Lakes and rivers Blog
At Tahoe: Plowed trails for tails
Lake Tahoe maintains a network of plowed winter trails perfect for walking your dog without skis or snowshoes. The Tahoe City Lakeside Trail, Truckee River Legacy Trail, and paths in Incline Village are all great options.
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Stroller-friendly hikes for wheels, feet and paws
California offers plenty of paved, stroller-friendly trails where dogs are welcome too. From Lake Tahoe's Lam Watah Trail to San Francisco's Crissy Field and the historic Independence Trail near Nevada City, these paths work for wheels, feet and paws alike.
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Make tracks to Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is brimming with water and activity options for dogs and their people. Kayak the North Shore, walk the expanding shoreline trail network, or visit the historic Tallac estate homes with Big Blue sparkling in the background.
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Crystal blue persuasion
The Crystal Basin Recreation Area off Highway 50 holds more than 700 campsites around five scenic reservoirs in the Eldorado National Forest. Two lakes offer direct trail access into Desolation Wilderness, where dogs can hike off-leash beside you.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Big Bear Lake, the ultimate dog-friendly destination year-round
Big Bear Lake in the San Bernardino Mountains is a year-round playground for dogs. Swim and kayak in summer, hike through fall colors, romp in winter snow, and enjoy spring wildflowers, all with pet-friendly lodging and dining nearby.
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Wilderness hiking in Whiskeytown NRA
Whiskeytown National Recreation Area near Redding is one of the rare National Park Service sites that allows leashed dogs on its 70 miles of trails. Four major waterfalls await, from Whiskeytown Falls to Crystal Creek Falls.
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Dog-friendly Folsom: Lakes, trails and historic Sutter Street
Folsom sits at Gold Country's western gateway with lakes, trails, and a vibrant historic district. Water sports at Folsom Lake pair well with a walk down Sutter Street, and Fido Field gives your dog room to run off-leash.
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Take a fall hike around Redding
Redding earns its title as California's Trail Capital with about 100 miles of paths in and around the city. Fall is a great time to hike the Upper Sacramento Ditch Trail and the Sacramento River Rail Trail with your dog.
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Halfway to heaven
Hike 270-acre St. Joseph's Hill Open Space Preserve above Los Gatos, soak your paws at Lexington Reservoir, then wind down with wine and cheese on the dog-friendly patio at Testarossa, the Bay Area's oldest continuously operating winery.
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