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.

Separation anxiety in dogs

When your dog can't handle being away from you, separation anxiety may be the cause. Destructive chewing, barking, and house soiling are common signs. Your vet can help with medication paired with crate training and behavior modification.

Bucket-list cottages and cabin escapes

Dog-friendly cabins and cottages are the top lodging choice for DogTrekker readers. From waterfront cottages at Nick's Cove in Marin to Explorer Cabins near Yosemite to a luxury farm stay in Gold Country, here are three standout picks.

Sheraton Redding hotel at the Sundial Bridge

The Sheraton Redding sits right next to the landmark Sundial Bridge and pampers dogs with bowls, bedding, walking services and a weekly Yappy Hour. The Sacramento River Trail starts at the door and stretches 19 miles to Shasta Dam.

Noyo Harbor Inn, Fort Bragg

The Noyo Harbor Inn in Fort Bragg reopened after a six-year renovation, blending craftsman-style charm with modern comforts. Set on a bluff above the Noyo River, this 15-room B&B offers easy access to an off-leash beach and harbor views.

Hugging the coast in Santa Cruz County

Santa Cruz County's 29 miles of coastline include 15 dog-friendly beaches and one legally leash-free strand at Mitchell's Cove. Nearby lodging options like Edgewater Beach Inn put you and your pup steps from the sand and surf.

Sensory overload in Sonoma County

Sonoma County's coastline offers dozens of beaches, bluff-top trails and dog-friendly inns where you can fall asleep to the sound of the Pacific. From Sea Ranch to Bodega Bay, leashed dogs are welcome along miles of rugged, scenic shoreline.

Tenaya Lodge’s four-paw accommodations

Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite pampers dogs with beds, treats, and an indoor kennel for when you explore pet-restricted park areas. The Pampered Pet Package treats your pup like royalty, and Jackalope's Bar and Grill has outdoor seating for dogs.

If everybody had a surf dog…

Huntington Beach's Dog Beach is a leash-free paradise where pups chase balls along the surf. Beyond the sand, dog-friendly dining, an off-leash park and four oceanfront resorts with special pet packages make Surf City a top canine destination.

Attractive young woman graphic designer working at home office remotely sitting with best friend dog using digital graphic tablet, professional female retoucher sitting at modern home workspace

Bark at the bots, but don’t give up

Bots are snatching up popular campsite reservations before humans can click, but don't give up. Try lesser-known campgrounds on public and private lands, go midweek, check for cancellations, or wait until after Labor Day when competition thins out considerably.

Urban rambles in San Francisco

San Francisco may be the most dog-friendly big city anywhere. Crissy Field, Fort Funston and Bernal Heights Park offer off-leash romps with stunning views, while the Presidio, Golden Gate Park and waterfront trails provide on-leash adventures.

Tenaya Lodge with the kids – summer

Tenaya Lodge near Yosemite is loaded with kid-friendly fun, from poolside movies and underwater music to guided flashlight hikes through the Sierra National Forest. The whole family, dogs included, can refuel at the on-site Timberloft Pizzeria.

The benefits of crate training

A crate can become your dog's favorite den, reducing stress and housetraining accidents while making travel easier. A veterinary technician shares practical advice on choosing the right crate, building positive associations and avoiding common mistakes.

There are many ways to camp

Not a tent person? California glamping has you covered, from safari-style canvas tents at Inn Town Campground in Nevada City to Airstreams at AutoCamp near Yosemite, the Russian River, and Santa Barbara. Many welcome dogs.

Chow down with your Oakland chowhound

Oakland's food scene is a treat for dogs and their people alike. Jack London Square's waterfront restaurants, a German biergarten, Latin-inspired Bocanova and the hip Heart and Dagger Saloon near Lake Merritt all welcome four-legged dining companions.

First-time dog camper? Make a list, check it twice

Heading out camping with your dog for the first time? Plan ahead with cable tie-outs, a crate for sleeping, and a first-aid kit. Pack food and water from home, store everything bear-proof, and review leash laws.

Hike your tails off

Oakland's surrounding hills are laced with trails managed by the East Bay Regional Park District, where dogs can go off-leash in open areas under voice control. Sibley Volcanic Preserve, Anthony Chabot and Redwood Regional Park are all close to downtown.

Cute English Cocker Spaniel indoors. Pet friendly hotel

Where to stay in Concord

Concord offers several dog-friendly hotels close to hiking, dining, and East Bay adventures. The Hilton sits right on the Iron Horse Trail, while other properties like the Concord Plaza Hotel provide pet relief areas and free trail maps.

Carmel City Beach, Monterey County

Carmel City Beach is perhaps the best-known off-leash dog beach in the country, a powdery mile-long strand within walking distance of Carmel-by-the-Sea's shops and restaurants. Nearby, Big Sur's Pfeiffer Beach offers dramatic sea stacks and pink sand.

Redwoods, rivers, Rover and you

Beyond the Russian River, Sonoma County's northern coast around Gualala offers whale watching, redwood groves, and sandy beaches for a peaceful dog-friendly getaway. Stay at the Whale Watch Inn, hike the Bluff Trail, and explore Gualala Point Regional Park.

You can bet your Bodega on this

Bodega Bay in Sonoma County is a prime spot for crabbing off the jetty with your leashed dog when Dungeness season opens in November. Between whale watching, beach walks at Doran Regional Park, and fresh crab, a coastal weekend awaits.

There’s always something dog-centric going on in Oakland

Oakland's Jack London Square is a dog-friendly hub of shops, restaurants, and events on the waterfront. Add in a packed calendar of dog-centric happenings, from Bark at the Park with the A's to adoption fairs and street festivals.

Monterey County parks

Beyond famous Carmel Beach, Monterey County offers miles of off-leash hiking at Garland Ranch Regional Park, scenic views at Jacks Peak, and 20-plus miles of trails at Toro County Park. Well-behaved dogs can roam free on many of these paths.

Activities for every family member at the Stanford Inn

The Stanford Inn by the Sea in Mendocino is a playground for all ages, including four-legged family members. Paddle the Big River on a canine cruiser catamaran, bike coastal trails, or browse the lobby bookshop.

Go boho on the Bohemian Highway

The 10-mile Bohemian Highway in Sonoma County winds through artist-filled communities, organic farms, and one-of-a-kind shops. Stay at the Creekside Inn in Guerneville, explore funky Occidental, stock up on sourdough in Freestone, and finish with coastal views at Goat Rock.

Lodging and camping

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Lodging and camping

Lodging and camping

Lodging and camping Blog