Just 45 minutes east of San Francisco, the Tri-Valley rewards hikers and their dogs with wide-open parkland and scenic vistas. After hitting the trails, treat yourself along the region's famous beer, wine and ice cream trails.
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Hike two miles up Mount Tamalpais to West Point Inn for a monthly pancake breakfast with sweeping views. Or head to Cavallo Point Lodge near the Golden Gate Bridge for trails and a dog-friendly patio restaurant.
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Rocket Dog Rescue has saved 10,000 animals over 17 years, pulling dogs from dire situations across the Bay Area. Their Urban Sanctuary in East Oakland serves as a trusted resource and a lifeline for dogs in need.
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Fort Funston in southwest San Francisco is off-leash heaven for dogs, buzzing with canine activity even on foggy days. Trails lead down to a wild, wave-swept beach that rejuvenates human spirits and sends tails into overdrive.
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California offers plenty of paved, stroller-friendly trails where dogs are welcome too. From Lake Tahoe's Lam Watah Trail to San Francisco's Crissy Field and the historic Independence Trail near Nevada City, these paths work for wheels, feet and paws alike.
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Planning a family road trip with kids and dogs takes strategy, especially when booking hotels. Here's how to find truly dog-friendly lodging, from boutique brands like Kimpton to budget-friendly chains, plus what to ask before you reserve. Headed out on…
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Marin County rolls out the welcome mat for families with dogs. From the shops and farmers market at Marin Country Mart in Larkspur to off-leash romps at Rodeo Beach and scenic trails through the Marin Headlands, there's fun for everyone.
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Booking a dog-friendly campsite in California takes some know-how. This roundup of reservation resources covers state parks, national forests, utility-company campgrounds and private sites, plus a must-have guidebook that details options across the entire state.
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South of San Francisco, spring turns the hills green and the trails inviting. Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve offers 17 acres of off-leash fun, while the Uvas Canyon Waterfall Loop near Morgan Hill delivers waterfalls, footbridges and lush scenery.
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Spring rains bring Bay Area waterfalls to life, and many are reachable on dog-friendly trails. From Fairway Falls in Novato to Little Yosemite in Sunol and Cascade Canyon Falls near Fairfax, here are some favorites.
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Tuolumne County's Gold Rush towns along the route to Yosemite's north entrance have a relaxed attitude toward dogs. Stagecoach rides in Columbia, vintage train excursions in Jamestown and the scenic John Muir Highway make this a rewarding approach.
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Canine influenza is highly contagious and spreading in California. A veterinarian explains how the flu passes between dogs, what symptoms to watch for, how long to isolate a sick pup and whether your dog should get vaccinated based on lifestyle.
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