Skip to main content

5 awesome dog-friendly places in California you should visit with your pet this winter

Check out these California locations that are paradise for pups in winter

Whether you’re taking a vacation or a staycation, every member of the family should get the chance to let loose and have a good time, including your four-legged friend. That’s why you should consider your dog’s needs and habits when planning a vacation to California, especially in the winter. You’ll need to find places that take him and will serve his particular needs well, like having spaces for him to walk comfortably. Think carefully, though — not all of California is the same!

In the Golden State, you can choose what type of weather you’d like to see, what landmarks and terrain to explore, and even the culture of the city you stay in. Accommodations for your dog can be harder to plan, so check out some of these dog-friendly places in California before making your decision. You might be surprised by what you’ll find on the list!

Dog in Yosemite National Park on a rock

1. Yosemite National Park

If your pup doesn’t mind some chillier temperatures, they can accompany you to one of California’s most scenic destinations — Yosemite National Park. Dogs are allowed (on leash) on many of the park’s major trails, so you’ll be sure to get all the photo ops you need. There are also tons of gorgeous cabins and lodges nearby, which means you’ll have somewhere to cozy up for the night.

Remember to take some extra supplies when bringing your pet to the snow, like a dog jacket and paw-protective booties. It’s also important not to stay out in the cold too long, especially if your pup isn’t used to those kinds of temperatures.

Pup in the sand on the dog-friendly Carmel-by-the-Sea beach

2. Carmel-by-the-Sea

This artsy, beachy town on the coast of Monterey Bay is a chic place for pups and people to hang out. Whether you’re looking for the best local cup of coffee, a farmer’s market, or just a stroll on the beach, it’s more than likely you’ll see a lot of dogs accompanying their owners.

Many Carmel restaurants boast extensive doggy menus as well as scenic views, so it’s easy to see why this town was voted the #1 Dog-Friendly Town in America. Your pups can enjoy many of the shops, galleries, and even spas right along with you. They’ll feel just as pampered as you do! A word of warning, though — it can be chilly in the winter.

A Dachshund dog lies half buried in the sand on a beach wearing sunglasses

3. Palm Springs

If you’re looking for a dash of milder weather this winter, a trip to this desert may do the trick. Daytime temperatures can be in the 60s and 70s — the perfect temp for adventuring with your fur baby, though evenings can still get chilly.

Hotels and restaurants in the area are very welcoming to pets, but the area’s greatest draw is its natural beauty. There are countless hikes, drives, and stargazing spots that you can discover with your dog, though some will be more crowded than others. Palm Springs is a popular winter destination in southern California, so your pup may make a friend or two!

Dog lies in the sand on Muir Beach in Marin County

4. Marin County

This seaside area north of San Francisco is a great balance between iconic and chill. You and your pup will get just enough of those Bay Area vibes, but you’ll have the open coastal air to enjoy too. Marin County is full of dog-friendly hotels, restaurants, shops, and more. Even so, the parks and beaches might wind up being their favorite spots.

If your pup is somewhat of a beach bum, they’ll love the off-leash beaches in Marin. For more exercise, you’ll want to head slightly inland to any one of the county’s Open Space Preserves (there are many to choose from) for hikes, walks, and tons of playtime. Mount Tamalpais boasts breathtaking views of San Francisco and the North Bay, though your pup might need some practice before taking on this hike.

A man, a woman, and a dog hike in the hills overlooking the ocean

5. Santa Barbara

This fun city is vibrant and diverse, so it’s no surprise to learn how dog-friendly it is. Beaches, shopping, wine tasting — your dog can accompany you nearly anywhere in Santa Barbara. There are endless walking trails and paved walkways through historic neighborhoods, as well as off-leash parks and a pup-friendly botanical garden. It really has something for everyone!

In the winter you may not be as keen to get in the ocean, but water-loving pups will go crazy for Sunset Kidd’s dog-friendly boat tours. Of course, you and your fur baby can romp on the beach instead, though be sure to double-check leash laws before you head out. At the end of the day, you can enjoy a coastal sunset with your best friend in the whole world.

A dog steering a car and wearing red sunglasses

California is perfect for any pup

Whether you’re in the mood for a snowy winter wonderland or a beach getaway, California is a great place to be a dog owner. Visitors and locals alike can enjoy the open spaces, mild winters, and pup-loving people of the Golden State. Dogs will have plenty of parks, trails, and even beaches to explore, so you know there will be no shortage of adventure. Have fun!

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Gabrielle LaFrank
Gabrielle LaFrank has written for sites such as Psych2Go, Elite Daily, and, currently, PawTracks. When she's not writing, you…
Ditching the pure breeds? Here’s how to find the right mutt for your family
Here's why a mixed-breed dog might suit you perfectly
A Chihuahua mix looks at the camera

We talk a lot about the official breeds around here, including the recently crowned most-popular dog, the Frenchie. But that ignores a huge subset of the pup-ulation: the mutts. You've probably met (and loved) all kinds of mutt dogs in your life. In fact, they make up a little over half of the dogs in the U.S., so you likely see more of them in your day-to-day life. Whether they're designer or pound pups, you might discover the perfect fit for your family in a mixed breed.

What is a mutt dog?
A mutt is any dog that is not an official pure breed, meaning one that has registered papers with two parents of the same breed. In the U.S., we have the American Kennel Club that determines which dogs fall under official breed guidelines and can ultimately compete or go on to make official baby dogs.

Read more
4 reasons why your dog might need a diaper (and which kind you should get)
When considering dog diapers, you need to think first about their purpose
Dog gets a green reusable diaper

Most dog owners luckily never need to reach for the diaper bag — we potty train our puppies and often enjoy the results for their whole lives. However, there are a few reasons why you might need to invest in dog diapers. Some of these are passing conditions, but as your pet ages, you may find that dog diapers become a part of your routine. It sounds a bit unpleasant, but with a little help, you can tackle it.
Why might my pet need them?
While most dogs will hopefully never have to wear any, they could wind up in doggie depends, temporarily or for life. Some pet parents use diapers when they know they won't be able to let their animal out to potty -- on a long plane ride for example. That's a good time for a one-off. Here are a few reasons you might need to stock your drawers with dog diapers.
They've gotten older
As pets age, sometimes incontinence sets in (and it could happen to you, too). This comes from the muscles of the bladder getting weaker and not performing as well, meaning a little bit of pee leaks through. It's much more common in female dogs, but can happen to any pooch.
She's in heat
Not totally unlike when a human has monthly bleeding, you might spot a bit of bloody discharge from a female dog in heat (fortunately, it doesn't happen as often, only a couple times per year). She also may urinate more frequently or even scent mark during this time.
He needs to be fixed
Before neutering, male dogs often mark, sometimes almost constantly, particularly if they can smell a female dog in heat nearby. If you're choosing not to neuter, you'll have to use a belly band a lot, though sometimes dogs can be trained out of this behavior with time and dedication.
They have a health condition
If your animal suddenly starts losing control of their wee, it's likely something simple, such as a urinary tract infection. Some long-term conditions like Cushing's disease, diabetes, and kidney problems could also be the issue. Work with your pet care team to ensure that a diaper won't interfere with topical medication or spread bacteria.

What kind of diaper should I get?
There are a few different kinds out there, depending on exactly what issue you're working on with your pet. Many male dogs, especially if they are really just scent marking, will require a . Female dogs in heat likely require a , but don't worry, there's a little hole for the tail. Do a bit of research including buying one kind and seeing if it works. Try to be as sustainable as possible and purchase cloth options that can go straight into the wash when possible.

Read more
Looking for a fluffy and affectionate pup? Give the American Eskimo dog a try
Considering a spitz? Take a look at the American Eskimo dog
American Eskimo dog smiling at the camera

At first glance, you might confuse an American Eskimo dog with a shih tzu or even a Pomeranian. Or you might mix them up with the Canadian Eskimo dog, a 4,000-year-old animal that's native to America and was bred by the Inuit to pull sleds. But the American Eskimo dog (or Eskie) is a totally separate breed that's both beautiful and family-friendly. While no dog is right for everyone, you should consider this beastie if you want a unique and lovable pup. They might be exactly what your home needs to become complete.
Where does the American Eskimo dog come from?
Don't be fooled by the name, this pup came about in the 1800s and was bred by German immigrants as a farm dog. That means it's one of many spitz dogs, which also includes the malamute, Icelandic sheepdog, and Samoyed. The name was changed because of anti-German sentiments around World War I. Interestingly, this was a very popular show dog, and many performed in the circus and on stage! If you do wind up adopting an Eskie, you could get a regular old diva.
What is this breed like?
These fluffy friends can stay as small as 6 pounds in the toy size or up to 35 pounds, which can be standard, but they all have huge personalities regardless of stature. Because the American Eskimo dog was a working breed, they need a lot more exercise than you'd think just by looking. But they're highly trainable, loving toward people, and very energetic, so you should have no problem taking them on walks and to outdoor gatherings. If your routine already includes hikes or even strolls, the American Eskimo dog might be your perfect companion.

Who should get an Eskie?
This is a family dog through and through. Eskies require a lot of interaction and love — they sometimes misbehave if not given enough attention, which could include chewing up your favorite furniture or barking incessantly at seemingly nothing. That means you want to think carefully before committing to them, as you would with any pup.

Read more