Discover Calistoga in Napa Valley: a very dog-friendly wine country city

A golden retriever sits on a sidewalk flanked by trees on a quaint street in Calistoga, Napa Valley. The storefront nearby is decorated with vibrant flowers. In the background, there are small shops, hanging signs, and fall-colored leaves on the trees. It’s an ideal spot for dog lovers looking to explore with their pets.

Napa Valley offers more than just great wine—it’s a top spot for dog lovers. Calistoga, in particular, is very dog-friendly. Here’s how you and your pup can enjoy this charming town. Exploring Calistoga Start with a walk down Lincoln Avenue, Calistoga’s main street. Many shops here welcome dogs, so you can browse without leaving your … Continued Read more.

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.

Was Calistoga really founded by a dog?

An old photo of a large dog walking down a street.

San Francisco’s Emperor Norton had his dogs Bummer and Lazarus. Calistoga’s Sam Brannan had Leonitus. Archive photo.

The charming Sam Brannan and Leonitus story In the early days of Calistoga, California, a man named Sam Brannan and his loyal Newfoundland dog, Leonitus, embarked on a journey to shape a thriving resort town. Brannan, with Leonitus’ watchful gaze and quiet camaraderie, transformed the wild land into a flourishing community. Their bond was not just a … Continued Read more.

Favorite California campgrounds for dog lovers

New discoveries are nice, but so are places to which you and your four-legged buddy return time after time. Here are a few of our paw-tested California campgrounds for dogs.