Anyone with a pet will tell you, the dog is part of the family. So what happens when it’s time to go on vacation? Many families struggle with the dilemma of leaving the family pet behind or planning their vacation around what they can do with a pet in tow. California makes the decision easy. Pack Fido’s toys and bring him along for the ride with these great dog-friendly California vacation ideas.
Head to Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is a great vacation destination any time of year with fun for the whole family, including your furry friend. With lots of outdoors activities on the lake and on the slopes, there is plenty of opportunity for your family and your pets to get some sunshine and exercise. The town offers plenty of places to hang out together, like the Basecamp Hotel where dogs are welcome (for a small, one-time fee) to share your room and are welcome in the outdoor patio at the hotel’s beer garden/restaurant.
Relax in Cambria
Cambria, the sleepy seaside village between Los Angeles and San Francisco, is a nice, relaxing place to vacation that welcomes your best friend with open arms. The town is pet-friendly with many of the local eateries offering outdoor seating so you can enjoy a meal out with your pet in tow. Cambria is known for its amazing waterfront hotels with stunning views of the sun setting into the Pacific Ocean. The Fireside Inn on Moonstone Beach gives you all of that and lets your favorite pooch tag along.

Moonstone Beach © Jamesh77 – Dreamstime.com
Vacation in Style in Beverly Hills
If your vacation goal includes being pampered in the lap of luxury, Beverly Hills is the obvious choice, but if you want your fur baby to join in the indulgence, The Beverly Hills Hotel is the perfect place to book your stay. Not only are dogs welcome at this iconic Beverly Hills destination, but they are treated like celebrities. While you are relaxing in exquisite digs, so is your pet. Monogrammed dog beds and bone-shaped dog treats decorated with your dog’s name are all included for a daily pet fee of $35.
Hit the Beach
California has more than 1,000 miles of coastline and visitors love to explore it — especially the four-footed ones. If you’ve got a furry friend, chances are he would love the chance to dip his toes in the Pacific Ocean and chase the surf. Dog-friendly beaches can be found up and down the coast at places like Huntington Beach (Dog Beach), Ventura (Surfers’ Point at Seaside Park) and San Francisco (Fort Funston Dog Beach).
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