Everyone loves a vacation — except those who are left behind. Why not bring your faithful furry friend along and turn your next relaxing getaway into a fun-for-the-whole-family “petaway”? Here are recommendations for quick but exhilarating road trips from the Coachella Valley that you and your best friend are sure to enjoy.
Laguna Beach
photo courtesy of the inn at laguna beach
The Inn at Laguna Beach dos not charge an extra pet fee if you bring more than one pet.
A haven for fans of art, nature, and the beach, Laguna is so pet-centric it claims to have more water bowls for dogs outside of more retail shops than any other city. It’s even been known to host pet parades. Leashed dogs are allowed on city and county beaches (except Thousand Steps Beach) before 9 a.m. and after 6 p.m. from June 15 to Sept. 10, and during regular hours the rest of the year.
Capri Laguna on the Beach
Located on the beach but within walking distance to restaurants and shops, the boutique hotel Capri is a great place for you and your pet to recharge. For a one-time $50 fee per pet, furry friends under 25 pounds are allowed everywhere in the facility except the pool area. Take your dogs for a run along the beach early in the morning, and then hose them down at the hotel’s outdoor shower before heading back inside. 1441 S. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach. 949-494-6533; www.caprilaguna.com
Hotel Laguna
The city’s first hotel has been serving visitors since 1888. You and your 60-pounds-or-less pet can partake of the European flair of this refurbished award-winning establishment and dine together outside on the restaurant’s patio. ($50 pet fee per night.) 425 S. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach. 949-494-1151; www.hotellaguna.com
The Inn at Laguna Beach
The intimate boutique Inn at Laguna Beach provides a luxurious escape for you and one or two of your furry friends (up to 40 pounds each) — with no additional pet fee. Hang out on the roof terrace or the nearby dog-friendly beach. There’s a host of restaurants within walking distance. 211 N. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach. 800-544-4479; www.innatlagunabeach.com
Pacific Edge Hotel
Chill out with laid-back vibes, gorgeous ocean views, and instant access to your own stretch of California coastline at the Pacific Edge Hotel. Pets up to 25 pounds stay for free but are not allowed in the hotel’s restaurants. 647 S. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach. 949-281-5709; www.pacificedgehotel.com
Newport Beach
photo courtesy of balboa bay resort
Pets are allowed on two of the dining patios at Balboa Bay Resort.
From its luxury shopping and pristine beaches to its fine dining and water sports, upscale Newport Beach is a paradise for both humans and dogs. Leashed pets are welcome to romp at the area’s beaches before 10 a.m. and after 4:30 p.m.
Balboa Bay Resort
In addition to offering deluxe spa facilities, plush accommodations, and casual waterfront dining, the Balboa Bay Resort enjoys spoiling its guests’ pets (up to 30 pounds) for a fee of $100 per pet per stay. Though not allowed inside the restaurants, your friends are welcome on two of the dining patios. 1221 Coast Highway, Newport Beach. 888-894-2788; www.balboabayresort.com
Fairmont Newport Beach
Considered one of the finest luxury hotels in Orange County, the Fairmont Newport Beach offers unbeatable amenities, including 8,000 serene square feet of pampering at TheSpa Santé. Pets up to 25 pounds are welcome for a nonrefundable fee of $25 per night. 4500 MacArthur Blvd., Newport Beach. 949-476-2001; www.fairmont.com/newport-beach
The Island Hotel in Newport Beach
Impeccable accommodations mingle with breathtaking views of Newport Harbor, Newport Back Bay, and the Pacific Ocean at the luxurious Island Hotel Newport Beach. Cats and dogs (under 50 pounds) are welcome for a $150 nonrefundable fee per stay, though neither are permitted in the restaurants or at the pool. 690 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach. 949-759-0808; www.islandhotel.com
Newport Beach Marriott Bayview
Private balconies overlook scenic Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve, and a host of modern luxuries are provided here for your comfort. The hotel has been known to surprise guests with delicious pup treats delivered to their rooms. Pets up to 75 pounds are welcome for a nonrefundable fee of $150 but are not permitted at the bar, restaurants, or pool. 500 Bayview Circle, Newport Beach. 949-854-4500; www.marriott.com
Temecula
photo courtesy of temecula creek inn
Temecula Creek Inn accepts dogs of any size.
Located in southwestern Riverside County, Temecula boasts award-winning vineyards that produce more than 50 varietals. The city offers over 30 dog-friendly eateries, and 22 local wineries welcome pets in tasting rooms, on patios, or both. See www.temeculadogfriendly.com to help plan your stay.
Ponte Vineyard Inn
This 60-room boutique hotel offers upscale amenities and breathtaking 360-degree views of the area’s wine country. Dogs under 40 pounds are welcome with a one-time $50 nonrefundable fee as long as they’ve been properly vaccinated and are not left unattended. An added bonus: One of the inn’s three restaurants is pet-friendly. 35001 Rancho California Road, Temecula. 888-563-8885; www.pontevineyardinn.com
Temecula Creek Inn
Located near wineries and championship golf, the Temecula Creek Inn welcomes dogs of any size (with a nonrefundable $50 fee), who are permitted anywhere on the premises on leash, with the exception of the golf course. The property also offers a 3-mile walking trail. 44501 Rainbow Canyon Road, Temecula. 888-976-3404; www.temeculacreekinn.com
Santa Barbara
photo by adrian houston
Pets receive free gifts upon coming to Belmondo El Encanto.
Known as the American Riviera, Santa Barbara rests between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean and boasts a Mediterranean-like climate and temperate coastal breezes. Dogs can play off-leash on beaches from the Shoreline Park Staircase to the eastern edge of the Arroyo Burro Estuary but are not permitted on beaches between the eastern city limits and Leadbetter.
Belmond El Encanto
Offering privacy and serenity, Belmond El Encanto has been enchanting visitors since the 1920s with its tranquil gardens and gorgeous views. Proud of its laid-back vibe, the hotel allows pets in all of its room categories (with a $35 nonrefundable fee per pet per night), with access throughout the property, except in dining areas. Your pet will be pampered right from check-in with a special gift, comfortable bed, food and water bowls, and yummy treats. 800 Alvarado Place, Santa Barbara. 800-393-5315; www.belmond.com
The Canary Santa Barbara
Indulge yourself and your furry companion Kimpton Hotel–style at The Canary in downtown Santa Barbara, where pets not only stay for free but they’re also treated like VIPs, with pet-sitting and dog-walking services available through the concierge — just make sure to book in advance. You might even be greeted by a canine concierge at check-in. 31 W. Carrillo St., Santa Barbara. 805-884-0300; www.canarysantabarbara.com
The Fess Parker Santa Barbara Hotel
You and your pet can take in the views of 24 acres of California coastline, near downtown and the local wine scene, for a $30 per day nonrefundable cleaning fee, and are welcome to dine together outside at the bar, where the full restaurant menu is available. 633 E. Cabrillo Blvd., Santa Barbara. 805-564-4333; www.fessparkersantabarbarahotel.com
Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara
This oceanfront, Spanish Colonial–style resort welcomes dogs up to 50 pounds in its private, one-story cottages. They may not be left unattended, but if you need to go somewhere, the resort provides pet-sitting services for a fee. 1260 Channel Drive, Santa Barbara. 805-969-2261; www.fourseasons.com/santabarbara
9 Tips for Traveling Safely With Your Pet
Turn your getaway into a petaway is easy with a little preparation.
photo by thinkstockphotos.com
Make sure your pet is healthy enough to travel.
1
Make sure your pet is healthy enough to travel. Schedule a quick trip to the vet to make sure their vaccines are up to date, and bring along their health certificate stating as much. If your dog takes regular medications, pack an extra supply.
2
As you’re researching your destination, look up the nearest 24-hour vet, especially if your pet is older. Then program the clinic’s address and number into your phone.
3
Be sure your pet is microchipped and wearing a collar with an ID tag that has your cell number.
4
If your pet isn’t accustomed to road trips in the car, take them out for quick, acclimating rides to a “rewarding” place, like your neighborhood dog park or hiking trail, before subjecting them to a longer journey.
5
Make sure your pet is securely fastened in the car during travel with a doggie seatbelt, crate, or car divider. Pets are best left in the back seat; in the event of an accident, an airbag can be dangerous to your little friend.
6
Take 15-minute breaks every four hours to allow your dog to stretch their legs, relieve himself, and take in their new surroundings.
7
Bring toys, extra food, treats, and bottled water from home — some animals are fussy about their drinking water.
8
If you’re staying at a hotel, pack a blanket to protect bedding, along with carpet deodorizer — just in case.
9
Prepare or purchase a pet first aid kit to carry at all times, and download the Pet First Aid app from www.redcross.org.