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!

Escape into nature at Stone Ranch and Mendocino Grove

Mendocino Stone Ranch is a 50-acre retreat with art installations, redwood trails and unique lodging options including a yurt with ocean views. Nearby Mendocino Grove hosts dog-friendly group events amid stately forests.

Dog-friendly adventures await at Big Bear Lake

Big Bear Lake, just 100 miles from Los Angeles, is a top dog-friendly getaway in the San Bernardino National Forest. Paddle the seven-mile lake, hike over 100 miles of trails, then unwind at a pet-welcoming cabin or lakeside restaurant.

Putah Canyon Campground: Dog-friendly camping on Lake Berryessa

Putah Canyon Campground on Lake Berryessa's quiet west side offers waterfront campsites, gentle lakeshore walks and peaceful mornings with your dog. Facilities are basic, but the wide-open shoreline and starry skies make it an ideal low-key camping getaway.

Five ways to explore the California coast

Five dog-friendly stops near Noyo Harbor Inn showcase the best of the Mendocino Coast. Glass Beach, the Noyo Headlands Trail, the Skunk Train, Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens and the Big River Trail all welcome leashed pups.

Comfy rooms with fetching design features

Noyo Harbor Inn blends Arts and Crafts architecture with modern comfort on the Mendocino Coast. Half the rooms welcome pets, with wood floors, private patios and park-like grounds for dog walking just steps from the harbor.

Condé Nast and Sunset agree on Healdsburg

Both Conde Nast Traveler and Sunset named Healdsburg a top wine destination in 2024. This Sonoma County town offers dog-friendly tasting rooms, fenced parks, pet boutiques and hotels that roll out the red carpet for pups.

Eight dog‑friendly stays between Mendocino and the Oregon border

Eight small lodges between Mendocino and the Oregon border treat dogs like honored guests. From Little River Inn's cliff-top rooms to Requa Inn's salmon scraps at breakfast, each property sits near trails through ancient redwood groves.

The text "Thank you" is used as a thank you sign. Adorable puppy holding a note of gratitude. Conveying appreciation, Generative AI.

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.

Fall trails and starry skies in Big Bear Lake

Autumn turns Big Bear Lake's trails into a canvas of golden aspens and mountain color. With over 100 miles of hiking routes and stargazing after dark, fall is the best season to hit the trails with your dog.

Maya & Roxanne on a Holloway's Marina & RV Park Pontoon Boat.

Wagging tails and water play in Big Bear Lake

Fall at Big Bear Lake means fewer crowds, crystal-clear water and prime fishing season. Bring your pup along for kayaking, pontoon cruises, shoreline casting and sunset picnics on the 22 miles of scenic alpine shoreline.

Photo by Visit Santa Cruz, two dogs playing on beach.

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.

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.

Walk along Moonstone Beach Boardwalk, Cambria.

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.

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.

Care for Big Bear

Care For Big Bear promotes responsible tourism in the San Bernardino National Forest, where more than 3 million visitors play each year. Stay on trails, respect wildlife, and support local green businesses.

Leptospira bacteria showcasing its distinctive spiral morphology and complex surface structure. — Adobe Images

Leptospirosis: A growing threat to California’s dogs

Leptospirosis cases are rising in California dogs, fueled by heavy rains, urban rats and contaminated puddles. The bacterial disease can cause kidney and liver failure, but a simple vaccine and smart trail habits can protect your pup.

Top tips for safe Earth Day adventures

This Earth Day and every day, follow these five tips for keeping your dog safe on the trail. Plan ahead, respect wildlife, practice good trail etiquette, pack out all waste and support businesses that champion environmental stewardship across California.

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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.

GO, hit the trails in GOCAL!

The Greater Ontario region of Southern California offers dog-friendly trails for every skill level. Walk the paved Pacific Electric Trail, roam Red Hill Community Park's off-leash area, or hike Mount Rubidoux for panoramic views.

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.

Maya checks out the lifeguard station at the PAW-SEA private dog park.

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.

Not every California town loves your dog

Not every California town is dog-friendly. Breed bans, strict leash laws, hefty fines and park restrictions vary widely from city to city. Before you travel, check local ordinances so you and your pup don't get caught off guard.

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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.

Kaya at the top of Seven Falls Trail overlooking Santa Barbara.

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.

Hiking, parks, gardens

Hiking, parks, gardens near me..

Hiking, parks, gardens

Hiking, parks, gardens

Hiking, parks, gardens Blog