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!

If everybody had a surf dog…

Huntington Beach's Dog Beach is a leash-free paradise where pups chase balls along the surf. Beyond the sand, dog-friendly dining, an off-leash park and four oceanfront resorts with special pet packages make Surf City a top canine destination.

Attractive young woman graphic designer working at home office remotely sitting with best friend dog using digital graphic tablet, professional female retoucher sitting at modern home workspace

Bark at the bots, but don’t give up

Bots are snatching up popular campsite reservations before humans can click, but don't give up. Try lesser-known campgrounds on public and private lands, go midweek, check for cancellations, or wait until after Labor Day when competition thins out considerably.

Marin County Open Space

Marin County's Open Space District manages 34 preserves with trails for every ability level. From Baltimore Canyon's shady streamside paths to the windswept ridgelines of Gary Giacomini, dogs under voice control can hike off-leash on fire roads.

Urban rambles in San Francisco

San Francisco may be the most dog-friendly big city anywhere. Crissy Field, Fort Funston and Bernal Heights Park offer off-leash romps with stunning views, while the Presidio, Golden Gate Park and waterfront trails provide on-leash adventures.

East Bay Regional Park District

The East Bay Regional Park District manages 65 parks spanning 114,000 acres with 1,200 miles of dog-friendly trails. Well-trained dogs can hike off-leash in many areas, from popular Point Isabel shoreline to the remote Ohlone Wilderness.

Sunny Tri-Valley wineries welcome dogs

The Tri-Valley region east of San Francisco is home to more than 50 wineries in the historic Livermore Valley, with two dozen welcoming dogs. Sip zins at Chouinard's barn tasting room, enjoy bocce at Garre, and take in vineyard views.

Tenaya Lodge with the kids – summer

Tenaya Lodge near Yosemite is loaded with kid-friendly fun, from poolside movies and underwater music to guided flashlight hikes through the Sierra National Forest. The whole family, dogs included, can refuel at the on-site Timberloft Pizzeria.

Open space rambles for you and your dog

Concord and its neighboring communities sit among thousands of acres of protected open space, from the Contra Costa Canal Trail to Lime Ridge and Diablo Foothills Regional Park. Spring is prime time for green hills and wildflowers.

There are many ways to camp

Not a tent person? California glamping has you covered, from safari-style canvas tents at Inn Town Campground in Nevada City to Airstreams at AutoCamp near Yosemite, the Russian River, and Santa Barbara. Many welcome dogs.

Where to hike in Concord

Concord is a hiker's paradise with trails at Briones Regional Park, Lime Ridge Open Space, and city dog parks. You can also leash up for a self-guided historical walking tour starting at Todos Santos Plaza in the heart of town.

First-time dog camper? Make a list, check it twice

Heading out camping with your dog for the first time? Plan ahead with cable tie-outs, a crate for sleeping, and a first-aid kit. Pack food and water from home, store everything bear-proof, and review leash laws.

Noyo Beach, Mendocino County

Off-leash beaches are rare on the Mendocino Coast, but Noyo Beach in Fort Bragg lets your pup run free on dark sand right in town. Larger Seaside Beach six miles north is another option.

Unplug and explore with Concord as a dog-friendly base

Concord in the East Bay blends a thriving craft beer scene, dog-friendly patio dining at spots like Tower Grille and Lazy Dog, fenced dog parks, and affordable lodging into a surprisingly fun getaway with your four-legged friend.

Hike your tails off

Oakland's surrounding hills are laced with trails managed by the East Bay Regional Park District, where dogs can go off-leash in open areas under voice control. Sibley Volcanic Preserve, Anthony Chabot and Redwood Regional Park are all close to downtown.

Cute English Cocker Spaniel indoors. Pet friendly hotel

Where to stay in Concord

Concord offers several dog-friendly hotels close to hiking, dining, and East Bay adventures. The Hilton sits right on the Iron Horse Trail, while other properties like the Concord Plaza Hotel provide pet relief areas and free trail maps.

Fort Funston, San Francisco

Fort Funston in southwest San Francisco is off-leash heaven for dogs, buzzing with canine activity even on foggy days. Trails lead down to a wild, wave-swept beach that rejuvenates human spirits and sends tails into overdrive.

Rosie’s dog beach

Rosie Dog Beach in Long Beach is the only legally off-leash beach in Los Angeles County, open daily from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. For leashed beach walks, the Malibu coast offers scenic alternatives at Leo Carrillo State Park.

Redwoods, rivers, Rover and you

Beyond the Russian River, Sonoma County's northern coast around Gualala offers whale watching, redwood groves, and sandy beaches for a peaceful dog-friendly getaway. Stay at the Whale Watch Inn, hike the Bluff Trail, and explore Gualala Point Regional Park.

You can bet your Bodega on this

Bodega Bay in Sonoma County is a prime spot for crabbing off the jetty with your leashed dog when Dungeness season opens in November. Between whale watching, beach walks at Doran Regional Park, and fresh crab, a coastal weekend awaits.

Raw food diet: Good or bad?

Raw food diets for dogs come with real risks, from bacterial contamination with Salmonella and Listeria to nutritional deficiencies in calcium and phosphorus. Before switching your dog's diet, talk to your vet and look for AAFCO-approved products.

More in Marin

Marin County's water district manages seven reservoirs around Mount Tamalpais with 130 miles of trails open to leashed dogs. A favorite loop connects Phoenix Lake, Bon Tempe Lake and Lake Lagunitas through shady, secluded terrain.

Monterey County parks

Beyond famous Carmel Beach, Monterey County offers miles of off-leash hiking at Garland Ranch Regional Park, scenic views at Jacks Peak, and 20-plus miles of trails at Toro County Park. Well-behaved dogs can roam free on many of these paths.

Sunrise at Shollenberger Park, Petaluma.

Urban rambles in Sonoma County

Petaluma, Santa Rosa, and Sebastopol each bring their own dog-friendly charm to a Sonoma County visit. Petaluma boasts one of the state's largest dog parks, while Santa Rosa celebrates Snoopy and Sebastopol's Barlow district pairs craft beer with artisan shopping.

Activities for every family member at the Stanford Inn

The Stanford Inn by the Sea in Mendocino is a playground for all ages, including four-legged family members. Paddle the Big River on a canine cruiser catamaran, bike coastal trails, or browse the lobby bookshop.

Hiking, parks, gardens

Hiking, parks, gardens near me..

Hiking, parks, gardens

Hiking, parks, gardens

Hiking, parks, gardens Blog