Book a winter weekend in dog-friendly Palo Alto, CA: Our Top Picks

If you are planning to visit the Bay Area, winter is a wonderful time to go. The holiday season offers plenty of reasons to visit Palo Alto, CA and it is the perfect place to bring your furry friend!

Palo Alto and Silicon Valley are highly dog-friendly areas and we found some great spots for dog owners to explore.

Here is a run down of the top stops for a winter weekend outside the San Francisco Bay.

1. Where to Walk: Stanford University

Stanford University campus has numerous walking trails with easy access and special events this time of year.

We joined a tour group and had a great time learning about the history of Stanford and all the traditions students enjoy! This 60-minute walk went by quickly, offering plenty of room to walk around, take pictures, and stop by the Campus Book Store for souvenirs.

The Stanford campus is also an excellent choice to walk on your own. For the best time, budget at least a half hour to walk the grounds and see the Clock Tower and Memorial Church.

2. Where to Stay: Creekside Inn

For accommodations, we stayed at the Creekside Inn at 3400 El Camino Real, Palo Alto CA 94306.

This dog-friendly inn has a charming style and is an ideal spot for families.

We went the weekend of a Stanford football game, so the place was packed, but there was plenty of parking.

The motel has been updated and remodeled, with picnic tables, walking trails, and a pool area. There is a $50 fee for dogs.

This is a rare find in an otherwise high cost town, and is just minutes from the Stanford campus!

(Photo credit: creekside-inn.com)

3. Where to Eat: Izzy's Brooklyn Bagels

Just down the street from Creekside Inn, we stumbled upon our favorite find of the weekend.

Izzy's Brooklyn Bagels is a kosher bagel shop and restaurant off Camino Real and located on a pedestrian friendly street.

There are outdoor tables, shops, and even a putt-putt area. This restaurant was so good, we visited twice!

4. Where to Shop Local: California Avenue Farmer's Market

This Farmer's Market which was a wonderful place to browse local artisans and buy produce.

Small dogs and large dogs alike were welcome, all leashed and well-behaved.

I am always on the lookout for gluten free options, and several vendors had GF pastries!

Since this area is pedestrian friendly, you may have to find a parking area and walk over, but it is well worth the stroll. Plus, you can see cool, contemporary architecture like the picture here.

5. Where to Hang Out: University Avenue

University Avenue is another great spot to stroll with your furry friend.

Window shop at popular stores like Brandy Melville and Apple, then grab boba tea or seasonal beverages at Mr. Sun Tea. This whole street is a beautiful and relaxing place to hang out.

There are plenty of outdoor dining spots with patio seating that is dog-friendly and wide sidewalks. There are beautiful light displays at night, particularly near the holidays.

Be sure to walk all the way down the street to see The Graduate Hotel, with lots of references to the former President Herbert Hoover. There is a beautiful view from the balcony you can access from the lobby.

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