Fort Bragg and its nearby neighbor Mendocino are exceptional Northern California escapes for anyone traveling with a furry friend. Amazing beaches, some cool pet-friendly shops and numerous pet-welcoming lodgings add up to a great getaway for dogs and the people they own.
When it comes to a reasonably priced place to stay, the Beachcomber Motel—where this reporter recently lodged with his wife and their two pugs—has the best location imaginable. Less than a mile north of Fort Bragg on Highway 1, the motel offers up-close views of the rugged Pacific, with trails leading down to a never-ending beach less than a two-minute walk away. Dogs will love to roam free here, although it’s prudent to keep your eyes peeled for park rangers—who do on rare occasions enforce the on-leash rule.
The Beachcomber also has a designated area for pooches to take care of their business, and provides a welcoming bag for each canine upon check-in with a towel, doggie treat, and pick-up bag for any waste.
The property offers some nice amenities for its human guests as well, particularly considering it’s really a casual beachside motel at heart. Flat-screen TVs and hair-dryers are found in each room, and the lobby maintains a coffee, hot chocolate and juice station on a 24/7/365 basis.
The Surf Motel is another down-to-earth lodging catering to canines. Located on South Main Street near Fort Bragg’s southern end, the motel provides a fenced-in dog park area dedicated to doggies, plus some nice places for dogs and people to explore.
“We have several pet-friendly rooms located right across from the dog park for convenient dog walking, and are also surrounded by our beautiful gardens,” says Govind Reddy, resident manager of the Surf. “There’s lots of area for curious pets to snoop around.”
Ten miles south, Mendocino offers some slightly more upscale selections for canine-accompanied travelers. Among the top-tier lodgings offering pet-friendly rooms are Sweetwater’s, a hip inn and spa with a wide selection of rooms and some of the best hot-tubbing anywhere; the MacCallum House, an old Victorian surrounded by lovely grounds and boasting an excellent restaurant; and the Stanford Inn by the Sea, an elegant property just south of town.
A fine afternoon outing can also be had with your hound at the fishing village of Noyo, nestled at an inlet near Fort Bragg’s southern realms. One of the region’s few officially leash-free beaches awaits at the very end of the town’s one road, and a few dog-friendly dining spots are here as well—including Silver’s at the Wharf, where your dog can join you on the deck to watch boats sailing to and fro in the harbor.
Another dog-centric stop is Paws, a funky little pet shop at 432 North Main Street in Fort Bragg selling treats, toys and other items for dogs and cats. And to really reward your best friend, consider stopping at Roundman’s Smoke Shop just down the street—where they have special bone cuts for sale cheap, intended just for your pooch.
Comments
You forgot Fort Bragg Feed & Pet, located at 880 Stewart St., (across from Denny's) They offer dog and cat products at good prices and a friendly atmosphere.
Did you know Fort Bragg was rated #5 by Dog Fancy among their most dog friendly towns in the country? It's the home of the original ugly dog contest; it's the perfect temperature - never too hot for a romp or too cold for a hike; you can play on Noyo Beach - officially an off-leash beach; visit the Botanical Gardens (very pet friendly); make new friends at MCDOG's Fort Bragg dog park (one coming soon in Mendocino), take them kayaking with Liquid Fusion Kayaking on Noyo River, get treats at many downtown shops - even a free pet scoop at Cowlick's handmade ice cream.
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