One of the big draws of Santa Maria Valley is the welcoming, casual, laid-back lifestyle that makes it easy to kick back and enjoy yourself. That said, you probably can’t fully enjoy yourself if you’ve left an important four-legged member of your family back home. Instead of boarding your pet, Santa Maria Valley invites you to bring them along!
Santa Maria Valley’s year-round temperate climate makes this a perfect dog-friendly destination where you can spend most of your time here outside. Within a 30-mile radius, you’ll find 24 hiking trails, 15 beaches and 34 tasting rooms — many that are proudly dog-friendly!
Life’s a Beach
You and your pup can walk the sands of Pismo State Beach, the Point Sal State Beach Trail, Fisherman’s Beach, the Oceano Dunes and more. There are also many dog-friendly parks in the area. Browse all the parks in the area.
Swirl, Sip, Repeat
Of course, you’ll find more wide-open spaces in wine country. Santa Maria Valley is known for delicious Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah that will make your tongue wag. Bring your dog along and taste some of Santa Maria Valley’s flagship wine varietals. Presqu’ile Winery, Cambria Estate Winery, Costa De Oro, Riverbench, Foxen Vineyard & Winery and Rancho Sisquoc all have outdoor tasting experiences where your pup can tag along. Be sure to check for tasting availability before you head over. Reservations may be required.
Lick Your Chops
When it’s time to eat, check out Cubanissimo Cuban Coffee House or Rancho Nipomo Deli & BBQ for pet-friendly opportunities to enjoy outdoor seating in our gorgeous coastal weather. Naughty Oak Brewing Company also welcomes dogs on its patio – the Orcutt-based brewing company even offers water dishes to help keep your doggo hydrated.
Head for the Hills
Get your paws dusty on one of the great hiking trails in Santa Maria Valley. Mind the signs—most trails require your dog to be leashed, and remember waste bags to leave a clean trail. Find the following trails and more, here.
- Chumash Trail
- Clover Ridge Trail
- Coastal Access Trail at Pismo Beach
- Five City’s Coast Walk
- East La Cuesta Loop
- Guiton Trail Oceano Lagoon
- Hancock College Trail
- Monarch Butterfly Grove and Meadow Creek Trail
- Nipomo Native Garden Loop
- Nipomo Park
- Orcutt Hill
- Paradise via Point Sal
- Pismo Dunes
- Point Sal Overlook
- Price Historical Park Trail
- Rice Ranch Trail
- Sand Highway
- Santa Maria River
- Levee Trail
- Santa Maria Valley Multipurpose Trail
- Willow Spring Trail
Let Sleeping Dogs… Sleep
When you’re ready to book your stay, Santa Maria Valley offers many dog-friendly hotels. Nearly every other hotel in our region allows pets in special rooms for a small fee. Best Western Big America allows pets to stay for free based on the availability of pet-friendly rooms.
With Santa Maria Valley as your home base, exploring the outdoors and enjoying everything it has to offer with your best friend by your side has never been easier. Book your stay today.
