Beaches Blog

Here are our favorite stories about the best dog-friendly beaches in California! Whether you’re a local or visiting from afar, we’ve got you covered with the most paw-some spots for your furry friends to enjoy some sand and surf. Check out our list below and get ready for some tail-wagging adventures!

Scenic coasting in Monterey County

Monterey County's coastline offers dog-friendly beaches from Monterey State Beach to wild Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur. The crown jewel is Carmel Beach, where dogs run off-leash on white sand in one of America's most dog-welcoming communities.

Regional parks tightening leash?

The East Bay Regional Parks are a magnet for dog lovers, offering off-leash trails, beaches, lakeside camping, and wide-open spaces across Alameda and Contra Costa counties. But a master plan update could bring tighter leash restrictions to these beloved parks.

Dog-friendly lodging for you and yours

Mendocino County's coastline is lined with dog-friendly lodging, from the Beachcomber Motel's on-site dog park and doggie-door suites in Fort Bragg to the Stanford Inn's ocean-view rooms that welcome pets of all kinds, including iguanas and parrots.

Point_Pinos_Light_during_reconstruction_(2013)

Coasting right along

Monterey, Pacific Grove, and Seaside offer plenty for dogs and their people. Walk the scenic Monterey Bay Coastal Trail, watch for whales and otters, explore tidepools at Asilomar Beach, and grab seafood on the wharf with your pup beside you.

Best water activities for senior dogs in California

From gentle beach outings and pond-side cottage stays to houseboat adventures on Lake Shasta, California offers plenty of water-friendly activities suited to senior dogs who still love a good splash.

Bet on Bodega Bay

Bodega Bay in Sonoma County makes a perfect coastal getaway with your dog. Enjoy bird-watching trails, sandy beaches at Doran Regional Park, spectacular coastal views on the Pinnacle Gulch Trail, and fresh crab sandwiches at outdoor-friendly eateries.

The road to scenic overload

Highway 1 through Big Sur delivers 122 miles of jaw-dropping coastal curves, with dog-friendly Pfeiffer Beach as the star attraction. Campgrounds, cabins, and outdoor breakfast at classic Deetjen's round out a memorable road trip with your pup.

Eureka, you’ve found it!

Eureka makes an ideal base for exploring Humboldt's redwood country with your dog. Off-leash beaches, the five-mile Hammond Coastal Trail, and a laid-back waterfront town with flannel-shirt charm and real sophistication await you and your pup.

Beachcomber Motel, a dog-friendly hotel in Fort Bragg, California

Mendocino’s beachcomber motel offers pet suites and dog park

The Beachcomber Motel and Spa in Fort Bragg now offers custom Pet Suites with lowered dog showers, dog houses, and direct access to a private 3,500-square-foot leash-free dog park. Two suites even feature doggie doors leading to private kennels.

Folsom: Gateway to Gold Country

Folsom offers 56 miles of paved trails, an off-leash dog park and easy access to Gold Country wine tasting and Apple Hill farms. Dog-friendly hotels, sidewalk dining on Sutter Street and Folsom Lake make it an ideal weekend base.

Kayla, Director of Barketing Emeritus

A tribute to Kayla, DogTrekker's "research Lab" and director of barketing, who traveled California paw-testing hotels, trails and beaches since the site launched in 2011. Known by name at hotel front desks statewide, she inspired everything DogTrekker became.

Visit dog-friendly Shelter Cove

A DogTrekker reader shares a video tour of Shelter Cove, a remote and dog-friendly coastal town in Humboldt County. This hidden gem on California's Lost Coast is well worth the winding drive for adventurous pups and their people.

Leash up for a fall trip to Mendocino

Mendocino County in fall means warm days, quiet trails and your pick of dog-friendly lodgings. From blufftop cottages and lighthouse vacation rentals to secluded Anderson Valley hideaways, the options are as varied as the scenery.

Ferndale: A charming village to bark about

A reader shares her love for Ferndale, a Victorian village in Humboldt County with locally owned shops, great food, dog-friendly lodging at the Shaw House Inn and beaches just outside town.

Kayla in Surf City

DogTrekker's own Kayla reports on her tail-wagging visit to Huntington Beach, where she romped on one of the largest dog beaches in the country and spent the night in style at the pet-pampering Shorebreak Hotel.

Central coasting in winter

The California Central Coast is wonderfully moody in late winter, and dog-friendly cabin rentals make it easy to settle in. From vintage motels in Pacific Grove to cozy inns in Carmel, these hideouts put you steps from dramatic scenery.

HB Collection: Dog-passionate hotels

The HB Collection brings together four premier oceanfront resorts in Huntington Beach, and all of them welcome dogs. From the Shorebreak's nightly wine reception to the Waterfront's doggie reader board, these hotels go above and beyond for pups.

Chow for your chow chow (or any other breed)

Huntington Beach is a paradise for dining out with your dog. From Doggy Date Night at Fred's Mexican Cafe to the Canine Cuisine menu at Park Bench Cafe, Surf City serves up tail-wagging meals for pups and their people.

Every walk in Surf City is special

Beyond its famous Dog Beach, Huntington Beach offers great walks through 350-acre Central Park, a hidden gem along the Bolsa Chica wetlands on the Brightwater trail, and a quiet path along Edinger Avenue that local dogs love.

Waggin’ trails 2017

Waggin' Trails Rescue pulls overlooked dogs from overcrowded rural California shelters, addresses their medical needs, and transports them to rescue groups where they're in high demand. Dogs like Carl have found happy homes as far away as Canada.

Pawsome places to spoil your pup

Huntington Beach has no shortage of places to spoil your pup. From Posh Pooch's stress-free grooming to Animalia's self-serve dog wash and high-quality treats, these Surf City shops keep tails wagging long after the beach day ends.

Paws to the Redding paths

Redding, the self-proclaimed Trail Capital of California, offers more than 200 miles of hiking paths. From the Chamise Peak summit to the new Great Shasta Rail Trail, there is terrain for every level of dog and hiker.

Cruise control in Santa Cruz wine country

The Santa Cruz Mountains wine region welcomes dogs at tasting rooms tucked among redwoods and ocean views. Follow a dog-friendly wine trail from Davenport to Soquel to Aptos, with stops for picnics and vineyard strolls along the way.

Hiking hills and headlands

Sonoma County delivers scenic hikes from Bodega Bay's birdwatching trails to the Sea Ranch headlands and Hood Mountain's rugged peaks. Inland, Tolay Lake Regional Park near Petaluma adds sweeping views of Bay Area landmarks.

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