dog friendly on the coast?

Question

We have used "Ask Fido" but still wondering if you have favorite dog-friendly places to stay between Paso Robles and Mendocino ($300 or Under, even Motel 6). We also would love EV chargers, it's our first all-electric road trip. (My range is 230, to be conservative). Also interested in other dog-friendly stops, like nice trails or dogparks near the route!

Answer

Traveling the California coast from Paso Robles to Mendocino with a dog and an EV is very doable with some planning. Your route offers a mix of coastal views, charming towns, and outdoor spaces where dogs are welcome, but you'll want to make lodging and charging plans carefully given your 230-mile conservative range.

Here are some considerations for dog-friendly places to stay along the coast within your budget:

Pismo Beach / Arroyo Grande: Motel 6 Pismo Beach and several Best Western properties allow dogs and typically have EV chargers nearby. Downtown Pismo Beach also has a few dog-friendly patios and beach access with leashed dogs.
Cambria / San Simeon: Cambria Beach Lodge and Sea Otter Inn are both dog-friendly and moderately priced. Many Airbnb cottages are also pet-friendly. EV charging can be found at nearby Cambria businesses or through ChargePoint networks.
Mendocino Area: Mendocino Hotel and Garden Suites allows dogs and is centrally located. Fort Bragg also has several pet-friendly hotels under $300, such as the Best Western Plus. EV charging is available at commercial areas in Fort Bragg.

For dog-friendly stops, hiking, and parks along your route:

Pismo Preserve: Offers trails with coastal views where dogs are welcome on leash. Great for short hikes and morning walks.
Morro Bay State Park: Dog-friendly walking paths and easy access to the bay; dogs allowed on leash along designated trails.
Montaña de Oro State Park: Near Los Osos, has several trails and open spaces where dogs can hike on leash.
Mendocino Headlands State Park: Dogs are allowed on leash on certain trails and paths with ocean views. Great for a scenic stop before reaching Fort Bragg.
Dog parks: Paso Robles has the Peachy Canyon Dog Park; San Simeon has small local parks; Fort Bragg and Mendocino have a few fenced dog parks for off-leash fun.

EV considerations:

Use apps like PlugShare or ChargePoint to plan charging stops along CA-1. Many hotels now offer Level 2 chargers or allow access to nearby public chargers.
Spacing your stops roughly 100–150 miles apart is ideal given your conservative 230-mile range, allowing buffer for detours or elevation changes.
Major towns along your route like Pismo Beach, Cambria, and Fort Bragg usually have at least one public fast charger, which helps avoid long waits.

Summary tip: Book dog-friendly hotels early, especially in Cambria and Mendocino, and confirm EV charging availability ahead of time. Plan short hikes or dog-friendly beaches at each stop to give your pet exercise and keep everyone happy.

dog friendly on the coast?

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