Many pet owners in the United States factor in their animal companions when planning their vacations . Luckily , the resorts of the Meritage Collection are pet-friendly , making it easy to bring furry family members along regardless of which destination you choose .
While most resorts do charge a pet fee , you can take advantage of summer ’ s “ Sit . Stay . Play .” package for waived charges . Amenities include dog beds , bowls , toys and potty bags . Interested in bringing along your pooch ? Read below to see just how pet-friendly Meritage properties can be .
BACARA RESORT & SPA , SANTA BARBARA
Bacara welcomes dogs up to 50 pounds and offers 78 beachfront acres to explore , as well as outdoor dining on the animal-friendly terraces at the Bistro and Spa Café .
“ The town of Santa Barbara is extremely pet-friendly , and dogs are welcome at the majority of our local beaches ,” says Natalie Reardon , executive administrative manager . “ The most popular dog beach would be Hendry ’ s Beach , where they have a great off-leash area . Just south of Bacara is the Ellwood Beach Butterfly Preserve . It is a beautiful area for exploring with your dog as well .”
For dogs looking for a bit of luxury , Reardon offered up another recommendation . “ Just down the road is Dioji K-9 Resort & Athletic Club , which offers a luxurious 10,000-square-foot cage-free tropical oasis complete with a giant pool shaped like a bone ,” Reardon says . “ You can also book your dog one of their Signature Spa treatments , and they provide transportation as well .”
THE MERITAGE RESORT AND SPA , NAPA VALLEY
The Meritage Resort and Spa accommodates pets up to 80 pounds with a pet amenity bag that includes organic wine bottle cookies and an assortment of peanut butter bone cookies . Owners can even dine with their dogs on the Siena restaurant patio and the patios outside of Crush Ultra Lounge and Blend .
In addition , guests and their dogs can enjoy a vineyard hiking trail on property or partake in local dog-friendly outings at the Canine Commons Dog Park at Alston Park or along the Napa River Trail and Napa Vine Trail .
BALBOA BAY RESORT , NEWPORT BEACH Balboa Bay Resort welcomes pets up to 30 pounds and offers dog-friendly activities nearby . “ The best area to walk your dog is Balboa Island , the beach boardwalk or the Back Bay — all in a 2-mile radius ,” says Front Office Manager Kori Haug . “ There is [ also ] a dog-friendly beach in Huntington Beach , which is just a 10 minute car ride .”
PASEA HOTEL & SPA , HUNTINGTON BEACH
Pasea not only allows dogs up to 50 pounds , it ’ s even home to its own pet concierge : Moonshine , the French bulldog . Patio dining is also available for owners wishing to fete with their furry friends .
But even more conveniently , Huntington Beach ’ s canine-friendly dog beach park is just a short drive away , where dogs can play in the sand and surf for a true vacation experience .
ESTANCIA LA JOLLA HOTEL & SPA
Estancia welcomes dogs up to 50 pounds and makes sure to accommodate them in ground floor rooms with entry off the gardens and lawns , for easy walks and potty breaks .
“ The restaurants on property have pet-friendly seating areas ,” says Marketing Manager Dana Flower . “ The village of La Jolla , where a lot of the shops and restaurants are , is also dog friendly .”
Of course , each shop and restaurant in La Jolla has its own dog policy , but most are dog-friendly , including La Jolla Brewing Co ., which even has its own canine menu .
Mt . Soledad Veterans Memorial is another area that ’ s pet-friendly . “ It overlooks all of La Jolla and offers a beautiful view ,” Flower says .
You can also walk your dog on the beach before 9 a . m . and after 4 p . m . from Nov . 1 to March 31 , and between 6 p . m . and 9 a . m . April through October .
At each resort , the concierge staff can direct you to area providers for supplies , pet sitting , walking or boarding , as needed . So next time you travel , consider bringing Fido along for the fun .
STAY GOLDEN MERITAGECOLLECTION . COM 21