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.
From wine to bristlecone pines
A dog-friendly road trip through the High Sierra follows the Golden Chain Highway through Gold Country, crosses Yosemite via Tioga Pass and heads south on Highway 395 past Mono Lake, Mammoth Lakes and the ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest near Bishop.
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Dog surfing competitions and lessons in Southern California
Southern California hosts dog surfing competitions in Huntington Beach, Imperial Beach, and Del Mar throughout summer. If your pup wants in, lessons are available on Dog Beach in Del Mar with board and life vest included.
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Mendocino coasting with your canine
The Mendocino coast offers leash-free beaches, bluff-top trails, scenic Skunk Train rides, and dog-welcoming inns from Fort Bragg to Little River. Dine at Ravens restaurant with your pup beside you or paddle Big River.
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Of cottages and vines
California wine country is full of dog-welcoming retreats, from creekside cabins in Guerneville to luxury cottages at Carneros Resort with private fenced patios. Calistoga Ranch even provides a dog concierge for your pup.
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Russian River Adventures
Russian River Adventures in Healdsburg rents dog-friendly inflatable canoes for a nine-mile float down a secluded stretch of the Russian River. Pack a picnic, let your pup splash at swimming holes, and catch the shuttle back.
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Downtown dogs in Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz lifted its longtime ban on dogs downtown, and the new policy is now permanent. Leashed pups are welcome from sunrise to sunset, opening up cafes, pizza joints, and seafood spots along the way.
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Explore the countryside
More than 200 wineries and tasting rooms sit within 75 miles of Sacramento, and many welcome dogs. From Revolution Wines in the city to Jessie's Grove in Lodi, wine country with your pup is closer than you think.
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Let’s talk turkey
Give your dog a Thanksgiving treat with this simple recipe using holiday leftovers. Ground turkey, carrots, peas, and stuffing bread cubes topped with homemade gravy make a wholesome meal that will have your pup licking the bowl clean.
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Four-paw dining in Oakland
Oakland rolls out the welcome mat for dogs at restaurants across the city. Jack London Square, Lake Merritt, and the historic Broadway Auto Row all feature patio dining where your pup can join you for craft beer and pizza.
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Sit, stay and snore in dog-friendly San Francisco
San Francisco may be the most dog-friendly city in California for overnight stays. From the vintage Ocean Park Motel near Fort Funston to Victorian B&Bs in the Mission, the options for pup-welcoming lodging are endless.
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Dog-friendly road trip through the Sacramento River Delta
The Sacramento River Delta is a watery maze of old-time bridges, levee roads, and farm towns where time moves slowly. Drive Highway 160 with your dog, stroll through historic Locke, and sample Delta wines.
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Cruising with Cosmo in Santa Cruz County
Santa Cruz County's 29 miles of coastline offer beaches, off-leash dog parks with ocean views, and dog-friendly restaurants for a coastal getaway. Mitchell's Cove provides leash-free sand time, while Seacliff State Beach features a quirky concrete freighter from 1910.
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Beer or wine, rain or shine
Oakland and the Tri-Valley region are packed with dog-friendly craft breweries and wineries. Walk the Oakland Urban Wine Trail with your pup, sample 48 brews at Beer Revolution, or tour more than 50 wineries in Livermore Valley.
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Take a walk on the wave side
When the heat rises inland, the coast calls. Half Moon Bay's six-mile Coastside Trail, dog-friendly beaches at Montara and Bean Hollow, and patio dining with ocean views make it an ideal cool-weather escape with your pup.
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The dining with dog conundrum
Winter weather can close outdoor patios in Mendocino County, but creative options remain. Stanford Inn's Ravens Restaurant serves meals in their dog-friendly lobby, and Little River Inn arranges dinner in a pet-friendly parlor with ocean-path views.
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Sacramento’s dog-friendly craft breweries
Sacramento leads the nation in craft breweries per capita, and most of them welcome dogs. From Track 7 Brewing Co. in Curtis Park to Oak Park Brewing and Bike Dog across the river, pups and pints pair well here.
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Doggedly exploring Amador County
Amador County's Shenandoah Valley is buzzing with dog-friendly wineries, craft breweries and a new boutique inn. Most tasting rooms welcome four-legged guests, and historic Sutter Creek adds charm with its 62-building Main Street.
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White wine on a winter’s day
Mendocino County's wineries produce excellent whites alongside their reds, and many welcome dogs right into their tasting rooms. Family-owned spots along Highway 101 and the scenic Highway 128 Wine Trail treat your pup like part of the family.
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See more on Highway 4
Highway 4 through Calaveras and Alpine counties packs in wine tasting in Murphys, off-leash hiking on the Arnold Rim Trail, and a stunning scenic drive over Ebbetts Pass. Rent a cabin and give yourself a full week.
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The grape side of Mendocino
Mendocino wine country offers small, family-owned wineries where dogs are treated like family. From organic Saracina on Highway 101 to laid-back Yorkville Cellars and Foursight Wines in Boonville, tasting is often free and the vibe refreshingly casual.
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The road to scenic overload
Highway 1 through Big Sur delivers 122 miles of jaw-dropping coastal curves, with dog-friendly Pfeiffer Beach as the star attraction. Campgrounds, cabins, and outdoor breakfast at classic Deetjen's round out a memorable road trip with your pup.
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Paws to the (nice, flat) path
Not every dog needs a mountain summit. Flat, paved paths like the Iron Horse Regional Trail in the East Bay and the Whoop De Dogs trail in Angwin offer easy walks with great scenery and plenty of sniffing opportunities.
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Folsom: Gateway to Gold Country
Folsom offers 56 miles of paved trails, an off-leash dog park and easy access to Gold Country wine tasting and Apple Hill farms. Dog-friendly hotels, sidewalk dining on Sutter Street and Folsom Lake make it an ideal weekend base.
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Napa Humane 2017
Napa Humane supports local pets through low-cost spay and neuter clinics, vaccination services and humane education for kids. Their annual Pawsport Napa Valley event pairs dog-friendly wine tasting with fundraising for animal welfare programs.
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