We love a good road trip. The only thing better: hitting the open California road with our furry best friends.
But as much as we love our pups, they can make trip planning a challenge. Sure, there's always Airbnb, but sometimes we want just a little more luxury. Luckily, more hotels are recognizing four-legged family members as beloved guests.
We've rounded up the ultimate dog-friendly stays down the coast, from Mendocino to San Diego, only selecting the properties where our pups will get the royal treatment as soon as their paws strut through the lobby. Save this list for your next adventure—and don't forget to pack the treats.
Need to stay closer to home? We've updated this list with San Francisco staycation spots that welcome the whole furry family.
Dog-Friendly Hotels in Northern California
(Courtesy of @carmelvranch)
Claremont Club & Spa, Berkeley
At the historic Claremont Club & Spa, an inn nestled in the Berkeley Hills, the humans will greet your dog with enthusiasm and treats at the front desk. With comfy beds and food and water bowls supplied, your dog will enjoy all the luxury that the Claremont has to offer while you soak up the high-end dining and panoramic views of San Francisco Bay. // $49/day per pet; 41 Tunnel Rd. (Berkeley), fairmont.com/claremont-berkeley
Little River Inn, Mendocino
Pets are more than welcome at this historic, family-run hotel on the Mendocino Coast, complete with on-leash walking areas, special areas where you can dine with your pup, and many dog-friendly rooms with ocean views and fireplaces, including one of the property's most luxurious suites, Rosie's Cottage. While the hotel doesn't allow you to leave your pet in the room unattended, Mendocino is as dog-friendly as you can get. Don't miss Noyo Beach's off-leash dog area. If you do need to go it on your own, you'll find pet sitting at At Last Farm Dog Day Camp, a nearby working, organic farm in Mendocino. // $30/night per pet, maximum of two pets per room; 7751 CA-1 (Little River), littleriverinn.com
Portola Hotel & Spa, Monterey
This well-located hotel in the heart of downtown Monterey, near Fisherman's Wharf, prides itself on welcoming furry family members and making their stay as relaxing as your own. Upon arrival, you'll receive a slew of welcome amenities, and your pup is sure to enjoy the outdoor patios in the pet-friendly courtyard rooms and studios. While dogs aren't allowed in rooms alone, you can bring them with you to dine on the patio at Jacks Monterey and Peter B's Brewpub. The hotel also provides a complete list of pet-friendly activities on the peninsula, including Monterey State Beach and Del Monte Beach nearby. // $50/room for two pets max; 2 Portola Plaza (Monterey), portolahotel.com
Carmel Valley Ranch, Carmel Valley
There are 500 acres for Rover to explore at Carmel Valley Ranch, a luxurious resort in the heart of Carmel Valley. Dogs can enjoy room service—with items like a beef marrow bone, salmon and rice, and ground beef with mashed potatoes—as well as provided dog beds. Humans will also enjoy the resort's amenities, including on-site golf, numerous pools, a honey bee program, and hilltop yoga. Miles of hiking trails nearby will be fun for the whole family. // $175 one-time pet fee; 1 Old Ranch Rd (Carmel-by-the-Sea), carmelvalleyranch.com
Cypress Inn, Carmel-by-the-Sea
In quaint-as-can-be Carmel-by-the-Sea, this is arguably the most iconic of the dog-friendly hotels along the California coast. Located just a short walk to Carmel Beach—where pups can run free—this elegant hotel is a historic landmark that opened in 1929 and was co-owned by the late Doris Day and Dennis Levett for more than 30 years. The hotel goes above and beyond to care for pets, and though you can't leave them in the room, they provides a list of approved sitters you can call any time. // Pet fees start at $30/night for the first pet; Lincoln & 7th St (Carmel), cypress-inn.com
Cambria Shores Inn, Cambria
Situated in the charming seaside village of Cambria in San Luis Obispo County, Cambria Shores Inn is the perfect place for you and your canine companion to explore the beauty of the Central Coast. The modern property gives special attention to puppy guests, including a doggy welcome basket, recommendations for dog-friendly restaurants, and proximity to endless outdoor activities and the lovely Moonstone Beach Boardwalk (dogs must be on leash) just next to the hotel. // $20/night per dog; 6276 Moonstone Beach Dr. (Cambria), cambriashores.com
Dog-Friendly Hotels in Southern California
(Courtesy of @theletahotel)
Leta Santa Barbara, Goleta
This picturesque SoCal stay, part of Hilton's Tapestry Collection, is just a short drive from Goleta Beach and Stearns Wharf, making it well located for active pets. Dogs of all sizes are welcome here and, unlike most wag-friendly hotels, four-legged guests stay free. Find a designated dog relief area as well as a spacious outdoor patio at Leta restaurant for dining with your fur babies. // 5650 Calle Real (Goleta), hilton.com
Ace Hotel, Los Angeles
If you want to take the pooch to one of the hottest hotels in Southern California, look no further than the Ace Hotel in downtown Los Angeles. In the United Artists building which was built in 1927, the property upholds its historic beauty while offering the trendiest modern amenities. The Ace, which has been central to the revitalization of the downtown area, is proudly dog-friendly, making it an apt choice to explore the city with pup in tow. And it's not just the lobby and rooms that are pet-approved, the Ace takes it a rare step further to allow them on the rooftop, where you can indulge in cocktails and and snacks at the bar. // $25/night or $50/stay (two pets max); 929 South Broadway (L.A.), acehotel.com/los-angeles
Loews Coronado Bay Resort, San Diego
The Loews Coronado Bay Resort is situated on a private 15-acre peninsula offering views of the ocean, luxury rooms, three heated pools, and a hot tub spa. Featured in National Geographic's The Dog Lover's Guide to Travel, the Coronado gives each dog a goodie bag—including a shiny new tag, bowl, and a treat—and offers guides to dog walking route as well as extra creature comforts (bedding, leashes, collars, and even gourmet room service menus). // $150/stay, two dog max per room; 4000 Coronado Bay Rd (Coronado), loewshotels.com/coronado-bay-resort
Dog-Friendly Hotels in San Francisco
(Courtesy of Clift Royal Sonesta)
Hotel Nikko
This popular, modern hotel has its very own pupper, Buster, who fulfills the role of COO (Canine Operating Officer), greeting guests upon arrival. You can even call the front desk anytime and see if he's free to hang out. That's right, puppy cuddles on demand. Buster's also available to play with traveling dogs who need to get their energy out—including on the hotel's rooftop grassy dog run. // $65/night for dogs 50 pounds and under, $150 refundable cleaning deposit for all guests with pets; 222 Mason St. (Union Square), hotelnikkosf.com
Inn at the Presidio and Lodge at Presidio
Formerly officer barracks at the end of the 19th century, both the 26-room Inn at the Presidio and the Lodge at the Presidio are dog-friendly. Your pup can have the run of the property (except the breakfast room), including the picturesque porch with rocking chairs. The best part of this stunning location? Its proximity to Crissy Field, where happy dogs run free on the beach. // $40/pet; 42 Moraga Ave (Presidio), presidiolodging.com
Hotel Kabuki
Hotel Kabuki in Japantown is a lovely stay for the traveling pup. Located within fetching distance of the dog-friendly Fillmore District's shops and dining and midway between twin parks Lafayette and Alamo Square, this is an ideal home base for not just Fido, but the whole family. // $75/stay, one dog 30 pounds or less per room; 1625 Post St (Japantown), jdvhotels.com
Argonaut Hotel
The Argonaut has been a classic SF stay since it was constructed in 1907, thanks to its proximity to Fisherman's Wharf and its views of the Golden Gate Bridge. It's a hotel fit for the whole family, even Rover no matter his size. Given the Argonaut's location near Pier 39, this is a great spot to situate yourself for exploring the city and taking your furry friend on nearby adventures at the SF Maritime National Historical Park and Fort Mason. // $75/pet per stay, $100 cleaning fee for stays seven days and longer; 495 Jefferson St (Fisherman's Wharf), argonauthotel.com
Clift Royal Sonesta San Francisco
The iconic and newly renovated Clift Royal Sonesta welcomes furry loved ones to enjoy sophisticated style in Union Square. Experience world-class service for you and your pet, with special amenities like comfy pet beds, bowls, and waterproof mats. At check-in, grab some treats plus the hotel's local recommendations for a "pawsome" stay. // $75/stay, two pets per suite with no breed or weight restrictions; 495 Geary St. (TenderNob), sonesta.com
Thank you to our partners at Clift Royal Sonesta.
