5 Reasons Your Dog Wants to Visit

Don’t leave your best friend home when you’re visiting the Tri-Valley. Annual events like Danville’s Dog Days of Summer offer human and canine visitors lots of fun, but all year long we’ve got new experiences (and sniffs) to savor.

You and Bella can hike the trails, soak up the scenery, camp in the woods, float in a boat… but if you prefer things more luxe, we’ve got you covered, too.

Really long walks: The East Bay Regional Park District welcomes you and your canine pal to its miles and miles of on- and off-leash paths and wilderness trails, with stunning vistas for humans and thrilling scents galore for dogs. May we suggest Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park, especially lovely in wildflower season. Take the Olive Grove Loop Trail for a spectacular overview of the Livermore Valley.

Want something a bit less rugged? You’ll both love the Iron Horse Regional Trail, a paved, narrow path that follows a former railroad right-of-way from Tri-Valley to Suisun Bay. Stroll companionably along, sharing the trail with other dogs and their folks, not to mention hikers, bicyclists, and equestrians. You’ll appreciate the scenery. Also the meeting, greeting, and people-watching.

Splash!: If Bonzo’s the water-loving type, you both deserve a day (or more–there’s camping!) at Del Valle Regional Park which offers a rare chance for dogs to swim in the lake as well as check out miles of trails. Both of you are also welcome on most models of rental boats, whether you’re planning to fish the well-stocked Lake Del Valle or just explore its remote corners.

Wining, dining, and brews: Brutus may care nothing for hops, chardonnay grapes, or regional history, but he’s welcome to sit by your chair enjoying strategically dropped tidbits while you taste the wares at many Tri-Valley establishments. Don’t miss the Underdog Café at Concannon Vineyards, where you can relax together in the patio area savoring food, wine, and atmosphere. Settle in at an outdoor table at Livermore’s Swirl on the Square or First Street Alehouse to eat, drink, be merry, and watch the world go by.

Shopping: Downtown Danville has an especially plentiful selection of dog-friendly businesses, but shops all over Tri-Valley welcome your dog as well as your patronage. Even those who prefer you to shop solo offer fresh water and treats to make Daisy’s wait more pleasant. Reward that good behavior with a trip to Molly’s Pup-Purr-ee in Danville or Murphy’s Paw in Pleasanton for the perfect toy or treat.

A Good Night’s Sleep: Too much to do in one day? No worries, there’s room at the inn for you and Rex throughout Tri-Valley, and innkeepers prepared to pamper weary travelers. Conveniently located an easy walk from Danville’s fine dining, the Danville Sycamore Inn welcomes dogs with treats and cozy beds. Dog bowls, treats, and Sheraton Sweet Sleeper dog beds beckon at the Sheraton Pleasanton (transforming to the AC Hotel Pleasanton in Winter 2018), conveniently located next to Stoneridge Shopping Center so you can retreat from the world after a long day of retail therapy.

More ideas: Check our Dog-Friendly listings.