Hiking, parks, gardens Blog

Hiking, Parks and Gardens – can you say happy dog? DogTrekker has you covered with some great stories about the best hikes, parks and gardens for you. Whether you are looking for a quiet stroll through the park or an adventurous hike to a remote location, we have something for everyone. From the great outdoors to urban adventures, we’ve got it all covered. So don’t forget your pup when planning your next adventure – DogTrekker is here to help! Happy trails!

Bike or hike to the beach

The Bob Jones Bike Trail in Avila Beach is a 2.5-mile paved path from Highway 101 to the ocean, passing apple orchards and a golf course. At trail's end, off-leash Olde Port Beach rewards you and your dog.

Dog-friendly wineries in Sonoma County

Sonoma County's wine country pairs world-class vintages with a warm welcome for dogs. From the canine-celebrating Mutt Lynch Winery to Kunde Family's guided dog hikes through the vineyards, tasting has never been more fun.

Halfway to heaven

Hike 270-acre St. Joseph's Hill Open Space Preserve above Los Gatos, soak your paws at Lexington Reservoir, then wind down with wine and cheese on the dog-friendly patio at Testarossa, the Bay Area's oldest continuously operating winery.

Views galore in Santa Clara County

Mount Madonna County Park near Gilroy packs ocean views, redwood forests, and 14 miles of dog-friendly trails into one Santa Cruz Mountains preserve. Spring wildflowers make it especially beautiful, and nearby Kirigin Cellars offers off-leash wine tasting grounds.

Maya climbing Bishop Peak, SLO. Phoo by Dave Kendrick.

Beaching it in South SLO County

SLO County's south coast stretches from Pismo Beach to Avila, offering dog-friendly sand, oceanfront dining, and scenic trails. Pismo's Dinosaur Caves Park has blufftop views, while Avila's Olde Port Beach lets dogs play off-leash in the surf beside evening bonfires.

Rio at Point Cabrillo Lighthouse station.

It takes a (dog-friendly) village

Mendocino village and its surrounding headlands are a dog lover's dream. Hike bluff-top trails to Big River State Beach, explore Point Cabrillo Light Station, and dine with your pup at Ravens restaurant inside the Stanford Inn.

Chandelier Drive-Thru Tree, a dog-friendly attraction in Leggett, California

Onward and inland!

Head inland from Fort Bragg on Highway 1 to explore Mendocino County's redwood country with your dog. Drive through the Chandelier Tree in Leggett, ride the dog-friendly Skunk Train from Willits, and sample wines along the Highway 128 Wine Road.

Surf and woof

For a Valentine's day trip from the Bay Area, head to Point Reyes National Seashore for clear winter views and a beach romp with your dog. Stop at Nick's Cove for fresh oysters on the way back.

San Francisco is for dog lovers

San Francisco offers dogs an embarrassment of riches, from off-leash romps at Fort Funston and Crissy Field to the stunning Lands End Trail and 24 miles of paths winding through the historic Presidio.

Cute photo of two dogs in love --ar 169 --v 7

A weekend for romance

Plan a romantic, dog-friendly Valentine's weekend along the California coast. Pacific Grove's Andril Fireplace Cottages, Bodega Bay's rugged shoreline, and Mendocino's Stanford Inn all offer fireplaces, ocean views, and warm welcomes for your four-legged companion.

Have dog, will travel to Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz County is a dog lover's playground. Walk the coastal path along West Cliff Drive, let your pup run off-leash at Mitchell's Cove Beach, hike through redwoods at Henry Cowell, or ride a steam train at Roaring Camp.

Catch a ride on a canine cruiser

Catch A Canoe in Mendocino has added a custom-built Canine Cruiser to its fleet. The handmade redwood outrigger features a raised, padded deck that fits up to four dogs, making Big River estuary trips a true family affair.

Dog-friendly San Simeon Cove

San Simeon Cove offers off-leash beach time just steps from Hearst Memorial State Beach. Hunt for sea glass and jade, watch otters and pelicans, hike the bluff-top trail, then head to Cambria for patio dining.

Pet insurance: Where do you draw the line?

A single hiking mishap can mean thousands in vet bills, raising the question of whether pet insurance is worth it. Weigh traditional policies against alternatives like Pawp, Pet Assure, and dedicated savings accounts.

Roam among giants

Most giant sequoia groves sit inside national parks where dogs aren't welcome on trails. But Nelder Grove near Oakhurst and Converse Basin Grove in the Sequoia National Forest offer dog-friendly paths among these massive, awe-inspiring trees.

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Explore Concord with free doggie visitor’s guide

Concord puts out the welcome bowl for dogs with a free Perro Trail guide covering its walkable downtown, parks, and open spaces. Restaurants, breweries, and hotels all cater to four-legged visitors in this East Bay city with deep Spanish-era roots.

Let’s go coasting: Pacifica to Carmel

Highway 1 between Pacifica and Carmel packs 122 miles of dog-friendly beaches, coastal trails, and charming towns. Walk the Devil's Slide Trail, lunch seaside in Santa Cruz, and let your pup run off-leash on Carmel Beach before exploring the village.

Coastal cabins and cottages

California's coast is lined with dog-friendly cabins and cottages, from retro-themed seaside inns on the Mendocino coast to charming 1940s cottage motels in Pacific Grove and vacation rentals along Big Sur.

Now wear this!

From GoPro harnesses that capture your dog's point of view to GPS trackers, activity monitors and digital ID tags, these tech gadgets help you keep tabs on your pup and see the world through their eyes.

Winter dog-walking gear: Harnesses, boots and LED collars

A no-pull harness, comfortable rain boots for the dog walker, and a blinking LED collar light make practical winter gifts. These simple items keep walks safer and more enjoyable during the short, wet days of the season.

Stunning ocean views from the deck at Heritage House.

Heritage House: Same time, next year

Heritage House Resort on the Mendocino coast, the filming location for Same Time Next Year, has reopened with fresh interiors, four-star service and a warm welcome for dogs. Ocean-view cottages and bluff-top trails await.

Experience the joy-filled sight of a golden retriever scampering gleefully towards you, its tail wagging merrily. In the backdrop, a lively group of dogs adds to the playful ambiance of the sun-kissed, pet-friendly dog park. This place is an enticing option for your beloved pet's recreative and socializing needs.

Paws for a park

Sonoma County's parks offer everything from coastal trails to wooded ridgelines for you and your dog. Hike Hood Mountain, explore Tolay Lake's grasslands, or walk 17 miles of coastline at Sonoma Coast State Park.

Walking the wilds of Mendocino

Beyond the famous coastline, Mendocino County holds vast dog-friendly public lands including the 50,000-acre Jackson Demonstration State Forest, with trails through old-growth redwood groves and a waterfall hike worth the effort.

Discover a verdant oasis in the South Bay for your next canine adventure, meandering through a network of trails in a forest of towering oak trees. Observe the intricate patchwork of vibrant green moss adorning each tree trunk, creating an enchanting realm that captivates both human and hound alike. The rich brown carpeting that lines the trail- compiled entirely by nature's own fallen leaves - provides ample cushioning for paws and footwear alike. This woodland retreat presents countless sights, sounds and smells to entertain your dog's senses while also offering plenty of peace and tranquility.

South Bay ramble

Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve in the San Mateo County hills features a rare 16-acre off-leash area where dogs can roam freely. Trails wind through oak woodlands with Santa Cruz Mountain views.

Hiking, parks, gardens

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Hiking, parks, gardens

Hiking, parks, gardens

Hiking, parks, gardens Blog