Last year for our 10 year wedding anniversary, I wanted to find a city I had never been to before, was peaceful, fairly close to home but of course, dog friendly.
After much research, I came across Cambria, CA. Cambria is in San Luis Obispo Country off the coast on California Highway 1 (often referred to locals as PCH 1). Cambria is a city right in the middle between Los Angeles and San Francisco. From our house, it was roughly 3 hours away. Distance was a big deal for us because we realized while driving around town with Muffin, that she gets car sick. Even on short rides, she would get sick. She would sit next to me, get uncomfortable, then without getting graphic, vomit. Who knew dogs get car sick! My husband and I think that perhaps car rides stress her out. Being in an adoption agency for months, going from one location to another, riding around with all those other dogs could not have been a pleasant experience. We would like to her to get used to riding along with us. We have the whole world in front of us, Muffin! Well maybe not the world, but atleast cities in CA.
After doing some research online on pet travel tips and preparing ourselves for frequent stops on the way, we were ready! We booked a room at a dog friendly hotel called Castle Inn by the Sea right by the ocean for a mini vacation (3 days, 2 nights). There was a Living Social deal at the time so if you decide to go, make sure you check out Living Social before booking. Traffic was great and Muffin did considerable well during the 3 hour car ride that included quite a bit of restroom stops.
We checked into the hotel and settled in. The hotel is right across the street from the beach with a cute boardwalk that extends quite a few miles (just an fyi…this particular beach does not allow dogs but there is one up the street that does). The hotel lobby was VERY dog friendly complete with a water bowl and dog biscuits. Upon receiving our room key, we also received a welcome basket for Muffin that included treats, a flashlight, water/food bowl, a towel, a food mat and pet magazine. I was very impressed (though our towel seemed used so make sure your towel is clean!). In the courtyard of the hotel is a grass area perfect of dogs to go potty. The rooms were very nice with a fireplace, well kept bathroom/shower and a door that leads to a small patio. Quite honestly, with the beautiful beach and grass courtyard so close by, we did not use the patio area. This hotel was perfect for us. The location and accommodation was very convenient for us. And get this…every morning, a basket is delivered to your room with breakfast! How cute is that! Stay tuned for a review of the local dog friendly restaurants, my personal favorite thing to do when traveling!
View from the hotel grass courtyard area
Boardwalk by the hotel and beach
Welcome pet basket provided by the hotel
Hotel room fireplace
Bathroom/Shower Room
Kitchen area that leads to the patio
Breakfast delivery in a basket every morning
Breakfast is served!
Dog friendly beach a little ways down the hotel
Cambria Chamber of Commerce – so quaint!
Street View of Main Street in Downtown Cambria
Downtown Main St. at night