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!
The health benefits of having dogs in your life
Owning a dog brings real health benefits, from lower blood pressure and better weight management to reduced stress and stronger social connections. Dog owners are four times more likely to meet weekly exercise goals.
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San Diego’s dog beaches, ranked
San Diego has more dedicated dog beach than any city in California, and most of the state doesn’t even come close. Four beaches allow dogs, each with a different personality. Here’s what actually matters at each one. Dog Beach, Ocean…
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Dog-friendly Big Sur: what’s allowed and what’s not
State parks ban dogs from Big Sur trails, but beaches on Los Padres National Forest land welcome leashed dogs. We map the off-limits parks, the beaches where dogs can run, and dog-friendly lodging across every budget.
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Dog-friendly Santa Barbara: guide to the American Riviera
Santa Barbara runs deep on dog-friendly options. From the off-leash sand at Arroyo Burro Beach to Douglas Family Preserve blufftops, Funk Zone wine tasting, and patio dining citywide, we map the best spots to bring your dog.
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Dog-friendly Bodega Bay and the Sonoma Coast
Bodega Bay and the Sonoma Coast deliver 17 miles of rugged beaches, coves, and bluffs where leashed dogs are welcome. We map Doran Regional Park, Sonoma Coast State Park beaches, dog-friendly lodging, and a loop through western Sonoma County.
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East Bay Regional Parks: closed areas off-limits to dogs
After severe storms caused downed trees, flooding, and mudslides, most East Bay Regional Parks closed for safety. The Park District urges visitors and their dogs to stay out of closed areas due to hidden hazards.
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Dog-friendly spring getaway in coastal Mendocino
The Mendocino coast is a paradise for dogs and their people. Pedal railbikes through redwood groves, kayak Big River with your pup aboard, stroll the fragrant botanical gardens, and explore pristine beaches along one of California's most scenic and welcoming…
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Five things to know before a California dog trip
Planning a California trip with your dog involves more than finding pet-friendly hotels. Beach rules, dramatic climate swings, wildlife hazards, transit policies, and accommodation fees all vary by region and require advance research to keep your trip smooth and your…
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How to help Southern California in this crisis
As wildfires devastate Southern California, the DogTrekker team shares ways to support displaced families and their pets. Donate to organizations like Pasadena Humane, SPCA LA and Best Friends Animal Society. As we witness the devastation caused by the wildfires sweeping…
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Dog lover’s guide to California’s state parks and lakes
California's state parks offer lakeside romps and woodland strolls for leashed dogs. From splashing at Lake Tahoe and Folsom Lake to camping at Lake Oroville, here's your guide to trail etiquette, rules and the best pup-approved park adventures.
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Dog-friendly North County San Diego coast
North County San Diego's coast links Coronado, Del Mar, Encinitas, and Carlsbad by Highway 101 and Interstate 5. Expect off-leash beaches, resort and boutique lodging, walkable village districts, and a deep bench of dog-friendly patio dining.
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Lake Del Valle: Paradise for water dogs
Del Valle Regional Park in Livermore offers 5,000 acres, a five-mile lake, off-leash trails, and one of the few places where your dog can join you on a rental boat. Pack a picnic, bring a fishing rod, and plan to…
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Mendocino County’s coastal scenery
Mendocino County's coastline rewards a week of exploring with your dog. Pet-friendly inns provide bowls and towels, Mendocino Headlands allows leashed dogs on trails, and Catch-a-Canoe rents special dog canoes for floating the Big River.
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Pet-friendly Mendocino County
Mendocino County rolls out the red carpet for dogs, with dozens of pet-welcoming hotels, winery tasting rooms that offer treats and water bowls, botanical gardens open to leashed pups, and gorgeous beaches along the coast.
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Beyond the crowds in Mendocino County
Mendocino County pairs leash-free beaches, dog-welcoming wineries, botanical gardens, and kayak outfitters with cozy lodging from the Stanford Inn to state park campgrounds. Ride the Skunk Train with your pup or paddle an estuary in a canoe built for dogs.
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South Yuba River State Park
South Yuba River State Park in Nevada County strings together swimming holes, hiking trails, and gold-panning spots along the scenic Yuba River. Dogs are welcome nearly everywhere, making it a perfect weekend pairing with Grass Valley.
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Samuel P. Taylor State Park
Samuel P. Taylor State Park in Marin offers dog-friendly camping, the five-mile Cross Marin Trail, and an ideal base for exploring nearby Point Reyes beaches. Hike the redwoods, then head to Kehoe Beach for a romp.
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Sleeping with Sparky in Carmel
Carmel has more than 20 hotels and inns that genuinely welcome dogs, from the legendary Cypress Inn to Carmel Mission Inn with its 37-acre park trail. This is a town where four-legged guests are truly cherished.
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The many sides of Mendocino County
Mendocino County is one of Northern California's most dog-welcoming destinations. Pet-friendly inns provide treats and amenities, wineries like Husch let dogs inside the tasting room, and activities range from Skunk Train rides to paddling outrigger kayaks along the coast.
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Paws overnight at North Lake Tahoe
North Lake Tahoe has plenty of dog-friendly places to stay, from charming Tahoma Meadows B&B Cottages on the West Shore to cabins at Cedar Glen Lodge. Vacation rentals, motels, and boutique hotels round out the options.
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Amazing Mendocino County
Mendocino County rolls out the red carpet for dogs like few other California destinations. Pet-friendly inns offer treats and amenities, wineries welcome four-legged visitors inside, and activities range from Skunk Train rides to outrigger kayaking on the coast.
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Make a splash in Marin
Marin County is loaded with dog-friendly beaches, from off-leash Muir Beach to the magical shores of Point Reyes National Seashore. Kehoe Beach, Limantour Beach, Dillon Beach, and Rodeo Beach each offer stunning scenery and room for your pup to romp.
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SLO down already
San Luis Obispo County's Central Coast is mellow for dogs and humans alike. Off-leash fun awaits at Olde Port Beach near Avila, while leashed pups can enjoy Pismo State Beach, Cayucos State Beach, and the secluded shores near Morro Rock.
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Clearly Clear Lake
A road trip from Santa Rosa to Clear Lake makes for a great dog-friendly getaway. Stop to hike Hood Mountain, lunch on patios in Healdsburg, browse dog-welcoming wine bars, and float the Russian River before heading north to Lake County.
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