Beaches Blog
Here are our favorite stories about the best dog-friendly beaches in California! Whether you’re a local or visiting from afar, we’ve got you covered with the most paw-some spots for your furry friends to enjoy some sand and surf. Check out our list below and get ready for some tail-wagging adventures!
Eight dog‑friendly stays between Mendocino and the Oregon border
Eight small lodges between Mendocino and the Oregon border treat dogs like honored guests. From Little River Inn's cliff-top rooms to Requa Inn's salmon scraps at breakfast, each property sits near trails through ancient redwood groves.
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Planning a pet getaway? Airlines just changed the rules
Airlines have tightened pet travel rules, limiting cabin spots, ending emotional support animal policies and enforcing stricter crate requirements. California dog owners need to book early, prepare paperwork and plan ahead for smooth flights.
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California’s best coastal dog-friendly towns
From Mendocino's Victorian headlands to Laguna Beach's gallery-lined streets, California's best coastal towns have quietly reshaped themselves around four-legged visitors. Expect water bowls at storefronts, treats at hotel check-in and patios where dogs are the guests of honor.
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Surf and sand in Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz pairs legendary surf breaks with towering redwoods and 17 dog-friendly beaches along its 29-mile coastline. Add wineries, breweries and a walkable downtown, and you have the perfect pup-friendly getaway.
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Canines reign supreme in Carmel
Carmel-by-the-Sea is one of America's most dog-friendly towns, with loose leash laws, an off-leash beach, pet boutiques and patio dining galore. More than half of the village's 40-plus hotels welcome four-legged guests.
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Slowdown in SLO CAL
San Luis Obispo County stretches 100 miles along Highway 1, with off-leash beaches, dog-friendly wineries and charming towns from Cambria to Pismo Beach. Stay at coastal lodges or the Michelin Key-awarded San Luis Creek Lodge.
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These 7 California beaches let your dog run completely free
California offers seven world-class off-leash dog beaches, from Huntington Dog Beach's golden sands to Carmel Beach's iconic shoreline. This field-tested guide covers the best times to visit, parking tips and insider knowledge for each location.
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Top tips for safe Earth Day adventures
This Earth Day and every day, follow these five tips for keeping your dog safe on the trail. Plan ahead, respect wildlife, practice good trail etiquette, pack out all waste and support businesses that champion environmental stewardship across California.
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Santa Barbara County calls
Santa Barbara offers a stunning coastal escape for dogs and their people, with off-leash beaches like Arroyo Burro, dog-friendly wine tasting rooms, waterfront hotels and the open spaces of Douglas Family Preserve.
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Sustainability star, The Stanford Inn by the Sea
The Stanford Inn by the Sea on the Mendocino coast has welcomed pets for over 45 years. Nearly all rooms are dog-friendly, and the inn serves organic treats made in-house alongside its acclaimed plant-based cuisine.
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Make Noyo Harbor Inn your ulti-mutt fall getaway
Noyo Harbor Inn in Fort Bragg pairs Mendocino Coast beauty with genuine dog-friendly hospitality. Leashed dogs join guests at HarborView Bistro, and the inn's grounds and nearby coastal trails make it easy to keep your pup happy all weekend.
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Dog-friendly dining on a riverfront patio
Noyo Harbor Inn's HarborView Bistro & Bar in Fort Bragg serves fresh seafood and California wines on a riverfront patio where dogs are welcome.
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