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From coastal walks in Bodega Bay to wine tastings in Calistoga, our family road trip with Miso showed us just how dog-friendly wine country can be.

Two teenagers lead a dog on a leash out of a shallow Sonoma river, while a young girl in a swimsuit stands waist-deep in the water behind them. Lush greenery surrounds the scene on this sunny day.

What to Pack for a Dog-Friendly Road Trip

Before hitting the road, we made a checklist of essentials for our dog Miso: food, leash, poop bags, treats, bowls, and his travel bed. One important tip—if your dog eats refrigerated food, confirm that your hotel room has a true refrigerator, not a cooler-style unit. We learned this the hard way when Miso’s food spoiled early in our trip.

First Stop: Bodega Bay

A coastal landscape in Sonoma with rocky cliffs, green vegetation, and ocean waves crashing onto the shore under a cloudy sky.

Our trip began with a scenic drive across the Golden Gate Bridge and straight to Bodega Bay. After enjoying crab sandwiches and fish tacos at Fisherman’s Cove, we took Miso for a stroll along the beach (where pets are allowed). The salty breeze and relaxed harbor setting made it the perfect start.

Glamping and Dining in Healdsburg

A bright, cozy glamping tent in Sonoma with two double beds, white linens, a dark blue throw blanket, lamps, a rug, and wooden furniture creates a comfortable and inviting atmosphere.

We booked two nights at Wildhaven Sonoma Glamping, where heated tents sit just steps from the Russian River. The tents were cozy, but we hadn’t realized how close they were to each other. Since Miso tends to bark at new sounds, we switched to a nearby hotel on the second night so everyone could rest well.

Dinner that night was at Taste of Tea, a welcoming Japanese restaurant downtown. They even brought Miso a water bowl while we enjoyed ramen and skewers.

Tubing on Lake Sonoma

A view from a boat looking back at two people tubing on a Sonoma lake, with a wake trailing behind and green hills in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

The next morning was all about water adventures at Lake Sonoma. We rented a boat for four hours and spent the day tubing. It was our first time, and the kids couldn’t stop laughing as they bounced over the waves. Miso preferred snuggling with grandma on the boat instead.

More Flavors of Healdsburg

That evening we dined outdoors at Bravas Bar de Tapas. From crispy pig ears to seafood paella, every dish impressed us. For coffee and dessert, Black Oak Coffee Roasters and Noble Folk Ice Cream & Pie Bar were excellent stops.

Sebastopol and Santa Rosa

A street view of The Barlow in Sonoma, a modern outdoor marketplace with shops, restaurants, and signs for local businesses. Cars are parked along the road, trees and greenery line the sidewalk, and the sky is partly cloudy.

We spent the following day exploring western Sonoma. In Sebastopol, we visited The Barlow, a lively outdoor market filled with shops and food stalls. In Santa Rosa, we walked through the Railroad Square Historic District and had lunch at Grossman’s Noshery & Bar. The Reuben was fantastic, and Miso made a new canine friend on the lawn.

Jack London State Historic Park

A historic stone building with a tiled roof and arched entryway stands under the sunny Sonoma sky, surrounded by green trees. A metal plaque is mounted between two windows on the stone wall.

One of the highlights was Jack London State Historic Park. While dogs aren’t allowed inside the museum, they are welcome on the trails. We hiked to the Wolf House ruins and visited Jack and Charmian London’s graves. It was a stop filled with history and nature.

Dining in Napa Valley

We started our Napa stay with dinner at Solbar Restaurant, and it became one of the most memorable meals of the trip. The delicate flavors of the halibut and sashimi crudo were amazing.

The next morning, we lined up at The Model Bakery in St. Helena for their famous English muffins, which were every bit as good as people say.

Exploring Calistoga

A wooden sign reads Petrified Wood in its natural state among large pieces of petrified wood scattered on the ground in a sunlit, grassy forested area in Sonoma.

In Calistoga, we visited the Old Faithful Geyser of California. It doesn’t erupt on a set schedule, but tickets are valid for two days, so we were able to return and see it later. Nearby, The Petrified Forest offered a short but fascinating walk among fossilized redwoods.

Lunch at Buster’s Original Southern BBQ was less impressive—the meat was too fatty and chewy for our taste—so we’d recommend saving room for other meals.

That afternoon we enjoyed tastings at Clos Pegase Winery and Brian Arden Wines, both dog-friendly and welcoming. Unfortunately, both are closed now.

Dinner at Goose & Gander

A cooked salmon steak garnished with sliced radishes and green onions, served on a brown plate with a charred lemon half and a dark Sonoma-inspired sauce underneath.

Dinner at Goose & Gander in St. Helena was another highlight. The Ora King salmon chop was cooked perfectly, and the cozy setting made it feel extra special.

Hiking and Wine Tasting

Two people pose in a Sonoma outdoor park framed by a giant picture frame. One sits on a decorative white chair while the other stands beside a large white lamp. Palm trees and greenery fill the background. The word RAYMOND appears below.

We began the next day with coffee and breakfast at Sam’s General Store, followed by a shaded hike at Moore Creek Park. The trails were dog-friendly and offered great views of Lake Hennessey.

Lunch was casual at Calistoga Inn Restaurant and Brewery. Afterward, we visited Raymond Vineyards, which features fun aroma stations, and Honig Winery, our favorite of the trip.

Final Dinner and Farewell

For our last night, we booked a table at Bouchon Bistro in Yountville. The food and service were excellent, but if you’ve already tried it, we’d suggest branching out—wine country has no shortage of great dining options.

Before heading home, we made one last coffee and pastry stop at Calistoga Roastery. Miso, who had been a champ the whole trip, was more than ready for the ride home.

How to Get to Sonoma and Napa Valley Wine Country

Sonoma and Napa Valley are located north of San Francisco and are best explored by car, which provides the most flexibility for visiting wineries.

By Car

The drive from San Francisco to Napa or Sonoma takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, but this can increase significantly during peak commute times and on weekends. The most scenic route from San Francisco is to cross the Golden Gate Bridge.

Getting Around Wine Country

Once you are in wine country, a rental car is essential for exploring, as most wineries are not within walking distance of each other. However, if you plan on visiting multiple wineries in one day, it is highly recommended to book a private driver, shuttle, or join a guided tour. This allows you to safely enjoy the wine without worrying about driving. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are also widely available in both valleys.

Is Sonoma and Napa Valley Wine Country Worth Visiting with a Dog?

A family of four poses outdoors with their dog on a leash along a sunny Sonoma dirt path surrounded by tall trees. Everyone is smiling at the camera, enjoying the beautiful day.

Yes. With a bit of planning, Sonoma and Napa Valley are surprisingly dog-friendly. From outdoor patios and hiking trails to welcoming wineries and cozy accommodations, the region makes it easy to include your pup in the adventure. We loved exploring with Miso and look forward to returning.

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