Lakes and rivers Blog

Go with the rivers’ flow

Grab a paddle and bring your dog along for a float on California's best rivers. From canoe trips on the Russian River near Healdsburg to outrigger canoes on Mendocino's Big River and rafting the Truckee at Tahoe, wet fun awaits.

Tahoe under paws: Lake Tahoe dog beaches

Lake Tahoe has several dog beaches, but off-leash spots are rare. A locals' favorite is the sandy strand at Nevada Beach, where dogs fetch sticks from crystalline water. Other options include Coon Street Dog Beach and Patton Beach.

Top spots for soaking up mountain majesty

Beat the summer heat at high-elevation campgrounds across California's mountains. From Convict Lake in the Eastern Sierra to Lake Alpine near Angels Camp, these scenic spots pair stunning views with cool nights and dog-friendly trails.

Rollin’ on a river with your dog

You don't need your own boat to paddle with your pup. Catch A Canoe in Mendocino offers dog-friendly outrigger canoes, Russian River Adventures in Healdsburg has stable inflatables, and Truckee River Raft Rentals provides a classic Tahoe float.

Dog-friendly day hikes

North Lake Tahoe is packed with dog-friendly hikes, from the easy Tahoe City Lakeside Trail to the wildflower-rich Page Meadow. The Five Lakes Trail climbs into the Granite Chief Wilderness where sparkling alpine lakes await.

Sniffing out scenery in Sierra County

Sierra County, home to fewer than 4,000 people, feels like your own private Gold Country in fall. A 170-mile loop along the Yuba-Donner Scenic Byway takes you through Downieville, the Gold Lakes Basin, and Sierra City.

Guide to the best dog parks in Southern California

Southern California's best dog parks range from Hollywood Hills hikes at Runyon Canyon to off-leash beach romps at Rosie's Dog Beach in Long Beach. This north-to-south guide covers urban hideaways, oceanfront escapes and mountain vistas for every pup.

Bold photo retro 50s a woody station wagon a dog t

California’s new dog-friendly rules will blow your mind

California's dog-friendly travel scene expanded dramatically in 2025, with new CDC travel regulations, luxury hotel pet packages in Napa and San Diego, expanded airport relief areas, and tech tools that simplify planning trips with your pup. California's reputation as a…

Pena Adobe/Lagoon Valley Park, a dog-friendly dog park in Fairfield, California

Vacaville: Your wine country HQ

Vacaville offers affordable, dog-friendly lodging just 30 minutes from Napa Valley and even closer to the laid-back Suisun Valley wine region. Between tastings, enjoy off-leash play at Lagoon Valley Dog Park and patio dining downtown. For wine lovers craving a…

California glampsites your dog will dig

A curated guide to California's top dog-friendly glamping escapes, from Mendocino Grove's safari tents under the redwoods to desert retreats and vineyard stays. Each property blends wilderness access with comfortable amenities for you and your pup. Glamping by the sea…

Make a splash on Shasta Lake

Shasta Lake, California's largest reservoir, offers 370 shoreline miles of dog-friendly fun near Redding. Rent boats, swim at sandy coves, hike the Sacramento River Trail, then enjoy patio dining and pet-welcoming hotels in town. Splash! Three rivers feed Shasta Lake…

Image from Animal samaritans on DogTrekker

Animal Samaritans: Coachella Valley’s largest pet rescue

Animal Samaritans has served the Coachella Valley since 1978, growing from bake-sale beginnings into the desert's largest animal welfare organization. With no-kill shelters, full-service vet clinics and a pet therapy program, they rescue hundreds of animals each year.

Dog-friendly California destination, photo courtesy of Greater Palm Springs

Unique outdoor adventures

Greater Palm Springs offers dog-friendly adventures well beyond hiking trails. Watch championship polo in Indio, tour vintage warbirds at the Palm Springs Air Museum, camp at Lake Cahuilla, or stroll through Moorten Botanical Garden with your leashed pup.

A photo of dogs on a road trip in california on th

Three amazing dog-friendly road trips in California

Three dog-friendly California road trips worth taking: Yosemite to Mammoth Lakes through the Eastern Sierra, Jenner to Leggett along the coast, and Redding to Mount Shasta through volcanic country. Each route features pet-friendly stops and stunning scenery.

Exceptional experiences in Yosemite

Yosemite's gateway towns are welcoming a wave of new glamping and adventure hotels. From canvas tents in Mariposa to safari-style camps in Groveland, these fresh lodging options put you close to the park with dog-friendly rooms and outdoor experiences.