Wishing for a relaxing and beautiful vacation destination this summer? Look no further than Mendocino, California! From exploring the charm of nature through gardens and national parks, to unwinding with a decadent glass of wine, this spot is guaranteed to rejuvenate your spirit and please everyone in your family — including your pup!
Summer is the most beautiful season in Mendocino! While many parts of the country are sweltering under 80-90 degree weather, this spot boasts a mild climate with temperatures averaging around 65 degrees and sunny on any given day. What more could you look for in a vacation, especially while considering the comfort of your furry friend!
Begin Your Adventure With a Scenic Drive From San Francisco
The most majestic way to experience your travel to Mendocino is by driving along the Dramamine Highway. Pack your car with your loved ones and some snacks and enjoy this three hour northbound, coastal journey. The road twists and turns as you pass some of the best views nature has to offer. Make sure to set aside some time to stop for pictures!
Settle Into One of Mendocino’s Many Pet-Friendly Hotels
Try a night at the only vegan hotel in the United States, The Stanford Inn. Located just south of Mendocino on Big River, this resort takes ‘pet friendly’ to a whole new level. Not only do they welcome dogs by offering personalized dog treats appropriate for your dog’s unique taste, but they have experience with llamas, iguanas, pigs, and tortoises as well. The Stanford Inn features a lovely organic garden that boosts an eco-friendly environment. Their vegan dining plan offers five types of vegan milk, making cows moo for joy! They also offer canoeing and biking activities, spa services, and a wellness center.
Details: The Stanford Inn is located at 44850 Comptche Ukiah Road, Mendocino, CA 95460. For questions about the hotel, call 707.937.5615.
Relax at Little River Inn. Join resident dog Rosie, a Bernese Mountain Dog, for a lovely dog friendly stay at the Little River Inn. This elegant getaway has been around since 1853 and is still owned and operated by relatives of the man who founded it. With more than 150 years of service, the historical residence has seen it all. In 1954, Hollywood legend James Dean was kicked off the property because he propped his feet up on a table. Keep that in mind while resting after your activities! Dogs and dog parents are provided with amenities including dog waste bags, dining/water bowls, special welcome treats, and a pet towel during your stay. Dogs are also welcomed to join their parents for dinner in the parlor and walk in designated walking areas. Not such a ruff life!
Details: The Little River Inn is located at 7751 CA-1, Little River, CA 95456. For more information, call 707.937.5942. The hotel offers a spa, nine-hole golf course, and tennis court.
Pamper your pooch at the Emerald Dolphin Inn. This lovely inn is willing to go the extra mile to make you and your pet comfortable. In addition to a large field and paved walking paths on the property, they offer doggie day care and grooming services like At Last Farm Dog Day Camp, just a few minutes away! The staff also provides dog owners a list on local dog-friendly activities and restaurants in the local Mendocino County.
Details: Emerald Dolphin Inn is located at 1211 S Main St, Fort Bragg, CA 95437. Complimentary continental breakfast provided. For more details, call 707.964.6699.
Find solitude at the Beachcomber Motel. With its own dog park, Welcome Kit, and 24/7 pet sitter, the Beachcomber Motel and Spa on the Beach is another great option that you and your pup will booth enjoy. With direct access to the beach, this hotel offers a more getaway feel as it is north of Mendocino in Fort Bragg.
Details: The Beachcomber Motel is located at 1111 N Main St, Fort Bragg, CA 95437. For more details, call 707.964.2402.
Stay at The MacCallum House. This lovely inn located in the middle of town offers you and your a dog a great place to rest. Awarded the Golden Bone Award by The Dog Lover’s Companion of California, the MacCallum House welcomes all four legged friends with a generous canine care package in your room.
Details: The MacCallum House is located at 5020 Albion St, Mendocino, CA 95460. To make a reservation, book online or call 707.937.0289. Complimentary breakfast and WiFi provided.
Get Out There! – Pet-Friendly Activities
The Skunk Train is a historic train that weaves through the Redwood Forest along the coastline and through the vineyards welcomes dogs of all sizes with a supportive boost up! The wondrous route has been named one of the “Top 10 Family Activities in California” by National Geographic Traveler. Take in the stunning landscape Northern California has to offer, and snag a picture of your pooch with the conductor!
Details: The Skunk Train is located at 100 W Laurel St, Fort Bragg, CA 9543. For boarding, ticket, and route information click here.
Take a walk around the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. Founded more than 55 years ago, these extensive gardens span 47 acres and are 100% dog friendly. The garden incorporates 37 species of Magnolias, 45 species of Fuchsias, dozens of species of Heaths and Heathers, nearly 200 different varieties of Conifers, and many more! Your dog will be captivated by the sights and smells and enjoy playing with the fellow dogs that visit the site daily.
Once a month the Mendocino Coast Humane Society (MCHS) visits the gardens with their Mobile Adoption Van. This non-profit connects neglected animals with loving, supportive families. In 2016, at their Botanical Garden visit, six dogs were successfully adopted!
Details: The Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens are open from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm March – October and 9:00 am – 4:00 pm November – February. They are located at 18220 CA-1, Fort Bragg, CA 95437.
Get your water fix by jumping into a canoe! At Catch a Canoe & Bicycles Too you and your pet can go for a ride in a locally made redwood canoe along Mendocino’s Big River. The Canine Cruiser was specifically designed with dogs in mind, providing an extra sturdy frame as well as a raised padded floor for your best friend to rest on. Don’t worry if your furry companion jumps out for a swim! The company also provides dog life vests that keep your pooch safe and your mind at ease.
Details: Catch a Canoe & Bicycles Too is open from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, and is located at 10051 S Big River Rd, Mendocino, CA 95460. For more information, call 707.937.0273.
Bonus! Before hitting the wineries in Anderson Valley, hike around the Hendy Woods or visit the Philo Apple Farm!
Bring Your Dog Along On Your Wine Tasting!
Mendocino offers a long list of dog-friendly wineries. Owners of Toulouse Winery, Vern and Maxine, have tended to their 21-acre vineyard since 2002. Before making a splash in the wine business, Vern was Captain of the Oakland Fire Department and Maxine was an United Airlines flight attendant. The couple decided to delve into their love of wine and open a vineyard after retirement. Since then, they have been successfully making wine and welcoming visitors and their dogs for a tasting and tour.
Details: Toulouse Winery is open daily from 11:00 am – 5:00 pm. It is located at 8001 CA-128, Philo, CA 95466. For more details, call 707.895.2828.
Meet Honey, the winery dog at Lula’s Cellars. Founding winemaker Jeff Hansen named the winery after his grandmother, and today, current winemaker Matt Parish carries on the limited production operation, which has won numerous awards for its Pinot Noir, but also offers other fabulous selections of wine including Sauvignon Blanc and Zinfandel. Ask for Dan Reed, the Tasting Room Manager, in order to capture the best experience possible!
Details: Lula’s Cellars is open from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm. It is located at 2800 Guntley Road, Philo, CA 95466. For more details, call 707.895.3737.
Other wonderful wineries open to pooches include Goldeneye Winery, Navarro Vineyards, Roederer Estate, Yorkville Cellars, and Maple Creek Winery! Remember no alcohol whatsoever for your pup!
If You’re Looking for a Lifelong Companion, Check Out Mendo Shelter Pets Rescue!
Established in 2016, Mendo Shelter Pets Rescue goes beyond simple adoption. They seek to strengthen the animal shelter system, educate the community, streamline animal lost and found, and provide pre and post adoption services including financial and medical support.
Details: To volunteer, donate, or adopt an animal in need of a home, click here.
Mendocino is a gem that cannot be missed! Take your pup and savor this ocean side spot! For more information Click Here!
For the Best that Pet Lifestyle and Animal Welfare has to offer follow Wendy Diamond on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and right here at AnimalFair.com!
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