Donapa Itineraries

A Pet-Friendly Guide to Downtown Napa

Pet owners understand how hard it can be to leave your furry friend behind if you want to take a vacation somewhere. Luckily, Downtown Napa loves our four-legged visitors just as much as our two-legged ones. On your next Downtown Napa getaway, bring your best friend with you and discover the pet-friendly side of wine country.

Where To Stay

Pet-friendly hotels


Book your stay at one of Downtown Napa’s many pet-friendly hotels

Before you arrive, make sure to book your stay at one of Downtown Napa’s many pet-friendly hotels. Many of these fabulous hotels not only allow pets, but welcome them, offering pet-focused amenities such as doggy beds, biscuits and more. The Meritage Resort, for instance, boasts an onsite dog park, so you can ensure your puppy pal gets all the exercise they need. Pamper your companion with Napa River Inn’s VIP (Very Important Paws) program, which provides custom blankets, food bowls, homemade biscuits and even pet sitters for your pup. The Archer Hotel also makes sure your pup knows they’re welcome: upon check-in, you will receive a personalized welcome card for your dog, a plush chew toy and an uber-comfy doggy bed, among other perks.

To make it easy, here is a full list of all the Downtown Napa lodgings that allow and encourage furry visitors:

A Pawsitive Start to the Day

Explore with your pup


A Perfect morning for you and your pup

To start your day, treat your pet to the walk of a lifetime and take a stroll along the riverfront. Enjoy fantastic weather and picturesque river views as your furry friend rejoices in all the exciting new sights and smells.

The Napa River isn’t just for sightseeing – plan a day on the water with Napa Valley Paddle to experience the river up close. The best part? You can bring your pet along for your paddleboard adventure. Located in the heart of Downtown Napa, Napa Valley Paddle is the best way to explore the natural landscape that borders the bustling city, and water-loving pups will have a ball as you guide them down the river. Napa Valley Paddle can even provide you with doggy life vests, so you won’t have to worry if your pet isn’t as strong of a swimmer.

If you and your dog are the adventurous type, nearby Skyline Wilderness Park is the perfect place to let your pup run, roll and play their heart out. The park has 25 miles of multi-use fire roads and singletrack trails of various skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner hiker or an expert mountaineer, Skyline has a trail to suit both of your needs.

It’s a Dog Day Afternoon

Afternoon Refreshment Time


It’s time to head back onto dry land and set your sights on a wine-focused afternoon

Once you’ve gotten your blood flowing, it’s time to head back onto dry land and set your sights on a wine-focused afternoon. Luckily, there are a number of wineries and wine bars in Downtown Napa that would be thrilled to see your four-legged companion sitting beside you as you sample world-famous wines. Any winery or bar with a patio is required by California law to allow well-behaved pets outdoors. Some even run dog-specific events. Outer Space Wines, for example, hosts Dog Day Afternoon on the first Sunday of every month. Bring your pooch and enjoy a bottle of wine alongside a specialty menu prepared by Ox & The Fox Restaurant. Other dog-friendly wineries include Mark Herold Wines — the owner is a dog lover himself — Vermeil Wines and Alpha Omega Collective.

You can’t pass up the shopping opportunities presented by an afternoon in Downtown Napa. First stop: Milo and Friends Pet Boutique. Doesn’t your pet deserve to be a little spoiled? At this adorable First Street shop, you can browse dog (and cat!) toys, apparel, treats, health supplements, grooming products and more. Snag a souvenir here to ensure your furry companion never forgets their visit to Downtown Napa. Then, head over to Jeffries General Store, which features a wide variety of items for both you and your pup. This staple landmark also provides water for your pets outside, which, during a long day wandering the town, is a necessity. If you want to search for the next trendy addition to your wardrobe, Honey Whiskey Boutique and Boho Lifestyle both allow you to bring your dogs inside. (After all, you wouldn’t buy something without getting your best friend’s approval first, right?)

Doggie Dinnertime Delights

Everybody Loves Dinner Time


Restaurant that will suit both human and canine appetites

Now that you’ve both worked up an appetite, it’s time to find a restaurant that will suit both human and canine appetites. If you’re staying at the River Terrace Inn, make sure to RSVP ahead of time to Yappy Hour at ALBA Restaurant. Indulge in craft cocktails and a seasonally-inspired menu, while your pup can enjoy a dish of their choice from the Pooch Provisions menu. ALBA holds these events on a seasonal basis, so make sure to check the calendar to see when the next Yappy Hour might be.

For cultured pups with an appreciation of French cuisine, Angéle has a proudly pet-friendly patio open to all well-behaved dogs. The same goes for Grace’s Table, a locally favored bistro and recognized “Michelin Bib Gourmand” offering upscale dining in a relaxed atmosphere. For a more casual meal, try Gott’s Roadside, famous for its burgers and featuring a large, open patio space your dogs will love to lounge at.

After dinner, stroll through the evening air with your pup down to the Archer Hotel, and head up to Sky & Vine Rooftop Bar. If you’re lucky, you can catch the sunset as you unwind with a cocktail, your four-legged companion by your side. Cooler evenings offer the opportunity to cozy up next to a crackling outdoor fire pit.

Where to Stay

Downtown Napa’s stunning natural environment and friendly atmosphere combine to create a destination where your pet is not just allowed, but encouraged. The unforgettable experiences offered here are meant to be shared with humans, canines and everything in between. On your next Downtown Napa getaway, bring your four-legged friend along to discover the magic of a wine country stay. 


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