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Growing up in the beautiful foothills of the Sierra Nevada, I had the opportunity to travel to Northern California from an early age. So, I’ve been researching a lot of great dog weekend getaways in Northern California.
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From towering redwood forests to dramatic coastal cliffs, there’s plenty to enjoy. Emily and I also travel the world so we have a lot to compare to what we have here. There are so many great places to visit, but we feel lucky to call Northern California home every time we come back.
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There aren’t many places like that. In a few hours you can go from snow-capped mountains to towering redwood forests and beautiful coastal cliffs. Northern California offers a treasure trove of unforgettable weekend getaways that you and your dog will love. We usually travel with puppies, so we know how important it is to find a place that welcomes you and your dog.
This is our favorite dog weekend getaway in Northern California. I hope you can explore one or more of them. There are many ways to enjoy the beauty of nature and make memories, so if you’re ready, check it out!
Immerse yourself in the enchanting Russian River area of Sonoma County, where the woodland charm and bohemian, artsy atmosphere create the perfect retreat for nature lovers and creative souls. Here, you can wander through stunning redwood forests, breathe in the fresh air and soak up the vibrant energy of the thriving local art scene. Quirky shops, cozy cafes and charming galleries line the streets, inviting you to explore and engage with the unique spirit of the area.
The owner bakes and delivers fresh pastries to die for every morning. We take international flights to eat!
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– Dog-friendly policy: small fee, some dogs are allowed with no weight limit, some lodges have a small fenced yard
It is located on a dirt road in the woods near the river so you can walk or swim with your dog
Best for: Experience the magic of the redwoods, enjoy the creative atmosphere, and explore dog-friendly wineries, river activities, and charming local attractions.
Looks like we’ll end up in the Russian River area for years. It’s close to the bay area so it’s very convenient. But once you get there, the city seems so far away. With the Russian River running through the redwoods, it can feel like a fantasy world back in time. Especially if the morning fog still lingers on the trees.
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The beautiful town of Guerneville invites you for an unforgettable experience. Just outside of town is the stunning Armstrong Redwoods State Nature Reserve. Your dog can accompany you on long walks. The road is quite close to many main groves, giving both the opportunity to admire the centuries-old trees.
On the Russian River, enjoy an active day with activities like kayaking and canoeing, or just relax on the water with your pup. Note that the main beach “Johnson’s Beach” only allows service animals, but there are parks and trails nearby.
Be sure to visit the famous Korbel Champagne Cellar and check out the area’s pet-friendly wineries, allowing you and your pup to experience the true essence of Northern California together.
If that’s not enough, the Russian River area is only a 30-minute drive from the beach. Many state beaches (like Goat Rock Beach in Jenner) allow dogs on the beach. There is also Dillon Beach, which is an off-leash beach, but not far away.
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San Francisco is a great destination for a vacation that includes dogs, as it offers a variety of activities and places that are perfect for you and your pet, and the beautiful views of the city and the bridge make it a great place.
This dog-friendly hotel has several pet amenities, including a small dog park on the 5th floor with a cable car, pet beds, treats, meet and greets with dog owners, and room service for dogs. Included in the proper pet fee (not included in some packages).
Here are just a few things that make this holiday great. Crissy Field is a beautiful park and beach along the bay, perfect for a leisurely walk or energetic play with the dog. Just north of the city, Marin County boasts stunning scenery with a variety of trails to suit different fitness levels, making it the perfect destination for adventurous pet and dog owners. If you or your dog don’t want to spend time in the car, Golden Gate Park spans over 1,000 acres and offers many dog-friendly areas, including off-leash areas and designated dog play zones. With countless options for outdoor exploration and recreation, San Francisco is a great destination for a fun and memorable vacation with your dog.
There are some really good dog friendly places to stay in San Francisco and if you want to visit, check them out!
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Best for: Various experiences for dogs, urban areas, beaches, dog parks, art, food and music.
As frequent visitors to San Francisco with our dogs, we have had many memorable experiences in this vibrant city. One of our favorite places to explore is Lands End, where we love to be outdoors, let our dogs run and run freely in the stunning coastal scenery.
From dog-friendly coffee shops to gourmet restaurants, the city has endless options, so we’ll never be short of dining options in San Francisco.
During our travels, we always make time to visit the beautiful scenery of the Golden Gate Bridge. We love the art and architecture that define San Francisco’s unique cityscape. This brief summary does not do it justice. If you want to explore more, we have a comprehensive dog guide to San Francisco.
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It is worth noting that petty crime has increased in the city in recent years. However, despite this, San Francisco remains a great and rewarding destination for us and our pup. We always look forward to the next adventure in this charming city.
Carmel-by-the-Sea is one of the best places to visit with your dog. At Carmel Beach you can take your dog, take off your shoes and enjoy a great place to play with a beautiful view.
Walking around the charming downtown area, visitors can find many companies that want to accommodate people and pets, including cozy cafes and restaurants. You should definitely stop by Carmel Dog Shop and try the latest dog trends and fashion. It’s also so close to Monterey that it never ends.
Best for: One of the most dog-friendly beach spots we’ve seen, off-leash beach, cute town, Spa Refuge (no dogs, but worth it)
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Carmel is one of those fun places. There are plenty of dog-friendly accommodations, perfect for a weekend getaway. You can put your toes in the sand for a few hours, maybe go for a walk and come back in the evening to enjoy a good wine with the sun. It’s hard to go wrong. If you’re looking for a place to stay, we have an archived list of the best places to stay for dogs in Carmel.
Also, don’t tell me because your pup isn’t allowed, but if you can sneak away for a few hours, there’s an amazing spa called Sanctuary. They have everything: hot and cold pool, sauna, hammam. The Lodge was one of my favorite things to do while there
4. Wine Country (Napa, Calistoga) Napa Napa is perfect for a weekend or day trip from the Bay Area:
With its lush vineyards and rolling hills, Napa Valley wine country is the perfect destination for a few days off with your beloved pup. A variety of pet-friendly amenities and activities make it a great choice for dog owners.
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Our pet-friendly policy allows up to 3 dogs in the room and can join you for al fresco dining at the on-site restaurant.
Calistoga, a picturesque town known for its spas, welcomes you and your dog for a rejuvenating experience at the Calistoga Motor Lodge and Spa.
Wine lovers are spoiled for choice for dog-friendly wineries like Hall Wines and St. Clair Brown Winery. You can enjoy great wine while your dog enjoys the view.
Additionally, Kennedy Park offers a peaceful place to take a leisurely stroll.
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Nice to share about Dog Friendly Vacations 2024 to you.