This East Bay community of 35,000 is surrounded by hills that perfectly reflect its name. But while some may view its location (23 miles east of San Francisco and 73 miles west of Sacramento) as merely “close to” (as in “close to” the City by the Bay as well as Napa and Sonoma wine country), Pleasant Hill holds plenty of dog-friendly appeal on its own.
In the uber-expensive Bay Area, you and your pup will be pleased to find several affordable dog-friendly lodging options, including Homewood Suites by Hilton, Pleasant Hill Inn, Sonesta Select, Hyatt House, Residence Inn by Marriott and Extended Stay America.
There are some delicious restaurants to check out too. Wence’s Oyster Bar and Grill is a locals favorite with oysters, seafood, steaks, pastas and more. Enjoy lunch, dinner and cocktails with your dog on the patio.
Another good choice is downtown’s Jack’s Restaurant & Bar, where humans can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner specialties on a dog-friendly patio.
If you’re looking for a place for your dog to run off energy after sitting patiently by your side as you eat, make tracks for Paso Nogal Open Space and Dog Park. You’ll find 63 acres of open space laced with hiking trails (leashed dogs welcome) along with a 2.5-acre fenced exercise area divided into sections for small and large dogs. The trails wind through oak woodlands and grasslands with enough variety to keep both you and your pup interested. On warm days, bring water—there’s limited shade on some of the hilltop sections.
Pleasant Hill also makes a solid base camp for day trips with your dog. The Iron Horse Regional Trail, a paved path that runs for over 30 miles through Contra Costa County, passes right through town—perfect for a morning walk or jog with your pup before heading out to explore. From here, you’re a short drive to dog-friendly wineries in the Livermore Valley, the trails of Mount Diablo State Park (dogs allowed on fire roads) or the waterfront paths along the Carquinez Strait. With easy BART access, you can even leave the car behind and take your dog into San Francisco for the day.
