Lakes and rivers Blog

Napa Valley leg-stretchers

After wine tasting in Napa Valley, burn off those calories with your dog at Canine Commons in Alston Park, where off-leash play awaits. Westwood Hills Park and the downtown River Walk offer more leashed options with vineyard and city views.

Lake County dog-friendly campgrounds

Lake County has plenty of dog-friendly campgrounds for summer fun. Private resorts like The Narrows offer full hookups and waterfront access, while Clear Lake State Park has 149 drive-up sites with swimming and hiking nearby.

Choose Redding. Meet outside the meeting

This summer, choose Redding, where every gathering becomes a memory in the making. Set along the Sacramento River and framed by Northern California’s forests and lakes, Redding offers an unhurried place to connect. Here, the agenda is yours to…

Effortless day trips and outdoor adventures

Sacramento sits within a short drive of some of California's most iconic activities, including many delightfully dog-friendly options. It’s easy to choose your own adventure here, whether you'd like to taste small-batch wines, hike ruggedly beautiful trails, survey the state's…

Best dog-friendly campgrounds in California for spring

Spring is the perfect time to camp with your dog in California. Mild temperatures, green hillsides, and wildflower blooms set the scene from March through May, and you will beat the summer crowds at campgrounds from the redwood coast to…

Dog sitting on a scenic coastal cliff, enjoying panoramic ocean views, perfect for outdoor dog trekking adventures and pet-friendly travel enthusiasts exploring nature's beauty.

California’s best coastal dog-friendly towns

From Mendocino's Victorian headlands to Laguna Beach's gallery-lined streets, California's best coastal towns have quietly reshaped themselves around four-legged visitors. Expect water bowls at storefronts, treats at hotel check-in and patios where dogs are the guests of honor.

Dog-friendly California destination, photo courtesy of Sacramento River Cats

Gathering places for pups and people

Some of Sacramento's most dog-friendly spots double as social spaces that connect travelers with friendly locals. By striking up a conversation, you'll often get the inside scoop on the best parks, restaurants, shops and trails for pups. These paw-some playgrounds…

Relaxing dog sitting inside a cozy mountain lodge with stunning ocean views and large glass windows, perfect for pet-friendly travel and outdoor adventures.

The best dog-friendly hotels in Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe's clear blue water, miles of shoreline, and endless trails make it a top destination for dog owners. From the modern Basecamp Hotel to the luxury Landing Resort and the quiet Cedar Glen Lodge, these are the best dog-friendly…

2025 award-winning dog-friendly hotels

From Big Bear's lakefront boutique hotels to Huntington Beach's award-winning resort and West Hollywood's rooftop patios, these 2025 award-winning properties set the standard for dog-friendly hospitality across California. Pack treats and start planning.

3 dog-friendly California lakes to visit this spring

Something about spring in California pulls you lakeside. Maybe it's the way the Sierra foothills turn gold-green after the last rain, or the fact that your dog…

Maya at the Sheraton Redding after a day of hiking.

The whole team is welcome in Redding

Meetings look different in Redding, especially for small teams looking for destinations where dogs can be seamlessly integrated into the experience.

Redding gatherings that go beyond business

Choose Redding for gatherings that focus less on structure and more on the people—and dogs—who make the experience worth having.

Take the conversation outside in Redding

Movement and fresh air have a way of creating authentic bonds in Redding.

Stay to play one more day in Redding

Whatever brings your group to Redding, the area’s undiscovered charms will make you wish you had more free time.

Dog-friendly campsites in northern California

A roundup of exceptional dog-friendly campgrounds across Northern California, from spacious Gerle Creek Reservoir sites to wildflower-rich Woods Lake near Carson Pass, secluded Kidd Lake, coastal MacKerricher State Park, and the redwood groves of Pfeiffer Big Sur.

Top paw-tested campgrounds

From MacKerricher State Park on the Mendocino coast to Pfeiffer Big Sur in the redwoods and Pismo State Beach on the Central Coast, these paw-tested California campgrounds keep dogs and their people coming back year after year.

dog camping in the car. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever and Jack Russell Terrier in the luggage compartment. Pets on vacation. — Adobe Images

A few of our favorite dog-friendly campgrounds

Unlike most state parks, national forest campgrounds let dogs hit the trails. Crystal Basin Recreation Area and the Carson Pass region in the Sierra offer hundreds of dog-friendly campsites and miles of trails through stunning alpine scenery.

Realistic photo of dogs playing at kiva beach lake t

Exploring dog-friendly Lake Tahoe: An adventurer’s guide

Lake Tahoe welcomes dogs at sandy beaches like Kiva and Lake Forest, on forested trails from easy loops to summit hikes, and at patio restaurants with treats at the ready. This guide covers everything you need for a Tahoe trip…

Lake taho summer fun for dogds --ar 169 --v 7

Lake Tahoe summer fun

Summer at North Lake Tahoe means long days on dog-friendly beaches like Kiva and Kings Beach, cool dips in the Truckee River, and alpine hikes with sweeping views. Patio meals in walkable mountain towns round out the perfect warm-weather getaway…

Best of Show Winner: Biscuit and Maddie waving from Glacier Point, Yosemite National Park.

2024 Go California Photo Contest winners

Hundreds of entries poured in for DogTrekker's 2024 Go California Photo Contest, and thousands voted for their favorites. Meet the winning pups, including two Pomeranians waving from Glacier Point and a sidecar-riding dog cruising through Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Dog lover desk decor with dachshund ceramic figure wearing glasses and stacked books about wine and music.

Sacramento DIY tasting tours with an artsy twist

Sacramento's thriving craft beer scene and easy access to top wine producers make it a tasting tour hotspot, with dog-friendly taprooms and Instagram-worthy murals along the way. Start at the Hyatt Centric Downtown and explore patio breweries within walking distance.

2. Cute white puppy wading in a river during an outdoor adventure, showcasing fun and safe pet travel experiences for dog lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Best Southern California doggie swim spots

Southern California is loaded with places where dogs can cool off, from the famous off-leash waves at Huntington Dog Beach to calm inland lakes and hidden creeks. This guide covers the best swim spots and what to know before you…

The ulti-mutt in farm-fresh dining in Sacramento

Sacramento earns its title as America's Farm-to-Fork Capital with 1.5 million acres of farmland and incredible local chefs serving fresh, seasonal ingredients. The dog-friendly Citizen Hotel puts you two blocks from Capitol Park and steps from Michelin-recommended dining.

Splashy pet packages and plenty to explore

Little River Inn's Water Dog Package bundles a two-night coastal stay with a dog-friendly canoe or kayak outing, a generous dinner voucher, and a pet welcome bag. Explore Big River by outrigger or paddle through sea caves off Van Damme…

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Lakes and rivers

Lakes and rivers

Lakes and rivers Blog