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California Dog-Friendly Nature Relaxation Road Trip

Viewed by 127 travelers

Day 1: San Francisco Exploration

San Francisco, California

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pinecrest Diner

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at a dog-friendly diner in downtown San Francisco.
Walk or drive to Pinecrest Diner in Union Square area.
$, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Golden Gate Park

Explore the beautiful park with your furry companion, visit the Botanical Gardens or Stow Lake.
Drive to Golden Gate Park, approximately 20 minutes from downtown.
$, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Park Chalet

Enjoy a relaxing lunch at this dog-friendly restaurant with ocean views near Ocean Beach.
Drive to Park Chalet, around 15 minutes from Golden Gate Park.
$$, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Walk along Crissy Field

Take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront and enjoy views of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Drive to Crissy Field, approximately 10 minutes from Park Chalet.
$, 1 hour

5:00PM

Check-in at Dog-Friendly Accommodation

Settle in at a pet-friendly hotel in San Francisco for a comfortable stay.
Drive to your accommodation in the city.
$$, N/A
Find Hotels in San Francisco

Day 2: Yosemite National Park Adventure

Yosemite National Park, California

8:00AM

Breakfast at South Gate Brewing Company

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at a dog-friendly brewery near Yosemite.
Drive to South Gate Brewing Company from your accommodation, approximately 3.5 hours.
$, 1 hour

10:00AM

Explore Yosemite Valley

Head into the iconic valley, visit Yosemite Falls, El Capitan, and Bridalveil Fall with your pup.
Drive into Yosemite Valley from South Gate Brewing Company.
$, 4 hours

1:00PM

Picnic at Sentinel Beach Picnic Area

Enjoy a picnic lunch by the Merced River at this pet-friendly spot.
Drive to Sentinel Beach Picnic Area within Yosemite Valley.
$, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Hike with Your Dog

Choose from dog-friendly trails like Lower Yosemite Falls or Mirror Lake Loop for a scenic hike.
Drive to the trailhead of your chosen hike within Yosemite Valley.
$, 2 hours

6:00PM

Relax at Dog-Friendly Accommodation

Unwind at a pet-welcoming lodge near Yosemite National Park for the night.
Drive to your accommodation outside the park.
$$, N/A
Find Hotels in Yosemite National Park

Day 1: Big Sur Coastal Drive

Big Sur, California

8:00AM

Breakfast at Big Sur River Inn

Start your morning with a tasty breakfast at this dog-friendly inn along the Big Sur River.
Drive to Big Sur River Inn, approximately 4 hours from Yosemite.
$, 1 hour

10:00AM

Scenic Drive on Highway 1

Embark on a picturesque drive along the iconic Highway 1 with your furry friend, stopping at viewpoints.
Start driving south on Highway 1 from Big Sur River Inn.
$, 4 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Nepenthe

Dine at this renowned cliffside restaurant offering stunning ocean views and a dog-friendly patio.
Drive to Nepenthe along Highway 1.
$$, 1 hour

4:00PM

Visit Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

Explore the redwood groves and go for a walk with your pup amidst the towering trees.
Drive to the park from Nepenthe.
$, 2 hours

7:00PM

Check-in at Dog-Friendly Accommodation

Stay at a pet-friendly hotel or lodge in Big Sur for a peaceful night.
Drive to your accommodation in the area.
$$, N/A
Find Hotels in Big Sur

Day 1: Santa Barbara Coastal Relaxation

Santa Barbara, California

8:00AM

Breakfast at Jeannine's Restaurant & Bakery

Indulge in a delightful breakfast at this dog-welcoming eatery in Santa Barbara.
Drive to Jeannine's in downtown Santa Barbara, approximately 4 hours from Big Sur.
$, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Stearns Wharf

Take a leisurely stroll on the historic wharf with your furry companion and enjoy the ocean views.
Drive to Stearns Wharf along the waterfront.
$, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Brophy Bros

Savor fresh seafood dishes at this dog-friendly restaurant overlooking the harbor.
Walk or drive to Brophy Bros from Stearns Wharf.
$$, 1 hour

2:00PM

Relax at Hendry's Beach

Unwind at this dog-friendly beach, known for its relaxed atmosphere and beautiful coastline.
Drive to Hendry's Beach for some leisure time.
$, 2 hours

5:00PM

Check-in at Dog-Friendly Accommodation

Stay at a pet-accepting hotel or inn in Santa Barbara to rest for the night.
Drive to your accommodation in the city.
$$, N/A
Find Hotels in Santa Barbara

Day 2: Joshua Tree National Park Exploration

Joshua Tree National Park, California

8:00AM

Breakfast at Crossroads Cafe

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at this dog-friendly cafe near the park entrance.
Drive to Crossroads Cafe, approximately 3.5 hours from Santa Barbara.
$, 1 hour

10:00AM

Hike Barker Dam Trail

Embark on a scenic hike with your furry friend at Barker Dam Trail amidst unique rock formations.
Drive to the trailhead within Joshua Tree National Park.
$, 2 hours

1:00PM

Picnic at Hidden Valley Picnic Area

Enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by Joshua trees and wildlife at this dog-friendly spot.
Drive to Hidden Valley Picnic Area within the park.
$, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Cholla Cactus Garden

Stroll through this unique garden with your pup and admire the striking cacti landscape.
Drive to Cholla Cactus Garden within the park.
$, 1 hour

6:00PM

Relax at Dog-Friendly Accommodation

Stay at a pet-welcoming lodge near Joshua Tree National Park for the night.
Drive to your accommodation outside the park.
$$, N/A
Find Hotels in Joshua Tree National Park

Day 2: More Joshua Tree Adventures

Joshua Tree National Park, California

8:00AM

Breakfast at Joshua Tree Coffee Company

Enjoy a cup of coffee and breakfast at this dog-friendly cafe before another day of exploration.
Drive to Joshua Tree Coffee Company for breakfast.
$, 1 hour

10:00AM

Scenic Drive through the Park

Take a leisurely drive through Joshua Tree National Park, stopping at viewpoints and short trails.
Explore the park by car, following the main road through different areas.
$, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Pappy & Harriet's

Dine at this famous roadhouse known for its BBQ and live music, with a dog-friendly outdoor seating area.
Drive to Pappy & Harriet's in Pioneertown.
$$, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Key Views

Head to Key Views for panoramic vistas of the park and surrounding desert landscape.
Drive to Key Views lookout point.
$, 1 hour

6:00PM

Relax at Dog-Friendly Accommodation

Rest and rejuvenate at a pet-accepting hotel or lodge near Joshua Tree for the night.
Drive to your accommodation outside the park.
$$, N/A
Find Hotels in Joshua Tree National Park

Day 1: San Diego Coastal Bliss

San Diego, California

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Cottage La Jolla

Start your day with a scrumptious breakfast at this dog-friendly cafe in La Jolla.
Drive to The Cottage La Jolla in San Diego, approximately 2.5 hours from Joshua Tree.
$, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit La Jolla Cove

Explore the picturesque cove, watch seals and sea lions, and enjoy the coastal views with your pup.
Drive to La Jolla Cove for a morning stroll.
$, 1.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Wonderland Ocean Pub

Dine at this oceanfront restaurant with dog-friendly seating, offering fresh seafood and stunning views.
Drive to Wonderland Ocean Pub near the coast.
$$, 1 hour

2:00PM

Relax at Dog Beach

Spend the afternoon at Ocean Beach Dog Beach, where your furry friend can run and play freely.
Drive to Ocean Beach Dog Beach for some fun in the sun.
$, 2 hours

5:00PM

Sunset at Sunset Cliffs Natural Park

Witness a breathtaking sunset over the Pacific Ocean at this dog-friendly park.
Drive to Sunset Cliffs Natural Park for the evening.
$, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Check-in at Dog-Friendly Accommodation

Stay at a pet-welcoming hotel in San Diego to conclude your road trip.
Drive to your accommodation in the city.
$$, N/A
Find Hotels in San Diego
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