Frankie The Law Dog

Historic Downtown Ventura California is Dog-Friendly

There is Plenty for Dog-Lovers to Enjoy in Ventura

Early Spanish settlers called Ventura “the land of endless summers.”  Located at the southern tip of California’s Central Coast and just an hour’s drive north of Los Angeles, Ventura is an ideal destination for vacationers with dogs.  In fact, the city prides itself on being a dog-friendly place.  Most restaurants with outdoor seating permit patrons to have their leashed furry friends in tow, and several beaches in and around Ventura California are dog-friendly. 

Explore Ventura California With Your Dog

If you cannot bear the thought of taking in sunny Southern California without your best friend, don’t worry.  Dogs are welcome at many Ventura landmarks.

Take in the Sights of Ventura Harbor With Your Leashed Dog

a marina and much more.  Stroll through the village with your leashed dog, sample some of the local fare at any of the restaurants with outdoor seating, or enjoy some of the special entertainment sponsored by the Village year-round. 

The historic Ventura Pier is located near downtown and was once the longest wooden pier on the West Coast of the U.S.  Dating back to 1872, the pier now offers some of the best views of the city.  Take your leashed dog along and do some fishing or enjoy a meal in the dog-friendly outdoor area of the restaurant.

Several of  Ventura’s Beaches are dog-friendly.  Surfer’s Point at Seaside Park offers some of the best surf around.  Marina Park offers excellent swimming, picnic areas, views of the marina, and a children’s play area.  Harbor Cove Beach is a favorite of families with children because it is protected from harsh curents by the Harbor’s breakwaters.  

Historic Ventura California Welcomes Dog Lovers

Historic Downtown Ventura combines the best of Ventura’s past and present, and dogs are welcome just about everywhere.  Ventura’s history dates back at least 1500 years when it was a Chumash village.  Its modern name is derived from Mission San Buenaventura, established in 1782 by Spanish friars. 

Ventura’s beautiful downtown district keeps history alive in many of its turn-of-the-century era buildings.  Stroll through the downtown district and see locally-owned shops, art galleries, coffee houses, restaurants and boutiques.  Many shops are dog-friendly, offering your pooch a lap of water or a cookie.  And most restaurants with outdoor seating permit patrons to bring their dogs along.

Dog Lovers Paradise in Monterey, California

Beautiful Monterey, California is a Dog Lover's Dream Destination

Monterey, California is justifiably proud of its culture, history and the beauty of its natural environment.  The city on the California coast could also brag about being one of the dog-friendliest towns in the United States. 

Dogs Welcome at these Monterey Attractions

Monterey’s temperate climate means that outdoor activities can be enjoyed year-round.  The following attractions welcome vacationers of the four-footed variety:

• Monterey Bay Whale Watch.  Located at Fisherman’s Wharf in Monterey, year-round excursions to watch whales and dolphins in Monterey Bay are the feature of this attraction.  Summer and fall trips start around April every year, during which time you can observe Humpback Whales and Blue Whales.  Starting in December and running through April is the time to spot Gray Whales.  At any time of year, one can see the great variety of marine animals and seabirds that inhabit Monterey Bay.  And well-behaved dogs on a leash are permitted. 
•  Ventana Vinyards.  The “most award-winning vinyard in America” features the Old Stone House Tasting Room that dates back nearly a century.  Although dogs are not permitted indoors, leashed dogs are welcome on the patio and on the grounds.
• Monterey Bay Coastal Trail.  Enjoy stunning scenery along the coastline on this 18-mile paved pedestrian and bike trail.  The trail goes through Monterey from the Aquarium to the Seaside City limits.  Well-behaved and leashed dogs are permitted on the trail. 
• Monterey State Beach.   Dogs are allowed to accompany their families at this beautiful two-mile strech of beach in Monterey.  Dogs may run and splash and play, but they must remain leashed. 

Dog-Friendly Hotels in Monterey, California

There are a number of hotels in Monterey that allow vacationers to bring their dogs along, including the following:

Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey, California

• Best Western Beach Resort Monterey.  This hotel offers views oceanfront views and access to the coast.  Pets are allowed, with the payment of a $25 per day fee.
• Comfort Inn Monterey Bay.  Located near Monterey Bay Aquarium, Fisherman’s Wharf and the famous Cannery Row, this hotel has pet-friendly rooms available.
• Comfort Inn Monterey by the Sea.  Centrally located in the heart of Monterey just off scenic Highway 1 and less than three miles from Fisherman’s Wharf, Cannery Row and the Monterey Bay Aquarium, the Comfort Inn Monterey by the Sea has pet-friendly rooms available.

Additional Resources:  Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Monterey, California; Dog-Friendly Ventura, California