📍 Last updated: July 2026 — We’ve explored Southern California extensively with Ruby and update this guide regularly as we discover new favorites.

One of the best things about living in or visiting Los Angeles is what surrounds it. Within two hours in almost any direction you can be on an off-leash beach, hiking through chaparral canyons, exploring a charming small town, or waking up to desert silence in a place that feels completely removed from the city. Southern California gets a bad rap as car culture sprawl, but the truth is it’s one of the most varied regions in the country for road trips — and most of the best destinations are dog-friendly.

This guide covers the best weekend getaways from Los Angeles with your dog, organized by drive time so you can pick the right trip for your schedule. Where we have a full guide on the blog, it’s linked within each destination to help with further planning and we’ll continue to add to this list as we visit more SoCal cities. 

Under 1 Hour from LA

Huntington Beach — Under 1 hour

Surf City USA earns its reputation as one of the most dog-friendly cities in Southern California, and the off-leash beach at the north end of town is the reason most dog owners make the drive. Huntington Dog Beach is open 24/7, has a wash station at the exit, and has the kind of social, salt-air energy that makes it instantly clear why people come back every weekend. Beyond the beach, the town itself delivers — a Duffy boat cruise through Huntington Harbour, Pacific City for a stroll, the world’s largest surfboard at the International Surfing Museum, and a dining scene with dog-welcoming patios throughout. We visited as guests of Visit Huntington Beach and it’s an even shorter drive from LA than from the Bay Area.

What to do with your dog:

• Huntington Dog Beach — off-leash, 24/7, wash station on site
• Duffy boat cruise through Huntington Harbour — captain your own boat; Ruby loved all the smells
• Pacific City — walkable outdoor shopping with dog-welcoming shops and patios
• International Surfing Museum — world’s largest surfboard, dog-welcoming exterior
• Huntington Central Park — great morning or afternoon stop with green space
• Painted Ladies lookalikes at 313 21st St & 520 20th St — a fun photo stop (private residences, admire from outside)

Where to eat:

• Lōrea at Paséa Hotel — dinner on the patio with ocean views and a dedicated dog menu; the omakase is a must
• Jolie — panoramic views, upscale coastal lunch, dog-welcoming patio
• Nardo — wood-fired pizza and handcrafted pasta on the patio; save room for the chocolate mousse
• Park Bench Cafe at Huntington Central Park — local favorite, grassy dining area, dog menu; perfect for a last morning breakfast before heading home
• 1 Oz Coffee — casual morning coffee stop before the beach

Where to stay:

• Paséa Hotel & Spa — USA Today’s #1 pet-friendly hotel 2025; private on-site dog park, pet menu at Lōrea, and the VIP Pet Package includes a waived pet fee, take-home collar, leash and toy, and dog bed and bowls in-room. $150/stay without the package.
• Kimpton Shorebreak — no pet fee, no weight limit, dog bed and bowls, polaroid keepsake on arrival. On PCH directly across from the beach, one block from Main Street.

Drive time from LA: Under 1 hour via I-405 S
Best for: Beach days, easy first trip, the most effortless dog-friendly weekend on this list

👉 Full Dog-Friendly Guide to Huntington Beach →

~1.5–2 Hours from LA

Ojai — 1.5 Hours

Ojai is a small valley town tucked into the Topatopa Mountains with a main street lined with galleries, farm-to-table restaurants, olive orchards, and golden-hour light that is famously coined the “pink moment” that makes everything look like a painting. This town operates on a completely different frequency from the city — slower, quieter, and deeply intentional.

The surrounding hills are dotted with organic farms, olive orchards, and citrus groves that supply the restaurants and the weekly farmers market, and the food scene reflects it — this is one of the best eating towns in Southern California relative to its size.

What to do with your dog:

• Ojai Valley Bike Path — accessible directly from the Ojai Valley Inn, leads into downtown Ojai; great for a morning ride or walk
• Downtown Ojai — fully walkable, dog-welcoming throughout; galleries, bakeries, and cafes with outdoor seating
• Los Padres National Forest trails — multiple trailheads accessible from town, leashed dogs welcome on most
• Dog-friendly olive oil and honey tastings at Ojai Valley Inn

Where to stay:

• Ojai Valley Inn — Preferred Hotels property, part of the Preferred Pups Program; dog amenities on arrival, fireside king terrace rooms with mountain views and private patio. 
• Capri Hotel — A boutique motel-style property with a cool, retro California aesthetic and a loyal following. Central location, walkable to downtown, and a more affordable option than the Inn without sacrificing style. 
• Hummingbird Inn — A charming, intimate inn set in a garden setting with a quieter, residential feel. Good option for a slower-paced stay with a dog. 
• Hotel El Roblar — A historic Ojai property with Spanish Colonial character, set among mature oaks. Relaxed and unpretentious with a strong sense of place. The most central downtown location, 

Drive time from LA: 90 minutes via US-101 N to CA-33 N
Best for: A relaxed luxury getaway; hikers, foodies, and anyone who wants to feel genuinely away without a long drive

👉 Full Dog-Friendly Guide to Ojai 

Santa Barbara — 1.5 hours

Santa Barbara is the American Riviera for good reason. The combination of a walkable downtown, off-leash beach access at Hendry’s Beach, an amazing patio dining scene in the Funk Zone, and dog-welcoming hotels makes it one of our favorite SoCal destinations. It’s close enough for a day trip from LA but good enough to justify staying the weekend — especially if you tack on a morning in Montecito or a wine tasting day up in the Santa Ynez Valley.

What to do with your dog:

Where to stay:

• Kimpton Canary Hotel — no pet fee, no weight limit, dog beds and bowls, walking distance to everything. We’ve stayed here with Ruby and it’s exactly what you’d hope for from a Kimpton property.
• Riviera Beach House — near the beach and Funk Zone, solid mid-range option
• Hotel Californian — stylish waterfront property, dog-friendly rooms available

Drive time from LA: Under 2 hours via US-101 N
Best for: Wine, food, beach days, longer weekends; pairs naturally with Montecito just down the road

👉 Full Dog-Friendly Guide to Santa Barbara →

Montecito & Summerland — 1.5 hours

Montecito is Santa Barbara’s quieter, more residential neighbor — a town of garden estates, celebrity hideaways, and the kind of low-key luxury that doesn’t announce itself. For dog owners it’s a natural add-on to a Santa Barbara trip or a destination in its own right. Coast Village Road is the main drag and it’s walkable, charming, and almost entirely dog-welcoming. Summerland, just south, is an even smaller beach community with an antiques row, a small dog-friendly beach, and a sleepy California charm that feels miles removed from LA.

What to do with your dog:

• Coast Village Road — stroll the boutique main street; most shops and cafes welcome leashed dogs
• Butterfly Beach — leashed dogs; calm, sheltered, and beautiful; steps from the San Ysidro Ranch
• Summerland Beach — small and quiet; leashed dogs welcome

• Cold Spring Trail Loop — a 2.3-mile moderate loop starting in the Montecito foothills that winds through shaded oak and sycamore forest alongside Cold Springs Creek with several creek crossings, small waterfalls, and picturesque pools along the way.

Where to stay:

• San Ysidro Ranch — one of the most legendary dog-friendly luxury properties in California that we’re dying to cross off our list; no weight restrictions, $150/stay pet fee
• Rosewood Miramar Beach — another coveted stay in Montecito. Set directly on the sand at Miramar Beach with two outdoor pools, beachfront dining, and the kind of California elegance that makes you never want to leave. Dogs are welcome with a $250 pet fee.
• Vacation rentals in Montecito work particularly well for dogs given the residential nature of the area for small yards and daily walks

Drive time from LA: ~2 hours via US-101 N (just past Santa Barbara)
Best for: Luxury getaways, quiet weekends, pairing with Santa Barbara for a multi-night trip

👉 Full Dog-Friendly Guide to Montecito & Summerland 

Palm Springs — ~2 hours

Palm Springs has the most welcoming dog-friendly atmosphere and just a great vibe general. The combination of stylish hotels with pet programs, dog-welcoming restaurant patios everywhere you look, the weekly polo season, and the surreal beauty of the desert makes it a special destination. It’s a best-in-fall-and-spring trip — summer temperatures are brutal for dogs and humans alike — but from October through April this a prime Southern California destination for a long weekend.

What to do with your dog:

• Boozehounds — the dog-friendliest restaurant we’ve ever been to. Elite dog menu with fresh food options, dogs allowed inside the atrium, and the brunch is excellent. Don’t miss it.
• Downtown Palm Springs — Palm Canyon Drive is fully walkable and extensively dog-welcoming; patios everywhere, water bowls out front at most shops, and a morning stroll through the mid-century modern neighborhoods is one of the great dog walks in SoCal
• Moorten’s Botanical Garden — a living museum of desert plants; leashed dogs welcome through the cactarium and grounds; a lovely, quiet morning stop
• Sunday polo at Empire Polo Club (October–April) — leashed dogs welcome on the grounds; a quintessentially Palm Springs afternoon

Where to stay:

• ARRIVE Palm Springs — sleek design with laid-back vibes; dogs welcome in ground-level rooms with spacious outdoor areas, central fire pits, and a pool that’s perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring
• Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs — no pet fee, no weight limit, no breed restrictions; dog beds, treats, and courtesy bags provided; pets welcome at the nightly hosted wine reception; rooftop pool with stunning mountain views
• Colony Palms Hotel — old Hollywood glamour in a boutique setting in the heart of downtown; dog-friendly with a pool and lush courtyard that feels like a private oasis
• Casa Cody — the oldest operating hotel in Palm Springs; historic adobe property with shaded courtyards, two pets any size for $25/night; the best value on the list
• Vacation rentals — Palm Springs has some of the most beautifully designed short-term rental homes in California; mid-century modern properties with private pools are widely available and work exceptionally well for dogs

Drive time from LA: ~2 hours via I-10 E
Best for: Desert scenery, food and cocktails, fall and winter trips; natural pairing with Joshua Tree for a longer weekend

👉 Full Dog-Friendly Guide to Palm Springs →

Joshua Tree — ~2 hours

The landscape of Joshua Tree is unlike anywhere else in California — an otherworldly high desert where two ecosystems meet, the boulders are the size of houses, and the night sky is some of the darkest in Southern California. Dogs are welcome in the national park in limited areas – enough to where it’s worth a day visit – and the town of Joshua Tree has grown into a interesting small community with good food, excellent Airbnbs, and a creative energy that gives it a personality beyond just the park.

What to do with your dog:

• Joshua Tree National Park — leashed dogs on paved and dirt roads, in campgrounds, and at picnic areas; not permitted on most backcountry trails
• Dog-friendly hiking near the park — since trails inside the park are off-limits, the surrounding area has excellent alternatives. Whitewater Preserve (year-round river, shaded picnic spots, lush desert canyon), Pioneertown Mountains Preserve (rugged ridgelines, desert washes, old homestead sites — combine with a Pioneertown stop), Section Six/Desert View Conservation Area (wide open BLM land, quiet and uncrowded), and Coyote Hole (a short 1-mile rocky canyon trail with Native American petroglyphs — follow posted guidelines and tread lightly) are all leash-friendly and worth exploring.
• Pioneertown — a vintage Hollywood western movie set turned small community; Pappy & Harriet’s has outdoor seating
• Sun of the Desert — a stylish Joshua Tree boutique with artisan goods and desert-inspired gifts; leashed dogs are often spotted browsing alongside their humans.

Where to stay:

• AutoCamp Joshua Tree — Airstream accommodations, dog-friendly policy up to 80 lbs
• Desert Airbnbs throughout the area — some of the most architecturally interesting vacation rentals in California

Drive time from LA: ~2.5 to 3 hours via I-10 E to CA-62
Best for: Stargazing, photography, desert landscapes; pairs naturally with Palm Springs for a longer weekend

👉 Full Dog-Friendly Guide to Joshua Tree →

San Diego — ~2 hours

San Diego is consistently ranked one of the most dog-friendly cities in America, and the numbers back it up — more than 70 miles of coastline, multiple off-leash beaches, a thriving patio dining scene, and dog-welcoming neighborhoods that make it easy to spend a full weekend exploring without ever feeling like your dog is an afterthought. 

What to do with your dog:

• Ocean Beach Dog Beach — the original off-leash beach in the US; open 24/7, social and sandy, wash station nearby; the OB neighborhood itself is worth exploring with your pup after
• Coronado — endlessly charming; a small island just across the bay with a walkable main street, boutique shops, and the iconic Hotel del Coronado. Even if you’re not staying at the Del, walk the grounds with your dog and pair it with Coronado Dog Beach (off-leash at the north end) for a perfect day
• Balboa Park — leashed dogs welcome throughout the 1,200-acre grounds; don’t miss the Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden, the Cactus Garden, and the free Sunday organ concert at Spreckels Organ (2pm). Note: the San Diego Zoo is inside the park but is not dog-friendly
• Sunset Cliffs Natural Park — rugged Pacific cliffs with sweeping ocean views in the Point Loma neighborhood; leashed dogs welcome on the cliffside path; arrive 30–45 minutes before sunset for the best light
• Liberty Station — a repurposed naval base turned cultural district with open green spaces, dog-friendly patios, and a genuinely laid-back neighborhood energy
• La Jolla Cove — leashed dogs on the coastal walk above the sea lions; one of the most scenic dog walks in the city
• Kayaking & paddleboarding in Mission Bay — several operators welcome leashed dogs on the water; a fun way to spend a morning

Where to stay:

• Hotel del Coronado — an icon. Historic beachfront property on Coronado Island with direct beach access, plush pet beds, food and water bowls, and access to Coronado Dog Beach steps away. Especially magical during the holidays with Skating by the Sea and beachfront bonfires. Dogs of all sizes welcome.
• Kimpton Solamar Hotel — no pet fee, no weight limit, genuinely dog-welcoming vibe; great downtown location close to the Gaslamp Quarter and walkable to the Embarcadero
• Loews Coronado Bay Resort — waterfront resort with a strong pet program including beds, bowls, and a pet menu; beautiful bay setting on Coronado

Drive time from LA: ~2 hours via I-5 S (allow 2.5–3 hours on Friday afternoons)
Best for: Beach days, city exploring, longer weekends; excellent base for day trips to Coronado, La Jolla, and the coast

👉 Full Dog-Friendly Guide to San Diego →

Big Bear Lake — ~2 hours

Big Bear is LA’s mountain backyard — a lake town at 6,700 feet elevation nestled in the San Bernardino Mountains, with hiking in summer, skiing in winter, and a lakeside village that stays busy year-round. The altitude alone makes it feel like a different world from the basin, and dogs are welcome throughout — on the trails, on the village green, and at a good number of restaurants and stays in the area. 

What to do with your dog:

• Big Bear Lake — leashed dogs on the north shore trail and at several lakeside access points
• San Bernardino National Forest trails — extensive trail network surrounding the lake; leashed dogs welcome on most
• Big Bear Village — walkable downtown with shops, restaurants, and dog-welcoming patios
• Castle Rock Trail — a popular short hike with lake views; leashed dogs welcome

Where to stay:

• Postcard Cabins Big Bear (Running Springs) — our top pick and personally stayed here twice, once in winter and once in summer. Minimalist Scandi-style cabins with sweeping San Bernardino Mountain views, a 1-mile on-site hiking trail, fire pits, and dog beds on request. No Wi-Fi but cell service is available. From $200–$500/night, $50 pet fee, 2-night minimum. Full review here.
• Vacation rentals throughout the area offer the most flexibility for dogs and are a strong alternative

Drive time from LA: ~2 to 2.5 hours via I-10 E to CA-18
Best for: Mountain air, summer hiking, winter skiing, fall color; a quick altitude reset from the city

👉 Full Dog-Friendly Guide to Big Bear Lake

~2.5 Hours from LA

Solvang — ~2.5 hours

A Danish village in the Santa Ynez Valley that should not work as well as it does. Solvang is so charming — windmills, half-timbered buildings, excellent pastries, and a wine country setting surrounded by some of the best Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vineyards in California. Dogs are welcome throughout the walkable downtown and on most winery patios in the valley. It pairs naturally with a Santa Barbara trip — drive up the 101, head inland to Solvang and the Santa Ynez Valley for a day of wine tasting, then back to the coast for the night.

What to do with your dog:

• Downtown Solvang — fully walkable and completely charming; windmill-lined streets, Danish bakeries, dog-welcoming shops throughout, and the kind of small-town energy that makes you slow down immediately. Most shops keep water bowls out front and welcome leashed pups inside.
• Santa Ynez Valley wine tasting — many tasting rooms welcome leashed dogs on patios; Buttonwood Farm Winery and Roblar Winery are known for being dog-friendly; a gorgeous afternoon loop through the vineyards
• Los Olivos — a neighboring village just 10 minutes away with gallery-lined streets, more wine tasting, and a quintessential California wine country feel; very dog-welcoming throughout
• Nojoqui Falls County Park — a short trail to a seasonal waterfall just outside of town; leashed dogs welcome; a good morning outing before wine tasting
• Julefest (December) — if you visit in December, Solvang transforms into one of the most Christmas towns in California with a light show, tree lighting, parade, and a Danish gnome scavenger hunt through downtown. One of our favorite seasonal dog-friendly destinations in the state.

Where to stay:

• The Landsby — our top pick and personally stayed here. Solvang’s most stylish boutique hotel, blending Scandinavian design with warm wine country charm. Steps from downtown on Mission Dr; warm contemporary design, original artwork, soaking tubs, mini fridge, cozy courtyard with fire pits, and Mad & Vin restaurant on-site. Up to 2 dogs, max 50 lbs each. $100/stay pet fee. 
• Hotel Ynez — a polished, adult-focused boutique hotel with a pool, complimentary breakfast, and a living plant wall. 22 rooms, central location near wineries. Up to 2 dogs of any size, $50/dog per stay. Dogs must not be left unattended in rooms. 
• The Marlo — a hygge-centered boutique hotel on Alisal Rd with beautifully maintained garden courtyards, individually designed rooms with patios, and the most dog-forward amenity package in Solvang. Your dog’s stay includes a premium bed, boutique treat box, branded bandana and bowls, and a handwritten welcome note addressed to them. Dog sitting and walking available with 48-hour notice. 1 dog of any size, $45/night pet fee. 
• The Ballard Inn — a peaceful, upscale countryside escape just minutes from downtown, surrounded by vineyards and rolling Santa Ynez hills. Better for those who want a quieter, more rural wine country setting. 

Drive time from LA: ~2.5 hours via US-101 N
Best for: Wine country, charming small town energy; pairs naturally with Santa Barbara for a longer weekend

👉 If you’re visiting during the holidays, check out our Dog-Friendly Guide to Solvang at Christmas

Planning Tips for Road Trips from LA

Traffic is the biggest variable. Friday afternoon departures from LA can add an hour or more to any of these drives. For anything over 2 hours, leaving Thursday evening or Saturday morning makes a significant difference. The 395 north of Lone Pine is largely traffic-free once you clear the basin.

Summer heat management for dogs. Palm Springs and Joshua Tree are very hot from June through September — plan all outdoor time for early morning before 9am. The coastal destinations (Huntington Beach, Santa Barbara, San Diego) and mountain destinations (Big Bear, Mammoth) are better summer choices.

Most destinations are best in shoulder seasons. September through November and March through May are the sweet spots for almost everything on this list. Palm Springs, Joshua Tree, and Solvang are especially good in spring and fall.

Elevation considerations. Big Bear sits at 6,700 feet and Mammoth at 7,800 feet — if your dog isn’t accustomed to altitude, take it easy on the first day and watch for signs of fatigue on longer hikes.

Always confirm pet policies directly. Hotel pet fees, weight limits, and policies change more frequently than most properties update their websites. Even for chains with known no-fee policies like Kimpton, it’s worth a quick confirmation before you arrive.

Have a favorite dog-friendly road trip from LA that we missed? Drop it in the comments — we’re always adding to this list as we explore more of Southern California with Ruby.