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.
Yosemite Mariposa County four day dog-friendly itinerary
This four-day itinerary covers the best of Yosemite Mariposa County with your dog, from historic small towns and pet-friendly restaurants to Bridalveil Fall hikes, Wawona Meadow trails and scenic drives through the park.
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4-day dog-friendly autumn itinerary
This four-day autumn itinerary covers Yosemite Mariposa County's best dog-friendly adventures, from historic foothill towns to scenic trails inside and beyond the park. Visit in fall for lower prices, fewer crowds, and golden light on the valley's iconic granite walls.
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Puptopia Festival
Calling all dog lovers and pet parents! You're invited to come out to the Big Bear Puptopia Festival on July 25 for a tail-wagging day of fun in Veterans Park. Enjoy the Pawground, relax in the K9 Lounge, watch stunt…
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Stanford Inn: Green, gorgeous and welcoming for 45 years
The Stanford Inn by the Sea in Mendocino celebrates 45 years of welcoming dogs with ocean-view rooms, plant-based dining, spa services and nature walks. This eco-resort treats four-legged guests like family, with treats, beds and coastal trails nearby.
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Little River Inn redefines dog-friendly dining
Little River Inn's tented dining cabanas let guests enjoy California-inspired meals alongside their dogs. Each heated hideaway overlooks the garden terrace, and the menu features local wines, seasonal dishes and weekend brunch favorites served directly to your table.
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Your mountain moment is waiting in Big Bear Lake
The trails are thawing, the lake is shimmering and Big Bear Lake is officially open for adventure. Spring and summer usher in the best of alpine life—blooming meadows, refreshing breezes and endless miles of dog-friendly paths begging to be explored…
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New for you: DogTrekker’s ulti-mutt spring event guide
Spring brings a packed calendar of dog-friendly events across California, from fun runs and beach festivals to wine tastings and costume parades. Many raise funds for animal welfare organizations, so you and your pup can play while making a positive…
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New year, new adventures in Greater Palm Springs
Greater Palm Springs pairs dog-friendly desert hikes with sun-soaked patios and pet-welcoming hotels. Start the morning on the Bump and Grind Trail, stroll midcentury neighborhoods in the afternoon, then wind down at a brewery where your dog is always welcome.
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Planning a California coast trip around your dog
Planning a California coast trip around your dog isn't a compromise. From off-leash sand at Huntington Dog Beach to boutique inns in Mendocino, the Golden State's shoreline rewards travelers who bring their four-legged companions along for the ride.
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Paws-itively impressive green practices
The Stanford Inn earned a spot on USA Today's top 10 eco-friendly hotels for the second consecutive year, recognized for organic gardens, composting programs, and classes that help guests leave as better stewards of the environment after their stay.
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Affordable hotels near wine country? We’re all ears.
Vacaville offers affordable pet-friendly hotels with easy access to Napa, Sonoma and Suisun Valley wineries. Stay for less, sip world-class wines, and enjoy dog parks, patio dining and public art with your pup along the way.
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Five things to know about Yosemite with your dog
Even seasoned visitors may not know how welcoming Yosemite and Mariposa County can be for dogs. From pet-friendly paved trails and Sierra National Forest hikes to lodging with special pet packages, here are five things every dog traveler should know.
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Explore Yosemite Mariposa County with your furry friend
Mariposa County is home to Yosemite National Park and a wealth of pet-friendly lodging, dining and photo opportunities. Bring your dog to experience the valley's iconic views, Gold Rush-era towns, and trails in the surrounding Sierra National Forest.
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Dog-friendly Mendocino County is magic in spring
Mendocino County's spring sweet spot: wildflowers on the bluffs, quieter trails and patios, and dog-welcoming lodging from intimate inns to coastal resorts. Our guide to Mendocino hotels, dining, breweries, Stone Ranch and Mendocino Grove, plus the top 10 dog-friendly activities…
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Have a dog-gone good time at Folsom Lake
Folsom Lake State Recreation Area welcomes dogs on trails and in most of its waters, just 25 miles from Sacramento. With 75 miles of shoreline, hiking paths, picnic areas, and campgrounds, it's a top day-trip destination.
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San Francisco: The ultimate dog-friendly destination
San Francisco is basically Disneyland for dogs. With a rich canine history, off-leash beaches, dog-friendly bars, and famous four-legged residents past and present, the city by the bay has earned its reputation as the ultimate dog town.
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Exploring Greater Palm Springs with your dog
Greater Palm Springs offers dog-friendly desert adventures, from hiking Tahquitz Canyon to patio dining on El Paseo. Stay at pet-welcoming resorts like La Quinta, explore date gardens in Indio and soak up the laid-back desert vibe with your pup.
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Top destination stories of 2023
DogTrekker's most popular 2023 destination stories span the Golden State, from Sacramento's walkable dog scene to Placer County's mountain trails and beyond. These paw-tested reader favorites are packed with ideas to inspire your next California road trip.
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Fort Bragg: Affordable and uniquely dog-friendly
Fort Bragg on the Mendocino coast is an affordable, standout destination for dog travelers. The Beachcomber Hotel Group's three properties offer welcome kits for pups, play areas, and easy access to Glass Beach, the Skunk Train, and coastal trails.
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Tahoe snow play and stay: dog-friendly hotels
Lake Tahoe has dog-friendly lodging for every budget, from the Ritz-Carlton to cozy B&B cottages on the West Shore. In winter, enjoy plowed walking trails, cross-country skiing, and heated patio dining in Truckee before cozying up by a fireplace.
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Paw-some road trips from Sacramento
Sacramento's big backyard delivers dog-friendly road trips to Placer County waterfalls, Gold Country mining trails, and small-batch wineries in the Sacramento River Delta. Two-room suites at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Sacramento Riverfront Promenade make a comfortable home base.
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Make Noyo Harbor Inn your ulti-mutt fall getaway
Noyo Harbor Inn in Fort Bragg pairs Mendocino Coast beauty with genuine dog-friendly hospitality. Leashed dogs join guests at HarborView Bistro, and the inn's grounds and nearby coastal trails make it easy to keep your pup happy all weekend.
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Award-winning California hotels that welcome four-legged guests
From Palm Springs resorts to Bay Area landmarks, California's best dog-friendly hotels earned major accolades in 2024. Here are award-winning properties that treat your pup like a VIP guest. California is home to some of the finest dog-friendly hotels in…
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Dog-friendly lakes not named “Tahoe”
Skip the Tahoe crowds and explore California's quieter dog-friendly lakes instead. From Clear Lake in Lake County to Big Bear, Shasta Lake and more, these alternatives offer great swimming, boating and shoreline fun with your pup.
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