Southern California With Your Pooch

Romp on beaches and pick up designer pup treats on this doggone-great road trip.

Trip length: 2-4 days
Total distance: 488 mi/785 km

Time with your furry pal doesn’t get any better than on this grand tour of pet-friendly destinations around Southern California.

DAY 1
San Diego. Hit the sands at The Original Dog Beach , one of the country’s first leash-free beaches. Chill over lunch at the San Diego Humane Society’s Rocky’s Doggie Café , which hosts monthly canine mixers with experts on hand to offer training tips. INFO 800/350-6205; sandiego.org

Del Mar (18mi/30km; 24 mins). Fall to spring, dogs can run free along a half-mile of coast at North Beach (leashes required in summer). For a special treat, head over to Muttropolis in Solana Beach, a hip pet boutique with designer bowls and cool toys. INFO 858/755-9313; delmar.ca.us/visitors

Laguna Beach (52mi/83km; 57 mins). Find doggy swimsuits, hoodies, even some bling (Swarovski-encrusted collars!) at Bark and Sniff Boutique . INFO 949/715-4405; lagunabeachinfo.com

DAY 2
Huntington Beach (16mi/26km; 26 mins). Surf City has gone to the dogs. Catch the wave at HB’s Dog Beach —one mile of pure pooch paradise. Recharge in style at the Shorebreak Hotel , where a special package includes a designer boa for your dog, chew toy, and room service treats. INFO 800/729-6232; surfcityusa.com

Palm Springs (107mi/172km; 1hr 57mins). Let that cold-nosed friend chill out in the dry heat at historic Casa Cody Bed and Breakfast Inn , where shaded grounds and cool tile floors invite afternoon snoozes. Stock up on healthy food and natural treats for dogs and cats at Bones N Scones . INFO 800/347-7746; visitpalmsprings.com

DAY 3
Big Bear Lake (93mi/150km; 1hr 56mins). Head to the mountains and unleash your dog’s inner hound at Pine Knot Guest Ranch , where two acres of off-leash fun (and rabbits and squirrels) await. Work out the kinks with an in-cabin canine massage. INFO 800/424-4232; bigbearinfo.com

Los Angeles (104mi/167km; 2hrs 10mins). Let your pooch sniff it up with the stars at dog parks in the Hollywood Hills; try Runyon Canyon and Laurel Canyon . INFO 323/467-6412; discoverlosangeles.com

Calabasas (27mi/44km; 34 mins). Los Angeles Pet Memorial Park is a veritable Forest Lawn for celeb pets and animals stars dating back to 1928. Look for Pete from the Little Rascals and Topper, Hopalong Cassidy’s horse. INFO 323/467-6412; discoverlosangeles.com

Santa Barbara (71mi/115km; 1hr 18mins). Give your dog a taste of the endless summer at Santa Barbara’s most popular off-leash fun zone, Arroyo Burro Beach Park . There’s even a coin-operated dog wash. INFO (805) 966-9222; santabarbaraca.com