All aboard! Take a dog-friendly train ride to summer fun

Photo by Robert Jason Pinoli.

Summer is a time for family vacations, and whether it’s a multi-day trip or day trip, not much can get children more excited or add to the memory bank than a train ride. Read more.

Go coast crazy with your dog along Highway 1

Maya chasing the sun at Pismo Beach, SLO. Photo by Dave Kendrick.

California’s Central Coast starts in dog-friendly Santa Cruz County and winds some 350 miles south to Ventura County, just north of L.A. Read more.

Your home base for fun

Tucked conveniently close to towering redwoods and coastal adventures, Four Points by Sheraton Santa Cruz/Scotts Valley is a welcoming favorite among four-legged guests and the humans who follow. From here, it’s a short trip to the Roaring Camp Railroads, where you can ride the rails with your pooch. Or, head over to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park and West Glenwood Open Space Preserve for paw-friendly hiking trails. After a full day of activities in Scotts Valley, swing by 5030 Restaurant & Lounge for California small plates and pints brewed just down the road. Looking for other overnight options? Here are a few more of Santa Cruz County’s best dog-friendly hotels. Read more.

The best dog-friendly cabins and cottages for your summer and fall trips

Tenaya Lodge Explorer Cabin.

Yikes, can it be mid-summer already? As California opens up from its pandemic slumber, road trips are all the rage and travelers are on the move with their pups. The top lodging choice for DogTrekkers this year are cabins and cottages. Here are stories that are some of our favorites. Yosemite: Tehaya at Yosemite Explorer Cabins Tomales Bay, Marshall, Point Reyes Mendocino Coast: Little River Inn Cottages Read more.