North Coast
Mendocino County, Humboldt County, Lake County and Del Norte County make up The North Coast Region. Here you'll find California's favorite Wine, Waves, Wilderness & Woof destinations. Relaxation is the name of the game, and your dog is welcome almost anywhere.
Whether your inclinations run toward visiting the Hwy. 101 wine region of inland Mendo, or cozying up for a weekend at a bed-and-breakfast inn overlooking the Pacific, you’ll find plenty of dog-friendly lodging and activities to suit your needs.
Skunk Railbikes with dog carrier. Photo by Robert Jason Pinoli.
For more than 130 years, this No. 1 vintage excursion train in California (it started out as a logging train carrying cargo and workers) has traveled through Northern California redwood forests. These days, there are two departure points — Fort Bragg, on the Mendocino Coast, and Willits, inland off Hwy. 101. The original name was the California Western Railroad, and has been known as the “Skunk Train” since 1925. more »
Water dog at the Little River Inn. Photo by Brendan McGuigan.
Ah, Mendocino! This Northern California county’s beautiful stretch of coastline is a perfect place to retreat to in summertime, especially when the Central Valley is a bit warmer (don’t forget a sweatshirt—you may need it). And you can’t choose a more beguiling place to stay than super dog-friendly Little River Resort & Spa, perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific. As far as water and your dog goes, check out their popular Water Dog package. more »
Water Dog at the Little River Inn. Photo by Brendan McGuigan.
Mendocino County has so many dog-friendly activities that you might want to stay a few extra days. The Skunk Train is a northern California classic that departs from depots in coastal Fort Bragg and inland Willits. If splashing around with your pooch is more your style, book the Water Dog Package at the Little River Inn. Or, take to the waves with a specially designed canine cruiser from Catch A Canoe & Bicycles Too, at the adjacent Stanford Inn. Check out our full list of pup-centered attractions. more »
Chandelier Drive-Thru Tree
Many Mendocino County visitors stick to the Instagram-worthy sweep of coastline between Little River and Fort Bragg, but you can veer inland for different views. Interior Mendocino is dotted with redwood groves, wineries, off-the-beaten-path parks and small towns that extend a warm welcome to travelers with pets. Take Highway 101 north from Cloverdale to reach Ukiah, Willits and Leggett, where you’ll find the winding Eel River and an irresistibly kitschy roadside attraction: the Chandelier Drive-Thru Tree Park. more »
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Your dog deserves a vacation too! The Little River Inn is rolling out the red carpet for dog-lovers and their four-legged companions with their dog kayaking packages.
Enjoy a two-night stay in a pet-friendly Ocean View room, pet-friendly dining, and dog-friendly kayaking either on the ocean off Van Damme beach with sea cave tours, or up the Big River Estuary on a redwood outrigger. more »