One of the best parts of living in San Francisco and the Bay Area is the proximity to beaches, mountain towns, wine valleys and magical coastal cities. This means, a lot of weekend trips that are only 2-3 hours from home. This is our curated guide to where you (and your dog) can stay during one of these weekend trips.
Northern California does dog-friendly really well (better than Southern California if you ask me). But not all “pet-friendly” stays are created equal. Some places simply allow dogs. Others actually welcome them—thoughtfully designed spaces, easy outdoor access, and locations that make traveling with your dog feel effortless.. These are a few of the stays that get it right. From coastal BnBs to tucked-away cabins, each one offers something a little different—but these are all the places we always go back to.
Nicholson House – Best for a Walkable Coastal Stay
If your ideal trip includes morning coffee, beach walks, quaint Victorian BnBs and everything within walking distance, Mendocino is your spot. And Nicholson House should be your go to bed and breakfast.
In the heart of Mendocino Village, Nicholson House makes traveling with a dog feel easy. The dog-friendly rooms (Garden Rooms 8, 9 & 10) have direct outdoor access, offer a little bit more privacy and are situated right along the beautiful gardens on the property. All 3 rooms are outfitted with pet essentials, such as towels, bed blankets and treats.
Pet Policy Highlights
- $65 fee per pet, per night
- Up to 2 dogs max (no more than 70lbs each)
- Dogs must be declared in advance
- All shots and vaccinations should be up to date
- Full pet policy can be found here
During our many weekend trips to Mendocino with Squash, we have enjoyed walks along Mendocino Headlands (one of the most scenic and dog friendly coastal walks in all of California), sunrise and sunset walks on Big River Beach, morning coffee at The Waiting Room, pizza in the garden at The Brickery and strolls through the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens.
Mar Vista Cottages – Farm Stay with Room to Roam
This is the kind of place you book when you want to fully unplug—and bring your dog along for the experience. Set on nine acres of coastal farmland, Mar Vista feels more like a slow-living retreat than a hotel. There are meadows, a redwood trail, and even a private beach—all spaces your dog can explore with you.
A typical day at Mar Vista consists of waking up and looking outside your window to see deer roaming the grounds, taking your dog on a morning walk, making omelettes with eggs from the chickens on the property (the best eggs we’ve ever had), walking down to the private beach, going on a hike and ending the evening at Point Arena Pizza for some ocean front grub.
Pet Policy Highlights
- Advance notice required
- Unable to accommodate puppies
- Pet fee is $85 for 1 dog and $110 for 2 dogs
- No more than 2 dogs per cottage
- Full policy here
If you are looking for a farm-like stay that is less than 3 hours from the city but feels thousands of miles away, this is your spot. If you end up booking a trip, let Christopher and Deanna know that Squash sent you!
Constellation Creek – A Secluded Mountain Reset
Constellation Creek leans fully into the off-grid experience – think creekside cabins, no cell service and nights under the star-filled sky. It truly is the perfect place for you and your dog to unwind, listen to the rushing river, hike the Sierras and throw some stakes on the outdoor grill.
Pet Policy Highlights
- Up to 2 dogs per cabin (some listings note 1—confirm when booking)
- $25 per dog, per night
- Stay includes treats, bowls, and complimentary waste bags
- Make sure to pick up after your dog
- Summary of pet policy can be found here
What we love the most about Constellation Creek is that you are staying in rustic cabins that have been outfitter with modern conveniences – think casper mattresses, Egyptian cotton linens, Smeg fridges and organic toiletries. Outside the cabins you’ll find private grills, cabin adjacent dining areas, hammocks, trails, various seating areas to enjoy the outdoors around the property and the sounds of a rushing creek (the property’s namesake).
Just beyond the cabins, you’ll find dozens of hiking trails, back country skiing, swimming holes, beautiful lakes, waterfalls and hot springs. Constellation Creek is the perfect basecamp to explore the northern Sierra Nevada mountains. Pack your hiking gear, bring your best furry best friend and spend a weekend in the mountains and make Constellation Creek your home base for the weekend.
Booneville Hotel – Perfect Food & Wine Getaway
Located in Anderson Valley, the lesser known sister of Napa and Sonoma Valley, Boonville Hotel is a modern roadhouse with 17 unique rooms that is all about friendly people, simply prepared food and a well-made bed. This is not your typical busy and fussier lodging experience – the pace here is slower and simple by design.
If you needed any more reasons to make a trip to Anderson Valley – this area has some of the most dog-friendly and approachable wineries (think $5-$10 tastings) in Northern California. From locally-focused meals prepared by award winning chefs at the restaurant in the Boonville Hotel to a roadside burger spot serving some of the best burgers in California – the valley is also a hidden gem for foodies.
Pet Policy Highlights
- Only certain rooms are dog friendly
- Dogs are welcome in the outdoor spaces, like the backyard dining area
- Best for well-behaved, social dogs
If you want to eat delicious food made with local ingredients, inexpensive wine tastings and scenic drives along the valley and the redwoods, this is the perfect weekend spot. And dogs are welcomed!
Northern California is one of the easiest places to travel with a dog—but where you stay makes a huge difference. The best stays aren’t just “dog-friendly”—they’re designed in a way that makes your trip feel seamless. All of our favorite spots have easy outdoor access, room to roam and thoughtful details to make your stay extra special.
If you’re deciding between these 4, here is our quick recap:
- For walkability + coastal charm → Nicholson House
- For space to roam + nature on the coast → Mar Vista
- For a true unplugged escape in the mountains → Constellation Creek
- For foodie + wine focused weekend → Boonville Hotel
