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!
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Go boho on the Bohemian Highway
The 10-mile Bohemian Highway in Sonoma County winds through artist-filled communities, organic farms, and one-of-a-kind shops. Stay at the Creekside Inn in Guerneville, explore funky Occidental, stock up on sourdough in Freestone, and finish with coastal views at Goat Rock.
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Tri-Valley: Eat, drink and chill after the hike
After a hike in the East Bay Regional Parks, the Tri-Valley region is the perfect place to refuel. Three dozen dog-friendly wineries, 14 craft breweries and two dozen pet-welcoming hotels make it easy to extend your adventure.
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What and where is Tri-Valley?
Straddling Alameda and Contra Costa counties, the Tri-Valley region offers dog-friendly wineries, craft breweries, restaurants and miles of trails just an hour from San Francisco. The Iron Horse Trail alone stretches 32 miles through charming towns.
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Tri-Valley’s no-whine wineries
The Livermore Valley is home to more than 50 wineries, with 23 proudly welcoming dogs. Tasting fees and attitudes are relaxed at boutique operations where you and your pup can sample small-lot wines and picnic among the vines.
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