Make a wake

Hiking isn’t the only way to enjoy autumn in the Redding area. This is a year of extremely low water levels at Shasta Lake (in early September, the lake was at 45 percent capacity), but fishing is nevertheless robust, and it’s great off-season deals are yours for the picking on dog-friendly houseboat vacations. Not up for a big expense? Rent a patio boat or a fishing skiff from Jones   Read more.

Paw tested: max at carmel beach

Paula writes: we LOVE Carmel! So many dog-friendly places to visit. We usually stay at River's End Cottages. Photo is of Max at Dog Beach in Carmel.  Read more.

Amazing Mendocino county

Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. Photo by Jessica Bay.

If there’s one destination in Northern California that really rolls out the red carpet for your pooch, it's Mendocino County. Pet-friendly properties such as Stanford Inn by the Sea, Little River Inn, and the Beachcomber Motel properties welcome you and your pup with open arms, treats and amenities, while dozens of restaurants have patio tables set aside for diners with four-legged companions. I  Read more.

Coastal cruising

September on the California coast brings the clearest weather of the year, making it an ideal month to take in the scenery and chase waves. Our favorite dog-friendly coastal-cabin hideouts start with a trio of 1940s and ‘50s era motels—Sea Breeze Inn & Cottages,Andril Fireplace Cottages; and Bide-A-Wee Inn & Cottages—in the Monterey Peninsula town of Pacific Grove. All are wit  Read more.

Dog-friendly koa

Camping in California is surging in popularity with DogTrekkers, in part because privately owned campgrounds such as the award-winning San Francisco North/Petaluma KOA have diversified to offer not just RV camping, but tent sites, camping cabins, dog-friendly full service lodges and resort amenities that appeal to a wide variety of vacationers.  Read more.

Pawsitively perfect

We’re not claiming to be personally familiar with every campground in Northern California, but our experiences at these dog-friendly sites have been pawsitive enough to keep us coming back. Whether you overnight in an RV or a tent, put these on your list.  Read more.

Rovering around

Camp life is very exciting for a dog, so long as she doesn’t get into the s’mores. Dogs are welcome at 90 percent of California campgrounds; it’s the rare one indeed that doesn’t allow four-legged family members. But before you make reservations, you’ll want to find out where, outside of developed campsites, Buddy is allowed to accompany you.  Read more.

Settle into South Shore

Where to stay is always the first consideration for DogTrekkers on overnight quests, and in South Shore there’s something for every budget, from the luxe Fireside Lodge B&B to the basic but well located Motel 6. In between, we’re partial to Spruce Grove Cabins just off Ski Run Boulevard at the foot of Heavenly Mountain Resort; Holly’s Place, a cabin property on two securely fenced acres; and  Read more.

More ways to play at Lake Tahoe

Who says you can’t take your dog swimming at Lake Tahoe? True, there are only a few places in South Shore where you can,  Read more.

Best ocean beaches

When it comes to blue-ribbon beaches, DogTrekker.com gives top honors to strands where dogs under voice control can legally romp leash-free. There aren’t many in Northern California, but these three will definitely set your pup’s tail a-waggin’.     Read more.

Paws on pillows

Maximo, Hotel Rex Ambassador When it comes to dog-friendly hotels in the City by the Bay, two trustworthy brands and many individual stars stand out. Joie de Vivre, largest operator of boutique hotels in California, has seven dog-friendly properties in San Francisco, none of which impose breed or weight restrictions or charge extra for canine guests. Policies vary a bit from hotel to hotel, but i  Read more.

Park it in San Francisco

What’s the biggest park in San Francisco after Golden Gate Park (1,017 acres)? We were stumped, too, until our staffers stumbled upon John McLaren Park, a hidden gem in south San Francisco’s Visitacion Valley.  Read more.

Splash down

The America’s Cup sailing showdown comes to San Francisco this summer and fall, and there’s no reason you and your four-legged friend can’t share the excitement sure to be generated by those high-tech yachts hydroplaning around the bay. They’ll be visible from many vantage points; if you can see the bay, you can watch the races live (although you’ll get better inte  Read more.

Dip into the blue

Photo by Jeremy Perkins.

Of course you can take your dog swimming in Lake Tahoe! True, dogs aren't welcome everywhere, but that's not to say that canine-friendly splash spots don't exist.  Read more.

Paws overnight at north Lake Tahoe

Dogs on the beach at Lake Tahoe.

After checking out the North Lake Tahoe scene, we at DogTrekker.com figure there are as many dog-friendly places to stay in as there are establishments that turn away canine guests.  Read more.

Open letter to elizabeth goldstein

Open letter to Elizabeth Goldstein, President, California State Parks Foundation Dear Ms. Goldstein: As co-founder and managing partner of DogTrekker.com, I was disappointed when I received your most recent 2013 California State Parks Foundation survey. As the non-profit, non-governmental advocate for our California State Parks system, the foundation has done a tremendous job of raising   Read more.

Paw of approval lodging

DogTrekker.com appreciates feedback from our readers, and one of the most-asked questions we get is, “when are you planning to add the Central Coast, and more specifically, San Luis Obispo County, to the destinations you cover?” As promised, the San Luis Obispo County pages have been launched with more than 150 listings featuring dog-friendly lodging, chow, hikes, splash zones, attr  Read more.

Down in del valle

Willow at Del Valle Regional Park A regional plan adopted in the early 1990s to revitalize agriculture and limit urban sprawl is largely responsible for preserving the Tri-Valley region's semi-rural character.  Read more.

German shepherd rescue of northern California

Over the last 11 years, German Shepherd Rescue of Northern California has saved over 3000 dogs—301 last year alone, thanks to a dedicated network of volunteers, trainers, and sympathetic veterinarians. Unlike many groups who cherry-pick the cutest and most quickly "adoptable" dogs from shelters and leave the rest to their fate, GSRNC strives to save them all, from the very old   Read more.

The many sides of Mendocino county

Photo by Visit Mendocino.

If there's one destination in Northern California that really rolls out the red carpet for your pooch, it's Mendocino County. Pet-friendly properties such as Stanford Inn by the Sea, Little River Inn, and the Beachcomber Motel welcome you and your pup with open arms, treats and amenities, while dozens of restaurants have patio tables set aside for diners with four-legged companions.  Read more.

Beaching it in South SLO County

SLO County’s south coast extends from land-locked Arroyo Grande through the beach towns of Oceano, Grover Beach, Pismo Beach, Shell Beach and Avila.  Read more.

Bike or hike to the beach

It’s all paws out for a daylong adventure on Avila’s Bob Jones Bike Trail. Don’t have a bike? No worries! Bike rentals are available near the parking area and leashed Lassies are also welcome with walkers, joggers and skaters on this 2.5-mile paved pathway to beautiful Avila Beach.   Read more.

Slo north coast paradise

San Luis Obispo County’s North Coast is a tail-wagging, 31-mile stretch of California shoreline on Highway 1. The route begins with a quick jaunt from San Luis Obispo west on Los Osos Valley Road to the coastal hamlet of Los Osos.  Read more.

Water hazards and your dog

Vet Buzz from Bill Barboni, DVM and Chris Pitts, RVT, Marin Pet Hospital, San Rafael, CA Swimming is not for every dog. Some dogs are afraid of water and others, such as greyhounds, have a tendency to sink. That said, there are a ton of water-loving dogs out there who will love to go on hikes that include a swim, or who love to paddle around the family pool.  Read more.

Exploring Marin County with your dog

You’ve seen the views a million times in photographs, but if you haven’t soaked them up yourself, what are you waiting for? The Marin Headlands, that hilly peninsula on the Marin County side of the Golden Gate Bridge, is best known for views of the iconic structure, but with a little exploring, you’ll come to know it in a different way.  Read more.

Sand and sea with your dog

When the urge to brush sand out of your dog’s coat becomes irresistible, throw a towel and a dog brush in the car and take off to enjoy one of Marin’s dog-friendly beaches.  Read more.

Chow time in marin

Sunny days are made for Fish. That’s “Fish.” with a period, which is what this dressed-up New England seafood shack in Sausalito is all about. Order your chowder, barbecued oysters or daily special at the counter, then retreat to a table on the big, dog-friendly deck perched above a harbor where sailboats bob and the views are smile-inspiring.  Read more.

Martin resorts

DogTrekker.com appreciates feedback from our readers, and one of the most-asked questions we get is, “when are you planning to add the Central Coast, and more specifically, San Luis Obispo County, to the destinations you cover?”    Read more.

Cupid calls in Mendocino

If you’re in the mood for a secluded getaway—no traffic, few people, plenty of room to hold hands with your partner and roam with your dog—look no farther than a splurge weekend with Sheep Dung Properties, whose architecturally stunning modern cottages in a rural setting will have you shedding your city jitters in no time.  Read more.

Love is a cabin in pacific grove

Pacific Grove, the picturesque community on the northern tip of the dog-friendly Monterey Peninsula, is cabin central for DogTrekkers who revel in coming back to a kitchen, a living area and maybe a fireplace after a brisk coastal stroll.  Read more.

Off-leash rompin’ in the redwoods

Let's face it: hiking is not much fun when your dog is pulling you down the path. In Humboldt County, home to the tallest trees on Earth, both of you can break free from the leash. Here are the areas where you and yours can enjoy a fragrant scamper among the redwoods or along the gorgeous Redwood Coast.  Read more.

Beachcombing with bravo on the redwood coast

Humboldt County’s 100-mile-long Redwood Coast is a misty and majestic slice of California that should be on every DogTrekker’s bucket list. While redwood trees are the stars, the beaches are magnificent—and on many of them, your four-legged friend can romp free within the wave slope. Time your visit to arrive at low tide to stay within regulations—and watch out, especially   Read more.

Sleeping with sparky in carmel

Cypress Inn. Photo by Cypress Inn.

Dog-friendly hotels are a dime a dozen these days, but dog-passionate ones don’t come along very often—except in Carmel, where more than 20 hotels and inns put out a welcome mat for canine guests.  Read more.

Beachy keen

In early morning, canines of every make and model can be seen romping happily on the sugar-fine sand that graces a beach situated just below the ninth hole at world renowned Pebble Beach Golf Links.  Read more.

Chow down with charlie

Kayla & Truman at Carmel Cafe Carmel-by-the-Sea is nirvana for dogs and the people who love them, and that's as true when it comes to restaurants as it is with the town's glorious leash-free beach. Start your morning with a scone and a mocha latte savored at an outdoor table at Carmel Valley Roasting Company—or, should you care to greet the day with a scenic journey along 17-Mil  Read more.

Paw tested: gualala

Today one of our paw-testers takes us to Gualala for a weekend of beach combing.  We have it on good authority, from paw-tester Tina that the beaches are beautiful and the scenery plentiful for both two and four-legged visitors.   Read more.

See the sea

It was half a century ago, in 1962, that Point Reyes National Seashore north of San Francisco was created to preserve a magnificent stretch of coastline and the farmlands abutting it. Although dogs are allowed on only three beaches within the preserve, the always refreshing rewards of a visit make it well worth the drive.  Read more.

Mackerricher state park

MacKerricher State Park. Photo by Don Kawahigashi.

Adhering to leash restrictions is a small price to pay for reveling in the beauty of this Mendocino County gem with numerous dog-friendly trails and beaches. MacKerricher State Park is diverse, with habitats ranging from bluffs to beaches, headlands, tide pools, forests, wetlands and one of California’s longest coastal dune systems.  Read more.

Garrapata state park

If the rocky, surf-crashed scenery at Garrapata State Park looks familiar, that’s probably because it resides in your subconscious, deposited there by paintings and films that have made impressions before. This is the last state park on the Big Sur coast to allow canine visitors, which makes it feel all the more special. Dogs are only allowed along the two miles of beachfront, not on trai  Read more.

Samuel p. taylor state park

Redwood trees at Samuel P. Taylor State Park. Photo by Martha Bergmann.

This lush redwood retreat 15 miles west of San Rafael has dog-friendly picnic areas, campgrounds with showers and the five-mile Cross Marin Trail, shared with cyclists, that visitors with leashed dogs are welcome to enjoy.  Read more.

South yuba river state park

Photo by Jeremy Perkins.

We’d love South Yuba River State Park even if its many trails and swimming holes weren’t dog-friendly, and we bet you will, too.  Read more.

Run the river with your dog

Dog and his people on the Russian River Do you have a dog that loves the water? Why not let your pooch splash and swim as the first mate in your dog-friendly canoe? Russian River Adventures is Sonoma County’s best dog–passionate eco-adventure offering SOAR Inflatable canoes for a day on the river. Since 2003 thousands of four-legged canoe enthusiasts, and their owners, have enjoyed  Read more.

Dog-friendly Tahoe Keys Resort

Photo by Tahoe Keys Resort.

Lake Tahoe is a paradise for dogs, and at Tahoe Keys Resort you will find a variety of cabins, condos and homes that welcome dogs.  Read more.

10 ways to have fun with your dog at Lake Tahoe

Photo by Jessica Bay.

Yes, you can take your dog swimming at Lake Tahoe! True, there are only a handful of dog-friendly beaches, but for most dogs, just one a day is enough. One of our hidden favorites on the West Shore is the private beach at Obexer’s General Store in Homewood.   Read more.

Swimming with fido

Swimming can keep your dog cool on a hot day. On the down-side, the dermatological downsides of swimming typically include ear infections and hot spots.  Read more.

Lake Tahoe dog-friendly beaches

Yes, you can take your dog swimming at Lake Tahoe. Check out this full story for some well-known, and lesser-known spots for a swim.  Read more.

Dog-friendly campsites in northern California

Brynn & Tyn. (CC) Mark Totten We’re not claiming to be personally familiar with every campground in Northern California, but our experiences at these dog-friendly sites have been pawsitive enough to keep us coming back again and again.  Read more.

Where else to rover around

Kayla Takes to the Trail Camp life can be very exciting for a dog, so long as she doesn’t eat too many marshmallows. Dogs are welcome at 90 percent of California campgrounds—it’s the rare one indeed that doesn’t allow pooches. But before you put your credit card down, you’ll want to find out where, outside of developed campsites, Daisy is allowed to hang out.  Read more.

Soak up the scenery in santa barbara

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. Photo Credit: Rachael Moore (CC) Just about everything about Santa Barbara, from the beautiful buildings to the beautiful people and the beautiful dogs, is a treat for the senses.  Read more.

Monterey peninsula romps and rambles

Starting at Castroville in the north and continuing 18 miles to Lovers Point in Pacific Grove, the paved Monterey Bay Coastal Trail provides endless opportunities for you and your leashed canine pal to sample incredible vistas and charming towns. Don't miss Asilomar State Beach in Pacific Grove, with waves to splash in and tidepools to explore. A bit inland, the Rip Van Winkle Open Space Dog A  Read more.

Get inspired in big sur

Countless artists, mystics, poets, photographers, and happy dogs over the decades are not wrong: Big Sur is about as lovely as it gets. Starting with Pfeiffer Beach, where dogs have to stay on leash on the state-managed portions but can run free if under voice control on the US Forest Service-managed section. Once Rowdy's worked off that excess energy on the beach, the two of you might want to  Read more.

Downtown dogs in santa cruz

As we reported last year, the City of Santa Cruz had a longstanding ban on dogs, even the leashed, licensed and well-behaved, from its downtown area, causing painful surprise to many visitors. We're pleased to report that in response not only to the local dog community but merchants who complained that they were tired of losing tourist business to more dog-friendly towns like Carmel, the city  Read more.

At Tahoe: The ultimate doggie meetup

Dogs on the beach at Lake Tahoe.

Who hasn’t gazed out at Lake Tahoe and wished there was a really good beach where dogs could run, leap, swim, dock dive and otherwise play to their hearts’ content? Well, there is. For two or three weeks each summer, Camp Winnaribbun, on Tahoe’s southeast shore, opens its gates to what only can be described as doggie paradise. Photo: Anne Chadwick WIlliams  Read more.

A toast to whiskeytown

Whiskeytown National Recreation Area northwest of Redding is a bit off the beaten track, but once you discover it, we bet you’ll be back—with your dog, of course.  Read more.

Mendocino coasting with your canine

A mere glimpse of Mendocino’s gorgeously sculpted coastline is all it takes to turn urban angst into rural revelation. The scenery is so intoxicating you can happily spend a week along the Highway 1 corridor without venturing beyond sight or sound of the sea.  Read more.

Nothing stingy about stinson

Photo by Noelle.

The hang-gliders, surfers and beach-goers might first catch your eye, but it’s the “no dogs” signs you need to watch when visiting Stinson Beach in West Marin.  Read more.

A weekend for romance

Maya at Stanford Inn. Dave Kendrick photo.

If we had Valentine's weekend off, a significant other to share it with and the bling to do it right, we’d steer our sweetie—and the furry family member we wouldn’t dream of leaving behind—straight to a place where we could cuddle up and focus on each other.  Read more.

Surf and woof

Maya at Nick’s Cove. Photo by Dave Kendrick.

Our suggestion for a February outing with your Valentine and canine sidekick is Point Reyes National Seashore.   Read more.

Beyond the crowds in Mendocino county

Mendocino Coast Botanical Garden. Photo by Pawparazzi Pet Photography, provided by MGBG.

Mendocino County is “so close and yet so far away” when it comes to scenery, attitude and ambiance. Whether you play it sophisticated or sniff out the rustic, you’ll have no trouble carving out an itinerary to fit your budget and style.  Read more.

Humboldt county off-leash beaches

A wealth of beaches where canines are allowed to run free within the wave slope make the Humboldt shore one of the most dog-friendly coastal areas in California. A favorite with locals is Clam Beach in McKinleyville, the perfect end point for a hike along the five-mile Hammond Coastal Trail, voted in a recent newspaper poll as best place to hike in Humboldt County. North of Arcata, Highway 101 hug  Read more.

Tahoe splash spots

Photo by Karsten Winegeart.

It can be tricky to find a beach at Lake Tahoe where you can bring Fido, but with a little planning you'll discover plenty of dog-friendly shoreline to dip your paws in the water and take in the view. Sturdy soles are a must, as most dog-friendly spots on the lakeshore are quite rocky.  Read more.

Dog paddle safety

Most dogs love swimming and splashing. Labs and other retrievers seem born with an instinct to seek out places to get wet. But other dogs don't like water at all, may not have learned to swim and may not be comfortable on boats.  Read more.

Who let the ocean in?

Photo by Whale Watch Inn.

About 120 miles north of San Francisco on Highway 1, the Whale Watch Inn in southern Mendocino County is a close-to-nature haven with ocean views from all 18 rooms.  Read more.

Pet-friendly Mendocino county

Maya checks into the Stanford Inn. Photo by Dave Kendrick.

If there's one destination in Northern California that really rolls out the red carpet for your pooch, it's pet-friendly Mendocino County. You'll find dozens of hotels, motels, inns, B&B's and cottages that will welcome you and your pup with open arms, treats and amenities. For more on accommodations, check out the Visit Mendocino pet friendly lodging page. In addition to great places to stay,  Read more.

Eureka, you’ve found it!

If you’re not already hooked on Humboldt or haven’t stumbled across Big Foot by the time you get to Eureka, just wait: you’ll be hopelessly addicted in a day or two.  Read more.

The road to scenic overload

Hang tight to the steering wheel and make sure Rover is well secured when you head down Highway 1 from the Bay Area to the Central Coast. You’ll need all the attention you can muster to negotiate 122 miles of vertigo-inducing curves, each framing a view to make you gasp.  Read more.

Mendocino county’s coastal scenery

Coastal cottages in Mendocino. Photo by Lee Coursey (cc).

Mendocino County’s sculpted coastline is so intoxicating you can yappily spend a week without venturing beyond sight or sound of the sea.  Read more.

World’s most scenic toll road

17 Mile Drive. Photo by Pebble Beach Resorts.

Why buy the milk when the cow is free? The Monterey Peninsula is so outrageously scenic and so pet-friendly that you certainly don’t have to pay to feast your eyes on nature’s wonders or find a strand of sand where you and Rover can leave footprints. Yet it’s well worth the $9 entry fee to … Continued  Read more.

Coasting right along

Photo by Wikimedia.

Point Pinos Lighthouse Your dog can’t come inside to watch otters cavorting and jellyfish pulsing in their tanks at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. But that’s OK, because Monterey and the neighboring communities of Pacific Grove and Seaside offer a diverse array of pet-friendly lodging and plenty of things to do with Rover. You’ll need good walking shoes (and a light  Read more.

Regional parks tightening leash?

From Point Isabel to Lake Del Valle, Black Diamond Mines to Sunol Regional Wilderness, Point Pinole to Mission Peak, the East Bay Regional Parks  Read more.

Lake del valle: paradise for water dogs

One of the few places you and your dog can go for a sail. And fish!  You'll want to spend the day, the night, or the weekend at  Del Valle Regional Park, with 5,000 acres, a five-mile-long lake, a full range of activities, and a big welcome mat for canine family members.  Read more.

Delta dawgs

Isleton Bridge. Photo by Visit CA Delta.

The Sacramento River Delta is a watery maze worlds removed from the urban clutter of Sacramento and the Bay Area. On a Sunday drive you'll see old-time bridges and miles of levees that in the mid-1800s transformed a once trackless wetland into 55 agricultural islands—two of them connected by public ferry— that still produce food for Northern California. Regrettably, there are not many ar  Read more.

Sit. stay. lie down.

Photo by Kehn Hermano.

Canine-friendly hotels abound in San Francisco, but those in the Kimpton chain rate especially high with experienced DogTrekkers.  Read more.

Paws for a park

For such a large county, Sonoma has relatively few chunks of open space that dogs can explore with their people. But Hood Mountain, Sugar Loaf Ridge, and Tolay Lake are all worth a visit with your four-legger.  Read more.

Half it your way

Montara. Photo by Waldo Broodryk.

It's hard to know what to do first in Half Moon Bay: Explore miles and miles of pristine beaches, scarf up some seafood at a seaside café,  Read more.

Romp ‘n’ roll at point reyes

Kehoe Beach. Photo by Jessica Bay.

Both you and your four-legged friend will be panting to go when you spy Limantour Beach, a two-mile, wave-washed spit of sand  Read more.

Bark for benicia

Photo by Cristina Glebova.

Yelp, we thought that seeing this Solano County town in the No. 4 slot on the Dog Fancy list would elicit yowls of surprise. Yet behind all those happily wagging tails in Benicia is a community of dog lovers who worked hard to create amenities such as Phenix Community Dog Park, and a pair of leash-free beaches on the Carquinez Strait at the edge of downtown.  Read more.

Lots to Bragg about

Glass Beach. Photo by Wikimedia.

What can you say about a town that has its own dog park mayor, an ice cream parlor that provides free licks for Fido, and a 47-acre botanical garden known for its rhododendrons and dahlias, that not only welcomes dogs, but loans out mobility scooters to the physically impaired?   Read more.

Sun sand, and tail waggin’ good times

Maya heads into the surf at Sunny Cove Beach.
Photo by Dave Kendrick.

If you and your pup don't live on the coast, you probably crave some surf and sand from time to time. Start at Mitchell's Cove, the number one dog beach in Santa Cruz.   Read more.