Dog-Friendly Auburn, California

Historic Gold Country charm, river trails, dog-friendly patios, and easy Sierra foothills access make Auburn a strong weekend pick for travelers with dogs.

Auburn, CA

8.6 Pet-Friendly Score
Avg Pet Fee: $20-25/night
Dog Parks: 1
Off-Leash Beach: No
Outdoor Dining Law: Yes

Best Dog-Friendly Eats

Auburn Alehouse

Popular Old Town brewpub with a dog-friendly patio and house-brewed beer.

The Station Public House

Large landscaped patio with misters and plenty of room for dogs to relax beside the table.

Katrina's Cafe

Reliable breakfast-and-lunch stop with outdoor tables and a welcoming attitude toward dogs.

Top Places to Play

Ashley Off Leash Dog Park

A true off-leash option with separate areas for large and small dogs, shade, and water features.

Auburn State Recreation Area

Miles of scenic recreation with dogs allowed in much of the park, except Lake Clementine.

Hidden Falls Regional Park

Leashed-dog hiking with waterfalls, viewing decks, and extensive multi-use trails.

Why Auburn Works for Dog Trips

Outdoor dining flexibility

California law allows restaurants to permit dogs in outdoor dining areas when required conditions are met.

Easy overnight options

Auburn has multiple pet-friendly roadside hotels with straightforward dog policies and modest fees.

Trail access

The city is a convenient base for foothill hikes, river overlooks, and day trips deeper into Gold Country.

Dog-Friendly Hotels in Auburn

Motel 6 Auburn CA

3/5
Budget hotel

A practical low-cost stay close to I-80 and just a short drive from Auburn's dog-friendly restaurants and parks.

$ Pet fee: No pet fee Two pets up to 60 lbs are welcome at no additional fee. Dogs and cats are permitted, but pets may not be left unattended.

1819 Auburn Ravine Rd, Auburn, CA 95603

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Super 8 by Wyndham Auburn

3.7/5
Budget hotel

Convenient for road-trippers who want a simple overnight base with easy highway access and grassy relief areas.

$ Pet fee: $10 per pet, per night Welcomes two dogs with a combined weight up to 100 lbs in designated rooms. Dogs may not be left unattended. Cats are not accepted.

140 E Hillcrest Dr, Auburn, CA 95603

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Holiday Inn Auburn by IHG

4/5
Mid-range hotel

A comfortable full-service option near central Auburn with ground-floor pet-friendly rooms and treats for canine guests.

$$ Pet fee: $50 per stay Two dogs up to 40 lbs are welcome in designated ground-floor rooms. Larger pets may be permitted with prior approval. Dogs must be crated if left unattended. No cats.

120 Grass Valley Hwy, Auburn, CA 95603

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Red Lion Inn & Suites Auburn

3.5/5
Mid-range hotel

A straightforward stay with pet-friendly rooms and easy access to Auburn Ravine Road services.

$$ Pet fee: $20 per pet, per night Welcomes two dogs up to 25 lbs in designated rooms. Suites are not pet friendly. Crated dogs may be left unattended. Cats are not permitted.

1875 Auburn Ravine Rd, Auburn, CA 95603

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The Foothills Motel

4/5
Motel

A simple independent motel that works well for travelers who want a no-frills base and generous dog size allowance.

$ Pet fee: $25 per pet, per night Allows 2 dogs of any size. No cats.

13431 Bowman Rd, Auburn, CA 95603

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Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Auburn

Auburn Alehouse

4.2/5
Brewpub

A cozy Old Town brewpub known for small-batch beer, hearty pub fare, and a dog-friendly patio.

$$ Dogs are welcome on the patio.

289 Washington St, Auburn, CA 95603

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Katrina's Cafe

5/5
Breakfast cafe

A favorite breakfast-and-lunch stop with outdoor tables, big portions, and water bowls often available for pups.

$$ Dogs can join you at an outdoor table for breakfast or lunch.

456 Grass Valley Hwy, Auburn, CA 95603

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The Station Public House

4.5/5
Gastropub

A spacious beer-garden-style restaurant with a landscaped patio, misters, and plenty of room for dogs.

$$ Dogs are welcome on the spacious outdoor patio.

750 Lincoln Way #100, Auburn, CA 95603

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The Pour Choice

5/5
Coffeehouse and taproom

A flexible stop for coffee, breakfast, lunch, beer, or wine with a large covered patio that works well for dogs.

$$ Dogs are welcome on the covered patio; water bowls are available.

177 Sacramento St, Auburn, CA 95603

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Monkey Cat

4.5/5
Upscale casual restaurant

A polished downtown option serving eclectic American fare with covered patio seating that can work well for a calmer dog.

$$$ Outdoor seating is available and the covered patio is noted as dog-friendly.

805 Lincoln Way, Auburn, CA 95603

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Max's Restaurant and Bar

4/5
American restaurant

A convenient classic American restaurant near the highway with patio seating and water bowls for leashed dogs.

$$ Leashed pets are welcome on the patio where water bowls are available.

110 Grass Valley Hwy, Auburn, CA 95603

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Awful Annie's

4.4/5
Breakfast and lunch restaurant

A casual breakfast-and-lunch pick on Lincoln Way with patio table service that makes dining with a dog easier.

$$ Dogs are invited at outdoor tables for breakfast or lunch.

13460 Lincoln Way, Auburn, CA 95603

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Dog-Friendly Parks and Activities in Auburn

Ashley Off Leash Dog Park

Dog park

A standout off-leash option with separate large- and small-dog areas, shade structures, benches, and a water feature for cooling off.

Off-Leash

1601 Auburn Ravine Rd, Auburn, CA 95603

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Auburn State Recreation Area

State recreation area

A huge outdoor playground for hiking, sightseeing, and river views. Dogs are allowed in much of the park, making it one of Auburn's biggest draws for active travelers.

Dogs are allowed, with the exception of Lake Clementine where dogs are not allowed.
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Hidden Falls Regional Park

Regional park

A scenic foothill hiking destination with waterfalls, viewing decks, picnic areas, and roughly 30 miles of multi-use trails.

Dogs must be on a leash at all times and under owners' direct control.

7587 Mears Place, Auburn, CA 95602

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Old Town Auburn

Walkable district

Historic streets, patios, and local shops make Old Town a pleasant on-leash stroll, especially when paired with lunch or coffee.

Many businesses and patios in the district are dog-friendly, though policies vary by business and some special events restrict dogs.

Lincoln Way and Washington Street area, Auburn, CA 95603

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The Auburn Co-Op

Seasonal community event

A family-friendly Old Town event series that has specifically welcomed dogs, making it a fun option if your visit lines up with event dates.

Event materials note that dogs are welcome.

Lincoln Way, Washington Street, and Sacramento Street, Old Town Auburn, CA 95603

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A Dog-Friendly Weekend in Auburn

This sample plan mixes easy patio meals with trail time and enough downtime for dogs that travel best with a balanced schedule.

Day 1: Arrival and Old Town Stroll

Morning

Check into a pet-friendly hotel like Motel 6 Auburn CA or Holiday Inn Auburn by IHG, then let your dog settle in with a short neighborhood walk.

Afternoon

Head to Old Town Auburn for lunch at The Pour Choice or Auburn Alehouse, then browse the historic district on leash.

Evening

Choose a relaxed dinner at Monkey Cat or The Station Public House and wind down with a short sunset walk before bed.

Day 2: Parks and Patio Time

Morning

Start with off-leash play at Ashley Off Leash Dog Park so your dog can burn energy early.

Afternoon

Pack water and explore Auburn State Recreation Area or Hidden Falls Regional Park on leash, choosing a shorter route if temperatures are high.

Evening

Refuel with dinner on the patio at Max's Restaurant and Bar or Katrina's Cafe if you prefer an earlier, casual meal.

Day 3: Easy Breakfast and Departure

Morning

Grab breakfast at Awful Annie's or Katrina's Cafe and enjoy one last patio meal with your dog.

Afternoon

Take a final leashed walk through Old Town or a quick scenic stop before checking out and heading home.

Evening

If you're extending the trip, continue on to nearby Gold Country towns or Sacramento-area destinations.

Nearby Dog-Friendly Destinations

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Auburn, California good for a trip with a dog?

Yes. Auburn combines multiple dog-friendly hotels, several patio restaurants, an off-leash dog park, and access to major outdoor areas like Auburn State Recreation Area and Hidden Falls Regional Park.

Are dogs allowed at restaurants in Auburn?

Many Auburn restaurants allow dogs on outdoor patios. California law allows restaurant operators to permit dogs in outdoor dining areas if required conditions are met, so policies vary by business.

Is there an off-leash dog park in Auburn?

Yes. Ashley Off Leash Dog Park is Auburn's main dedicated off-leash option and includes separate spaces for large and small dogs.

Are dogs allowed in Auburn State Recreation Area?

Dogs are allowed in Auburn State Recreation Area, but they are not allowed at Lake Clementine. Check current park notices before visiting.

Do Auburn hotels usually charge pet fees?

Usually yes, but fees are fairly moderate by California standards. In current listings, common fees range from no fee at Motel 6 Auburn CA to around $20 to $25 per night at several other Auburn properties.

Ready to plan more dog-friendly California getaways?

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