Clear Your Head at Clear Lake

A natural freshwater body of water tucked into a hilly, forested landscape, Clear Lake is known to anglers as one of the best bass fisheries in the state.

Whether you want to cast a line or just putter around, Disney’s Water Sports (in Lakeport) will fix you up with a dog-friendly pontoon boat or fishing boat. On nearby Blue Lakes (Upper and Lower), a pair of clear, spring-fed lakes ideal for swimming and fishing, you can rent an electric “yacht” or pontoon boat from the Lodge at Blue Lakes and pile the family (dogs included) on board for a great day of cruising about.  Lodge visitors also can purchase a day-use pass and enjoy waterfront privileges with a minimum two-hour boat, kayak or sports tube rental.

Elsewhere around the lake, pet-friendly Indian Beach Resort  also has waterfront cabins, as do Clear Lake Cottages & Marina, the Narrows Lodge Resort, Vista del Lago Lake House and Cottages and the vintage-themed Linger Longer, whose pet-friendly housekeeping cabins evoke the 1950s with names like Bogie & Bacall, Ricky & Lucy, the Cleavers and the Honeymooners.

For camping, day-tripping and hiking, Clear Lake State Park makes a great base camp, although be forewarned that the only place it’s legal to go for a doggie-dip is between Campsites 57 and 58. To avoid those restrictions, book a stay at Edgewater Resort, right on the water at Soda Bay. Although primarily an RV resort, it also has tent sites and furnished cabins and houses with full kitchens. There’s also a clubhouse, a 230-foot fishing pier, 600 feet of lake frontage and many other amenities to make for an enjoyable stay.

Another lure in Lake County: wineries are sprouting up like wildflowers within a tennis-ball throw of Clear Lake. You and your dog will get a warm welcome at Six Sigma Ranch and Winery, Steele Wines, Laujor Estate Winery, Chasewater (check out the olive oil, too)  and Thorn Hill Vineyards, to name just a few of many places where you can wine taste with Lexi by your side.
Photo Credit: Jennifer Waicukauski