Travel With Your Canine in California

Travel With Your Canine in California Can t wait for your next trip, but are miserable at the idea of leaving your best friend behind?
After all, who better to experience long walks on the beach with or snuggling up on the terrace to watch the sunset with than your pooch (especially when no meaningful conversation is expected)?
If you ve got to get away, but can t bear the sad look from those puppy dog eyes, maybe it s time for a little getaway that includes Fido, too. The following are some canine-friendly cities that offer more unusual treats to lure both of you for a visit.
NAPA, CALIFORNIA
"But my dog doesn t drink," you argue. No worries. While you re lapping up the region s top-notch wine, your canine pal will have plenty of things to do.
WINERIES
Cuvaison Winery 4550 Silverado Trail, Calistoga, California 707-942-6266
Well-behaved dogs on leashes are allowed to join you in the small tasting room and in the three outdoor picnic areas.
Clos Du Val Winery 5330 Silverado Trail, Napa, California 94558 800-993-9463
Dogs on leashes are allowed in the enormous tasting room and on the property
ACCOMMODATIONS
Hillcrest Country Inn 3225 Lake County Hwy, Calistoga, California 707-942-6334
Host Debbie O Gorman runs this country home with her three dogs, Taz, Debo and Bamboo, who are friendly and welcoming to other canine friends. The antique-filled home is located on a hilltop with an unbeatable view of Napa Valley. You and your pup can romp around the 36-acre property where there is swimming, hiking and fishing, and then he has the option of staying in your room or in a large outdoor kennel.
Beazley House Bed & Breakfast Inn 1910 First Street, Napa, California 707-257-1649
You ll be able to play with resident Golden Retrievers Sissy and Autumn Beazley in this downtown Napa inn, and you ll even receive a doggie welcome basket with a bowl, doggie beer, bones and cleanup baggies. Three rooms open out into the gardens, and there is a $25 per day per dog charge, with a maximum of two dogs per room.
RESTAURANTS
Angele 540 Main Street, Napa, California 707-252-8115
This gourmet French restaurant allows dogs on leashes in their outdoor patio, and will provide water and treats while you dine.
Bistro Don Giovonni 4110 Saint Helena Hwy, Napa, California 707-224-3300
This laid-back Mediterranean restaurant (it s the sister to San Francisco s Scala Bistro) allows dogs in their outdoor tables, but please call ahead to inform the staff.
Los Angeles already has a reputation for being a dog-friendly city, but its neighbor down south is making steps to become the next hot dog spot in Southern California. Long Beach is a coastal city that has recently opened three acres of its beach in Belmont Shore as an off-leash area. "The Dog Zone" visitors must follow the rules only one dog per adult, and pooper-scoopers are a must. The Dog Zone starts at 4800 E. Ocean Blvd., between Roycroft and Argonn streets.
Also in Long Beach is the very active Haute Dogs organization, which arranges several doggie-centered events in Belmont Shore all year long. The Haute (pronounced "hot") Dog Easter Parade features hundreds of dogs marching along in bonnets and Easter outfits, while the Howl oween Parade and Canine Costume Contest that includes an adoption fair, a bulldog kissing booth; and a dancing dog demonstrations. If that s not doggone wacky enough, stick around Long Beach for the Haute Dog poetry contest and bulldog beauty contest.
Several restaurants and shops along the busy Second Street in Belmont Shore offer water bowls to welcome pets. Pet-friendly accommodations are rather scarce (you may be better off making Long Beach doggie festivities part of a day trip), but you can try the following:
Renaissance Long Beach Hotel, a luxury hotel that welcomes dogs of any size for a $75 non-refundable fee. 111 East Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach, 562-437-5900