Chip strikes a pose at the dog-friendly, off-leash portion of the beach right next to the Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach.

IF YOU WISH TO RECEIVE FRIENDLY GREETINGS from people on sidewalks or at beaches, grab a leash and your dog and head for Ventura, California.

At least that was my impression during a recent three-day stay at this beach town strategically located just north of the hip Los Angeles scene and just south of the oh-so-chic Santa Barbara. Canine-welcoming adventures are as big a part of Ventura as are the scores of antique stores in downtown or Surfer's Point and the Channel Islands National Park that draw ocean lovers wishing to harness the waves or kayak through sea caves.

As for my travel mate, Chipper, a sixty-five-pound Golden Retriever-Siberian Husky mix, her real treat came in the ability to shed her leash and sprint up and down the beach just steps from the Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach. You know life is going to the dogs when the entrance to the beach sports free doggy pick-up bags and the beach itself is strewn with fetching sticks in many sizes, more commonly known to people as driftwood. It was a must-do ritual each morning and evening for us.

Ventura Fun Facts

City's official name is San Buenaventura which is Spanish for "city of good fortune." Located 62 miles north of Los Angeles and 27 miles south of Santa Barbara. Climate mimics the Mediterranean with mild fall and winters and cool, dry summers. Average year-round temperature is 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Novelist Erie Stanley Gardner penned his first two Perry Mason books in Ventura. Rated as one of America's most haunted cities with ghost walk tours year-round. A crime at The Top Hat hotdog stand in 1984 represented the first time DNA was used to solve a murder in the United States.

The canine welcome mat rolled out when we stepped inside the lobby of the Crowne Plaza, and the hotel staff didn't blink or glare at Chipper's large frame. They beckoned her to leap up and slap her front paws on the counter as I filled out the check-in form. She happily obliged.

You won't find a size limit imposed on the canine guests—credit that decision to Monty Criss, Director of Sales and Marketing, and proud owner of two dachshunds, Moe and Kuma.

"All we ask is for responsible dog owners and not to leave dogs unattended in their rooms to bark," says Criss. "I absolutely love dogs. They give so much. And, I've found that people who travel with their pets tend to be good owners—and good guests."

We arrived as this former Holiday Inn was putting the finishing touches on a nine million-dollar renovation. This 258-room hotel can boast as being the only hotel located directly on the beach in Ventura. We were among about a half-dozen dog-bringing guests and hundreds of conventioneers attending a Norwegian conference. Even they were surprised—and happy—to see Chipper and vowed to return with their dogs.

Inside our room, Chipper ranked as the VIP—Very Important Pooch—as a pair of collapsible dog bowls and a box of nutritious gourmet treats awaited her. She also received a basket full of doggy goodies, compliments of the Barket Pier Boutique. We both spent a few minutes on the balcony of our room on the 11th floor and soaked in views of surfers and the historic San Buenaventura City Pier originally built in 1872.

The Barker Pet Boutique features homemade treats for dogs and a wide assortment of fun and practical products for dogs and cats.

We unpacked and quickly headed to the heart of downtown, only a two-block trek. The weather was a bit breezy and in the low sixties on that early evening, so Chipper wore a grey doggy sweatshirt sporting a soccer ball image. Timing is everything, as the first to greet us was a team of Italian soccer players who huddled around Chipper, admired her interest in their sport and affectionately called her "Bella" repeatedly before bidding ciao to us.

We opted to dine that night at the Anacapa Brewing Company on Main Street. Although this restaurant is famous for its hand-crafted ales and Buenavenrura rolls, its outdoor cafe regularly caters to well-behaved dogs Chipper surveyed the sidewalk scene of skateboarders and determined antique shoppers as I enjoyed a tender and spicy BBQ pulled pork sandwich.

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Natalie Gamble, a bartender at Anacapa Brewing Company in downtown Ventura, welcomes Chipper and me.

During our walk downtown, we came upon a thrift store operated by the Humane Society of Ventura County. This all-volunteer store prominently displays photos and bios of shelter dogs and cats in need of permanent homes on its front window.

Everything you can think of, we have here, even six wedding dresses," says Karen Townsend, thrift store manager. "We're the only thrift store in town that donates all proceeds to the animal shelter."

From there, we headed to Tutti's, an upscale restaurant featuring Mediterranean cuisine and a spacious brick-lined outdoor cafe. Chipper was treated to cool water served in a decorative ceramic bowl while I dined on a flank steak salad. Owners Winston and Susan Sullivan quickly tell you of their lifelong love for Scottish terriers—and dogs in general. Susan, an accomplished baker, also creates Scottie Biscottis made for people.

The next day, Chipper and I drove a few miles to the Ventura Harbor Village along Spinnaker Drive. The harbor showcases dozens of shops and restaurants. Our first stop: the newly opened Barket Pet Boutique operated by Liz Gutierrez and Sarabuti Lalomchai. The boutique is truly a canine heaven on earth, with its wide assortment of homemade bakery delights, unique gifts for dogs, people and even cats, and friendly atmosphere. Devote some time here and let your dog sample some treats as you scan the shelves for beef-flavored popcorn, DVDs for home-alone dogs, one-of-a-kind serving bowls and fashions for dogs from Yorkshire Terriers to Great Danes.

At the entrance to the dog-friendly beach near the Ventura historic pier is a box containing doggie pick-up bags. Chipper is wearing her soccer sweatshirt on this breezy evening.

"We opened this place because we saw a need to cater to people and their pets," says Gutierrez. "I remember when I first moved back to Ventura and called around looking for a birthday cake for toy dog, Rocco. At one pet store, the clerk said, ‘Birthday cakes for dogs? Are you serious?' It was then that I knew we could fill a need for people who love their dogs."

With Sarbuti manning the store, Gutierrez happily escorted Chipper and me to a dog-friendly beach in the harbor area. Within minutes, we came upon a salty, all-wet Golden Retriever named Buddy and his family, Melinda and Jay Lumel and their daughter, Hayley. Chipper joined Buddy in chasing a Frisbee that landed in the water calmed by the jetty.

"We love coming here," says Melinda.

"We used to live in L.A., but the city beaches there are definitely not dog-friendly. They tell you to remove your dog right away. Here, Buddy has never had to be on a leash and he has a great time."

Looking at the wide grin stretching on Chipper's ocean-soaked face, it was easy for me to see why. Ventura definitely rates as a tail-wagging destination.