Newsletter Archives

We’ve all visited winery after winery with our dogs, no? After all, it’s a quintessentially California thing to do. Here at DogTrekker, we’ve sniffed around for some ways to add to the wine-country experience. Leashes on, tails up, let’s go!   more »

The Tri-Valley region, about 45 miles east of San Francisco, takes its name from the Amador, Livermore and San Ramon valleys that embrace the communities of Danville, Dublin, Livermore, and Pleasanton. The region surprises travelers with its wide-open spaces, historic town centers, and amazingly dog-friendly attitudes. Autumn, when the vineyards blaze orange and weather turns crisp, is a prime time to visit. Leash up your pup and come see for yourself!   more »

Mendocino County had a tough summer in the wildfire department, but there’s great news to be had. As innkeeper Jeff Stanford of Stanford Inn by the Sea reports, "The coast is not only clear, it is pristine. There are no crowds. Highway 1 is open and getting here is beautiful. Anderson Valley is untouched, the vineyards are ripening and harvest is underway.” Here are some ways to get your woof on during Mendocino County’s “secret” fall season.   more »

Something almost magical happens in California’s High Sierra after Labor Day: Poof! The crowds disappear. The weather won’t change appreciably for another month, but the difference, if you’re a visitor, is like night and day. Lodging prices fall, traffic disappears and an aura of relaxation takes over. It’s a great time for you and your four-legged family members to enjoy a high-altitude getaway. Here are our Top 5 suggestions.   more »

If you’ve lived in California very long (or even if you’re just visiting), you know Highway 49—also dubbed the Golden Chain Highway—as one of the state’s prime scenic and historic byways. From north to south, it stretches 330 miles through nine counties, linking dozens of towns and points of interest dating to the 1849 Gold Rush. Here’s how to plot a dog-friendly journey.   more »

The 49ers followed the Sacramento and American rivers to the Mother Lode mines, paving the way for modern-day visitors to Gold Country who travel up Highway 50. This week, we look at some dog-friendly points of interest between Sacramento and Pollock Pines, 60 miles “up the hill.” Next week, we’ll follow Highway 49, the “Golden Chain Highway,” from north to south through some of the most captivating parts of the state.   more »

It’s high hiking season in most of California—and time, too, to enjoy al fresco dining with your four-legged trekking buddy. Why not treat the both of you to an outing that includes both? Here are some destination hikes to get you started.   more »

For water-loving canines, nothing beats fetching a ball from the surf and romping full-speed ahead on a sandy beach. DogTrekker.com has identified almost 200 dog-friendly beaches along California’s 840 miles of coastline. You’ll find them listed, mapped and described in the California Coastal Beaches pages of our website and mobile app. Meanwhile, here are 10 of our favorites, north to south.   more »

It’s summer, and time to escape from day-to-day routine. Tuolumne County beckons with untamed nature, rustic but refined places to eat and stay, and historic attractions tied to the Gold Rush era. It also encompasses a large swath of Yosemite National Park. What’s that we hear? Your dog barking to go? Make her sit while you pack, and then hit the “T” trail, no whining allowed.   more »

It’s summer. It’s getting warmer. Time to get splash-happy with your pup! California’s lakes are full and its rivers running at a good clip, so what are you waiting for? Jump in from the shore or from a boat this summer and enjoy the splash that refreshes.   more »