California's best dog-friendly mountain hikes hide in national forests and regional parks, far from the famous national parks that ban pets on trails. Dawn in the Sierra Nevada is a quiet, pink-tinted secret. My dog, Scout, knows it before I…
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Not every California town is dog-friendly. Breed bans, strict leash laws, hefty fines and park restrictions vary widely from city to city. Before you travel, check local ordinances so you and your pup don't get caught off guard.
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Temecula wine country is a playground for dogs and their people, with pup-friendly wineries, scenic hiking trails at the Santa Rosa Plateau, a walkable Old Town and plenty of outdoor dining options. Traveling with your dog can transform an ordinary…
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From Joshua Tree's Barker Dam Trail to Anza-Borrego's palm oasis hike and Lake Cahuilla's shoreline, the California deserts serve up five outstanding adventures for dogs and their humans. Leash up and explore. Hike the Barker Dam Trail, Joshua Tree National…
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Southern California's desert regions come alive in winter, and dog-friendly Temecula is at the center of it all. Stroll Old Town with your pup, visit pet-welcoming wineries, hike desert trails, and enjoy patio dining with vineyard views. California's desert regions…
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Greater Palm Springs offers dog-friendly adventures well beyond hiking trails. Watch championship polo in Indio, tour vintage warbirds at the Palm Springs Air Museum, camp at Lake Cahuilla, or stroll through Moorten Botanical Garden with your leashed pup.
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The Cove Oasis Loop in La Quinta is an easy 1.8-mile gravel path at the base of the Santa Rosa Mountains. Best enjoyed in the early morning, this flat trail is perfect for a relaxed walk with your leashed dog.
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Clear Lake in Lake County is a natural freshwater paradise about 75 miles north of Santa Rosa. Rent a dog-friendly pontoon boat, stay in waterfront cabins, sample local wines, and let your pup splash at Clear Lake State Park.
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Greater Palm Springs offers dog-friendly hiking trails for every fitness level, from the slot canyons of East Indio Hills Badlands to the sunrise views on Chuckwalla Trail Loop and a stretch of the Pacific Crest Trail at Whitewater Preserve.
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A short walk on the Laguna de Santa Rosa Trail near Sebastopol leads to The Barlow, a lively complex of food producers, breweries, and artist studios where dogs are welcome at outdoor tables.
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Sonoma County's all-volunteer Dogwood Animal Rescue has saved hundreds of dogs and cats since 2015. Meet Bobo and Gilda, a bonded senior pair whose foster family calls them the easiest dogs ever.
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Petaluma, Santa Rosa, and Sebastopol each bring their own dog-friendly charm to a Sonoma County visit. Petaluma boasts one of the state's largest dog parks, while Santa Rosa celebrates Snoopy and Sebastopol's Barlow district pairs craft beer with artisan shopping.
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