Pet Friendly Travel in Buellton: Bring Your Dog to Sideways Inn

Everyone needs and deserves a little R&R, furry family members included. But planning a dog-friendly vacation can take a little more effort to ensure the whole family enjoys an itinerary packed with activities. For a relaxing pet-friendly getaway full of nature trails, parks, wine, and good food, it doesn’t get better than Buellton. Found in the heart of Santa Ynez Valley, it’s a popular destination for its proximity to many of the region’s wineries, scenic views and plenty of activities that allow you to bring your four-legged family member.

Your Favorite Dog-Friendly Hotel

Nestled in the Santa Ynez Valley, Sideways Inn is the ideal location for exploring the region’s wineries, nature trails, and rolling hills with your four-legged companion. With first-floor rooms that include a patio, you’re more than welcome to bring your well-behaved dog on your Buellton adventure.

Our boutique hotel offers modern convenience with charming touches reminiscent of the wild west. Each room comes equipped with a microwave, mini fridge, cable TV, and wi-fi. You’ll also be able to enjoy amenities like Drover’s Doughnuts and coffee in the lobby, and a state-of-the-art gym facility. You can soak in the sun from our pool or give your pet some time to play and socialize at the leash-free dog park located next door at our sister hotel.

Pet-Friendly Activities in Buellton

Dog Parks and Trails

• PAWS Park
  As the only off-leash park in Santa Ynez Valley, it’s fenced into two separate areas, one for bigger dogs, and the second for smaller dogs.
  Location: 568 Dawn Dr, Buellton, CA, US, 93427
  Website
• La Purisima Mission State Historic Park
  Less than a 20-minute car ride from Sideways Inn, this pet-friendly park boasts a 5-acre garden and nearly 25 acres of hiking trails. You can also enjoy period demonstrations and animals that call this place home. Just note that dogs cannot enter buildings or the gift shop and must remain leashed.
  Location: La Purisima Mission, 2295 Purisima Road, Lompoc, CA
  Website
• Dog Park at Los Alamos County Park
  Let your dog get its zoomies out at this off-leash area within the 51-acre Los Alamos County Park. You’ll also be able to grill, enjoy a picnic, or take advantage of the biking trails to take in some of the region’s picturesque views.
  Location: 500 Drum Canyon Rd, Los Alamos, CA, US, 93440
  Website
• Burton Mesa Ecological Preserve
  Located in Lompoc and less than a 30-minute drive from Sideways Inn, this ecological preserve is home to a diverse group of plant life and animals, including rare and endangered species. You and your leashed furry BFF can hike, explore nature, and birdwatch.
  Location: 4602 Titan Ave, Lompoc, CA, US, 93436
  Website
• Orcutt Community Park
  Whether you want to grill, play sports, or simply let your pet run around the 2.5 acres of the off-leash park, there’s something for everyone to do. Dog water fountains are also available for post-zoomies thirsty pups.
  Location: 5800 S Bradley Rd, Orcutt, CA, US, 93455
  Website

Pet-Friendly Wineries, Breweries, and Distilleries

You can’t spend time in Buellton without touring some of the many wineries in the area, and luckily, your dog is also welcome to partake. Here is a list of a few dog-friendly wineries you and your pet can visit together.

• Babcock Winery & Vineyards
  Just under 10 miles from Sideways Inn, you can enjoy the nostalgic atmosphere of this winery while shopping and sipping on award-winning wines. Snacks and non-alcoholic beverages are available, but you’re also welcome to bring your own food to enjoy outside. Of course, your four-legged companion is welcome.
  Location: 5175 CA-246, Lompoc, CA 93436
  Website
• Melville Vineyards & Winery
  Two minutes from Babcock Winery, you’ll find the beautiful Melville Winery Estate. Let your leashed pet take in the sights of the vineyards while you sample a flight of wines or partake in a glass or bottle. If you’re visiting on a weekday, they have happy hour Monday through Wednesday, 4-7pm.
  Location: 5185 East Hwy 246, Lompoc, CA 93436
  Website
• Kaena at the Ranch
  Bringing a little bit of Hawaii to California, Kaena is recognized as one of the best Rhone-varietal wineries in North America. Also known for their Grenache, you can enjoy a flight or a glass next to your pup while marveling at the serene mountain views.
  Location: 800 Hwy 246, Solvang, CA 93463
  Website
• Vega Vineyard & Farm
  Eat delicious food, drink excellent wine, feed farm animals and spend time with your favorite furry companion at this winery established in 1853. Dogs must stay on a leash, and both small and large non-aggressive breeds are welcome.
  Location: 9496 Santa Rosa Rd, Buellton, CA 93427
  Website
• Brick Barn Wine Estate
  Not only can you bring your dog to Brick Barn, but you can also order them their own barcuterie board. Sip on a curated wine tasting flight or enjoy a casual bottle service and live music (on certain nights and afternoons) for a relaxing afternoon with striking scenery.

Not Really a Wine Person? No Problem.

While Buellton is known for its proximity to some of the region’s best wines, you can still find excellent beer and cocktails.

• The Good Life Craft Beer & Wine Cellar
  There’s no need to compromise here. Whether you prefer wine, beer, cider or even mead, you’ll find a vast selection of local, small production wines and independent California craft beer at this dog-friendly establishment.
  Location: 1672 Mission Dr, Solvang, CA 93463
  Website
• Rock 12 Distillery
  The region’s first farm to glass distillery and tasting room, you can find vodka, gin, liqueurs, and brandy made from the fruit grown in their own orchards. Come for a tasting and stroll the orchard with your friends, dogs and humans alike.
  Location: 6605 CA-246, Lompoc, CA 93436
  Website
• Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co.
  Less than a five-minute drive from Sideways Inn, this dog-friendly taproom has an extensive assortment of beers on tap and to-go, plus live music and a pop-up kitchen on the weekends.
  Location: 45 Industrial Way, Buellton, CA 93427, USA
  Website

More Pet-Friendly Activities

• OstrichLand USA
  Part farm, ranch, and zoo, this popular pet-friendly attraction is home to over 150 giant birds.
  Location: 610 E Highway 246 Solvang, CA 93463
  Website
• Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
  Wander this 78-acre garden with 11 different sections that represent California’s diverse flora. This is a pet-friendly garden, so leashed dogs are allowed to roam along with you.
  Location: 1212 Mission Canyon Rd. Santa Barbara, CA 93105
  Website
• Explore Solvang
  Visit the Danish Capital of America, a charming and very pet-friendly city that has a number of shops, restaurants, and tasting rooms where four-legged companions are welcomed.

Tips for Pet Friendly Travel

To ensure that your pet has just as much fun on vacation as you and the rest of your friends and family, here are some tips that can make traveling easier.

• Talk to your vet
  Make sure all vaccinations are up-to-date and that your pet’s microchip is scannable.
• Packs Their Vaccine and Medical Records
  It’s always safer to travel with your pet’s health records, including vaccinations and other pertinent health information.
• Pack Plenty of Their Favorite Treats, Food, and Medications
  Some pups may get stressed during travel, so having plenty of treats to keep them happy is a must.
• Pack All Necessities
  From favorite toys to keep them entertained, to waste bags, and water vessels, having all the basics covered ensures that your pet is comfortable and entertained during long stretches of travel.
• Book a Dog-Friendly Hotel
  Luckily, Sideways Inn has you (and your pup) covered. Reserve a room and start planning your pet-friendly adventure!

FAQs

Is there a limit to how many dogs are allowed to bring?

Yes, we currently allow up to two dogs per room.

Are there any weight or breed restrictions for dogs?

All well-behaved, non-aggressive dogs under 50 lbs. are welcome to stay at the Sideways Inn.

Can I leave my dog alone in the room?

Dogs may not be left unattended at any time.

Are cats allowed?

No. Cats or exotic pets are strictly prohibited.

Do I need to bring any documentation or health certificates for my dog?

Please bring proof of your pet’s current vaccinations.

What is the fee if I want to bring my dog?

You will be charged a one-time pet cleaning fee of $50.00. This fee is non-refundable and will be applied upon check-in.

Are dogs allowed in the pool or other amenity areas?

No. Dogs are prohibited from entering resort buildings and other amenity areas. Additionally, dogs must always be leashed (with a max length of 6 ft.).