Newsletter Archives

June 21 marks the summer solstice and the official start of a season that finds DogTrekkers out and about all over the state. After a wet winter, our lakes and rivers are full to the brim and people and dogs are itching to get wet and soak up some rays. So why wait? Jump in from the shore or a boat and enjoy a refreshing splash in the great outdoors.   more »

It’s s’mores time! Your dogs and your kids will love you for treating them to a few days of play in the great outdoors. So gather up the marshmallows, graham crackers and chocolate bars and head out for a camping adventure. Oh yes, don’t forget the dog food!   more »

California is diverse, yes, but when it comes to options for DogTrekkers—romps on the beach, hikes in the redwoods, wine-tasting, family fun, exploring small towns—it’s hard to beat Santa Cruz County. The scenery is stunning, the welcome is authentic—and spring, with great weather, smaller crowds, and plenty of lodging specials, is the perfect time to go. We have updated our top reader-favorite Santa Cruz County stories to jumpstart your spring coastal travel with your dogs.   more »

Last week, we got the bark out about wine and beer trails in communities hugging Highway 50 between Sacramento and Placerville. This week, we’re spreading the dog-friendly love to Amador, Placer, Calaveras and Tuolumne counties. So leash up, enjoy the prettiest time of year in Northern California and enjoy sampling some of our region’s best liquid produce.   more »

After a long, wet winter, it’s finally stopped raining! The hillsides are green, wildflowers are in bloom and “them ‘thar hills” of Gold Country are calling you and your four-legged friend to get out, explore and sample regional wines and craft beers in the bargain. Here are our first four dog-friendly Gold Country wine and beer trails to get you started!   more »

Who doesn’t look forward to a trip to Monterey? The bracing sea air, the coastal scenery, the seafood…If your dog’s been there before, she’s sure to beat you into the car as you start loading up. And whether it’s your first trip or your 50th to the Central Coast with a four-legged companion, well, we’ve got some tips and surprises to set tails a’wagging.   more »

Shhh…you don’t have to bunk down in expensive San Francisco to enjoy Bay Area delights with your four-legged friend. Concord, just 29 miles east of San Francisco, and adjacent Pleasant Hill offer the perfect blend of location, outdoor recreation and cultural assets for a spring weekend filled with fresh experiences.   more »

The Sierra Nevada range ends where the Cascades begin, just south of the city of Redding. The scenery is distinctive here, with 13,162-foot Mount Shasta a snow-capped icon always floating on the horizon. Redding bills itself as California’s Trail Capital, while the surrounding Shasta Cascade region ups the ante when it comes to myriad other dog-friendly outdoor pursuits and off-the-beaten-track destinations.   more »

Do you think your dog dreams like you do? If so, chances are your best friend’s fantasizing about a sun-drenched oasis, scampering up a trail, and a tail-wagger of a pet massage. Pups and people will discover these treats and more in Greater Palm Springs, one of the most dog-friendly destinations in the West. From the coolest boutique hotels to the hippest cafes, many settings welcome your canine companion with open arms and amenities. Here’s the scoop on fantastic places, wide-open spaces, and activities in Greater Palm Springs sure to delight both you and your dog.   more »

City of Trees? River City? America’s Farm-to-Fork Capital? Sacramento has many nicknames, but in essence, it’s an outdoor town year-round, and so long as the sun is shining, which it does more than 250 days a year, many restaurants have their dog-friendly patio tables in service, too. Winter and spring are great times for long walks along the rivers that cut through town, for wandering the lively Midtown dining and entertainment district, toasting the day at any of more than 40 craft breweries or sharing a leisurely meal at a patio table. So leash, up, come to Sac and see what California’s capital city has to offer.   more »