Lodging and camping Blog
The DogTrekker.com research and editorial teams are experts at California dog travel, with great stories about the best lodging and camping places across the state to stay where your dogs are as welcome as you are. Get the scoop on dog-friendly hotels and lodging, from luxury resorts to economical motels, rustic cabins to campgrounds, vacation rentals to B&B’s.
Coastal cabins and cottages
California's coast is lined with dog-friendly cabins and cottages, from retro-themed seaside inns on the Mendocino coast to charming 1940s cottage motels in Pacific Grove and vacation rentals along Big Sur.
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Take a walk on the wine side
Mendocino County's Anderson Valley wine region along Highway 128 is full of dog-friendly tasting rooms. Navarro, Toulouse, Husch, and Foursight Wines all welcome four-legged visitors, and nearby restaurants and inns make it easy to stay the weekend.
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Heritage House: Same time, next year
Heritage House Resort on the Mendocino coast, the filming location for Same Time Next Year, has reopened with fresh interiors, four-star service and a warm welcome for dogs. Ocean-view cottages and bluff-top trails await.
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From wine to bristlecone pines
A dog-friendly road trip through the High Sierra follows the Golden Chain Highway through Gold Country, crosses Yosemite via Tioga Pass and heads south on Highway 395 past Mono Lake, Mammoth Lakes and the ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest near Bishop.
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Mendocino coasting with your canine
The Mendocino coast offers leash-free beaches, bluff-top trails, scenic Skunk Train rides, and dog-welcoming inns from Fort Bragg to Little River. Dine at Ravens restaurant with your pup beside you or paddle Big River.
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Of cottages and vines
California wine country is full of dog-welcoming retreats, from creekside cabins in Guerneville to luxury cottages at Carneros Resort with private fenced patios. Calistoga Ranch even provides a dog concierge for your pup.
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Dog-friendly hide-aways in Mendocino
Mendocino County offers secluded, dog-friendly getaways from blufftop cottages at Serenisea to the architecturally stunning retreats of Sheep Dung Properties in Anderson Valley. Fenced grounds and nearby wineries make these spots ideal for a quiet escape.
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Adventure awaits on the north coast
California's North Coast is a top dog-friendly destination, with the Point Arena-Stornetta preserve, scenic trails, botanical gardens and welcoming lodgings like the Beachcomber Motel and Surf and Sand Lodge in Fort Bragg.
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Four-paw dining in Oakland
Oakland rolls out the welcome mat for dogs at restaurants across the city. Jack London Square, Lake Merritt, and the historic Broadway Auto Row all feature patio dining where your pup can join you for craft beer and pizza.
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Sit, stay and snore in dog-friendly San Francisco
San Francisco may be the most dog-friendly city in California for overnight stays. From the vintage Ocean Park Motel near Fort Funston to Victorian B&Bs in the Mission, the options for pup-welcoming lodging are endless.
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Dog-friendly road trip through the Sacramento River Delta
The Sacramento River Delta is a watery maze of old-time bridges, levee roads, and farm towns where time moves slowly. Drive Highway 160 with your dog, stroll through historic Locke, and sample Delta wines.
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Cruising with Cosmo in Santa Cruz County
Santa Cruz County's 29 miles of coastline offer beaches, off-leash dog parks with ocean views, and dog-friendly restaurants for a coastal getaway. Mitchell's Cove provides leash-free sand time, while Seacliff State Beach features a quirky concrete freighter from 1910.
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Regional parks tightening leash?
The East Bay Regional Parks are a magnet for dog lovers, offering off-leash trails, beaches, lakeside camping, and wide-open spaces across Alameda and Contra Costa counties. But a master plan update could bring tighter leash restrictions to these beloved parks.
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The dining with dog conundrum
Winter weather can close outdoor patios in Mendocino County, but creative options remain. Stanford Inn's Ravens Restaurant serves meals in their dog-friendly lobby, and Little River Inn arranges dinner in a pet-friendly parlor with ocean-path views.
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Dog-friendly lodging for you and yours
Mendocino County's coastline is lined with dog-friendly lodging, from the Beachcomber Motel's on-site dog park and doggie-door suites in Fort Bragg to the Stanford Inn's ocean-view rooms that welcome pets of all kinds, including iguanas and parrots.
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Doggedly exploring Amador County
Amador County's Shenandoah Valley is buzzing with dog-friendly wineries, craft breweries and a new boutique inn. Most tasting rooms welcome four-legged guests, and historic Sutter Creek adds charm with its 62-building Main Street.
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Highway to heaven
The Everitt Memorial Highway winds 14 miles up Mount Shasta's flanks, delivering jaw-dropping views and dog-friendly trails at the Old Ski Bowl. The Gray Butte Trail crosses sacred ground and old-growth forest to reach a breathtaking saddle at 9,129 feet.
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See more on Highway 4
Highway 4 through Calaveras and Alpine counties packs in wine tasting in Murphys, off-leash hiking on the Arnold Rim Trail, and a stunning scenic drive over Ebbetts Pass. Rent a cabin and give yourself a full week.
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Camping etiquette for dogs: Leashes, tethering and bear safety
California campgrounds require dogs to be leashed at all times, so plan ahead with cable tie-outs or stake-out posts. In bear country, remember to secure dog food just like people food to keep wildlife away from your campsite.
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Coasting right along
Monterey, Pacific Grove, and Seaside offer plenty for dogs and their people. Walk the scenic Monterey Bay Coastal Trail, watch for whales and otters, explore tidepools at Asilomar Beach, and grab seafood on the wharf with your pup beside you.
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Best water activities for senior dogs in California
From gentle beach outings and pond-side cottage stays to houseboat adventures on Lake Shasta, California offers plenty of water-friendly activities suited to senior dogs who still love a good splash.
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Bet on Bodega Bay
Bodega Bay in Sonoma County makes a perfect coastal getaway with your dog. Enjoy bird-watching trails, sandy beaches at Doran Regional Park, spectacular coastal views on the Pinnacle Gulch Trail, and fresh crab sandwiches at outdoor-friendly eateries.
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The road to scenic overload
Highway 1 through Big Sur delivers 122 miles of jaw-dropping coastal curves, with dog-friendly Pfeiffer Beach as the star attraction. Campgrounds, cabins, and outdoor breakfast at classic Deetjen's round out a memorable road trip with your pup.
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Mendocino’s beachcomber motel offers pet suites and dog park
The Beachcomber Motel and Spa in Fort Bragg now offers custom Pet Suites with lowered dog showers, dog houses, and direct access to a private 3,500-square-foot leash-free dog park. Two suites even feature doggie doors leading to private kennels.
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