Central Coast Places to Visit with your Dog this Weekend

PetDoors.com is based in San Luis Obispo, located on California's beautiful Central Coast. The Central Coast lies at the midpoint between the Bay Area and Los Angeles, making it the perfect rest stop for weekend trips along the coast. Plus, it's one of the best places to go with your dog, so you can bring them along with you! After all, a vacation with dogs is so much more fun! The weather here is spectacular year-round, we're no more than a hop, skip and a jump from countless beaches, and we are situated in one of the most dog-friendly cities around! As a parent to your loving dog, it is difficult to plan a trip without first considering accommodations for them - looking for the perfect dog sitter or a doggie daycare that doesn't bust your bank - there is a lot of planning involved! Thankfully, the Central Coast is incredibly dog-friendly, and there are plenty of attractions for you and your dog to both enjoy. Dog-friendly vacations mean you don't have to organize a puppy sitter while you're away! No need to leave your dog behind...From Monterey to Santa Barbara, and everything in between here's a list of 5 places to go weekend tripping with your dog. Wondering where specifically to take your dog? We've listed a couple of options below to make the most of your vacation with your dog.

1. Solvang

Solvang, a quaint little town in the Santa Ynez Valley, is one of the many places you can take your dog on the central coast. Founded by a group of Danish immigrants in 1911, the town features authentic old-world Danish architecture, transporting visitors to the quaint streets of Denmark the minute they step through its borders. Exploring the town with your dog is a great way to see the city and let yourself enjoy a little Danish-vacation, without any of the expensive airfare. Many of the shops in the area offer water bowls and are very friendly to pets.

The best dog vacations include lots of good food! When you get hungry, Bacon & Brine is an excellent, dog-friendly restaurant. The restaurant uses locally-grown ingredients, and their dishes are absolutely delicious!  

What better way to end a great meal than a nice glass of wine? Check out the Wandering Dog Wine Bar to have a glass of wine with your dog by your side. The Central Coast features many stunning vineyards, making it a premier wine country destination. So when you and your dog walk into the Wandering Dog, you know you're going to have great wine and great company. 

2. Fiscali Ranch Preserve

The Fiscalini Ranch Preserve in Cambria, a seaside village located in the northern end of San Luis Obispo County, is perfect for dogs!

The highlight beautiful Fiscalini Ranch Preserve features a stunning ocean bluff trail that runs along a mile of the Pacific Ocean shoreline. The trail itself is perfect for a leisurely, relaxing stroll! The Ranch does require all dogs to be on leash within the park, so don't forget to bring one! You wouldn't want your dog to miss out on the spectacular views, after all.

For a nice meal, stop by Robin's Restaurant, which is housed in a beautiful adobe brick home. The food is internationally inspired and locally sourced - a delight for your tastebuds. They do have a pet etiquette policy, so make sure your pet is well-behaved before coming here. 

3. Arroyo Burro Beach (Hendry's Beach)

Pet-friendly vacations wouldn't be the same without a little beach time! Arroyo Burro Beach, also known as Hendry's Beach, is an off-leash dog beach located in Santa Barbara. Yes, that's right...an off-leash dog beach! Until you get to the off-leash zone, your dog is required to be on leash, but then you can let your dog loose to run free in ocean surf and sand. When your dog is done romping around and it's time to go home, the beach also offers a dog washing station to freshen them up before they hop back in your car. 

 

4. Garland Ranch Regional Park

Garland Ranch Regional Park is located in Carmel Valley in Monterey County. This is a very popular hiking spot, and for good reason too: there are many off-leash dog areas for you and your dog to explore. Make sure your dog responds to voice commands and is well-behaved before setting them free on the trails. An added bonus of this park is that is they have specially designed water fountains for your pet to take some much-needed water breaks during their romp.

5. Bob Jones City-to-the-Sea Trail

This trail follows the Pacific Coast Railroad and the San Luis Obispo Creek. It starts off in a parking lot off the 101 and ends in downtown Avila Beach. It's a wonderful trail to hike along with your dog. Since there are many pedestrians and cyclists, it's best to bring a leash along with you. The trail meanders through landscapes and gardens, with a market and deli along the way when you want to take a break and enjoy the scenery with your dog. 

 

Bonus: PetDoors.com

If you're planning on visiting San Luis Obispo, stop by and say hello! Your dogs can meet and play with the dogs in the office. Maybe they'll be Mikey's or Loki's or Thanos' new best friend!