Our trip to Fort Bragg was an adventure. This coastal town in North Coast California was packed with fun activities to do with our pets. There were tons of pet-friendly restaurants and bars to check out and beach shenanigans to do. That said, finding all the best pet-friendly hotels in Fort Bragg, California, was paramount to us. So while we were in town, we made sure to list all the best hotels and holiday homes we’ve been to. That way, you won’t need to do the hard lifting.
Now as for more activities recommendations, we couldn’t stress enough how iconic the Skunk Trails is. As a train enthusiast, it was a ride to remember. It’s even more epic since we got to bring our pets with us on the historic locomotives. Without spoiling the fun too much, you need to check them out yourself. But before that, let us help you find your ideal pet-friendly hotel first.
Table of contents
- Holiday Inn Express Fort Bragg
- Surf Motel and Gardens
- Dream Scape
- Super 8 by Wyndham Fort Bragg
- Coracao do Mar
- Seabird Lodge Fort Bragg
- Pelican House
- Emerald Dolphin Inn and Mini Golf
- Noyo Harbor Inn
- Surf and Sand Lodge
- Beachcomber Motel
- Our Verdict!
- Where To Stay in Fort Bragg, CA, with Your Pet
- Pet-Friendly Restaurants / Bars in Fort Bragg, CA
- Pet-Friendly Activities In Fort Bragg, CA
- Best Pet Stores In Fort Bragg, CA
Holiday Inn Express Fort Bragg
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Starting strong with the pet-friendly Holiday Inn Express Fort Bragg! Our stay with our pup was delightful, and we’re sure you’ll feel the same. Conveniently located just a mere mile from Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, the hotel nails the location game.
When it comes to hospitality, the hotel is an expert in that. Familiar with Holiday Inn hotels, we can expect the best services for both us and our pets. In terms of pet policies, the hotel allows a maximum of two pets per room. Both dogs and cats are permitted with no size restriction. That said, when we got here, the staff enthusiastically welcomed our pup and even gave her some treats. They also helped us check in, and after paying the $20 pet fee/per night, we were all settled.
The room we stayed in was clean and pristine. Like all the pet-friendly rooms in the hotel, ours was on the first floor, too. It made going for potty time easier for our pup since it’s closer to the hotel’s grassy area. Furthermore, our dog wasn’t allowed unattended in the room, but it’s not really an issue for us. When we wanted to check out the hotel’s facilities, we just had to take turns. Beyond that, everything was peachy, and we had an overall great time staying here.
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Surf Motel and Gardens
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Surf Motel and Gardens offered us a comfortable stay. Its standout feature for us is obviously the garden, and of course, their pet-friendly policies. We always loved it when a hotel had a dedicated area where our dogs could just frolic, and the Surf Motel and Garden has exactly that.
That aside, the hotel’s overall pet policies suit us well. The motel allows two pets per room with a pet fee of $20 per pet/night. There were no size restrictions, so our chunky pups got in without a fuss. Although, unfortunately, cats aren’t allowed here. In terms of hospitality, it was on par with our standards. The staff did their best to make us comfortable and keep our dogs happy. Our room was okay, all things considered. We had a good night’s sleep, and that’s what mattered most.
Lastly, pets aren’t allowed to be left alone in the room, which was fine by us. We’d rather spend time hanging out in the garden with our dogs and have them make friends with other furry guests. Plus, there are tons of exciting outdoor spots near the hotel. We could have BBQs or check out the nearby Todds Point.
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Dream Scape
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Staying at a hotel is always nice, but having a space for our own is always more convenient and comfortable for our pets. At Dream Scape, we were able to not only have more privacy but a direct access to Fort Bragg Beach. It was all very exciting for us and our dog.
Furthermore, Dream Scape was accommodating enough to welcome one pet dog to their property. Although, since it’s a holiday home, there weren’t many pet amenities. We had to bring our own pet bowls, but it was only a small convenience. If anything, it was worth it, considering the ideal location. In terms of pet fees, it was a reasonable $20 per pet/night.
What’s more, the holiday home was really spacious. The house had 3 bedrooms, and it was spacious enough for 8 people and a dog. Plus, the amenities here are fully loaded. From a fully equipped kitchen to a jacuzzi in the yard, Dream Scape had it all. When we’re not lounging or going on a hike in the area, you can find us splashing around on the beach with our pup.
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Super 8 by Wyndham Fort Bragg
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It’s always convenient when there’s a Super 8 hotel in town since they’re most likely to be a pet-friendly accommodation. In this case, the Super 8 by Wyndham Fort Bragg delivers our expectations. Like always, they welcomed us and our cat with open hands. The staff were very nice and pleasant from the get-go. They were genuinely happy to welcome a feline guest. Although our cat was a bit shy, the staff made them feel comfortable and didn’t bother her too much.
That said, when it comes to the pet policies, it was good enough for us. The fee was a standard $20 per pet/night. The hotel welcomes both cats and dogs, with no size restrictions. After checking in, we got to our room, and our cat immediately took a spot on the chair by the window. The staff did give her a treat, but beyond that not much pet amenities. Although with cats, we didn’t have to fuss too much. As long as they had their crate and a potty section in the bathroom, we were settled. That said, if you’re a dog parent, the hotel does have a grassy area to take dogs on walks and potty.
Lastly, the location was excellent. It was close to the beach and plenty of pet-friendly restos. The staff would even give us recs on pet-friendly spots in the area.
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Coracao do Mar
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Coracao do Mar, a charming holiday home just a 5-minute walk from Fort Bragg Beach, offers all the perks of a perfect getaway. From the secluded location to the fully stocked amenities, it embodies the essence of a holiday retreat. The pet-friendly policy, despite a $75 pet fee per pet/stay, makes it an ideal choice for us.
Our favorite feature was the spacious backyard, turning the rental into a true home away from home. Our dog enjoyed leash-free runs while we relaxed on the patio. Evenings included backyard BBQs, creating a cozy, homely atmosphere. The jacuzzi, an extra treat, enhanced the holiday home experience.
Inside, the house dazzles with modern decor and vibrant splashes of color. With three bedrooms accommodating six guests, the living area, complete with a plush couch, offered comfort especially to our dog. Lastly, the fully equipped kitchen allowed us to whip up meals at our convenience. Coracao do Mar truly made our stay delightful.
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Seabird Lodge Fort Bragg
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Seabird Lodge Fort Bragg, our next pet-friendly stop, offered an overall pleasant experience. Accommodating two dogs this time, the hotel showcased its pet-friendly competence. Attentive staff provided a room with a wooden floor and a small outdoor patio, adding convenience for our pets.
Furthermore, the pet policies included a $20 fee per pet/night, allowing a maximum of two pets per room. It can only be either cats or dogs. Though pet amenities were limited, a designated relief area and a nearby hiking trail, like Noyo Headlands Park across the street, catered to our needs.
Facilities at the hotel, including a heated indoor pool, added to our enjoyment. While we took turns exploring, adhering to the no-pets-unattended policy, the free breakfast ensured a good start to our day. Overall, Seabird Lodge offered a pet-friendly retreat with comfortable amenities.
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Pelican House
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The Pelican House was an incredible home rental that we had the opportunity to stay at while in Fort Bragg. It was the perfect retreat for a family getaway. With more space, no one was left behind. We went here with our whole extended family and our family dog.
The home itself was very unique. It came with 5 bedrooms and a whole lot of amenities. Our dog was ecstatic when we got here. The ocean view really got everyone excited. It’s also really awesome that the living room had a 180-degree panoramic view of the ocean. That said, the amenities here include an awesome-looking fireplace, a fully equipped kitchen, and a jacuzzi on the ocean-facing patio. We even got to do some BBQ in the garden.
Now in terms of pet policies, the home rental only allows for one dog with a max of 25 lbs in the property. They also don’t allow cats. That said, we had no problem with the policy since we only had one dog with us. That said, we did have to pay for a $20 pet fee per night.
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Emerald Dolphin Inn and Mini Golf
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Most Unique. The Emerald Dolphin Inn and Mini Golf was one of the fun quaint pet-friendly hotels in Fort Bragg, California. The hotel was a bit old-timey for our taste, but it has its own charm. Our main reasons for staying here were for its pet-friendly services (obviously), but mostly we wanted to check out the mini golf and arcade.
During check-in, the helpful staff made everything easy. Pet policies were straightforward—limited to pet dogs, allowing a maximum of two per room with no size restrictions. The pet fee was $25 per pet/night, and since we only had one puppy with us, the extra charge wasn’t much. Furthermore, when we got to our room, we were pleasantly surprised to get a goody bag for our dog. It has treats and water bowls.
Unfortunately, pets aren’t allowed unattended, so we had to take turns checking out the mini golf and arcade. It wasn’t ideal, but we still had a blast. Lastly, we really liked the hotel’s location. It was near the beach and parks. We even had the chance to rent the hotel’s bike and just explore the area with our pup sitting idly on the bike’s basket.
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Noyo Harbor Inn
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Best Atmosphere. The Noyo Harbor Inn stands out as one of the most exquisite and luxurious pet-friendly hotels in Fort Bragg, California. Nestled along the Noyo River, our room boasted a direct view of the river, and the expansive outdoor spaces, including a garden and a river-view restaurant, became our favorite spots to enjoy with our dogs. Despite being less than a mile from the beach, the hotel exuded a cozy mountainous atmosphere.
“The vibes at Noyo Harbor Inn was just immaculate. The Noyo River really adds to the mood of the hotel. It was really soothing and calming. It’s also great that they have such a high quality pet service here. Really tied up the bow real nicely for us.”
WOW Travel
Regarding pet policies, the hotel welcomes both cats and dogs, allowing us to bring two pets of any size for a $45 per pet/night fee. Considering the hotel’s numerous benefits, this cost was reasonable. Plus, the hotel has a pet walking area. There’s also a nearby hiking trail and bike rents that we could use to get around.
All in all, The Noyo Harbor Inn was an exceptional pet-friendly hotel. The staff went above and beyond to make sure our needs were met, and our dog was comfortable. It’s a 10/10 would come back again.
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Surf and Sand Lodge
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Best Hotel With Dog Park. Surf and Sand Lodge offered us the combo of both a beachside hotel and a pet-friendly hotel. It’s almost like they knew exactly what we were looking for. Jokes aside, our time spent at Surf and Sand Lodge was a lovely one. Granted, it’s always a great time when we get to comfortably travel with our pets.
This pet-friendly haven ticks all the boxes for what we seek in accommodation. Nestled in downtown Fort Bragg, it’s surrounded by trendy pet-friendly spots, and the beach is mere steps away. The property even boasts a designated dog park, adding an extra layer of convenience. The pet policies aligned seamlessly with our needs, allowing one pet dog per room—a perfect match for our travel plans.
Furthermore, the staff were fellow pet lovers too. They understand the needs of our dogs. Upon our check-in, they offered us a “Welcome Kit” for our dog. Inside were treats, bed sheets and towels for our dog, waste bags, and a pet-friendly travel guide. Our pet fee came to $20 per night, and considering all the excellent pet amenities and services our dog got, it was quite a sweet deal.
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Beachcomber Motel
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Overall Best. Coming on number one is the Beachcomber Motel. It’s actually located right beside Surf and Sand Lodge, so some of the facilities are shared. Although the dog park is a Beachcomber Motel OG. In fact, it’s named “Beachcomber Dog Park” after the motel. At Beachcomber Motel, we also had the benefit of being only steps away from the beach.
Aside from those two features, everything else is quite different. For starters, the Beachcomber Motel has a different pet policy. At the motel, both cats and dogs are welcome, and we can bring a maximum of two pets per room. As for the pet fee, it’s also the standard $20 per pet/night. Our dog also gets a goody bag with treats, bowls, towels, and a Mendocino Pet-Friendly Travel Guide.
While the dog park and beach are standout features, the motel’s deck became our favorite spot. It was a hubbub for other guests to hang out. And since the Beachcomber Motel is a famous pet-friendly hotel, we’d often chill with other guests and let our dogs mingle. We even had a fun BBQ together with the other guests. It truly was a great time. Good food with good people and their pets, plus a mesmerizing ocean view as our company.
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Our Verdict!
When it comes to pet-friendly hotels, Fort Bragg, CA, has quite a lot, but for us, the Beachcomber Motel is our Overall Best one. The hotel offers us undeniable quality pet services and lots of conveniences. That said, we still have other hotels that we’d like to highlight. These hotels have some features that stood out to us, so you might want to check them out.
- Best Atmosphere: Noyo Harbor Inn
- Best Hotel With Dog Park: Surf and Sand Lodge
- Most Unique: Emerald Dolphin Inn and Mini Golf
- Overall Best: Beachcomber Motel
Where To Stay in Fort Bragg, CA, with Your Pet
Our stay in Downtown Fort Bragg and the surrounding Mendocino Coast area with our pets was an absolute delight, making it the ultimate choice for pet-friendly accommodation. From charming boutiques to coastal treasures, this region offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.
Nestled in Downtown Fort Bragg, we found a pet-friendly haven with a welcoming atmosphere. Our accommodation, surrounded by historic buildings and the lively energy of the downtown area, provided the ideal base for exploration. It’s also evident that Fort Bragg is pet-friendly from the numerous pet-friendly restaurants and cafes they have. One of our favorites was the North Coast Brewing Co. in downtown. And, of course, the famous Skunk Train is also located in central Fort Bragg. A must-go attraction while in town. Not to forget the iconic Glass Beach that’s also right in downtown Fort Bragg.
Furthermore, one of the highlights was strolling along the coastal trails. The Mendocino Coast area boasts breathtaking scenery, and our pets relished the freedom to explore nature alongside us. The Mendocino Botanical Garden emerged as a favorite spot. It was the perfect spot to have quality time with our pets amongst blooming flower gardens. Other than that, there’s also the Noyo River Trail for nature enthusiasts. It can also be a great adventure to bring your pet along.
You might also want to check out other pet-friendly hotels in California. Are you looking for something special for your pooch? Check out the best-personalized pet supplies on Etsy.
Pet-Friendly Restaurants / Bars in Fort Bragg, CA
- Silver’s at The Wharf – When it comes to a pet-friendly resto, this one is a local’s favorite. So when visiting Fort Bragg, make sure you grab a meal here. It’s all good vibes, good food, and an even better view of the Noyo River.
- Rhody’s Garden Cafe – For a scenic lunch with your pets, we couldn’t recommend Rhody’s Garden Cafe enough. It’s located within the Mendocino Botanical Gardens, but you don’t need to pay the garden entry fee to get to the cafe. That said, the cafe is a quaint little thing surrounded by pretty flowers and serves quality menus. While we were munching on our gourmet paninis, our pup got to enjoy some doggy ice cream.
Pet-Friendly Activities In Fort Bragg, CA
- Skunk Train – Going on the Skunk Train while in Fort Bragg is definitely a must. It’s one of the most iconic activities you could do with your pets. It’s for the history buff for the nature lover. Imagine going on a scenic train ride through old-growth redwood groves with your pets. Truly a magical moment you don’t want to miss.
- Fort Bragg Dog Park – While visiting a new place, why not make friends with the local pups too? Going on a majestic train ride is exciting, but now and again, a good old fun play at the dog park is always nice.
Best Pet Stores In Fort Bragg, CA
- Fort Bragg Feed And Pet – This is hands down one of the best pet stores in town. It’s locally owned, so the staff are extra passionate about pets and their products. The store also has a big selection of products, from pet food to anti-itch spray for your dogs and more. Plus, the pet products aren’t limited to cats and dogs only; they also have products for fish, birds, turtles, etc.
- Highway 20 Feed – The Highway 20 Feed is also a great pet store in Fort Bragg with a large selection of products. The only thing is, you need to go a bit for a drive to get here, but it’s all worth it. It’s a family-owned store, and all the employees are very helpful and knowledgeable. The products also range from dog collars to all sorts of livestock products. There’s also a pet wash station in the store, so you really get all sorts of services here.