Dog Vacations in California

Whether you need a short weekend get away or are planning a two-week-long California adventure, much of the Golden State welcomes well-mannered companion canines to join you on your vacation. A wonderful selection of accommodations, pet friendly businesses, services, and dog parks can be found in northern, central and southern California.
  1. South Lake Tahoe, California

    • Dogs have plenty to do in South Lake Tahoe, California

      For those of you who prefer a California mountain get away with your dog, consider pet-friendly South Lake Tahoe. Make your reservation for one of the cabins at Spruce Grove Tahoe Cabins. Open to well-mannered dogs for a one-time fee, they offer an on-property fenced 1 acre dog park or a pet-accessible wooded area for exploration. All cabins are fully furnished and include full amenities. All you need to bring is your dog, your leash, and your suitcase.

      When you vacation with your dog in Tahoe, plan to stay long enough to visit dog friendly Kiva Beach. You can also take your dog with you on a raft ride from Truckee River Raft Rentals, let him meet other canine pals at Bijou Dog Park, or join you at a host of local dining establishments that allow dogs in their outdoor dining areas. If you visit South Lake Tahoe in the winter, leashed dogs or those under voice control can follow along as you ski in the Taylor Creek/Fallen Leaf cross country ski area.

      Spruce Grove Tahoe Cabins
      P.O. Box 16390
      South Lake Tahoe, California 96150
      530-544-0549
      800-777-0914
      sprucegrovetahoe.com

    Cambria, California

    • Vacation in dog friendly Cambria, California.

      Located on beautiful Moonstone Beach, near tourist attractions such as Hearst Castle and the Paso Robles Wine Country, family-owned and operated Cambria Shores Inn was listed as one of "Fido Friendly's" top 46 Fido Friendly Hotels in the world in 2008. Their V.I.P. (Very Important Pooch) program includes a welcome basket with essential goodies for your trip, access to the beach walking path and grounds, frequent pet activities, and even a comforter cover so your dog can join you on the bed. A very reasonable daily pet fee applies.

      Towntown Cambria invites you to visit with well-mannered pets. The Teresa Belle Gallery, Cambria Dog Park, and restaurants Las Cambritas and Madeline's are pet-friendly attractions located on Cambria's Main Street. While visiting the Cambria area, venture to Chumia Vineyards and Tablas Creek Vineyard in nearby Paso Robles. Well-mannered, leashed, and--in some designated areas--off-leash pets are welcome at both wineries.

      Cambria Shores Inn
      6276 Moonstone Beach Drive
      Cambria, California 93428
      805-927-8644
      800-433-9179
      cambriashores.com

    San Diego, California

    • Enjoy a wide variety of dog activities in San Diego.

      A visit to California would not be complete without setting all four paws in wonderful San Diego. As recently noted on "Fido Friendly," the town has much to offer when it comes to vacationing with your dog. Make Hotel Indigo, the trendy Gaslamp Quarter boutique hotel, your home base as you explore San Diego's pet friendly vacation activities. Hotel Indigo does not charge a pet fee, and allows well-mannered dogs of any size. Make sure your stay includes a Tuesday evening, when Hotel Indigo sponsors a Canine Cocktail event at their rooftop lounge.

      Unique activities are available to dog lovers in San Diego year-round. In April you can visit the Woofstock Benefit held each April in Balboa Park. In August take your dog to watch the San Diego Padres play at Petco Field, or simply walk pet-friendly streets, purchase a dog goody at City Dog, or enjoy a meal in one of the many pet-friendly outdoor dining establishments. Don't plan your San Diego visit without checking San Diego pet happenings and news, found on the Pet Lovers Publication website.

      Hotel Indigo
      509 - 9th Avenue
      San Diego, CA 92101
      (619) 727-4000
      hotelindigo.com/sandiego