Your dog will rejoice when you visit SLO CAL (San Luis Obispo County). With wide open spaces, beautiful beaches and dog parks to make plenty of new friends, your pup will surely be wagging in excitement over all the dog-friendly options. We’ve compiled our favorite outdoor areas for a day in the sun when visiting SLO CAL with your favorite four-legged pal.
Beaches:
Sandy paws and ocean breezes await along the Central Coast. With 80 miles of accessible coastline, pups can’t get enough of the waves, sunshine and good times with their humans.
Avila Beach
Avila Beach is a beautiful beach town located right off Highway 101. Your pup has two options to play with here. Before 10 a.m. and after 5 p.m. daily, enjoy the beach to the left and right of Avila Beach Pier, or head over to Olde Port Beach and Fisherman’s Beach located next to Harford Pier and let your furry pal play all day. Both of the later have leash-optional policies.
Cayucos
Road trip along iconic Highway 1 and you’ll find Cayucos, a California surf town perfect for a day in the waves. Whether you choose to stay close to the pier or walk as far as the sand will take you (sometimes all the way to Morro Bay), a day at the beach was never better in Cayucos. Leashes required.
Morro Bay
Roam free in Morro Bay! Let your pup feel the rush of wind in their hair and the sand between their paws as they run full speed down North Point Beach in Morro Bay. Or if your pup prefers to be leashed take them on a jaunt around Morro Rock Beach. Either way, don’t forget to stop for a photoshoot with Morro Rock in the background!
Montaña de Oro
Explore a hidden gem of SLO CAL near Los Osos + Baywood Park. When people aren’t exploring the tidepools or hiking and biking trails, they’re exploring the beaches with man’s best friend in Montaña de Oro State Park. Head out on Los Osos Valley Road and follow Pecho Valley Road until you reach Spooner’s Cove where you’ll find a beach worthy of a picnic in the sun and fetch with Fido.
Pismo Beach
Stay left of the Pismo Beach pier and enjoy a stroll with your pup in this classic California beach town. Or your pup doesn’t like all that sand, you two can enjoy the ocean views from Dinosaur Caves Park perched on the bluffs in Shell Beach.
Oceano Dunes
Roam around the Oceano Dunes State Park and get ready for hours of sandy, ocean fun. Located in Oceano along the dunes are the perfect place to park (yes you can drive right out onto the sand) and toss the ball until the sun sets. Don't want to leave quite yet? Dig a hole and bonfire the night away!
Dog Parks:
Socialize your pup with the locals. SLO County dogs love their beaches and hikes but sometimes they just want to chase their friends around a dog park too. From open and airy to fenced-in and fun, you’ll surely find the right dog park for you and Rufus in one of these SLO County cities.
Sherwood Dog Park, Paso Robles
Vineyard Dog Park, Templeton
Heilmann Dog Park, Atascadero
Laguna Lake Park, San Luis Obispo (No Fence)
El Chorro Dog Park, San Luis Obispo
Dinosaur Caves Park, Pismo Beach (No Fence)
Elm Street Dog Park, Arroyo Grande
Nipomo Dog Park, Nipomo
Del Mar Dog Park, Morro Bay
Cambria Dog Park, Cambria
Hikes & Trails:
Climb the highest peaks, traverse the scenic trails and make some friends along the way while hiking in SLO County. If you’re looking for a quick hike to watch the sunset, a longer jaunt with 360 degree views or a trail reminiscent of a motion picture film, these hikes will be a perfect retreat for you and Fido.
Big & Little Falls, Arroyo Grande
Lake Lopez, Arroyo Grande
Three Bridges Oak Preserve, Atascadero
Bob Jones Trail, Avila Beach
Sycamore Crest Trail, Avila Beach
Fiscalini Ranch Preserve, Cambria
Whale Rock Reservoir, Cayucos
El Moro Elfin Forest, Los Osos/Baywood Park
Black Hill Trail, Morro Bay
Oceano Dunes Natural Preserve, Oceano
Bishop Peak, San Luis Obispo
Bowden Ranch, San Luis Obispo
Cerro San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo
Irish Hills Open Space, San Luis Obispo
Islay Hill Open Space, San Luis Obispo
Johnson Ranch Open Space, San Luis Obispo
Poly Canyon, San Luis Obispo
Railroad Trail, San Luis Obispo
Reservoir Canyon, San Luis Obispo
Serenity Swing Trail, San Luis Obispo
Stenner Springs Open Space, San Luis Obispo
South Hills Open Space, San Luis Obispo
Terrace Hill Open Space, San Luis Obispo
Rinconada Trail, Santa Margarita
Cave Landing Trail, Shell Beach
Ontario Ridge Trail, Shell Beach