Summer is in full swing, which means it's time to hit the water. During California's sun-drenched splash season, water dogs and families seek out seaside coves, freshwater lakes, secluded swimming holes and idyllic rivers across the state. You'll find unforgettable activities – plus open-air patios and pup-tastic hotels perfect for recharging. Customize your own splash season itinerary with these DogTrekker-tested favorites.
Kick off your Sacramento weekend with a Saturday morning walk through the colorful gardens and wooded corners of Capitol Park. For another view of the city, head toward Discovery Park and follow the paved Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail that parallels the American River Parkway. Or, play some fetch at Tahoe Park before stopping by Bacon & Butter for brunch on the pup-friendly patio.
When’s the last time you overnighted at Little River Inn? This Mendocino County classic sometimes flies under the radar, but
Mesmerizing landscapes. Recreational richness. Dog-friendly resorts and small businesses. Magical Mendocino County has it all, and that’s why it’s such a popular Northern California destination.
This summer, pup-centric events, culinary gems and unforgettable accommodations offer more reasons to explore.
Legendary Lake Tahoe tops travelers’ must-see lists all year round, but summers here feel extra special. Pups can play at beaches and community dog parks located in communities around the lake. Waterfront paths with grand views offer another way to take it all in. And seasonal camps by Wild Blue Dogs link dog lovers through activities, amenities, accommodations and dog-gone good fun.
Looking for the perfect spot to shop, dine, and stroll all in one place with your four-legged friend? Victoria Gardens in GOCAL, specifically Rancho Cucamonga, welcomes well-behaved pups! With open-air spaces, welcoming patios and plenty of dog-friendly charm, Victoria Gardens is the perfect place to spend quality time with your best furry friend.
Sacramento’s central location and welcoming vibes make it a perfect launchpad for Northern California adventures. Stroll the city’s riverfront, wander
From downtown Sacramento, you can reach fresh mountain air within about two hours. Pups are welcome at many of the
Day tripping through Gold Country Just east of Sacramento, Gold Country towns roll out the red carpet for pups. Spring brings larkspur, lupine and other
Daydreaming about where travel will take you in 2025?
Why not opt to spend quality time with your pups at a Wild Blue Dogs weeklong sleepaway camp on the shores of Lake Tahoe? You’ll feel even better knowing your investment in this joyful, all-inclusive, classic camp experience directly benefits canine cancer treatment and research. In fact, it’s the only non-profit dog camp in the entire U.S.
Summer camp is filling up fast! The camp is all-inclusive, including meals, snacks, hikes, swims, campfires, training of many kinds and so much more! Many people make good friends at camp and come back again for more fun and training.
GOCAL is known as the gateway to SoCal, but it’s also the gateway to outdoor fun! And who better to join you on an outdoor adventure than your favorite fur friend? Thanks to the region’s sheer variety of dog-friendly trails, you and your pup can choose from paved urban pathways to scenic mountain hikes. There’s something for every type of adventurer, all within a short drive.
Yosemite Mariposa County is an amazing place to be this time of year. Winter thawing into spring invites warmer weather, beautiful scenery and plenty of adventure for you and your four-legged pal. Think: gazing at a magnificent waterfall, rolling in the remaining snow or playing in the snowmelt-fueled water (safely, of course). It’s amazing.
And all that fun pawing around is sure to work up an appetite. Luckily for you, and your doggo, there are plenty of pet-friendly dining options in the area…and they’re all worthy of a 5-paw rating.
From dog-friendly patios serving up tail-wagging treats to shopping destinations that welcome pups with open arms, and scenic trails perfect
Spring in Napa means lush hillsides, picture-perfect wildflowers and some of the best dog-friendly deals of the year. Napa Humane’s annual Pawsport event dishes up two-for-one wine tastings, restaurant discounts and special lodging offers good for the entire month of March. In fact, your $75 Pawsport (TIP: Use code DOGTREKKER and get $5 off!) unlocks more than $1,100 in perks from over 30 local businesses. Better yet, every purchase raises funds for impactful programs and medical care by Napa Humane.
Wherever you roam this winter, please travel responsibly and remember to Leave Only Paw Prints. Many California destinations and park
California’s Greater Ontario region – better known as GOCAL – is an under-the-radar gem known for dog-friendly fun.
Redding’s dog-friendly accommodations offer easy access to one of the most extensive trail networks in California. You’ll find more than
Traveling through Yosemite as winter turns to spring can be the experience of a lifetime — and 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, Yosemite Mariposa County is filled with pet-friendly accommodations no matter what portion of the park you plan to see.
The Yosemite Mariposa County region offers an adventure-filled vacation not just for humans but for their four-legged companions as
In California, the toughest part about winter is deciding where to play. Snow-capped peaks and powder-pressed meadows set the stage for adventure. And happily, dog-friendly parks, trails and businesses let you enjoy it all with your four-legged best friends.
Some four-legged friends love chasing snowballs and barreling through drifts. For others, chilly air and wet, heavy snow pose real
Snow season in Lake Tahoe means unforgettable opportunities to play, whether you like skiing cross-country trails or sipping steamy hot
Scattered around the state like snowflakes, California SNO-Parks offer unmatched (and affordable!) access to incredible U.S. Forest Service lands.
As we witness the devastation caused by the wildfires sweeping through Southern California, our hearts go out to all those affected – especially the families and pets who have been displaced or lost their homes. These catastrophic events remind us of how fragile our lives and communities can be, and how important it is to come together during times of crisis. Please consider supporting the organizations below, which are working tirelessly to assist both people and pets in need.
The #1 priority topic among our DogTrekker community has always been recommendations for the most dog-friendly hotels in California.
Sea Ranch Lodge is a California treasure tucked on a remote stretch of the Sonoma Coast near the Mendocino County
Bay area vistas are the star of the scenery show at historic Cavallo Point Lodge in Sausalito. Set on national
The top-rated hotel for discerning travelers visiting the Berkeley and Oakland area, Claremont Club & Spa, a Fairmont Hotel earns extra
Renowned for its vast, rugged landscapes and commitment to sustainability, Mendocino County was recently named “America’s Wine Region of the
California’s original surf town, Santa Cruz is equal parts beachy and woodsy with legendary surf breaks on the coast and
California's gorgeous vineyards and flavorful grapes draw travelers all year round, but the most captivating visitor experiences happen during harvest season. With many Golden State wineries pouring flights on pup-friendly terraces, it's easy to celebrate crush time together with four-legged family members. For an extra-memorable tasting tour, explore one of the state's out-of-the-way or under-the-radar wine regions.
Imagine a city with miles of trails, dozens of dog parks and endless blue skies stretching above lively restaurant patios.
Oakland is a fantastic place to visit or live with your dog. It’s sunny when San Francisco is foggy, and it’s very dog-friendly when some communities try to discourage dog people. Some of the best parks (can you say towering redwoods?) to hike with your dog are right here, and the Oakland food scene with its dog-friendly diversity of delicious food and drink is not to missed. Let's look at all the reasons Oakland is a great place for dogs.
Are you a proud dog owner with a knack for photography? DogTrekker’s California Photo Contest is your chance to showcase your furry friend in some of the state's most scenic locations.
Have you ever watched a dog sprint with the exhilaration of a world-class athlete, darting through obstacle courses with a blend of speed and precision? Welcome to the world of dog agility training, where the bond between human and canine is fortified by leaps, bounds, and joyful barks.
Sunset likes the laid-back vibe, local, independent wineries, and public art of San Luis Obispo (SLO). From a dog-parent’s perspective,
Berkeley Humane’s biggest annual adopt-a-thon and family-friendly event, Bark & Meow Around the Block, will return on Saturday, August 26, 2023!
Rancho Cordova, a suburban community on Highway 50 about 15 miles east of downtown Sacramento, is a great jumping-off place for forays into the Sierra foothills, as well as a beer lover’s destination in itself. It is the home of the Barrel District, a collection of 6 breweries, 2 distilleries, and a wine bar.
To make summer memories on the California coast, book a stay at the iconic Little River Inn. This very dog-friendly jewel just south of Mendocino overlooks the majestic Pacific Ocean, and it’s a short walk from state beachfront and trails. The locally owned resort has extended a warm welcome to couples, families and four-legged companions for more than 80 years.
Sonoma's Family Dog Rescue is no ordinary animal shelter. In the property that was once once the Aberglen Pet Resort, this establishment stands as a sanctuary specifically for dogs with special needs.
As a responsible pet owner, it's crucial to keep your dog healthy and protected from various diseases and parasites.
California State Parks offer a variety of outdoor activities for both humans and their furry friends. From scenic hikes to beachfront adventures, there’s something for everyone to enjoy, including dogs.
Most East Bay Regional Parks remain closed due to recent storms and conditions, including downed trees, falling branches, flooding and mudslides. Storm damage in parks can create potential safety hazards that cannot be predicted.
Looking for a great place to take your furry friend for a swim? Look no further! California is home to many beautiful lakes that are perfect for dogs.
Senior dog Sid was rescued from a shelter and lucky enough to go into the fospice program through Muttville Senior Dog Rescue.
Get a Bear Valley Adventure Co. trail pass for you and your dog and you're good to go on Jack's Trail behind Tamarack Lodge.
At DogTrekker, we’re guided by one simple mission: Leave no dog behind. We support rescue and adoption 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 – to build a better world for all four-legged friends.
Explore an unfamiliar wine region or two, snag a picnic table or a fire-pit seat, talk wine, be social (you and your pup) and be informed.
Think Southern California, and beach towns, mountains and desert landscapes come to mind. But wine country? Yep, that’s what you get in Temecula, a high-desert town about 60 miles north of San Diego.
Every California winery association, it seems, has developed a wine road or trail to guide visitors to tasting discoveries they might otherwise have not known existed.
So…what do you and your pup know about dog-friendly Vacaville and its slice of Solano County? Maybe not much if all you’ve done is zoom past the exits on Interstate 80.
You know that awesome spinning in circles routine your pup does before going on walks or getting a treat? It’s going to happen a lot in Mammoth Lakes.
Bass Lake in Madera County, 35 miles from the front gate of Yosemite, is a great place to paddleboard with your dog. Play like a local at Bass Lake!
Dogs and people can play like locals at Bass Lake, less then 20 miles from the front gate of Yosemite.
Chances are your dog loves to Visit Mammoth as much as you do, if not more. As Fido watches you pack the car with hiking, fishing and bike gear he anxiously waits for his dog bowl and bed to be put in the trunk.
Looking for a road trip that will have your dog wagging her tail the whole way? Free up four or more days for a leisurely junket on the federally designated Eastern Sierra Scenic Byway (Highway 395). It runs 150 miles between Topaz, just over the state line in Nevada, and Bishop in Southern California, skirting the Eastern flank of the Sierra Nevada, including our friends at Mammoth Lakes.
It’s just 30-minute drive from Lee Vining to Mammoth Lakes, the major tourism hub in the Eastern Sierra. There’s giant ski resort here (dogs welcome on the Panoramic Gondola to the summit, but you’ll have to hike down) and tons of dog-friendly hotels, resorts and amenities, but the big attraction is the great outdoors.
Keep your eyes on the road, because the next major attraction is Mono Lake, a geological anomaly preserved as a natural reserve to protect its tufa towers, calcium carbonate knobs and spires formed by the interaction of freshwater springs and alkaline lake water. The lake has no outlet and is said to be twice as salty as the ocean.
Oh, so many dog-friendly overnight choices! The town of Bridgeport, about 100 miles south of Carson City in Mono County, offers multiple options: The historic Bridgeport Inn (dog-friendly rooms are in a motel-style building out back, but you can both enjoy dinner on the porch); the Ruby Inn, Big Meadow Lodge and Walker River Lodge.
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