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!

Mendocino County features 12 viticultural areas.

Step into the magic of Mendocino

Mendocino County shines during the Harvest Mendocino festivities, with culinary events for foodies and wine lovers. Beyond the tastings, hike the 10-mile Big River Trail, visit the Point Cabrillo Lighthouse and tour dog-friendly wineries along Highway 101 and 128.

Seven important tips for California dog travel

Planning a California road trip with your dog takes some preparation. These seven tips cover vaccination records, comfortable car travel, finding dog-friendly parks and beaches, safety on trails, and what to pack.

Puppy jack russell playing with soap bubbles in summer outdoor.

Summer pet safety: A guide for California pet owners

California summers bring heat, ticks, snakes, and other hazards that can affect your dog. From hot pavement burns to bee stings and toxic algae, here's what every pet parent needs to know.

Top Mendocino picks for waves and wine

Mendocino County pairs stunning Pacific coastline with dog-friendly adventures like kayaking, Skunk Train rides through redwoods, botanical garden strolls, and winery visits. The Little River Inn makes an ideal pup-welcoming basecamp.

Big Bear Lake: A cool canine retreat

Big Bear Lake in the San Bernardino Mountains is a cool mountain escape for dogs and their people. With 100 miles of hiking trails, lakeside parks, pet-friendly cabins and patio dining, it offers year-round outdoor fun.

Sit, stay and play in San Francisco

San Francisco rolls out the welcome mat for dogs at Crissy Field, Fort Funston, Ocean Beach, and Golden Gate Park. Add Nob Hill hotels and Presidio Tunnel Tops to the mix for a full pup-friendly city getaway.

Five-star stays for four-paw friends

Mendocino County's standout dog-friendly hotels include the Stanford Inn, Little River Inn, Noyo Harbor Inn and Beachcomber Motel properties. Expect coastal charm, garden patios, welcome treats for pups and easy access to beaches, trails and waterfront dining.

Surf towns and sand on the Central Coast

Hit the road along California's Central Coast with your dog, from Santa Cruz beaches and Cannery Row patios to off-leash Carmel Beach and Pismo's pup-friendly lighthouse suites. Sun, surf, and tail wags await.

The South Coast: Pedigreed fun for pups

Southern California's coast is a paradise for pups, from Huntington Beach's off-leash sand and annual surf dog competition to San Diego's string of dog-friendly beaches, harbor cruises, and outdoor dining patios.

Top 5 dog parks in California

California leads the nation in dog parks, and these five stand out. From the 23-acre Point Isabel on San Francisco Bay to Runyon Canyon with Hollywood sign views, here are our top off-leash picks.

Maya & Roxanne on a Holloway's Marina & RV Park Pontoon Boat.

On & off-leash adventures

Big Bear Lake offers seven miles of water plus 100 miles of hiking trails for dogs and their people. Kayak, paddleboard, and hike together, from easy shoreline strolls to the challenging Cougar Crest climb.

Black german shepherd baking in the sun on a deck

Keeping your dog safe in the heat

Your dog may love basking in the sun, but that doesn't mean he knows when to stop. Learn how to recognize signs of overheating and keep your pup cool and safe during hot California days.

Pro photo dog and person walking into a really dog

Top five dog-friendly hotels in California

From treat turn-down service to doggy room service, here's how to spot a truly dog-friendly hotel in California. Plus, the right questions to ask before booking and our top five picks for pup-welcoming stays.

Yes, you can take dogs to Yosemite, — Adobe Images

Five great California destinations for you and your dog

From the off-leash beaches of Carmel-by-the-Sea to the trails of Yosemite and Big Bear Lake, California is packed with dog-welcoming destinations. Here are five top spots where your pup will feel right at home.

Happy New Year

Ring in the new year with fresh dog-friendly travel plans across California. DogTrekker.com has been revamped to help you find hikes, beaches, wineries, hotels, and more to enjoy with your furry family members throughout the state.

2024 DogTrekker Go California Photo Contest entry. Quigley on a Russian River Adventures canoe.

Go off leash with Russian River Adventures

Russian River Adventures celebrates 25 years of paddling in Sonoma County with pup-friendly canoe tours on stable inflatable vessels. Dogs join for just $15 on a nine-mile self-guided trip past swimming holes, wildlife and scenic riverbanks.

Boat rides and big views near Bishop

Lake Sabrina, at 9,100 feet near Bishop, rents dog-friendly pontoons, motorboats and kayaks for high-altitude lake adventures. Back in town, pups enjoy a dedicated dog park, patio dining at local breweries, and 16 pet-welcoming hotels.

Glamping by the sea

Three DogTrekker-approved coastal glamping destinations where dogs are truly welcome. Mendocino Grove offers platform tents near the beach, Costanoa features eco-resort cabins, and each property provides dog wash stations for those sandy post-adventure paws.