The #1 priority topic among our DogTrekker community has always been recommendations for the most dog-friendly hotels in California. Here are four of our favorites from Condé Nast Traveler’s 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards list of leading Northern California hotels. Add these to your must-stay list when visiting the Bay Area, Sonoma Coast and Mendocino.
Four-day Yosemite Mariposa County dog-friendly itinerary
Yosemite Mariposa County is a premier travel destination for all adventurers, no matter how many legs they have. You and your furry companions will have numerous activities and amenities at the tip of your fingers, or paws. Here's a detailed itinerary for four pet-perfect winter days in Yosemite Mariposa County:
Escape your ordinary in Greater Palm Springs
Photo by Visit Greater Palm Springs. @visitgreaterps.
In Greater Palm Springs, every day is an invitation to adventure for you and your dog. With scenic hiking trails, sun-drenched patios, and a variety of pet-friendly hotels and vacation rentals, this Southern California oasis promises a memorable escape from the ordinary. Year-round sunshine, breathtaking mountain views, and palm trees swaying in the desert breeze create the perfect setting for a one-of-a-kind getaway.
Award-winning California Hotels that Welcome Four-Legged Guests
A guide to pet-friendly lodging in Yosemite Mariposa County
Pup enjoying Tenaya Lodge. Photo by Yosemite Mariposa County Tourism Bureau.
Traveling with your dog in the California deserts
Maggie in the California desert. Photo by Visit Greater Palm Springs @visitgreaterps.
Embark on a canine adventure through the California deserts! From Death Valley's awe-inspiring vistas to Anza-Borrego's rugged trails, explore the raw beauty of the desert landscapes while creating unforgettable memories with your furry friend. Remember to pack essentials, respect park regulations, and prioritize safety.
The Stanford Inn: Eco-minded, perfect for pups
The Mendocino coast is spectacular at any time of year, but golden light and salty sea breezes make late summer especially enchanting. Base yourself at the Stanford Inn by the Sea and savor it all. This dog-friendly gem operated by Parker, Ellie and Pepper – together with their people, Jeff and Joan Stanford – features gorgeous grounds and views, outdoor fun, wellness activities, plant-based food and best-in-show accommodations. Here’s why DogTrekker readers love the Stanford Inn.
Yosemite Mariposa County
Yosemite Mariposa County
Traveling through Yosemite can be the experience of a lifetime; sharing the experience with your favorite furry companion is a priceless memory you both will cherish.
Yosemite Mariposa County
The Yosemite Mariposa County region offers an adventure-filled vacation not just for humans but for their four-legged companions as well.
Bark in the Park
Photo by Bark in the Park.
Help Napa Humane create a year of paw-sitive moments
Bark & Meow Around the Block
Berkeley Humane’s biggest annual adopt-a-thon and family-friendly street fair, Bark & Meow Around the Block returns on Saturday, September 7, 2024!
This outdoor, free-to-attend event at 2700 Ninth St. Berkeley features hundreds of adoptable animals from shelters and rescues throughout the Bay Area, along with live music, food and beer, pet and other vendors, and so much more.
Bark & Meow Around the Block
Where to stay and play in Big Bear this fall
Big Bear Lake sparkles as summer transitions to autumn and the leaves start turning yellow, orange and red. Warm, sun-soaked days are refreshed with cooler evenings, when inky night skies beckon stargazers.
Your four-legged friends get even more room to play during the less-crowded shoulder season, which also comes with the perks of lower lodging rates. Find your perfect dog-friendly home away from home with this guide, and book that trip today to make the most of fall’s splendor.
Enter the Go California Dog photo contest!
Sammy swimming in the American River. Photo by Jane Chapa. 2015 Go California judges’ winner.
Yosemite Mariposa County four day dog-friendly itinerary
Photo by Yosemite Mariposa County.
Yosemite Mariposa County is a premier travel destination for all adventurers, no matter how many legs they have. You and your furry companions will have numerous activities and amenities at the tip of your fingers, or paws. Here's a detailed itinerary for four pet-perfect days in Yosemite Mariposa County:
Win an Oakland DogCation® at the Claremont Club & Spa
For the second consecutive year, DogTrekker is proudly partnering with Visit Oakland to give away an Oakland DogCation®! Don’t miss your chance to win this incredible prize package featuring two nights at the pup-passionate Claremont Club & Spa, a Fairmont Hotel, plus a $100 gift card for food and fun at plank in Jack London Square. Enter now!
Big Bear Lake: A cool canine retreat
Don’t miss the Big Bear Puptopia Festival!
Photo by Puptopia.
Calling all dog lovers and pet parents! You’re invited to the inaugural Big Bear Puptopia Festival this July!
A guide to pet-friendly lodging in Yosemite Mariposa County
Photo by Yosemite Mariposa County Tourism Bureau.
Traveling through Yosemite can be the experience of a lifetime; sharing the experience with your favorite furry companion is a priceless memory you both will cherish. However, navigating the park's regulations for pets requires some preparation. Luckily, the region is filled with pet-friendly accommodations no matter what portion of the park you plan to see.
Discover dog-friendly Pleasant Hill
Tshaka Zulu visits Pleasant Hill. Photo by Stay Pleasant Hill.
Pleasant Hill is a picturesque town with scenic views where you'll find a variety of dog-friendly activities that will keep both you and your furry companion entertained and happy. Here are the top 10 dog-friendly things to do in or near Pleasant Hill.
Find fall fun with your dog on the shores of South Lake Tahoe
Photo by Wild Blue Dogs.
Fall is a great time to visit Lake Tahoe, thanks to fewer crowds, comfortable weather, and, of course, that dazzling blue water.
Wild Blue Dogs holds their Fall Camp activities September 16 – 22 on a fenced, 33-acre property between Edgewood Golf Course and Zephyr Cove, on the Nevada side of the lake. (The facility doubles as a midsummer 4-H camp).
California coasting with your dog
Summer in California means sandcastles, swimming, shoreline walks, and patio dinners at sunset – all with your dog in tow. As we look ahead to this year’s splash season, the DogTrekker team has put together pup-tested itineraries for some of the state’s best coastal destinations.
Slap on the sunscreen and get ready to roll. Whether you want to surf, watch waves, or paddle tranquil rivers, you’ll find exciting options. Outline your journey with this beach-trip bucket list, organized from north to south.
Four fabulous dog-friendly days in magical Mendocino
Mendocino County makes headlines for so many reasons, including its dog-friendly trails, rails, rivers, peaks and Pacific splendor. This wonderous playground presents unforgettable surprises, whether you’re hiking redwood-shaded routes, sampling local wines, touring a lighthouse or shopping at small-town galleries.
With accommodations, amenities and activities tailored to four-legged guests, the pup-friendly travel options in Mendocino County are especially dazzling. It’s a dog’s life here – and that’s a great thing. Start planning your getaway with this four-day itinerary for magical Mendocino County.
Winter-friendly things to do with your pets in Yosemite Mariposa
Photo by Yosemite Mariposa County Tourism Bureau.
The Yosemite Mariposa County region offers an adventure-filled vacation not just for humans but for their four-legged companions as well. The stunning scenery and outdoor activities that evoke feelings of joy and awe in humans are bound to elevate the happiness of dogs too. From sniffing pine cones to exploring misty waterfall trails and encountering an abundance of sticks, dogs can revel in the sensory overload of Yosemite National Park.
Bark Park
Photo by Aislyn Clause.
The East Bay SPCA Growl Meow & Wine silent auction is live
The East Bay SPCA now celebrating its 150th anniversary
Proud of its legacy of innovation and leadership since its founding in 1874, the East Bay SPCA has continuously evolved to address community needs and animal welfare challenges. Key milestones include establishing its first shelter in downtown Oakland in 1922, implementing spaying and neutering initiatives in 1962 and 1988, and opening the Spay/Neuter Surgery Center, the largest of its kind in the country.
Wagging through Concord: A dog’s paradise
The city of Concord features all the elements of a memorable California getaway: think culinary treats, craft beer, cultural gems, rich heritage, and pretty parks in every direction. This dynamic community, just 30 miles from San Francisco, is also incredibly dog-friendly and proactively ADA-accessible, so it’s a great fit for family members of all abilities—and their four-legged best friends! Read more.
Welcome to the 2024 event season
Welcome to the 2024 Event Season
Wondering what dog-friendly events are coming up this spring and into summer? DogTrekker’s seasonal event section has you covered. The months ahead feature a range of dog-friendly, family-friendly things to do, including adoptathons, fundraisers, walks, costume contests, and opportunities for tasting and sipping. Click for all of the upcoming featured events.
Dog-friendly breweries in Greater Palm Springs
Grab your leash and your pup's favorite toy because this is the ultimate guide to dog-friendly breweries in Greater Palm Springs! Whether you're sipping a cold one or soaking up the sunshine, these tail-wagging patios are guaranteed to make your furry friend feel right at home.
Pet-friendly accommodations in the California deserts
Pleasant Hill recognizes two exciting anniversaries in 2024
The eastern side of the Bay is world-renowned for its dog-friendly outdoor recreation. It’s also home to amazing animal welfare organizations that have cared for furry friends for several generations. Two standout organizations are celebrating milestone anniversaries in 2024. The East Bay Regional Park District, the largest of its kind in the U.S., turns 90. A short distance away, the East Bay SPCA turns 150! It’s one of the oldest such organizations in the country, and one of the region’s most innovative.
Nick’s Cove plans to rebuild the Boat Shack
For DogTrekkers familiar with Nick's Cove, located on Tamales Bay in West Marin County, the Boat Shack at the end of their 300 foot long pier has been an iconic and beloved feature. Sadly, a fire on January 7th of this year completely destroyed the Shack. Plans are now under way to rebuild.
Lassen County: Off-leash adventures with volcano views
Butte County: Nature and culture for pups and their people
Modoc County: High desert fun for four-legged friends
Tehama County: Fresh fun in the heart of California
Trinity County: Remote, relaxing and ruggedly beautiful
Photo by Visit California.
Plumas County: Majestic peaks and pup-friendly trails
Plumas County extends along the southeast corner of the Shasta Cascade region, midway between Mount Lassen and Lake Tahoe. National forest covers more than 75% of this scenic county, with meadows, canyons, ridges and lakes that offer views of Sierra Nevada and Cascade peaks.
Siskiyou County: Where dogs are a way of life
Photo by Siskiyou County.
Dazzling waterfalls and wide-open wilderness define pup-friendly Siskiyou County, which borders Oregon in the Shasta Cascade region’s northwestern corner.
Shasta County: Northern California’s hub for adventure
Sundial Bridge. Photo by Choose Redding.
Perfect dog-friendly patios in Greater Palm Springs
Photo by Visit Greater Palm Springs.
Welcome to the ultimate guide for dog lovers in Greater Palm Springs! As a dedicated pup parent, you’re always looking for the ideal spot to soak up some sunshine with your furry friend. Get ready to explore the most tail-wagging, paw-some dog-friendly patios that this SoCal oasis has to offer.
Happy New Year 2024
As we paw our way into 2024, we continue our journey of discovering the best dog-friendly destinations across California. Join us in exploring dog-friendly scenic trails, welcoming hotels, and delightful restaurants. We also look forward to seeing pictures of your pups playing in California’s vast outdoor playground as we bring back our popular “Go California” photo contest this year.
From all of us on the DogTrekker team, Happy New Year to you and yours.
Happy Holidays! and more top destination stories of 2023, part 2
Last week, we wished you a happy holiday season and listed the first five top destination stories of 2023. Here is part two of that popular series. Once again, the DogTrekker team wishes you and your two- and four-legged loved ones a safe, fun, and barkingly good end to 2023. We will be back in the new year with fresh looks at some familiar places, plus new discoveries we’ve made across the dog-friendly map of California.
Happy Holidays! and top destination stories of 2023, part 1
As this year comes to a close, our greatest joy comes from expressing gratitude for the DogTrekker family. As we wish you this season's warmest greetings, we're also happy to share some of our top 2023 travel stories.
November: Adopt a senior dog
Senior “Bear” joins Rebecca and Elizabeth’s young family.
Concord Taco Trail
Mmmmm tacos! Concord has long been home to deliciously authentic, family-owned taquerias and restaurants. The Concord Taco Trail has 40+ places offering specialty and signature tacos including al pastor, carnitas, carne asada, crispy fish, grilled tilapia, vegitariano, and even filet mignon. Most of them are dog-friendly. Will you be the 2023 Taco Trail Champion? You have until October 15.
Napa Humane Walk for Animals 2023
Come support Napa Humane at the 12th Annual Walk for Animals fundraising event at Yountville Community Park. This short stroll through town goes miles and miles for Napa Valley’s companion animals. Register, fundraise, walk, then participate in the day’s festivities, including raffles, contests, photo ops, and more. And when you register, use code DOGTREKKER for $5 off!
Rattlesnake advisory summer 2023
Summer is finally here and as heat intensifies throughout California this week, hikers may notice an increased presence of snakes along their favorite trails. Our friends at the East Bay Regional Park District have some rattlesnake safety tips, what to do when you see a rattlesnake, and what to do if you or your pup is bitten by a rattler or other type of snake.
Welcome to summer events!
DogTrekker at Bark in the Park, San Jose.
Check out these events for a cause! If you missed California rescue/adoption events this spring, no worries, the summer season is just beginning. DogTrekker.com's event section is filled with adoptathons, fundraisers, walks, costume contests, and more. From Bark in the Park in San Francisco, to the Dog Surf-A-Thon in San Diego, to all in for the Wild Blue Dog Fall Camp in Lake Tahoe.
Napa Humane Walk for Animals 2023
Maya at Pawsport 2018, Hall Wines. Photo by Dave Kendrick.
Pawsport Yountville
Napa Humane Pawsport, Photo by Napa Humane.
Join Napa Humane for a dog-friendly wine tasting weekend benefitting its life-saving programs and services for Napa Valley companion animals. Pawsport Yountville perks are valid for the duration of the Pawsport event June 23-25, 2023.
Special events for you and your dog
Sacramento SPCA Doggy Dash. Photo by Dave Kendrick.
Dog’s guide for a safe and fun New Year’s eve
Fall moments await at Tenaya Lodge
Dogs welcome at Tehaya at Yosemite Explorer Cabins. Photo by Tenaya at Yosemite.
As the season changes, an entire new world opens up in and around Yosemite National Park. It is a great time of the year to hike, explore, relax and enjoy the fall foliage. Now is the perfect time to plan your fall getaway at Tenaya Lodge with family and friends, including your four-legged ones.
Halloween safety tips for pets
Jazzy the magic dragon. Photo by Mary Enderle.
Halloween dog costumes can be fun—if you consider them from your dog’s point of view. Here are some tips from our friends at Sage Veterinary Center and the Humane Society.
Muttville, celebrating 15 years, 2007-2022!
Photo by Muttville.
Water Dog Sea Cave & River Dog packages
Your dog deserves a vacation too! The Little River Inn is rolling out the red carpet for dog-lovers and their four-legged companions with their dog kayaking packages.