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 
Dog Beach 
4933 Voltaire St
San Diego, CA 92107-2100
(619) 515-4400
Muttropolis 
227 S Cedros Ave
Solana Beach, CA 92075-1916
(858) 755-3647 x212
Shorebreak Hotel 
500 Pacific Coast Hwy
Huntington Beach, CA 92648-5032
(714) 861-4470
Bones N Scones 
577 E Sunny Dunes Rd Ste 8
Palm Springs, CA 92264-7479
(760) 864-1133