Sonoma Valley is a perfect place to bring your pooch, particularly in the warmer months, when outdoor patios are vibrant and sunny, and when wineries, parks and gardens offer tons of dog-friendly events, from guided vineyard walks to dog-friendly baseball games with the Sonoma Stompers. In fact, Sonoma was recently certified as a pet-friendly city through the Better Cities for Pets Program. While most places accept official service animals, you’ll want to call ahead to be certain. 

To maximize your visit, come knowing the law. The City of Sonoma mandates that dogs are leashed in public at all times—a law that not only protects humans and other animals against erratic behavior, but also protects your dogs. The Sonoma Plaza often hosts large-scale festivals, concerts, and the farmers’ markets that attract lots of people, which has, unfortunately, made it off-limits to pets of all kinds. This said, you don’t need the plaza to have fun with your fur friend—there is tons of fun to enjoy, and so many places and events that are geared specifically to dogs.

See below to see the best doggy hotspots in Sonoma Valley and also consult bringfido.com for up-to-date dog-friendly establishments.

LODGING

Lodging with animals can always be tricky, but never when you’re in Sonoma Valley!

The newly renovated Sonoma Valley Inn is the perfect spot for budget-conscious, pet-loving travelers. Located across the street from Whole Foods, one block away from the historic plaza, and a few blocks away from an extensive bike path makes it an ideal landing pad for your trip to Sonoma.

For those looking for a more luxurious lodging experiences, MacArthur Place Hotel and Spa, The Lodge and the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn all offer top accommodations for you and your fur baby, and some even provide a comfy dog bed for him/her to sleep in. MacArthur Place and the Lodge are close to local parks and trails and are also less than a mile from downtown Sonoma. The Fairmont, situated in Boyes Hot Springs, offers extensive, shady and well-manicured grounds for you and your dog to stroll.

As always, check ahead with hotel management to confirm the latest resources available at your desired location. As is customary, be prepared to put down a deposit or pay an added nightly rate to include your dog in your travel plans.

DINING

Most dining establishments in Sonoma Valley with outdoor patios accept dogs or have dog-friendly areas. Typically, only service dogs are allowed indoors.

Dog-friendly restaurants in downtown Sonoma include the front patio at the Swiss Hotel, the front tables at the Red Grape, Mary’s Pizza, B&V Whiskey Bar & Grille, Murphy’s Irish Pub, Valley Bar & Bottle, LaSalette, La Casa, Monday Bakery, Basque Boulangerie, the HopMonk Tavern, Harvey’s Gourmet Donuts, Sweet Scoops Ice Cream Shop, and Sunflower Caffé. Any dining experience around the Plaza is sure to attract other dog lovers who will come to say hello!

On Highway 12 in the Springs, don’t miss Spread Kitchen and Sonoma Eats--great for delicious food and a casual dining experience. In Glen Ellen, Les Pascals bakery and the outdoor picnic area behind Glen Ellen Village Market are all great places for your dog. In Kenwood, check out the spacious patios at Salt & Stone, Palooza Brewery & Gastropub and VJB Cellars—all of which offer a shaded area for dogs to unwind under the hot Sonoma sun.

WINERIES & TASTING ROOMS

There are so many dog-friendly wineries and tasting rooms in Sonoma Valley, they are too long to list! Most tasting rooms that have outdoor patio space are likely to welcome your dogs. Cochon, a half a block from the plaza, is a super welcoming tasting room, with a beautiful shaded patio and dog-friendly staff, who welcome Rover with treats and a cold bowl of water.

As for wineries in Sonoma, look to Anaba, Gundlach Bundschu, Sebastiani, Buena Vista, Bartholomew Estate Winery, Larson Family Winery, and Cline Family Cellars for beautiful spaces to share with your dog—all of which sit on idyllic acreage to roam or picnic peacefully with your pup.

Up on Highway 12 in Glen Ellen and Kenwood, look to wineries like Schermeister, Imagery, St. Francis, St. Anne’s Crossing, and Muscardini for some tasting time with your dog. And be sure to check our calendar of events for special pet-friendly experiences like St. Francis’ annual Blessing of the Animals celebration—a much-beloved tradition—as well as guided walks through the vineyards specifically designed to welcome animals.

Wineries adapt to new experiences all the time, so don’t forget to call ahead to confirm that your dog is welcome. Wineries may seem like peaceful, dreamy playgrounds, but they are also working farms. As such, it’s important to consider the presence of farm equipment, chemicals, and other animals on the property. Keeping your pup leashed, well-behaved, and at your side, is a great way to make a first impression (and earn some extra treats for your dog!).

PARKS & GARDENS

While parks and gardens are ideal places for dogs to run and play, most have very specific rules and regulations on the matter. In fact, California State Parks typically do not allow dogs on trails, in forests or open meadows, or near rivers and creeks. However, there are tons of exceptions on a park-by-park basis.

Jack London State Historic Park and Sugarloaf Ridge State Park welcome leashed dogs along the historic areas but not on the trails. Annadel State Park also allows dogs on a leash but not on the trails. If you want to socialize and run your pup, check out the Ernie Smith Community Park and Elizabeth Perrone Dog Park, adjacent to Highway 12. The latter offers a fenced in area for dogs to play off-leash. Several parks also offer special dog-friendly hikes. Be sure to consult our calendar for upcoming dates. (Our personal favorite is the Halloween Dog Hike at Jack London State Historic Park—costumes are welcome!)

If your pup needs a good stretch of the legs, consider a walk down the bike path, a two-mile stretch of paved trail running parallel to Spain Street, north of the Plaza. Stretching from Maxwell Village on Highway 12 to Sebastiani Winery, it’s ideal for long-legged dogs who need to burn some energy over a longer distance. Complete with a stop for refreshing sip at the dog-friendly water fountain at Depot Park, you’ll be able to catch a glimpse of some of Sonoma’s prettiest views. On Wednesday nights in the summer, check out Acoustic Sunsets at Sonoma Botanical Garden. While dogs are not yet officially allowed during normal business hours, the garden does allow well-behaved, leashed dogs to visit on those designated nights.

BOUTIQUES

Many boutiques around the Sonoma Plaza are open to having leashed dogs enter the store. When in doubt, look for a sign on their door or pop your head in politely to ask. Most store owners are delighted to have furry friends visit and even have treats on hand to charm their four-legged friends.

Every pet lover needs to top their visit to Sonoma Valley off with a visit to WooF!, a pet boutique right off the plaza. The team at WooF! is as friendly as they are knowledgeable, offering unique toys, outfits, treats and other pet-gear that you’re not likely to find anywhere else. If you are in a pinch and looking for staples that you might also find at home, pop over to Petfood Express next to Sonoma Market, where the team can point you to all your pet needs.

* * * * *

More than any tips we can provide, traveling with a pet is game of common sense. Considerate travelers think of their impact on others. When you defer to the rules and wishes of local business owners, you’re sure to create a great experience for everyone involved—and most importantly, for your pet.