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!
5 California waterfall hikes your dog needs to try
Finding waterfall hikes that welcome dogs takes local knowledge. These five California trails deliver the full package: big cascading falls, great scenery and dog-friendly rules, from the coastal tidefall at Alamere to the triple falls along the McCloud River.
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Make Noyo Harbor Inn your ulti-mutt fall getaway
Noyo Harbor Inn in Fort Bragg pairs Mendocino Coast beauty with genuine dog-friendly hospitality. Leashed dogs join guests at HarborView Bistro, and the inn's grounds and nearby coastal trails make it easy to keep your pup happy all weekend.
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Award-winning California hotels that welcome four-legged guests
From Palm Springs resorts to Bay Area landmarks, California's best dog-friendly hotels earned major accolades in 2024. Here are award-winning properties that treat your pup like a VIP guest. California is home to some of the finest dog-friendly hotels in…
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Dog-friendly lakes not named “Tahoe”
Skip the Tahoe crowds and explore California's quieter dog-friendly lakes instead. From Clear Lake in Lake County to Big Bear, Shasta Lake and more, these alternatives offer great swimming, boating and shoreline fun with your pup.
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Activities in Sacramento’s big backyard
Sacramento sits within easy reach of Folsom Lake, Apple Hill wineries, Gold Country, and the Sacramento River Delta. These day-trip destinations offer hiking, paddling, seasonal tastings, and plenty of dog-friendly stops along the way.
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Best dog-friendly lakes in California
California is loaded with dog-friendly lakes for swimming, fetching, and cooling off. From Lake Tahoe's alpine beaches to the warm waters of San Luis Reservoir and Big Bear Lake, here are the best spots for a water day with your…
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Introducing the DogTrekker Southern California portal
DogTrekker's new SoCal Portal showcases Southern California's best dog-friendly places to stay, play, hike, dine, and splash, from laid-back beach towns to high-desert escapes. Sunshine, surf, mountains and deserts—Southern California is a dog lover's dream. DogTrekker.com's brand-new SoCal Portal pulls…
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Wag again at Little River Inn
Little River Inn on the Mendocino coast has new doggie dining cabanas, updated rooms and pup-friendly adventure packages. Fifth-generation innkeeper Cally Dym invites guests to revisit this bluff-top gem near trails, beaches and ocean sunsets.
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Attention all water dogs: It’s splash season
California's splash season means it's time to hit the water with your dog. From Russian River paddling trips to Mendocino coast kayaking, these DogTrekker-tested favorites offer seaside coves, freshwater lakes and rivers for every water-loving pup.
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DogTrekker’s official spring/summer event guide is live!
DogTrekker's spring and summer 2025 event guide highlights pup-friendly fundraisers across California. From Pasadena Humane's Wiggle Waggle Walk to the Sacramento SPCA Doggy Dash and Woofstock Chico, your participation supports rescue efforts that change animal lives.
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Plan a summer reset in the Shasta Cascade region
Northern California's Shasta Cascade region spans eight counties packed with national and state parks, trails, lakes and pet-friendly towns. From Mount Shasta's peaks to Burney Falls, spring brings wildflowers and ideal conditions for exploring with your dog.
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Where dogs ride the waves
Held at Linda Mar Beach in Pacifica, along the Peninsula’s coast, the World Dog Surfing Championships showcases talented canine athletes
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Mendocino County wineries warmly welcome dogs
Mendocino County's Anderson Valley is one of the most dog-friendly wine regions in California. Nearly a dozen Highway 128 wineries welcome pups with treats, water bowls, fenced play areas and resident winery dogs.
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Things to do with your dog in Santa Cruz
Beyond the beaches, Santa Cruz County offers dog-friendly hiking at Byrne-Milliron Forest and Pogonip, steam train rides at Roaring Camp Railroads, and leashed strolls down boutique-lined Pacific Avenue. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park even allows dogs on select trails.
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Dog-friendly day at Avila Beach on the Central Coast
A DogTrekker reader and her dog Penny share their perfect day at Avila Beach on the Central Coast. The itinerary includes romping at Dog Beach, walking Harford Pier, spotting sleepy seals and treating Penny to frozen yogurt with peanut butter.
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Chow down with your dog near the sea
Finding dog-friendly restaurants on the Mendocino Coast is easier than you think. From the heated patio at Silver's at the Wharf in Fort Bragg to upscale seaside dining in Gualala, your pup can join you for meals with ocean views.
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Fetch special rates for Wild Blue Dogs Fall Camp
Wild Blue Dogs, a nonprofit fighting canine cancer, hosts a week-long fall camp on the shores of South Lake Tahoe. The all-inclusive event features private beach access, hiking, education sessions, and plenty of fun for dogs and their people.
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Dogs take on the National Park Service
Dog access to California's parks and beaches has come under increasing pressure in recent years. The fight over the Golden Gate National Recreation Area showed what's at stake. Here's how responsible dog owners can protect outdoor access for all.
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Our favorite dog-friendly hotels and resorts in California
From rooftop dog runs in San Francisco to waterfront cottages on Tomales Bay, these ten California hotels truly welcome four-legged guests. Expect welcome kits, dedicated dog menus, private dog parks and staff who treat your pup like a VIP.
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Wild Blue Dogs summer camp early-bird ends March 15
Wild Blue Dogs Camp at Lake Tahoe runs weeklong sessions packed with dog training, agility, kayaking, and beach time. The nonprofit raises funds for canine cancer treatment, making every visit count for a good cause.
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Santa Monica: a tail-wagging destination for pups and people
Santa Monica offers dog-friendly hotels near the pier, off-leash parks like Airport Park and Herb Katz Dog Park, pet-welcoming restaurant patios, and top-notch grooming spas. It's a SoCal hotspot for pups and people.
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Redding: perfect pit stop for you and your dog
Redding is the perfect base for exploring Northern California with your dog. Walk the iconic Sundial Bridge, hike and swim at Whiskeytown Lake, and enjoy craft beer on dog-friendly patios around this welcoming mountain town.
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How to pick a truly dog-friendly motel
Not all pet-friendly motels truly welcome dogs. Learn how to spot the real deal by checking reviews, comparing fees, assessing on-site amenities and evaluating staff attitudes before booking your next trip with your pup.
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Where to stay and play in Big Bear
Big Bear Lake shines in autumn with golden leaves, warm days and cooler evenings under starry skies. Lower lodging rates and fewer crowds mean more room for your dog to play at this mountain getaway.
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