When travel resumes and you’re itching to explore, don’t forget your furry house mate turned coworker who patiently worked alongside you — or on your lap.
Mendocino County, along Northern California’s rugged coastline, is a laid-back community of nature lovers with a true appreciation for enjoying life — and an understanding families who vacation together don’t just include parents and children, they also include pets.
The area is known for its spectacular landscapes with old-growth redwood forests and a wild, yet beautiful, shoreline with incredible views and stunning sunsets. There is a limitless supply of outdoor activities, including hiking through the forests and along the beaches. The towns of Mendocino County offer plenty of pet-friendly experiences and places to visit and stay, making it possible to enjoy the beauty of the area without having to leave your pet behind.
When it comes to places to stay, there are plenty of pet-friendly hotels in the area to choose from. The Beachcomber Motel and Spa in the town of Mendocino isn’t just pet-friendly, they go out of their way to make sure your pets are provided for. They offer a fenced-in dog park so you can let your pooch off-leash for a while to run and stretch his legs. There are also two suites available, equipped with doggie doors leading to private kennels so you can relax without having to leash your pet for a walk every time nature calls.
Pet-friendly beach day with the family. Photo: Monkey Business Images – Dreamstime.com
Other pet-friendly hotels in the area include Surf & Sand Lodge in Fort Bragg, Inn of the Lost Coast in Whitethorn, and Stanford Inn By The Sea, in Mendocino, which also offers a pet-friendly vegetarian restaurant, Ravens, that allows pets to eat at designated tables with their people.
When hiking, there is no shortage of options for enjoying nature. Fido is welcome as long as he stays on-leash and sticks to the trails. Plenty of hikes go along the shore line but dogs are only welcome on the sand at Van Damme State Beach, located within Van Damme State Park in Little River. As long as your pooch stays on-leash, he can play in the sand and waves right along with you.
If you’ve got a dog that loves the water, then you can make his day with a canoe ride down the Big River Estuary. Catch A Canoe and Bicycles Too is an outdoors adventure company providing outrigger canoes specially equipped with a platform for your dog to sit on while you canoe down the waterway. You both get to enjoy the scenery, the fresh air and quality time together.
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