Planning a fun trip to California and want to bring your dog? We’ve got a list of the best dog vacation spots in California. Dog-friendly vacations allow you to explore and experience the best areas of California with your pet.
Whether you prefer the coast or the mountains, we have a list of must-see pet-friendly vacations in California.
Where Can I Take my Dog to California?
Many cities in California are pet-friendly and many offer canine-specific activities, beaches, and trails. If you like to get outdoors with your dog, then California is a great place to take your dog.
San Diego
San Diego ranks as the most dog-friendly vacation spot in the US and for good reason. Here are some of the best dog vacation activities in San Diego:
- Fiesta Island Park
- Coronado Dog Beach
- The Original Dog Beach
- Cabrillo Tide Pools Coastal Trail
- Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve
- Cowles Mountain
- Nate’s Point Off-Leash Dog Park
- Rescue Dog Walk by the Bay
- Kate O. Sessions Memorial Park
In addition to all the fun places to take your dog, many of San Diego’s restaurants are also pet-friendly.
Related Link: 25 of the Best Things to Do With Your Dog
Southern California
Other great dog activities in Southern California:
- Rosie’s Dog Beach, Long Beach
- Arroyo Burro Beach, Santa Barbara
- Westridge-Canyonback Wilderness Park, Encino
- Huntington Dog Beach, Huntington Beach
- Country Kennels Dawg Water Park, Murrieta
- Buccaneer Beach Park, Oceanside
- North Beach, Del Mar
- San Onofre State Beach, San Clemente
- Runyon Canyon Park, Los Angeles
- Solstice Canyon, Malibu
Northern California
Other fun dog activities in Northern California:
- Baker Beach, San Francisco
- Carmel Beach, Carmel
- Poplar Beach, Half Moon Bay
- Monterey State Beach, Monterey
- Fort Funston Doggie Beach, San Francisco
- Montara State Beach, Half Moon Bay
- Golden Gate Park, San Francisco
- San Elijo State Beach, Cardiff-by-the-Sea
- Seabright Beach, Santa Cruz
- Kiva Beach, South Lake Tahoe
- Garland Ranch Regional Park, Carmel
- Fort Funston, San Francisco
If you are looking for a fun, outdoor vacation with your dog, then California is an ideal destination.
Are Dogs Allowed on LA beaches?
Los Angeles only has a couple of dog-friendly beaches. Unfortunately, LA county has very strict rules about keeping your dog on a leash, including at the beach. Long Beach is the only off-leash beach in LA. Other beaches you can take your dog but keep on leash include:
- Leo Carrillo State Beach
- Point Fermin Park at the end of Palos Verdes Peninsula
- Miramar Park on Torrance Beach
What is the Most Pet-Friendly State?
The most pet-friendly state in the United States is Washington. More than half the apartments in Washington are pet-friendly and Washington has the highest pet population where 63% own pets.
Other pet-friendly states are:
- Illinois
- Pennsylvania
- Oregon
- Florida
- California
- Vermont
- Indiana
- Tennessee
- Maine
The west coast is the most dog-friendly because Washington, Oregon, and California are all in the top ten most pet-friendly states.
Need a pet taxi service while visiting Los Angeles? Learn more about All Paws Express taxi services.
Related Link: Request an Estimate on Pet Shipping
What are the Most Dog-Friendly Cities?
According to Expedia, these are the most dog-friendly cities in the United States.
- San Diego, California
- Austin, Texas
- Key Largo, Florida
- Alexandria, Virginia
- Bar Harbor, Maine
- Provincetown, Massachusetts
- Little Rock, Arkansas
- Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
San Diego is a fantastic vacation spot for you and your dog with several off-leash beaches, dog-friendly restaurants, and dog-focused events like the Surf Dog Series.
What Countries are Dog Friendly?
Wanting to get out of the United States? Several countries are very pet-friendly and France is the most ideal place for a dog-friendly vacation. But keep in mind, you’ll need to plan ahead if you want to bring your dog internationally. The best countries for dog-friendly vacations include:
- France
- Switzerland
- Canada
- Great Britain
- Japan
- Germany
- Australia
- Austria
- The Netherlands
Each of these countries has specific rules for bringing a pet into the country. You’ll want to use a pet shipping company to cut through red tape and get all your dog’s papers in order. All Paws Express specializes in international pet shipping so that you can your pet can get away together.
Related Link: How Much Does it Cost to Ship a Dog?
Can You Take Dogs on a Cruise?
The Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 is only cruise ship that departs from the United States that allows pets. The Queen Mary 2 usually sails between New York and Southampton. But they won’t be allowed in your cabin. Pets are restricted to an onboard kennel.
The kennel does provide beds, food, treats, and toys to keep your dog happy. They also have a dedicated staff to play, walk, and entertain your dog. So while they won’t necessarily be with you, your pet will be treated to the royal vacation treatment.
What Cruise Lines are Pet-Friendly?
Cunard is the only cruise line that is pet-friendly. But even their Queen Mary 2 has strict rules and accommodations for pets. They offer 24 kennels and an owner lounge to visit your pet.
Plan a Pet-Friendly Vacation to California
If you want to plan a pet-friendly vacation, you should consider California as a destination. San Diego is the most pet-friendly city because of its many dog activities and pet-friendly retail and restaurants.
To get to California, many dog owners need to fly. If your dog is flying domestically, you may want to contact All Paws Express for flight assistance for your dog. All Paws Express understands the nuances of domestic and international travel for pets. They offer a turnkey solution from pick up to delivery, ensuring your pet has a safe and worry-free journey.
Do you need help transporting your animal to California? All Paws Express offers a hassle-free door-to-door service.
Related Link: Domestic Pet Travel