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.
This season, we share gratitude (and getaways for you!)
This Thanksgiving, DogTrekker celebrates a year of readers supporting California rescues, fostering pets and protecting park access. As a thank-you, we're sharing winter lodging specials from Mendocino County's most pup-friendly properties, including Little River Inn and Stanford Inn.
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Planning a pet getaway? Airlines just changed the rules
Airlines have tightened pet travel rules, limiting cabin spots, ending emotional support animal policies and enforcing stricter crate requirements. California dog owners need to book early, prepare paperwork and plan ahead for smooth flights.
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Cool treats for you & your pup
GOCAL's ice cream shops, biergartens and cafes serve cool treats for dogs and humans alike. From pup cups at Handel's in Upland to the dog-friendly patio at Dog Haus in Claremont, beating the heat has never tasted better.
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Some doggone summer fun
When summer heat hits the GOCAL region, cool off with your dog at shaded patios, indoor shops and breezy food halls in Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Upland and Claremont. These spots keep both you and your pup comfortable.
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Surf and sand in Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz pairs legendary surf breaks with towering redwoods and 17 dog-friendly beaches along its 29-mile coastline. Add wineries, breweries and a walkable downtown, and you have the perfect pup-friendly getaway.
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Canines reign supreme in Carmel
Carmel-by-the-Sea is one of America's most dog-friendly towns, with loose leash laws, an off-leash beach, pet boutiques and patio dining galore. More than half of the village's 40-plus hotels welcome four-legged guests.
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Slowdown in SLO CAL
San Luis Obispo County stretches 100 miles along Highway 1, with off-leash beaches, dog-friendly wineries and charming towns from Cambria to Pismo Beach. Stay at coastal lodges or the Michelin Key-awarded San Luis Creek Lodge.
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Say “bone-appetit” to Big Bear
Big Bear's restaurant scene warmly welcomes dogs on patios throughout the village. Try dog-safe donuts at Dank Donuts, burgers and brews at The Bone Yard, wine and bites at Barrel 33, or Mexican fare at Azteca Grill.
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Boutique digs in Big Bear
Hotel Marina Riviera in Big Bear Lake blends retro alpine style with modern comfort on the waterfront. A heated pool, lakeside fire pits, and dog-friendly outdoor dining make it easy to bring your pup along.
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Day tripping through Gold Country
Gold Country towns east of Sacramento roll out the welcome mat for dogs. Hike wildflower-lined trails at Auburn State Recreation Area, walk through history at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park and stroll the 35-mile El Dorado Trail.
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A haven for hounds in Huntington
Paséa Hotel and Spa in Huntington Beach earned the top spot in USA Today's Best Pet-Friendly Hotel awards. Dogs of all sizes are welcomed with a private dog park and dedicated dog menu.
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WeHo rolls out the ruff-ruff red carpet
West Hollywood is paws-down LA's most dog-friendly neighborhood. Walkable boulevards, rooftop lounges and patio dining along Melrose and Santa Monica make it easy to explore with your pup, while nearby Runyon Canyon offers off-leash hikes with skyline views.
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Santa Barbara County calls
Santa Barbara offers a stunning coastal escape for dogs and their people, with off-leash beaches like Arroyo Burro, dog-friendly wine tasting rooms, waterfront hotels and the open spaces of Douglas Family Preserve.
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Sustainability star, The Stanford Inn by the Sea
The Stanford Inn by the Sea on the Mendocino coast has welcomed pets for over 45 years. Nearly all rooms are dog-friendly, and the inn serves organic treats made in-house alongside its acclaimed plant-based cuisine.
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Wag, Wine & Dine 2025
Waggin' Trails Rescue Foundation hosts Wag, Wine and Dine on August 24 at the Meritage Resort in Napa. Enjoy wine from 20-plus wineries, gourmet bites, live music and a pooch pageant while supporting dogs in need of forever homes.
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Soak up historic charm at Cavallo Point Lodge
Cavallo Point Lodge in Sausalito sits on national park grounds with Golden Gate Bridge views and green spaces to explore with your pup. The curated Eco Luxe Pups program includes organic treats and artisan dog bowls.
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Plan ahead for a pawsome Yosemite adventure in 2025
Summer 2025 brings a temporary vehicle reservation system to Yosemite National Park during peak dates. A $2 pass from Recreation.gov is required for daytime entry, but overnight guests are exempt. Plan ahead and your dog-friendly adventure stays on track.
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Dog-friendly summer fun in GOCAL
From mountain trails to desert washes, GOCAL's parks and open spaces give dogs plenty of room to stretch their legs. These are the best outdoor spots in Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Riverside and beyond for a day out with your pup.
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Design and nature harmonize at Sea Ranch Lodge
Sea Ranch Lodge on the remote Sonoma Coast blends eco-friendly design with stunning ocean views. Dogs are welcome in most room types and can join you on six trails and beaches, including the scenic Blufftop Trail.
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Condé Nast Traveler readers’ top Northern California hotel picks
Four Northern California hotels from the Conde Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards stand out for dog lovers. The Stanford Inn, Harbor Court, Stanford Court and Inn at the Presidio all warmly welcome pups.
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GOCAL goes pet friendly
The GOCAL region in Southern California is a dog-friendly gateway to mountains, deserts and everything in between. From Ontario to Riverside and Mt. Baldy, you'll find parks, patios and trails that welcome four-legged travelers.
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