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Summer is a time for family vacations, and whether it’s a multi-day trip or daytrip, not much can get children more excited or add to the memory bank than a train ride.
“Family” incudes dogs of course, and there are many dog-friendly “all aboard!” choo-choo options in California. Here are a few of our favorites, including some tail-wagging surprises. This issue is powered by Mendocino County’s Skunk Train.
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Follow your nose (as well as your dog’s) to the Garlic Capital of the World! Gilroy California is a great place for a getaway with your four-legged friend. You’ll find plenty of dog-friendly places to stay, including hotels and RV parks, with room to run around and relax. Gilroy also has many dog-friendly restaurants and wineries that welcome pets in outdoor areas. And there are numerous hiking trails and parks for you to explore together.
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Pacific sunset at the Little River Inn. Photo by Dave Kendrick.
Mendocino County may be within a day-trip drive of most of the Bay Area, but we encourage you to snuggle up with your pup at one of our dog-passionate lodging partners. DogTrekker’s editors love staying in Mendo and have personally experienced all of these pup-friendly properties. Go north along the coast from Little River to Fort Bragg to find the Little River Inn, the Stanford Inn, Beach House Inn, Beachcomber Motel, Surf & Sand Lodge and the Noyo Harbor Inn.
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Dreaming of a wine country getaway without the premium lodging prices of Napa Valley and Sonoma County? Here’s an insider’s tip for DogTrekkers: Base yourself in Vacaville. Close to both established and emerging wineries, this Northern California community lives up to its “Small. In a Big Way” tagline.
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Sun, sand and tail-waggin' good times. If you and your pup don't live on the coast, you probably crave some surf and sand from time to time.
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Fresh sea breezes. Fido-friendly paddling, pedaling and hiking. Sustainable practices and cleaning products. Local wine and produce plated hours after harvest. Simple suggestions for living well. Enjoy highlights like these at dog-passionate Stanford Inn by the Sea, a historic farm and eco-resort on the Mendocino coast. Tucked between old-growth trees and USDA-certified organic gardens, this dog-friendly California destination weaves wellness, relaxation and earth-friendly elements into each stay. Here’s what to explore when you visit.
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Looking for a friendly wine-tasting getaway with your four-leggers? Mendocino County, just north of the Bay Area, is one of the most dog-friendly destinations in California, and has dozens of dog-friendly wineries!
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Northern California is known for dog-friendly adventures, and one destination really rolls out the red carpet for pups: Mendocino County. Coastal Fort Bragg is a great basecamp for exploring the region. You’ll find affordable nightly rates, modest pet fees, and standout amenities for furry family members at all three Beachcomber Hotel Group properties.
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“Dogs Welcome Here!” isn’t just a tagline in Concord. Pups are central to the community’s fabric, and you’ll see that in the way hotels, restaurants, breweries, bars and parks put out the welcome bowls for four-legged visitors. In fact, this dog-friendly city just produced a dog-gone great guide to the Concord Perro Trail. Named in honor of the community’s Hispanic heritage, the free, downloadable map covers Concord’s very dog-walkable downtown plus nearby parks and open spaces.
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Summer lasts just 92 days, so it’s wise to make the most of it. An absolutely splendid idea is spending some of these precious days in Yosemite. This beautiful region is home to a DogTrekker favorite, Tenaya Lodge. Located just two miles from Yosemite National Park, Tenaya Lodge specializes in memorable summer moments for the entire family—including your four-legged friend. Here’s how to enjoy a wonderful summer escape packed with family-friendly fun.
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Dog-friendly cabins dot the California landscape, connecting four-legged family members with best-in-show adventures. Whether you prefer a farm stay in Gold Country, a trek along Yosemite trails, or a Marin County coastal stroll, you’ll always find great options.
Because DogTrekker.com readers tell us that cabins and cottages are their top lodging preference, we asked Maya, DogTrekker’s Director of Barketing, to do some digging. She’s traveled California in search of dog-friendly cabins and cottages, and here are three of her favorites.
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It’s a new year and Sacramento has come thrillingly alive again. Restaurants, craft breweries, and entertainment venues are humming – and wherever you look, you’ll see people with dogs! Join us in our journey as we wag through Old Sacramento, play in some great parks and check out the dog scene at dog-friendly Sacramento hotels.
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Yes, San Francisco traffic congestion can be a turnoff, but head to the East Bay and you’ll be amazed by all the open-to-the-public lands at your disposal – not to mention dozens of boutique wineries and, in spring, emerald-green, oak-dotted hills that beckon as invitingly to dogs as to their people.
DogTrekkers tell us they like to look through the destinations we cover through a historical lens, and Santa Cruz County has it all. From the impeccably restored 19th century Victorians to old lime kilns that helped build San Francisco, Santa Cruz County has many unique and historical treasures waiting to be discovered, enjoyed, and sniffed – sniffed? Yes! Bring the pup along as you walk, wag, wine taste, and more through Santa Cruz County history.
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What’s more fun than a week with your dog at Lake Tahoe? How about a package that bundles those adventures with dog training, accommodations and an opportunity to help pups in need? Summer and fall camps by Wild Blue Dogs combine play with purpose, offering an all-inclusive, action-packed week with other dog-lovers and their furry friends.
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Yes, we had a dry January, but the big storms in late December filled lakes and streams and created a hefty Sierra snowpack. The payoff: Waterfall season! Here are some late winter/early spring hikes with watery rewards at the end.
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Those of us who live in California have to pinch ourselves in thanks for proximity to gorgeous mountain environments just day-trip distance away. Even if you don’t live in a snow zone, it’s easy enough to visit—and no need to leave your four-legged sidekick behind.
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January 12, 2022
The new year is like a blank book, and the pen is in your hand. Or, maybe it’s in the paw of your four-legged best friend. However you document your 2022 dreams, you can count on DogTrekker.com. We’re the go-to guide for dog-friendly California travel, and we spark inspiration while spotlighting thousands of places and activities to enjoy with your furry family members.
We’ve been working like dogs recently, preparing to share more of our favorite hikes, beaches, waterfalls, mountains, parks, attractions, wineries, and, of course, pup-friendly places to stay and dine. You’ll find plenty to explore in the year ahead, all right here in our big backyard.
As we reflect on 2021, the DogTrekker family also wants to acknowledge and celebrate some of our best friends who recently crossed over the rainbow bridge.
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December 16, 2021
Photo by Tenaya Lodge
Winter officially begins on December 21, but you wouldn’t know it by the snowflakes piling up throughout the Yosemite region. This beautiful region is home to a DogTrekker favorite,
Tenaya Lodge. Located just two miles from the southern entrance to Yosemite National Park, Tenaya Lodge specializes in memorable winter moments for the entire family—including family members on
four paws. Here’s how to enjoy a wonderful winter escape and all its seasonal adventures, luxury and family-friendly fun. R
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Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude. This year, our dog and human families here at DogTrekker are thankful to have such a supportive, thoughtful, and responsive group of pup parents engaged with our California dog-travel stories and insight. We’re also thankful for the selfless support that DogTrekkers show dogs in the shelters we promote, either by providing new forever homes or by donating much-needed funds. Thank you for your generosity!
We're happy to share some terrific fall/winter specials from our premier lodging partners in Mendocino County and the North Coast. These hotels and motels go out of their way to make pups feel just as welcome as the humans who follow. This season, we encourage you to fetch a few of these barkingly great deals! Read more...
Join the DogTrekker challenge: Let's fund saving senior dogs!
At DogTrekker, we're guided by one simple mission: Leave no dog behind. By supporting California animal welfare organizations – including Lily's Legacy Senior Dog Sanctuary in Petaluma, which finds homes for large-breed senior dogs, and San Francisco's Muttville, serving senior and special needs dogs – we're building a better world for all four-legged friends.
That's why we're thrilled to launch a new DogTrekker Challenge benefitting Saving Senior Dogs Week. This dog-gone good campaign raises awareness and funds for senior dog rescues nationwide, including seven groups here in California (click for a complete list). DogTrekker will donate $1,000 during this year's Saving Senior Dogs Week, October 25-31. Please join us and help organizers reach their $50,000 goal! Donate now. Read more...
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Photo by Greater Palm Springs
Traveling with your four-legged best friend? With more than 300 days of sunshine each year, sprawling open spaces, and a welcoming atmosphere for people and pups alike, Greater Palm Springs is the perfect spot for your next getaway.
Bring Fido along for an unforgettable trip to this Southern California oasis, where pet-friendly activities and amenities abound—think early morning hikes, afternoons by the pool, and fine dining with a view.
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Wine time with the pup
Visiting dog-friendly California wineries is a favorite DogTrekker activity. Even during the second year of the pandemic, summer saw crowded tasting rooms, packed patios and sold-out tours and special events.
With the advent of fall and the busy harvest and crush season winding down, things are calmer and there’s plenty of room for you and your pooch to relax and enjoy. Here are a few tips and insights on wine areas ripe for visiting.
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California travelers know fall is the ripe time to pack the hiking boots for an adventure in Northern California’s Mendocino County. As the barometer slides, the fog pulls away, corks pop and nature hits its seasonal migration stride.
For families, you’ll find the most unique dog-friendly lodging properties anywhere in the state. Add in dozens of coastal and inland parks, lakes, hikes, vineyards, attractions and a powerful perch along 90 miles of Pacific Coastline, and you have the recipe for fall fun! Read more...
As of Friday, October 1, guests will no longer need advance reservations to enter Yosemite! And remember, you never need reservations to visit Yosemite’s Highway 140 gateway, magnificent
Mariposa County.
In celebration of fall, our friends at
Visit Yosemite Mariposa County have outlined a wonderful dog lover’s itinerary that helps you enjoy the best dog-friendly fun this region has to offer. You’ll find sunny days, cool nights, fewer crowds, and lots of tail-waggin' things to do. Now is the time to visit, you lucky dog!
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Bella visits the capitol, image courtesy of Duroncelet
As the seasons change and the smoke from Northern California wildfires gives way to crystal-blue skies, opportunities for exploring Sacramento and the destinations in its “big back yard” expand. Make the state capital your home base and take off from there. Here is the best of dog-friendly Sacramento and neighboring communities.
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If you think summer’s over because autumn begins in a few weeks, consider this: it’s really the sunniest time of year on the California coast. This is a season of great light, warm days and calm air along the Golden State’s shores. This long-tail summer, from now through early November, features sunny beaches and lots to do, including events and fun celebrations for the entire family. Here’s a DogTrekker sampling. Read more...
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Anybody who has ever traveled with their canine companion knows that some accommodations are more dog-friendly than others. At Tenaya Lodge, you can fetch a trip you’ll both enjoy.
If you like adventuring with your dog and have always wanted to experience Yosemite National Park, then Tenaya Lodge is perfect.
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Yikes, can it be mid-summer already? As California opens up from its pandemic slumber, road trips are all the rage, and travelers are on the move with their pups. The top lodging choice for DogTrekkers this year are cabins and cottages. Here are some of our favorites.
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The DogCation® is the most widely anticipated promotion in the history of DogTrekker. We celebrate summer with our annual Stanford Inn DogCation. Enter to win a two-night stay at the dog-passionate Stanford Inn by the Sea.
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Welcome to Fort Bragg, where dog-friendly rooms at the Noyo Harbor Inn overlook the tree-lined Noyo River. The inn features waterfront patio dining, spa services and authentic Craftsman details dating back more than a century. It also serves as an upscale home base for enjoying canoe routes, coastal trails, photo walks and Skunk Train rides. The historic line travels Mendocino County’s classic Redwood Route, providing a dog-friendly introduction to the region’s scenic highlights.
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California Western Railroad has traveled through majestic Mendocino County redwoods for 135 years. Affectionately known as the “Skunk Train,” this celebrated attraction welcomes guests and their four-legged friends on five historic trains traveling two unforgettable routes. The experience anchors an array of dog-friendly adventures on California’s rugged North Coast, from sampling local brews in Fort Bragg, to hiking more than 20 state parks, beaches and reserves dotting Mendocino County. Punch your ticket and start planning today.
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Yikes, can it be mid-summer already? As California opens up from its pandemic slumber, road trips are all the rage, and travelers are on the move with their pups. The top lodging choice for DogTrekkers this year are cabins and cottages. Here are some of our favorites.
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Set in the shadow of magnificent Mount Diablo, dog-friendly Concord is an under-the-radar East Bay gem. Jazz musician Dave Brubeck was born here. The popular Iron Horse Regional Trail winds through town.
Dog-friendly hiking paths unfold in every direction, and a new passport program in place through June 30 spotlights a thriving regional craft beer scene. Stay for a day or spend the weekend. Either way, Visit Concord shares engaging itineraries and suggestions for families traveling with four-legged friends. Read more...
Like to hike? You’re in luck in the Trail Capital of California, as Redding has so aptly branded itself. The city boasts about 80 miles of trails within its city limits and hundreds more within a 20-mile radius of its core.
Trails are free to all, and most are dog-friendly, which means the whole family can explore together. Remember to pack your camera, a few snacks and plenty of water. Before you put paws to path, request a free trails brochure or check out the virtual guides online. And as always, pack it in, pack it out, and Leave Only Paw Prints™! Read more...
Fresh sea breezes. Fido-friendly paddling, pedaling and hiking. Local wine and produce plated hours after harvest. Simple suggestions for living well. Enjoy highlights like these at dog-passionate Stanford Inn by the Sea, a historic farm and eco-resort on the Mendocino coast. Tucked between old-growth trees and USDA-certified organic gardens, this dog-friendly destination weaves wellness, relaxation and only-in-California recreation into each stay. Here’s what to explore when you visit. Read more...
As the weather warms up, the great outdoors calls. With COVID restrictions lifted somewhat and more and more recreational sites opening up, there’s a feeling of freedom in the air. Your dog is sure to feel it, too. So what are you waiting for? Prepare ahead of time, pack up your tent, your hikers and your pup and get out there! Of course, be sure to Leave Only Paw Prints™ Read more...
DogTrekker.com's recent reader poll ranked hiking as the #1 activity that you want to experience at destinations you visit in 2021. In a recent blog, our friends at Visit Santa Cruz, who also get the same requests, put together a list of hikes in Santa Cruz County that will really get those tails wagging. Here are a few of our favs, with links to many more. Read more...
After a year of color tiers and various stages of COVID lockdown, it’s time to get your dog show on the road. So, plan ahead using DogTrekker.com, make your reservations, download or update the DogTrekker mobile app, pack the leash, bowls, beds and whatever else your pup needs, and take off on a fun-filled road trip! Here are some of our favorites. Read more...
Spring is here and Yosemite and Mariposa County are ready for you. The National Park Service is working to increase access to the park on a phased approach. Reservations are not currently required to drive into Yosemite, but will be required beginning May 21.That means that if you are staying outside of the park, you will need an advance reservation; which begin on April 21. Here is the complete guide from our friends at Yosemite.com. Read more...
OK, enough already about the over-abundance of Zoom calls, meetings, appointments and conferences we’ve had to sit through this past year. The silver lining for those of with pets: we've had our furry critters by our sides during most of the year! Read more...
Wow, has it been a year already since COVID-19 came along and “shelter in place” orders and mask mandates were issued to keep us safe? A lot more is known now than then, and the bright side, as we wait for vaccinations and the gradual lifting of restrictions, is that we’re a lot more free to get out and about with our canine companions. Here are some suggestions for dog-friendly hikes this spring. Read more...
Sacramento’s restaurant scene, if not in full bloom, is at least budding again. No, you can’t yet eat indoors, but heated dining tents and patios have sprung up all over town, and with stay-at-home orders lifted and the weather generally mild, people (some accompanied by their dogs) are eating out again—socially distanced, of course. Here’s a sampling of some of our favorites. Pay them a visit with your pup and help save SAC restaurants! Read more...
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We all agree 2020 was a very tough year for travel, but there were a few bright spots. After working with many local health and other park jurisdictions in the South Lake Tahoe area, Wild Blue Dogs was given the go-ahead for their fall 2020 camp. Actually, the camp turned out to be the only operational Dog Camp in the USA. Utilizing the most advanced cleaning techniques and social distancing protocols, the camp did not have a single reported illness. Read more...
Woof-woof hooray! With Governor Newsom’s recent lifting of stay-at-home orders, California has recovered some of its dog-friendly mojo. While many COVID-19 restrictions are still in place (don’t take that mask off yet and stay safer at 6 feet), we can dine outdoors again (with our pups) and enjoy many aspects of the outdoors. Here’s a look at some possibilities for the month of February. Read more...
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All Donations Now Matched at Muttville! So many dogs are suffering and need your help right now. Some are the casualties of unavoidable tragedy – people who have lost homes, gotten sick, or died. Some are victims of neglect. No matter why a senior dog ends up in a shelter, their chances of ever getting out are not good. No matter how wonderful, senior dogs rarely make it out of shelters alive. Read more.
DogTrekker has long promoted nearly 300 Napa Valley dog-friendly hotels, restaurants, wineries, attractions, and local services. As part of our mission to provide local and accurate listings, engaging travel content, and support for animal welfare organizations, we regularly feature a number of Napa Valley adoption, rescue, and shelter services, all that need financial assistance on an ongoing basis.
This year we are pleased to recommend CanDo's Napa Valley Give!Guide 2020 that supports a culture of year-end giving. This guide raises awareness of 57 local non-profits, both animal welfare-related and community-focused organizations. Over 2.3 million dollars has been raised through the guide in the past seven years by providing easy one-stop giving to these groups. Read more...
Yellow, orange, red or purple? Keeping up with ever-changing pandemic color codes and associated restrictions can be confusing, but your dog doesn’t care: She just wants to be with you, whether for an hour, a weekend or more. In Northern California, we have limitless options for safe, dog-friendly getaways. So leash up, keep an eye on the rules, get out and enjoy our big Bay Area backyard. Read more...
Photo: Lauren Burtz
Autumn is in full swing in Mariposa County, home of Yosemite National Park. The great news for DogTrekkers is that the park is open and the vehicle reservations required during the pandemic are no longer needed as of November 1. Read more...
October is DogTrekker.com’s official winery month, covering not only the “usual suspects” around the Bay Area, but smaller, more out-of-the-way destinations you may not have heard of or explored. The California wine community is taking extra precautions this year to keep visitors, residents, employees and their families safe and healthy during the pandemic.
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The change of seasons brings shorter days—and, perhaps, a sense of urgency to score a little “away” time following six months of pandemic travel restriction. What better place than Santa Cruz? Fresh air, pounding surf and dog-friendly activities abound. Read more...
For avid DogTrekkers, late summer and early fall have been difficult, to say the least. Coming on the heels of the ongoing pandemic, fires throughout the state have impacted many Californians with some of the worst air quality in the world! Read more...
By now we all know the COVID-19 drill: Mask up, wash your hands, maintain at least 6 feet of social distance, etc. But with summer in full flush, DogTrekkers are getting restless. And so, after months of staying close to home, it’s time to hatch, of course with caution! Gold Country welcomes responsible visitors, dogs included. Here’s a sampling of places to go and things to do during the time of COVID-19 in California’s Gold Country, An Amazing American Road Trip! Read more...
DogTrekkers are a giving bunch as witnessed by their support for the adoption/rescue community through donations, volunteering and attendance at adoptathons and other special events during the year. Unfortunately, during the pandemic, many of these events have had to be canceled or postponed. The good news, and for now the new normal, is that many organizations have moved to staging virtual events. Here are some upcoming fundraisers DogTrekker recommends, virtually. Read more...
As Californians begin hatching from months of staying at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the itch to travel (safely) is growing stronger. Mendocino County is one destination that’s cautiously reopening to visitors. Their “Clean and Safe” commitment (download #SafeMendocino Visitor Guide) is geared to responsible travelers—including those accompanied by four-legged friends—who long to connect with nature, scenery and fresh, clean air. Read more...
We all know that Yosemite National Park is a great destination for you and your dog to visit, but an even better destination is Mariposa County, the home to Yosemite National Park. Read more...
Ready to get paws outta Dodge? You’ll find a multi-faceted, drive-distance gem in the East Bay in the community of Concord, which is slowly and safely reopening to visitors after months in various phases of lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Visit this Mount Diablo Region town for a day or come for a weekend; either way, you’ll find a variety of places and spaces to explore, with the safety of visitors and locals a top priority everywhere. Read more...
Summer is here and as California begins to open up its coastal beaches, state and local officials urge all visitors to continue to practice social distancing to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19 for you, your family and the dedicated park staff that is working hard to provide us with these important outdoor experiences. Read more...
After almost four months in lockdown, Californians are ready to roam—and Redding, nucleus of the eight-county Shasta Cascade Region, is ready to welcome DogTrekking visitors back. Wide-open spaces and clean air await, and dog-friendly businesses are open with new sets of procedures aimed at keeping customers safe. From scenic trails and gushing waterfalls to comfy lodging and gorgeous lakes, it's all waiting for you and yours to put paws to path! Read more...