Dog-Friendly Ideas for Your California Vacation

Happy woman on the beach with a dog

California is home to some of the most popular destinations in the country for vacation-goers looking for fun-filled, dog-friendly holidays. With plenty of diverse natural wonders, comfortable accommodations, and countless things to do, “The Golden State” is perfect for excursions with your four-legged friends.

One of the best aspects of traveling with your canine companions is exploring new and exciting places, and California has a tremendous selection of scenic sites and activities to ensure an unforgettable vacation experience with your lovable pooch. San Diego, Santa Barbara, and Los Angeles are three top dog-friendly hotspots to explore, relax, and pamper your pup!

Here are some fun, dog-friendly ideas for you and your pooch when visiting California.

San Diego

Renowned for its year-round, near-perfect weather, gorgeous natural scenery, and world-class sites and attractions, San Diego is hailed as one of the most popular dog-friendly destinations in the United States. Also known as “America’s Finest City,” San Diego has plenty of beautiful beaches and parks welcoming dogs, so you can explore together or simply relax and bask in the sun.

Take a trip to Fiesta Island in Mission Bay for some fun, off-leash adventures. Go for a hike in stunning Sunset Cliffs Natural Park for breathtaking panoramas of the ocean! Lucky visitors may even catch a glimpse of some California gray whales during their annual migration.

Do some touring of Old Town San Diego and peruse its colorful marketplaces and historic architecture. Or spend the day at one of the city’s many dedicated dog parks and let your whiskered pup play and mingle with other canines for some romping fun.

There is even a selection of bars and restaurants that welcome dogs, such as Barbarella, located on Avenida De La Playa in La Jolla Shores, which even features an exclusive menu for hungry hounds!

When it comes to dog-friendly accommodations, Hilton San Diego Bayfront is loaded with premium facilities and amenities for all kinds of travelers and their pups. Located by Petco Park, the hotel has an alluring selection of rooms and spacious suites with awe-inspiring views of the downtown skyline.

Fairmont Grand Del Mar features some absolutely gorgeous rooms and suites with plenty of comforts, charm, and ample outdoor spaces and facilities for your furry travel companions. You can even enjoy a self-guided tour of the scenic hiking trails around the campus!

Santa Barbara

Renowned for its incredible beaches and natural wonders, Santa Barbara features sunny weather, fantastic outdoor activities, and tons of great opportunities to frolic with your four-legged friends.

Do some sightseeing with your furry friend along the iconic Stearns Wharf, and enjoy wonderful views of the ocean and coastline. Explore the sprawling paths and incredible natural beauty of Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. Walk along the warm sand of Butterfly Beach, or take a walking tour of historic Old Mission Santa Barbara.

Check out the many off-leash parks and beaches scattered throughout the city, including Douglas Family Preserve, Tucker’s Grove Park, and Elings Park. You can also peruse the vibrant and culturally diverse Funk Zone district and enjoy its wide variety of outdoor restaurants, wineries, art galleries, and boutique shops.

Just a mile from Funk Zone is Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort, featuring phenomenal oceanfront views and a range of pet-friendly rooms.

Casa Del Mar Inn offers comfortable, charming bed and breakfast-style rooms for families,couples, or solo travelers—and of course, lovable pups! It also features convenient access to nearby beaches and the shopping district.


Los Angeles

L.A. is a massive, sprawling metropolis with some truly incredible sights, endless entertainment and activities, and countless opportunities for outdoor fun with your furry friends! “The City of Angels” is an insanely popular travel destination, known for being the home of the Hollywood television and film industries, glorious beaches, and eye-catching skyline.

Take a memorable stroll with your canine down Hollywood Walk of Fame and read off all the names of its celebrities as you go. Is there a famous pooch amid its iconic stars? There should be! Do some luxury shopping at the famous stores and boutiques along Rodeo Drive. Pamper your pup at one of the city’s dog spa and grooming establishments, such as Dogue Spa—specializing in Japanese-style makeovers—and Puppy Spa & Grooming, to help them feel as relaxed and refreshed as possible.

Check out the collection of great beaches and dog parks you can enjoy with your scruffy pal! Hike the majestic trails of Runyon Canyon Dog Park and Griffith Dog Park. Unwind by the sand and sea at Del Mar Beach and Huntington Dog Beach!

There’s no shortage of fun and exciting opportunities to spend quality time with your barking buddy!

When you’re ready to settle in for the night, The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey offers guests a convenient location (just 15 minutes from Los Angeles Airport-LAX), gorgeous waterfront views, and plenty of luxury rooms and premium amenities. Enjoy a serene coastal view of the marina from your very own balcony with your pup, and relax.

For an elegant and comfortable stay for you and your canine, The Beverly Hilton is the place to go for a taste of upscale living in the heart of Beverly Hills. Guests enjoy a wide array of amenities to make the most of your stay—such as an on-campus spa, pool, fitness center, and collection of premium dining options for whatever flavor or ambience you’re after! The hotel is also conveniently located less than a mile from the shops on Rodeo Drive.

Work With InteleTravel to Plan an Unforgettable Dog-Friendly Holiday!

Travel planning can bring plenty of stress and anxiety—from organizing and arranging an extensive itinerary to booking the many moving aspects of your trip while ensuring you still get a good value. Plus, you’ve obviously got to make sure your special pups will have the time of their lives, too!

Thanks to InteleTravel’s certified team of travel advisors, you’ll never have to do the hard work yourself. Our qualified advisors are experts in all things travel. They will arrange the perfect itinerary based on your preferences and book the myriad elements of your vacation—all while utilizing their industry connections and knowledge to secure the best deals and value!

They’ll also keep you abreast of any rules or regulations related to traveling with your dog so you won’t need to worry about a thing. The best part: Our advisors don’t charge travelers for their services, so you gain access to a dedicated travel professional at no additional cost!

So, what are you waiting for?

Contact an InteleTravel Advisor today to plan your dream dog-friendly adventure!

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