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Best Places to Take A Doggy Day Trip Beyond the Bay

While the Bay Area offers boundless ways to spend quality time with your favorite four-legged friend, look beyond the bay for great day trips and fun in the California sun with your pup. Everything from a float down the river to wine tasting with the pooch is within just a few hours' drive from home. Pack up the dog, a leash, poo baggies and a water bowl to head out of the bay for some fantastic fun with Fido.

Russian River Tours
Photo Credit: russianriveradventures.com

SOAR Inflatables and Russian River Adventures
20 Healdsburg Ave.
Healdsburg, CA 95448
(707) 433-5599
russianriveradventures.com

Price: $50 per person/$10 per dog

SOAR Inflatables offers nine-mile dog-friendly canoe day trips down the Russian River. The course runs along a secluded section of the river, which permits dogs to be off leash and frolicking the entire day. SOAR's inflatable boats are stable enough to accommodate even the largest of dogs, so if your pup gets worn out from swimming alongside the boat, he can always ride inside along with his human companions. Pack a lunch, beverages and plenty of sunscreen for this unforgettable day trip.

Dog on Beach
Photo Credit: ThinkStock

Carmel Beach City Park
Scenic Road and Ocean Avenue
Carmel, CA 93921
ci.carmel.ca.us/

Price: free

Carmel Beach is a doggie paradise as one of the few leash-free beaches in California. The beach promises plenty of swimming space for people and dogs alike, and is adjacent to dog-friendly hotels, shops and restaurants. This popular local hangout is open 24 hours a day, has tidepools for exploring, and permits bonfires and alcohol on the beach daily until 10 p.m. Make a dog party out of the day for the perfect pup-friendly outing with everyone.

Mutt Lynch Winery
Photo Credit: muttlynchwinery.com/Facebook

Mutt Lynch Winery
602 Limerick Lane
Healdsburg, CA 95448
(707) 942-6180
www.muttlynchwinery.com

Everything about this winery screams dog lover, from the label name and doggie pictures on every bottle, to its dog-friendly tasting room. With varietal names like Canis Major Syrah and Merlot Over & Play Dead, it's no surprise winery owners Chris & Brenda Lynch are animal lovers who supported more than 50 non-profit animal organizations in 2009 alone. Call to make an appointment to visit the winery, sample some of its award-winning wines, and support its efforts to improve the lives of dogs around the world.

Related: Best Dog-Friendly Bars In The East Bay

dog catching frisbee
Photo Credit: ThinkStock

Alston Park Canine Commons
Dry Creek Road and Trower Avenue
Napa, CA 94581
(707) 257-9529
cityofnapa.org

Price: free

Canine Commons is a three-acre off-leash dog park located in Alston Park. This dog park provides every amenity possible, from multiple drinking fountains to a hose for the kiddie pools and a seasonal pond to cool off in. There is also a small obstacle course, plenty of shade trees and seating for the humans. Beyond the fenced-in Commons, Alston Park offers 100 acres of on-leash hiking trails.

Cypress Inn
Photo Credit: cypress-inn.com/Facebook

Cypress Inn
Lincoln Street
Carmel, CA 93921
(831) 624-3871
www.cypress-inn.com

Click here for reservations

Owned by actress and Carmel resident Doris Day, the Cypress Inn is one of the most pet-friendly hotels in California. Day, who committed her post-acting life to animal welfare, assumed co-ownership of the hotel in the mid 1980s. For a nominal fee, the hotel allows up to three pets per room. See its doggie concierge Sadie for other great doggie things to do in Carmel. Don't miss out on Yappy Hour at Terry's Restaurant & Lounge from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Related: Top Places Where Dogs Can Swim In The East Bay

Joanna Metheny is a freelance writer covering all things South Bay. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.

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