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!

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Is the dog park California’s new dating scene?

Tired of dating apps? California dog parks are becoming a popular, low-pressure way to meet fellow pet lovers. We weigh the pros and cons of finding romance while your pup plays fetch.

Illustrate this 8 dog-friendly lakes near southern

8 dog-friendly lakes near Southern California

When Southern California heats up, head to these eight dog-friendly lakes within three hours of the city. From Castaic Lake's golden foothills to Big Bear's alpine waters, each spot offers shoreline access and cool relief for overheated pups.

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7 California beaches where dogs run completely free

California offers seven world-class off-leash dog beaches, from Huntington Dog Beach's golden sands to Carmel Beach's iconic shoreline. This field-tested guide covers the best times to visit, parking tips and insider knowledge for each location.

Big Bear Lake: mountain fun with your pup

Big Bear Lake is a tail-wagging alpine getaway just hours from Southern California, with forested trails, a flat shoreline path, and dog-friendly boat rentals on the lake. Crisp mountain air and laid-back charm make it an ideal escape for dogs…

Dog-friendly California destination, photo courtesy of Noyo Harbor Inn

Winter offers at Noyo Harbor Inn in Fort Bragg

Noyo Harbor Inn in Fort Bragg offers two winter specials through March 2026, including a weeknight rate starting at two hundred thirty-nine dollars and a third-night-free deal. Set along the Noyo River with dog-friendly rooms and a welcoming outdoor patio…

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Pups for the planet: leaving only paw prints

This Earth Day, DogTrekker is celebrating something worth wagging about: our community. A recent reader survey shows 99% of you pack it in and pack it out, and 95% leash up in sensitive habitats. Now, that’s a pack worth howling…

10 ways to enjoy Lake Tahoe with your dog

Lake Tahoe delivers ten ways to play with your dog, from swimming at dog-friendly beaches and riding gondolas to floating the Truckee River and paddling kayaks. Add hiking, patio dining, and pup pampering for the ultimate trip.

Dog-friendly California destination, photo courtesy of Surf and Sand Lodge

Win a dog-friendly getaway at Surf & Sand Lodge

The Surf and Sand Lodge in Fort Bragg sits front row on the Mendocino coastline, with miles of beaches, dunes, and trails right outside the door. Dog-friendly rooms come with a pet welcome package and ocean views.

A dog-friendly bird’s eye view in Del Norte County

Del Norte County offers dog-friendly adventures from redwood gondola rides at Trees of Mystery to rugged coastal trails and craft beer patios in Crescent City. Take the SkyTrail through an ancient canopy, hike the California Coastal Trail, and play fetch…

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California dreamin’ with your dog: 11 pet-friendly destinations

California is packed with dog-friendly vacation spots, from Marin County's beaches and hiking trails just across the Golden Gate Bridge to Santa Cruz's surf-friendly shores. Here are some of the best pet-welcoming destinations across the Golden State. California is a…

Tips for a safe beach visit with your dog

Before heading to the shore with your pup, check beach policies, watch for hot sand, and keep an eye on ocean currents. These practical tips will help you and your dog have a safe, fun beach day.

Pawsh on the mountain: a dog day at Chaminade

Chaminade Resort in Santa Cruz hosts Pawsh Retreat on August 24, featuring dog pools, pet massages, agility games, a canine fashion show and adoptable pups. Admission is free with a suggested donation benefiting the Santa Cruz SPCA.

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Winter and spring in Yosemite Mariposa: pet-friendly adventures

Winter and spring in Yosemite Mariposa County deliver two trips in one: snow-dusted scenery and quiet roads give way to roaring waterfalls and fresh green foothills. Either season is perfect for exploring with your dog by your side.

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Dog-friendly Mendocino coast: why April is the best time

There's a stretch of California coastline where fog rolls in like a slow exhale, bluffs erupt in wildflowers every spring, and nobody blinks when your dog walks into a restaurant. That's the Mendocino Coast, and April is arguably the best…

Favorite San Diego beaches: Del Mar and La Jolla

Del Mar Beach and La Jolla Cove near San Diego are two stunning coastal spots to visit with your dog. Enjoy scenic bluffs, ocean walks, and dog-friendly parks like Ellen Browning Scripps Park.

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Keep your dog healthy: vaccinations, flea meds, and heartworm

Keeping your dog healthy in California means staying current on vaccinations, flea prevention, and heartworm protection. Rabies shots are required by law, and your vet can recommend additional vaccines and parasite control based on your dog's lifestyle and risk factors.