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!
East Bay getaways with your dog
The East Bay is rich with dog-friendly parks, from the volcanic trails at Sibley Reserve to off-leash romps at Point Isabel with Golden Gate views. Redwood Regional Park, Briones, and Shoreline Park round out the lineup.
Read more
Moseying through Mendocino County
A dog-friendly road trip up the Mendocino coast covers bluff trails in Gualala, the Stornetta National Monument near Point Arena, Victorian Mendocino village, and Fort Bragg, with cozy inns and vacation rentals along the way.
Read more
Dog-friendly beaches of San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo County's coastline is loaded with dog-friendly beaches, from leash-required state strands at Pismo and Cayucos to the off-leash fun at Olde Port Beach in Avila, where bonfires and ball-chasing await.
Read more
Meandering the Mendo Coast with your dog
Mendocino County's 102 miles of winding coastline reward slow travelers with leash-free beaches, Glass Beach, botanical gardens, scenic trails through MacKerricher State Park and cozy seaside lodgings from Fort Bragg to Gualala.
Read more
Traveling the SLO lane with your dog
San Luis Obispo County's 70 miles of Highway 1 coastline offer dog-friendly beaches, off-leash coves, patio dining and charming inns from San Simeon to Pismo Beach. Your pup will love every sandy, sun-soaked mile of this Central Coast road trip.
Read more
Make a splash on the Sonoma shore
The Sonoma County coast offers dog-friendly beaches, bluff-top trails, and river adventures. Walk the Bird Walk trail at Bodega Bay, hike six coastal access trails near the Mendocino County border, or float the Russian River in a dog-friendly inflatable canoe.
Read more
John Muir’s legacy in Contra Costa County
The John Muir Land Trust manages over 2,000 acres of open space in Contra Costa County where dogs with reliable recall can hike off-leash. Properties range from compact Acalanes Ridge in Lafayette to the sprawling Franklin Canyon-Fernandez Ranch complex.
Read more
Sonoma County regional parks with your pup
Sonoma County's regional parks feature more than 140 miles of trails through beaches, forests, lakes, and meadows. Highlights include rugged Hood Mountain near Santa Rosa, the Bird Walk trail at Bodega Bay, and the stunning Pinnacle Gulch coastal loop.
Read more
Napa Valley leg-stretchers
After wine tasting in Napa Valley, burn off those calories with your dog at Canine Commons in Alston Park, where off-leash play awaits. Westwood Hills Park and the downtown River Walk offer more leashed options with vineyard and city views.
Read more
East Bay hikes for fresh-air fiends
The East Bay and Tri-Valley offer outstanding hiking for you and your dog, from the compact Acalanes Ridge to the 5,000-acre Del Valle Regional Park. East Bay Regional Park District properties welcome off-leash dogs with reliable recall.
Read more
Diesel & Oliver’s seaside adventure
DogCation winners Ashley and Chris took Diesel and Oliver to Nick's Cove on Tomales Bay, where their cabin overlooked the water and the staff treated their dogs like family. Day trips included Kehoe Beach and swimming at Millerton Point.
Read more
Waggin’ Trails Rescue Foundation
Waggin' Trails Rescue Foundation pulls about 50 dogs each month from overcrowded and underfunded California shelters, providing vet care and foster homes before transporting them to rescue partners where loving families are waiting to adopt.
Read more
Bay Area German Shepherd rescue 2017
Bay Area German Shepherd Rescue takes a fresh approach to rehoming by letting owners keep their dogs while BAGSR finds the right match. The result is faster adoptions, fewer returns and smoother transitions for dogs like the lovable Rex.
Read more
Traveling with a dog in Huntington Beach, California
Huntington Beach lives up to its reputation as one of California's most dog-friendly cities. Let your pup run free on the 1.5-mile Dog Beach, explore fenced dog runs in Central Park, and dine at pet-welcoming patios.
Read more
Lake County dog-friendly campgrounds
Lake County has plenty of dog-friendly campgrounds for summer fun. Private resorts like The Narrows offer full hookups and waterfront access, while Clear Lake State Park has 149 drive-up sites with swimming and hiking nearby.
Read more
Northern California coast trails, Pacifica to Bodega Bay
The Northern California coast between San Francisco and Bodega Bay is one of the best stretches of shoreline in the country to explore with a dog. Bluff trails, wide beaches, hidden coves, working harbors, redwood-shaded ravines that drop straight to…
Read more
California’s best coastal dog-friendly towns
From Mendocino's Victorian headlands to Laguna Beach's gallery-lined streets, California's best coastal towns have quietly reshaped themselves around four-legged visitors. Expect water bowls at storefronts, treats at hotel check-in and patios where dogs are the guests of honor.
Read more
California hotels that don’t just tolerate dogs—they adore them
From Cypress Inn's Yappy Hours in Carmel to canine massages at Nick's Cove in Marin, these California hotels genuinely love dogs. Expect welcome treats, dedicated pet menus, adventure packages and luxury bedding designed for four-legged guests.
Read more
The best dog-friendly hotels in Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe's clear blue water, miles of shoreline, and endless trails make it a top destination for dog owners. From the modern Basecamp Hotel to the luxury Landing Resort and the quiet Cedar Glen Lodge, these are the best dog-friendly…
Read more
The best ultra dog-friendly hotels in Southern California
Southern California's best dog-friendly hotels go far beyond a simple pets-allowed policy. From Loews Coronado Bay's bayside paths to La Quinta Resort's 45 acres of gardens, these properties treat dogs like honored guests with dedicated amenities and genuine hospitality.
Read more
2025 award-winning dog-friendly hotels
From Big Bear's lakefront boutique hotels to Huntington Beach's award-winning resort and West Hollywood's rooftop patios, these 2025 award-winning properties set the standard for dog-friendly hospitality across California. Pack treats and start planning.
Read more
Now booking: Wild Blue Dogs’ paw-some fall camp
Wild Blue Dogs Fall Camp is a six-night, all-inclusive retreat on 33 acres at Lake Tahoe. Professional trainers lead agility, nose work, paddleboarding, and 100-plus activities, while registration fees support canine cancer research. Early bird pricing ends April 30.
Read more
Beachcomber Properties BOGO winter specials
The Beachcomber properties in Fort Bragg are offering a midweek BOGO winter deal through March 2026. Book two nights and pay for one at the Beachcomber Motel, Beach House Inn, or Surf and Sand Lodge, and enjoy complimentary beach cruiser…
Read more
Spring safety tips for dog owners
Spring brings ticks, heartworms, foxtails, and other hazards for dogs heading outdoors. Stay ahead of seasonal risks with tick preventatives, regular checkups, and smart trail habits to keep your pup healthy all season.
Read more