Photo Credit: @clearerphish
This East Bay community of 35,000 is surrounded by hills that perfectly reflect its name. But while some may view its location (23 miles east of San Francisco and 73 miles west of Sacramento) as merely “close to" (as in “close to” the City by the Bay as well as Napa and Sonoma wine country), Pleasant Hill holds plenty of dog-friendly appeal on its own.
In the uber-expensive Bay Area, you and your pup will be pleased to find several affordable dog-friendly lodging options, including Homewood Suites by Hilton, Extended Stay America, Hyatt House and Residence Inn.
Any of them will put you within easy striking distance of pooch-accommodating restaurants like Fat Maddie’s Barrelhouse & Bistro, serving farm-fresh, Southern-inspired dishes like gumbo and shrimp-and-grits with lots of beer and spirit offerings on the side. Another solid choice is downtown’s Jack’s Restaurant & Bar, where humans can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner specialties on a dog-friendly patio. If you’re in the mood for cooked-from-scratch Middle Eastern food, Yalla Mediteranean will delight you with a menu of wraps, salads, kebobs and plates you can customize to suit your palate and appetite. Craft brews and wine are on tap too. Families take note: kids eat free on Fridays from 4 p.m. on.
If you’re looking for a place for Fido to run off energy after sitting patiently by your side as you eat, make tracks for Paso Nogal Open Space and Dog Park. You’ll find 63 acres of open space laced with hiking trails (leashed dogs welcome) along with a 2.5-acre fenced exercise area divided into sections for small and large dogs.
Photo Credit: @clearerphish