwiches, margaritas and other traditional American fare on a dog-friendly patio.

A few minutes away, Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar welcomes you and your four-paw companion on the outdoor patio, where you can enjoy specialties ranging from the usual pub grub (soups, salads, burgers) to the unusual (bananas foster French toast, Thai noodles, roasted Cornish game hen) and many, many beer options. Oh, and there’ a dog menu, too, just in case Fido is tempted by what’s on your plate.

Another first-rate dog-friendly option is Lucille’s Smokehouse. If you’re into craft beer, Concord Tap House, Epidemic Ales or Hop Grenade Taproom & Bottleshop are the dog-friendly places to check out.

Need a place to stretch legs before you hunker down at a table? Newhall Community Park encompasses lots of open space including the Paw Patch fenced dog park with separate areas for large and small (under 30 pounds) canines. Your four-legged companion can also run off steam at Baldwin Dog Park (closed Tuesdays).

At the end of the day you’ve got several choice for resting paws and heads for the night. Among them:
Crowne Plaza Concord-Walnut Creek, Hilton Concord, Premier Inns Concord and Studio 6.