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!
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.
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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.
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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.
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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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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.
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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.
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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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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.
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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.
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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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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.
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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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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.
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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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Ventura loves dogs
Ventura is an ultra-dog-friendly surf town with beaches for splashing, trails for hiking, breweries with big patios and a walkable downtown. Pet-friendly lodging ranges from coastal hotels to vintage glamping trailers.
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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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