Planning a trip to California’s wine country, and hoping to take your dog? There’s so much you can do together! And with these tips, you can be sure you’ll both enjoy your vacation.
Photo copyright: Paroma Chakravarty
California is the leading producer of new world wines, and boasts a climate that is perfect for growing those luscious grapes. From Anderson Valley in the north to Santa Barbara in the south, it’s a wine lover’s paradise. And exploring wine country with your dog makes it even more special!
More importantly for dog lovers, wine country is extremely dog friendly. So there is no reason to leave your pooch behind while you have all the fun!
In this article, I am sharing what we learned while traveling to the cities of Sebastopol and Calistoga, where we had a ton of fun exploring, eating, and wine tasting.
Photo copyright: Paroma Chakravarty
Photo copyright: Paroma Chakravarty
Wine Country Is Big – Where Should You Go With Your Dog?
The most famous spots in wine country are undoubtedly Napa Valley and Sonoma County. Both are a reasonable drive from San Francisco and popular weekend getaways for many.
Unfortunately, Napa and Sonoma can be crowded throughout the year. That puts a high demand on rooms – especially those that are dog friendly. So, if you want to stay in Napa or Sonoma you’ll need to do your pet friendly research beforehand!
A better option might be to explore some of the less famous towns in wine country. If you and your dog prefer a more relaxed pace, more personal attention, and relief from traffic, this could be a great solution for you.
Pet friendly towns like Calistoga and Sebastopol, in Sonoma County, are great choices!
Tip #1: For a more budget-friendly trip, and to avoid the congestion of the better-known areas in wine country, choose a place off the beaten path.
Exploring Pet Friendly Calistoga
Calistoga is a sleepy little town in the northern most part of Napa Valley, and is best known for its spas. What might surprise you are the many things to do that keep both dog and human entertained!
Our vacation started the moment we arrived at the huge dog friendly patio at Solbar, the restaurant at the stylish Solage Resort.
Photo copyright: Paroma Chakravarty
After a delicious lunch, we were charged up and ready to explore the area. If you only have time for one attraction in Calistoga, don’t miss “Little Old Faithful” geyser on Tubbs Lane.
This is a cousin to the more famous Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park – but this one is dog friendly! You can sit in the viewing area and watch the geyser erupt at regular intervals, and then stroll the gardens and grounds.
Of course, a trip to wine country should involve some wine sampling! And if you’ve visited wine country before, but not since the fire in 2020, you’ll find things have changed.
In September 2020, California’s wine country suffered extensive damage in the Glass Fire. Many wineries and vineyards were affected, and most are still recovering. The result is that most wineries now require you to make reservations for a tasting. This provides for a more personal experience, but also requires that you plan ahead.
Tip #2: Most wineries and vineyards now require reservations for a tasting, so it’s important to make plans in advance.
We recommend scheduling a tasting at Clos Pegase, pet-friendly winery where well-behaved dogs are welcome on a leash. Note that, due to safety regulations, dogs are not allowed on the Clos Pegase estate tours.
Tip #3: Some notoriously dog-friendly tasting rooms have had to change their policies as of late. So even if you’ve brought your pooch in the past, don’t forget to double check existing guidelines.
Photo copyright: Paroma Chakravarty
Sniffing Around Sebastopol
Sebastopol, in Sonoma County, is another dog friendly city that’s just begging for a long weekend’s stay. Located between Santa Rosa and Bodega Bay, this tiny city is packed with great places where pets are welcome. Factor in the excellent hiking options, and this could be your new favorite spot to explore in wine country with your dog!
Some of the memorable dog friendly places we dined during our visit in were:
Hole in the Wall – a popular breakfast spot with patio seating
HopMonk Tavern – where leashed dogs are welcome in the beergarden
Viva Mexicana – excellent food and dog friendly
You can also grab food and drinks at The Barlow, a 12-acre outdoor market district in Sebastopol. Strolling the dog-friendly campus, you’ll find local food, wine, beer, spirits and crafts made onsite by Sonoma County artisans.
Wine tasting is also an option there, and we tried MacPhail Tasting Lounge, which had outdoor seating and welcomed dogs.
Sebastopol’s most popular dog friendly hiking trails, West Regional County and Joe Rodota, criss-cross and meet the now abandoned Santa Rosa railroad to the north. You can get some exercise (dogs must be leashed) and then visit historic Rail Road Square in Santa Rosa where local boutiques and thrift shops tempt passing shoppers.
Tip #4: Between tastings, find pet friendly trails in the area to give your pup a chance to sniff the local trees and bushes.
Photo copyright: Paroma Chakravarty
Nearby Howard Regional Park also has dog friendly hiking trails. But keep in mind that the lake there is full of geese, and it gets pretty crowded with picnicking families weekends.
A better choice might be Rangle Ranch Regional Park, which has beautiful trails and an off-leash area where friendly dogs can socialize.
Photo copyright: Paroma Chakravarty
About the Author: Paroma Chakravarty is a scientist by day, and blogger by night. She lives in the beautiful city of San Francisco with her husband and their pup, Gunda. She records their adventures, plus dining experiences and her travel travails, on her blog, yrofthemonkey.com.
For Americans and their pups, visiting a dog friendly national park makes a great vacation. Unfortunately, finding a national park where your furry travel companion can have fun with you is ruff!
Most of America’s national parks have strict pet policies, limiting pets to only the most developed areas. But there are some that make it easy to bring Fido. Let’s take a look at America’s most dog friendly national parks!
But first, keep these general guidelines in mind: pets in national parks are almost never allowed in buildings and must always be on a six-foot (or shorter) leash. Bagging and properly disposing of your pet’s waste is required. And pets should not be left unattended inside vehicles.
Ty and Buster on Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park – Maine
Acadia is located on the coast of Maine, and it’s one of our favorite dog friendly national parks! Pets are welcome on nearly all 120 miles of hiking trails and 45 miles of carriage roads within the park. The only exceptions are a few trails that require climbing on iron rungs or ladders.
Dogs are also allowed in most of the public areas at Acadia. The only places your pup can’t go are Duck Harbor Campground, Wild Gardens of Acadia, and Echo Lake Beach and Sand Beach during high season (mid-May to mid-Sept). Everywhere else your dog is welcome to join you – even on the free shuttles that run around the park!
Find out how your dog can be a BARK Ranger at Acadia.
Dog friendly boardwalk trail in Congaree National Park – South Carolina
Protecting the largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the southeastern United States, Congaree National Park in South Carolina welcomes all visitors and their pets! Leashed pets can join you on all trails, including the boardwalk, as well as in the campgrounds.
This floodplain where the Congaree and Wateree Rivers meet supports an amazing number of plants and animals, including national and state champion trees. Renting a kayak or canoe allows you to immerse yourself in the ecosystem and observe the wildlife from the water.
In the spring most of the trails flood, so plan accordingly. And once the water recedes, the mosquitoes arrive in full force. If you want to enjoy your trip, be sure to pack plenty of insect repellant!
Following the Cuyahoga River, the pet friendly Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Cleveland, Ohio was designated in 2000. Here pets are welcome to join you on all of the 125 miles of park trails!
Passing though woodlands, wetlands, and old fields, some trails require stream crossings with stepping stones or log bridges. Others, including the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, are nearly level and easily accessible to all visitors. Check with the rangers to determine which trails best suit your hiking style.
For the best scenery, head for Bradford Reservation. This five-mile trail offers views of the Tinkers Creek Gorge, Ohio’s most magnificent canyon. Short spurs off the main trail will also take you to Bridal Veil Falls and the Hemlock Creek Loop Trail.
Visitors with pets should steer clear of the East Rim mountain-bike area and the Scenic Railroad.
Buster and Ty – Pet Friendly Grand Canyon National Park – Arizona
The Grand Canyon is another of our favorite dog friendly national parks! Located in northern Arizona, you and your pup are welcome to enjoy all 13 miles of the South Rim Trail trail at the Grand Canyon.
Skirting the edge of the canyon, the path is easy to navigate, but remember that the high elevation and dry climate can lead to dehydration. Even if you’re only planning a short stroll, bring plenty of water and a collapsible bowl.
Pets aren’t allowed on the shuttle buses and can’t go below the rim, but are welcome at Mather, Desert View, and Trailer Village Campgrounds, pet friendly rooms at the Yavapai Lodge.
If you’re hiking below the rim, board your pup at the South Rim Kennel.
The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is accessible from extremely pet friendly Kanab, Utah – home of Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. However, at the North Rim, pets are only allowed to walk the Bridle Path (greenway) and the portion of the Arizona Trail that runs to the entrance station. Neither trail provides views of the canyon, and there is no kennel is available on this side.
Buster at Great Sand Dunes National Park – Colorado
If we were giving awards for pet friendly national parks, Great Sand Dunes in southern Colorado would definitely be in the running! These are the tallest dunes in North America, set in a diverse landscape of grasslands, wetlands, conifer and aspen forests, alpine lakes, and tundra.
Pets are welcome up to the top of the first tall ridge of dunes, between High Dune and the Castle Creek Picnic Area, and throughout the adjoining Great Sand Dunes National Preserve.
Remember that the sand here can be hot, so pack an old towel to dry off and enjoy a splash in Medano Creek with your pal!
Buster, Rod, and Ty – Pet Friendly Hot Springs National Park – Arkansas
Pet friendly Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas might not be on your radar. But if you’re looking for a gorgeous setting with a plenty of places to enjoy with your pooch, it should be!
Popular for the steaming water that seeps from the lower west slope of Hot Springs Mountain, people have been visiting this location for centuries.
Bath houses sprung up to allow visitors to take advantage of the “healing waters,” and this unique national park protects the geothermic spring water and historic structures of this early resort town.
Your pet is welcome to join you for a half-mile stroll down Bathhouse Row and along the Grand Promenade. Once you’re warmed up, hit the 26-miles of inter-connected trails flanking the city. Many of the trails were originally created for spa guests, who were encouraged to exercise daily to maximize the health benefits of the baths.
Ty and Buster – Pet Friendly Indiana Dunes National Park – Indiana
Cool breezes off Lake Michigan. Caribbean blue waters rolling up on the shore. And a beach that stretches for miles. These are the things you’ll find at pet friendly Indiana Dunes National Park!
It might sound like a tropical island, but the 15-mile stretch of sand at Indiana Dunes is just the beginning. This dynamic landscape was formed by retreating glaciers. Besides the lake and beach, you can explore dunes, ponds, marshes, creeks, prairie, and forests. The variety of habitats makes this one of the most botanically diverse of all America’s national parks!
Leashed pets are welcome on the beaches east of Indiana Dunes State Park, in the picnic areas, and the campground. They can also explore all the trails except Glenwood Dune, Great Marsh and Pinhook Bog.
At nearby Indiana Dunes State Park, leashed pets are welcome on all trails, in the picnic areas, campground, and on the beach east of the life-guarded area. Pets cannot go on the swimming beach in the State Park.
Buster and Ty – Pet Friendly Mammoth Cave National Park – Kentucky
Naturally, the main attraction at pet friendly Mammoth Cave National Park is the 336 miles of underground passages. But with over 70 miles of pet friendly trails, this is a great choice for dogs who love the outdoors!
You’ll find several short trails around the Visitors Center, or check out the Green River Bluffs Trail, which winds through the hardwood forest and ends with a nice overlook of the Green River. If you’re looking for a longer trek, the North Side Trails provide some good options that meander past waterfalls and cut through one of the last remaining old growth forests in Kentucky.
When your pup is worn out, Mammoth Cave Lodge runs a kennel where your dog can rest while you take a cave tour. Or, book a stay at the park’s pet friendly Woodland Cottages or campground.
Buster & Ty at Pet Friendly National Mall and Memorial Gardens – Washington, D.C.
Not all of America’s national parks are in the wilderness! And few are more inspiring than the pet friendly National Mall and Memorial Gardens in Washington, D.C.
Here, America’s history and future are intertwined, monuments commemorate celebrated visionaries, and memorials stand in silent remembrance of the many who’ve given their lives to preserve our freedom.
The National Mall and Memorial Gardens stretch from the the U.S. Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial and, while pets are not allowed inside the buildings, they will enjoy admiring some of the most famous structures in the world with you!
Pet Friendly Natchez Trace National Parkway – Alabama & Mississippi
Before highways were constructed, trails marked the passages between places. And few were as well-traveled as the Natchez Trace!
Now the pet friendly Natchez Trace National Parkway preserves sites of archeological, cultural, historic, natural, recreational, and scenic significance along its 444-mile route.
The Trace makes an incredible pet friendly road trip, because there’s something to sniff around every bend! Pet are welcome at the more than 100 exhibits, but not inside the buildings. And when it’s time to really stretch your legs, 28 hiking and self-guided trails are just steps away. Plus, free pet friendly campgrounds are scattered along the way.
A rugged, white water river, flowing northward through deep canyons, the New River is among the oldest rivers on the continent. Located in southern West Virginia, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve conserves over 70,000 acres of land along the river’s route between the towns of Hinton and Fayetteville.
The park and surrounding area are rich in cultural and natural history, with an abundance of scenic and recreational opportunities. Pets are welcome on all trails, including the 2.4-mile Endless Wall Trail, with fantastic vistas into the gorge, and the 3.2-mile Grandview Rim Trail. And waterfall lovers won’t want to miss Sandstone and Brooks Falls.
Pet Friendly Padre Island National Seashore – Texas
Protecting 70 miles of coastline, prairies, dunes, and tidal pools along the Gulf of Mexico in southern Texas, Padre Island National Seashore is also very pet friendly. Leashed pets are welcome almost everywhere in the park – including 60 miles of beaches!
Padre is the longest stretch of undeveloped barrier island in the world, and the diversity of wildlife found here is stunning. A number of rare, threatened, and endangered species make their homes in this environment, so it’s extremely important that pets remain on leash at all times.
Padre Island provides two established campgrounds and more than 64 miles of beaches open to primitive camping, so pack your bags and plan to spend a few days exploring this incredible setting!
Dog Friendly Petrified Forest National Park – Arizona
From the deposits of petrified wood that give this park its name, to the colorful badlands, the Petrified Forest National Park is truly a wonder to behold. Located in eastern Arizona, Route 66 runs through the park, and the northern border extends into the fabulous Painted Desert.
Dogs on leash are welcome on all the parks trails, road, and in official wilderness areas. But be aware that the Petrified Forest is well-known for its fossil deposits. So don’t let your pooch gnaw on any bones he finds!
View from Skyline Drive – Shenandoah National Park – Virginia
Skyline Drive may be the most famous attraction at pet friendly Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. But you’ll definitely want to stop the car and get out for hike!
Of the more than 500 miles of trails in the park (including the pet friendly Appalachian Trail), only 20 miles are off-limits to dogs because of rock climbs or difficult passages. Not only that, dogs are allowed in all campgrounds, pullouts, and picnic areas. The stunning views, peaceful wilderness, and cascading waterfalls are all accessible to you and your pup. It’s the picture of serenity, just 75 miles from Washington, DC!
Overlook at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore – Michigan
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Michigan welcomes you and your pets to enjoy the park together. Hugging the shore of Lake Michigan, the park offers miles of sand beach, lush forests, inland lakes, and towering bluffs offering incredible views.
A small percentage of the park is closed to pets, because this is a nesting area for piping plovers. Only 70 breeding pairs of these endangered birds are left in the wild, and one third of them nest at the Lakeshore. For their protection, signs clearly indicate areas where pets can and cannot go.
Rod, Buster and Ty at White Sands National Park – New Mexico
The name “White Sands” might be misleading, but this is still one of the most impressive dog friendly national parks in America! These shimmering dunes are actually made of gypsum – not sand. Thanks to an ancient sea and some very fortunate geography, this gypsum dune field the largest in the world, covering 275 square miles.
You and your pet can explore the entire park together, and there are nine miles of trails to check out. The Playa Trail, Dune Life Nature Trail, and Interdune Boardwalk all have interesting exhibits about the geography and plant and animal life.
For some lighthearted fun, bring a sled (or buy one in the visitors center) and scoot down the dunes. Or, if you want to experience the vastness of the dunefield, hike the Alkali Flat Trail. Be aware that this trail is not flat. The 5-mile loop runs up and down dunes the entire way. The hiking is strenuous, but the views are priceless.
Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve is the largest of American’s national parks — equal to six Yellowstones! Within its 13.2 million acres, four major mountain ranges meet and nine of the 16 highest peaks in the United States stand cloaked in glaciers.
There are just two gravel roads that access this pet friendly national park, and both are usually passable to all vehicles during the summer months. Leashed dogs are allowed on all trails and in the backcountry, at the Kennecott Mines National Historic Landmark area, and on the immediate grounds around the contact stations, including the Headquarters Visitor Center at Copper Center and the Boreal Forest Trail, the Chitina Ranger Station and the Slana Ranger Station.
Note that the park recommends keeping your dog leashed at all times. Trapping is popular and legal in Alaska from Fall through Spring.
At Yosemite National Park in California, dogs can join you in all developed areas. That includes along paved roads and on sidewalks and bicycle paths, including the 11.5-mile Yosemite Valley Loop Trail, which passes by Yosemite Falls, El Capitan, the Merced River, and Bridalveil Fall. Pets can also explore the easy 2.25-mile Wawona Meadow Loop, and are welcome in all campgrounds except walk-ins and group sites.
Pets cannot go on shuttles or in lodges, but Yosemite Hospitality runs a dog kennel in Yosemite Valley from approximately late May through early September. Reservations for your dog are recommended if you want to hit the dirt trails or backpack overnight.
Find out how your dog can be a BARK Ranger at Yosemite.
Photo copyright: Instagram user @adventuresofmayaandmax
Other Popular National Parks
Pets At Arches National Park
Leashed pets can walk around the campground, in the picnic areas, in the parking lots, along the paved roads (though we don’t recommend it!) andon the unpaved roads in Arches National Park.
While walking the unpaved roads might not sound appealing, we enjoyed both Cache Valley Road and Willow Flats Road with our dog!
There is only one trail in Glacier National Park that is dog friendly, and only when it’s not covered in snow. McDonald Creek Bike Path is a paved trail that runs for 2.5 miles between West Glacier and Apgar Village. Other than that, pets are restricted to picnic areas, parking areas, and within 100 feet of roads.
The pet policy at Grand Teton National Park is pretty restrictive. Pets are allowed only within six feet of a road, in the campgrounds, and on boats on Jackson Lake. That’s it.
If you’re planning a visit, we suggest setting aside some time to explore the Bridger-Teton National Forest.
Dogs are allowed in the campgrounds, picnic areas, and along roads, at Great Smokey Mountain National Park, as long as they’re on a leash at all times. There are also two short walking paths in the park—the Gatlinburg Trail and the Oconaluftee River Trail– that are pet friendly.
Pets are not allowed on any other park trails. BUT there are three national forests nearby, and they have fantastic walking/hiking options that are pet friendly!
Leashed pets may accompany you only along established roads or in parking areas and in established campgrounds and picnic areas at Rocky Mountain National Park. Further, pets must be kept on leashes no longer than six feet and may not make noise that impacts visitors or wildlife.
Pets in Yellowstone National Park are not allowed more than 100 feet from a road, parking area, or campground. And pets cannot go on boardwalks, hiking trails, in the backcountry, or in thermal areas.
Fortunately, there are some fantastic places to explore with your pets just outside the park boundaries!
At Zion National Park, leashed pets can join you on all paved surfaces. This includes along public roads and parking areas, in the developed campgrounds, at all 22 turnouts along Hwy 9 (Zion – Mount Carmel Hwy), and on the Pa’rus Trail. In addition, pets are welcome in the picnic areas and on the grounds of the Zion Lodge.
Pets cannot go on any other trails, so hiking together at Zion is limited. But Dixie National Forest is just up the road, and ALL the trails are pet friendly!
Pet polices tend to be much more pet friendly at Canadian National Parks. So, if you’re not finding an option in the U.S. that appeals, perhaps it’s time to take a trip north!
Banff National Park
Nestled within the Canadian Rockies, Banff’s majestic mountains and stunning glacial lakes make it a spectacular destination. Even better, it’s incredibly pet friendly! You will have no problem finding hotels, restaurants, and hikes to enjoy with your furry travel buddy in Banff!
An epic 3.5-hour drive north from extremely popular Banff lies the somewhat quieter mountain town of Jasper. And with more pet friendly spots than you can shake a stick at, this makes for a memorable vacation with dogs!
