Food and wine Blog
Looking for some food and wine? DogTrekker has sussed out the stories of many dog-friendly restaurants, wineries, breweries and more for you here. Whether you want to take a tour of the vineyards, sip some ciders in a cozy spot, or just enjoy a dog-friendly patio dining experience—we have it all! So whether you’re looking for something close by or somewhere new and exciting, DogTrekker’s got you covered.
Paw-some events for the dog days of summer
Pup-friendly festivals are popping up across California this summer and fall. From Puptopia in Big Bear to Bark & Meow in Berkeley and winery fundraisers in Napa, these events bring dog lovers together while supporting rescue and animal welfare groups.
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Close encounters in Nevada County
Nevada County is packed with dog-friendly fun, from cozy inns and patio dining in historic Nevada City to the unique wooden flumes of the Independence Trail, where a switchback ramp leads to a scenic swimming hole your dog will love.
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California glamping your dog will dig
From coastal safari tents and redwood Airstreams to vineyard cabins and desert retreats, California's dog-friendly glamping scene offers the best of outdoor adventure without sacrificing creature comforts. Pack the treats and let the tail-wagging begin.
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On the road to Yosemite
The Yosemite Region spans four gateway counties, each with its own dog-friendly highlights. From Merced River hikes in Mariposa County to Gold Rush history in Tuolumne County, the journey can be as rewarding as the destination.
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Make a splash at North Lake Tahoe
North Lake Tahoe has several dog-friendly beaches worth knowing about, from Carnelian Bay and Coon Street Beach to secluded Chimney Beach on the Nevada side. Pebble Beach on the West Shore rounds out the options.
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Lake Tahoe’s South Shore and more
South Lake Tahoe vacation rentals offer space and flexibility for dog-friendly getaways. Tahoe Keys Resort provides private marina access, while properties ranging from cozy cabins to mansions sleeping 22 put you close to the lake and miles of hiking trails.
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Linger longer at a patio table with your pup
Santa Cruz serves up dog-friendly patio dining with ocean views and cozy outdoor heaters. Try the Crow's Nest Beach Market on the harbor, grab a Spicy Cowboy at colorful Snap Taco downtown, or find your own favorite along the coast.
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Find a dog-friendly place in Placer County
Placer County stretches from near Sacramento to Tahoe's north shore, offering dog-friendly trails at Auburn State Recreation Area and the lesser-known Cronan Ranch. Near the lake, Truckee and Palisades Tahoe round out the options for outdoor adventure with your pup.
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Say hello to summer on Lake Tahoe’s South Shore
Lake Tahoe's South Shore has dog-friendly cabins, cottages, and lodges for every budget. With a pet concierge service at the Hard Rock Hotel, off-leash beach time at Nevada Beach, and plenty of patio dining, summer here is made for dogs.
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Pleasant surprises in Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill in the East Bay offers affordable dog-friendly hotels, patio restaurants like Wence's Oyster Bar, and the 63-acre Paso Nogal Open Space with fenced dog parks. A solid base for exploring the Bay Area with your pup.
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Share a bite
Year-round sunshine makes Greater Palm Springs perfect for al fresco dining with your dog. From the sociable patios at The Grill on Main to polo matches and drinks at Tack Room Tavern, dog-friendly spots abound. Perfect weather for eating al…
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Get a dog-friendly lift at Mammoth or Tahoe
Skip the uphill hike and ride a dog-friendly gondola or tram at Mammoth Mountain, Northstar or Palisades Tahoe. Each resort offers enclosed lifts that welcome dogs, plus summit trails, restaurants and stunning mountain views at the top.
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Curl up off-season in a dog-friendly cabin
Come September, High Sierra cabin resorts open up with shorter stays and easier bookings. The Lakes Basin area between Sierra and Plumas counties offers everything from rustic sleeping rooms with rowboats to upscale lodges with on-site breweries and spas.
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A Tahoe classic that rewards with a splash
The steep 4.4-mile hike up Shirley Canyon at Palisades Tahoe rewards you and your dog with cascading waterfalls, a mountain lake, and access to the High Camp complex at 8,200 feet. Ride the tram back down for free.
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Stay a night or three
Oakland's dog-friendly hotels range from the nautical-themed Waterfront Hotel on Jack London Square to the grand Claremont Club and Spa with bay views. Budget options like Homewood Suites and Motel 6 also welcome canine guests.
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Finding gold in El Dorado County
El Dorado County's Apple Hill region comes alive in fall with 50-plus farms and ranches welcoming visitors. Load up on fresh apples, sample wines at Boeger Winery, and grab a bite in downtown Placerville with your pup.
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Third stop: South Lake Tahoe to Truckee
Highway 89 along Tahoe's West Shore is a sensory treat, from the historic Tallac estates and dog-friendly Kiva Beach to a gentle stroll to Fallen Leaf Lake and the easy trail to Cascade Creek Falls near Emerald Bay.
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Second stop: Highway 50, Sacramento to South Lake Tahoe
Highway 50 from Sacramento to South Lake Tahoe is the scenic route to the Sierra. Stop at Horsetail Falls, then choose between the bustling Heavenly Village or a mellow drive up the west shore with beaches and trails.
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Dog-friendly winter activities in Mammoth Lakes
Mammoth Lakes welcomes DogTrekkers with groomed cross-country ski trails, snowshoe paths and miles of dog-friendly Inyo National Forest backcountry. Stop at stunning Convict Lake on the way in, and book a pet-friendly cabin for a sunrise you won't forget.
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Gotta lake it
Gold Country lakes offer cool relief for dogs and their people all summer long. From Folsom Lake's miles of shoreline to hidden Long Lake near Soda Springs and Bass Lake's pontoon boat rentals, there's a splash spot for every pup.
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Swooning for wildflowers
Carson Pass on Highway 88 near Lake Tahoe erupts with spectacular wildflowers in early July. Hike the dog-friendly Pacific Crest Trail to Frog Lake and Lake Winnemucca through head-high lupins, paintbrush and mountain daisies at over 8,600 feet elevation.
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Get off the beaten track
Skip the Tahoe crowds and head to the Lost Sierra or Mammoth Lakes for cold-weather fun with your dog. Chalet View Lodge in Graeagle and Tamarack Lodge in Mammoth offer dog-friendly rooms and access to snowshoe trails.
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Three dog-friendly options in South Shore
Three dog-friendly finds on South Shore Lake Tahoe worth knowing about: Borges Sleigh Rides welcomes leashed pets aboard, Sidellis Brewery features a big dog-friendly patio, and the Village at Heavenly offers fire pits and outdoor dining with your pup.
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Treasure in El Dorado County
El Dorado County stretches from the Gold Rush towns along Highway 49 up to Lake Tahoe, offering dog-friendly recreation at Sly Park, Horsetail Falls, and Echo Lakes. Stay at the charmingly haunted Cary House Hotel in Placerville.
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