For dog lovers, a vacation without a furry friend can be lonely. So why not bring your pal with you? Fort Bragg has an extensive dog-friendly dining, lodging, and activities list.

If you don’t have your best buddy with you, you can borrow one from the Mendocino Coast Humane Society. Their Borrow-A-Buddy program is a great way to give yourself and an adoptable dog an enriching adventure on the Mendocino coast. You might even fall in love and decide to keep your day’s companion.

For around-town activities, beaches are one of Fort Bragg’s numerous options. Starting with the obvious is Fort Bragg Dog Park, on the grounds of the C.V. Starr Center. Mendocino also features two small dog parks. Spots with good all-around access to trails where people feel welcome with their dogs include MacKerricher State Park, Haul Road Trail, Jackson Demonstration State Forest, Glass Beach, Noyo Harbor Beach, Pomo Bluffs Park, Mendocino Botanical Gardens, and Jug Handle State Natural Reserve. Walking your daily miles and seeing some amazing local sights will be easy.

Fort Bragg has at least a dozen restaurants that welcome dogs, including Rhody’s Garden Cafe at the Botanical Gardens. Dogs are also welcome on the Skunk Train and on All Aboard Adventures, so you can even take a little trip out of town together.

Fort Bragg has no shortage of pet-friendly lodging options, ranging from national chains to boutique hotels. Beachcomber Inn offers a pet package to greet you and your best buddy for a comfortable stay, including a dedicated dog play area. Plus, they’re located right along the coastal cliffs, offering many places for scenic walkies.

Be certain to pay attention to all the rules and requests of the places you and your dog visit. Nothing keeps things friendlier than good manners. Finding a destination with more dog-friendly adventures, lodging, or dining options than Fort Bragg would be challenging.

MORE INFO: Dogtrekker.com, BringFido.com, HikeDogNorCal: 707-813-4399