Pleasant Hill, California, welcomes all types of family travelers, even furry family members. As one of the most centrally located and pet-friendly destinations in the San Francisco Bay Area, it makes a great home base for pet families eager to explore the many destinations and mountainous parks where dogs can roam free.
The destination sits on the doorstep of Briones Regional Park, a “secret wilderness” of 6,250 acres amid the sprawling suburbs of Contra Costa County. Dog owners quickly learn East Bay Regional Parks, including Briones, are pet-friendly and proud to be one of the most dog-friendly organizations in the nation. Near trailheads and picnic areas, dogs are required to be on a leash, but in other destinations, they can roam free.
Make sure to check out Paso Nogal Dog Park, a fenced-in neighborhood dog park boasting 2.5 acres of grass and dirt. The park is divided into sections for big and little dogs so there aren’t any issues.
Book your stay at one of the dog-friendly properties like Hyatt House Hotel
, where staff make a fuss out of your furry best friend. The lobby is stacked with water bowls and snacks, and there’s a spacious, grassy outdoor area for canine guests to run around. Don’t forget to bring a sample of dog treats back to your room for your four-legged pal to enjoy later.
Restaurants and shops such as Jack’s, Crescent Bistro and Wence’s allow dogs to dine with their companions and even offer water bowls for the furry guests. The local cupcake shop Batter ‘n Icing even has a Pup Cake, a carrot cake with peanut butter, cream cheese and frosting.
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