Sutro Heights Park

Canine-friendly hotels abound in San Francisco, but those in the Kimpton chain rate especially high with experienced DogTrekkers. Kimpton kicked off the dog-friendly lodging craze more than a decade ago and pampers pooches with in-room beds, bones, bowls and other amenities at all nine of its San Francisco properties. Some even keep a "director of pet relations" on staff. Best of all, there's never an extra charge for canine visitors.

If you don't have the kibble for Kimpton, consider the Ocean Park Motel, (dog fee $10-$20 per day) a streamline, modern jewel with ship-shape rooms, a grassy courtyard, a romantic hot tub—and free parking. There's lots of history at this 1936 landmark in the Sunset District, but what's best for dogs is a location just two blocks from Ocean Beach and adjacent Fort Funston, a leash-free canine playground that ranks as ranks as one of the premier dog hangouts in the city.

Photo courtesy Kimpton Hotels.