Pet-friendly getaways in Wine Coast Country
A family vacation just isn’t the same without the family pet, but in Wine Coast Country, there’s no need to leave Fido at home. With plenty of dog parks, dog-friendly beaches and welcoming accommodations, the Central Coast offers something for everyone – even man’s best friend.
Avila Beach This hip coastal community has some of the best weather on the Central Coast, as well as a wide variety of attractions to please every member of the family. For our four-legged friends, there’s the Olde Port Beach, a ¼-mile stretch of shoreline perfect for letting the pup catch some waves. For the kids, a visit to the Avila Valley Barn is always in order, with its extensive petting zoo and seasonal activities including ollalieberry picking, a pumpkin patch, and tractor rides.
For mom and dad, the Avila Beach Golf Resort features a par 71, 6,500-yard championship course for players of all levels. And don’t forget the wine! Avila Beach is home to several esteemed wineries, including those with tasting rooms downtown such as Alapay Cellars and Wood Winery..
For the whole family, there are trolley rides out to the Point San Luis Lighthouse for a tour of this historic property dating back to 1890. Or hike/cycle the beautiful Bob Jones Trail, which travels a 1.5-mile corridor shrouded in oak and sycamore trees that is safe enough for young children, but enjoyable for everyone – even Fido! Be sure to stop at the Woodstone Marketplace, just off the trail, for a delicious lunch or light supper on the veranda. Or, for a view of the waves, visit Mr. Rick’s Restaurant, where the easy-going, dog-friendly patio overlooks a stretch of classic California seashore.
For pet-friendly lodging opportunities in Avila Beach, check out the following: Avila Village Inn, Avila La Fonda Hotel
San Simeon / Cambria / Cayucos A vacation along San Luis Obispo County’s north coast is a treat for the whole family. Always at the top of everyone’s list is Hearst Castle State Park in San Simeon. Built by newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst, this “castle” never fails to amaze even its youngest visitors with history, grandeur, and opulence. For lunch, visit nearby El Chorlito Mexican Restaurant, which has a pet-friendly patio and awesome views. And a visit to the Piedras Blancas Elephant Sea Lion Rookery never disappoints, with bulls measuring from 14 to 16 feet long, weighing up to 2 1/2 tons, and engaging in battles to establish dominance mere yards from where visitors stand.
Pet-friendly lodging in San Simeon can be found at the following: Best Western Plus Cavalier Oceanfront Resort, Silver Surf Motel
For seaside village appeal, look no further than Cambria. Framed in stately pine trees and known for its artists’ community, Cambria is a quaint hamlet that knows how to charm. Kids will love hunting for sea glass on Moonstone Beach, while parents will appreciate Cambria’s many galleries and fine antique shops. Dogs will especially enjoy the Cambria Dog Park and pet-friendly accommodations just 500 yards away at the Creekside Inn, where pets always stay free. Pet-friendly restaurants with patios include Las Cambritas, Mustache Pete’s, Wild Ginger, Indigo Moon, and the Redwood Café.
Cambria’s pet-friendly lodgings: Creekside Inn, Cambria Pines Lodge, Cambria Palms Motel, Cambria Shores Inn, Fog Catcher Inn
If you’re looking for an all-around relaxed California beach scene, Cayucos is for you. This small town is home to a long, spacious white-sand beach that entertains thousands of surfers and fisherman each year. Best of all, the strand is dog-friendly! Constantly in view of the famous Morro Bay Rock, Morro Strand Beach stretches six miles from Cayucos to Morro Bay – the perfect distance for a morning jog or a leisurely stroll taken over the course of an entire day. Rent sea kayaks for an afternoon of family paddling, or explore the tide pools near the Cayucos pier. Satisfy your kids’ sweet tooth with salt water taffy from the Cayucos Candy Counter after a meal at any one of these pet-friendly restaurants: Hoppe’s Bistro, Sea Shanty Restaurant, Schooner’s Wharf, Old Cayucos Bakery & Deli, Mustache Pete’s Cayucos.
Cayucos accommodations for families with pets include: Cayucos Beach Inn, Vagabond Inn
About Wine Coast Country Wine Coast Country represents the San Luis Obispo County Business Improvement District, whose mission is to promote increased occupancy in the 730+ lodging properties that are a part of the CBID constituency. www.WineCoastCountry.compromotes tourism to San Luis Obispo County’s distinct unincorporated areas, including Avila Beach, Cambria, Cayucos, Los Osos, Nipomo, Oceano, San Simeon, and unincorporated San Luis Obispo, Arroyo Grande, and Morro Bay. For more information, call Cheryl Cuming at (805) 547-CBID (547-2243) or log onto www.WineCoastCountry.com.