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.
Santa Cruz County’s offbeat bounty
Looking for something offbeat in Santa Cruz County? Walk meditation trails at Land of Medicine Buddha in Soquel, hike through 300 acres of redwood forest at Chaminade Resort, or refuel at Dharma's vegetarian restaurant. Dogs are welcome at all three.
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Paws for a good read
From heartwarming memoirs to playful picture books, this curated reading list from the Stanford Inn by the Sea features great titles for dog lovers. Picks include Finding Gobi, William Wegman's Being Human, and the whimsical Find Momo series.
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Become a water dog in Mendo County
The Mendocino Coast is a perfect summertime retreat, and the dog-friendly Little River Inn makes an ideal base. Their Water Dog package pairs ocean-view rooms with kayak tours through sea caves, plus easy access to beaches and state parks nearby.
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Dog-friendly Sierra County: Downieville and the Sierra Buttes
Sierra County's tiny town of Downieville on the Yuba River makes a perfect fall base camp. Sleep in a streamside cabin, fish the river and hike the steep Sierra Buttes Lookout Trail for jaw-dropping views from nearly 9,000 feet.
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Stay and play in Concord
Concord makes a convenient, affordable base for Bay Area DogTrekkers. Hike scenic regional parks, follow the Taco Trail through nearly 40 local restaurants, and settle into dog-friendly hotels with easy access to the Iron Horse Trail and Mount Diablo views.
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Traveling with a blind or deaf dog
Deaf and blind dogs can be wonderful travel companions with a little extra planning. Stick to familiar routines, keep them leashed in new places, bring bedding that smells like home, and maintain regular feeding schedules for comfort on the road.
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Local tips from the top (human) dog
DogTrekker's co-founder shares insider tips for visiting Monterey County with your dog, from boarding options near the aquarium to indoor dog-friendly restaurants perfect for cooler days along the Central Coast.
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Make it Marin for dog-friendly GGNRA trails/beaches
More than 12,000 acres of GGNRA land in the Marin Headlands offer long on-leash walks and off-leash beach romps within view of the Golden Gate Bridge. Rodeo Beach, Muir Beach, and Fort Baker top the list of dog-friendly favorites.
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Dog-friendly Amador County: Gold Country wine and history
Amador County along Highway 49 is Gold Country at its finest, with historic hotels, robust zinfandels and dog-friendly tasting rooms. Time your visit for the annual Barbera Festival or enjoy wine and live music any weekend in Sutter Creek.
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Tips on traveling with a senior dog
Older dogs can be sensitive to changes in routine, so traveling with a senior pup requires extra planning. From packing familiar items and medications to keeping vet records handy, these tips help your companion stay comfortable.
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Time to revisit Yosemite with your dog
Early fall brings thinner crowds and autumn color to Yosemite, and there is more for dogs to do than you might expect. Leashed pups can walk to Lower Yosemite Fall and along the valley bike paths.
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Hop on a houseboat with your pup
A houseboat vacation means water, sun and quality time with your dog. Trinity Lake and Lake Don Pedro both offer dog-friendly houseboat rentals through Suntex Marinas, with fishing boats and pontoons available too. Here's what you need to know.
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Road trip! explore a scenic byway
Fall is prime time for a scenic drive through California's mountains with your dog. Three standout routes cross the Sierra and Cascades, from the twisting Ebbetts Pass to Yosemite's Tioga Road and the 500-mile Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway.
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Dog-passionate places to rest heads and paws
The Mendocino Coast has hotels that truly love dogs, greeting them with treats, beds and bowls. From the eco-luxury Stanford Inn to the Victorian-era Little River Inn and Fort Bragg's Beachcomber properties, pet pampering is the standard here.
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Paws for dinner on the patio
The Harborview Bistro and Bar at Noyo Harbor Inn serves locally sourced seafood and farm-fresh dishes on a dog-friendly patio overlooking the river. Chef Duboc pulls fish from the harbor and herbs from the inn gardens.
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A pedigreed playground for your pup
Fort Bragg Noyo Harbor Inn puts you steps from a fishing village, state park beaches, the Skunk Train, and Glass Beach. Off-leash dog areas at Noyo Beach and Seaside Beach make this Mendocino Coast stretch a pup paradise.
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High altitude amenities
Tenaya Lodge, set among 50 acres of Sierra National Forest just two miles from Yosemite, rolls out the red carpet for dogs. Their pet package includes beds, bowls, treats, plus dog-sitting and kennel services.
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Gateway to farm and wine country
Vacaville makes a smart, affordable base for wine country trips with your dog. Stay at half the price of Napa hotels and daytrip to dog-friendly wineries in nearby Suisun Valley, where family-owned tasting rooms welcome four-legged visitors.
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Redding family fare (dogs included of course!)
Redding makes a great family base camp with dogs. Stay at the pet-friendly Sheraton near the Sundial Bridge, explore riverside trails and botanical gardens, then take the kids to Caldwell Park or rent a dog-friendly houseboat on Shasta Lake.
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Capital canine discoveries
Sacramento rewards DogTrekkers with shady Capitol Park strolls, dog-friendly patios in buzzy Midtown, and the Old Sacramento Waterfront along the river. Leash up and explore leafy neighborhood parks like McKinley, Curtis Park and the sprawling William Land Park.
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Go for a gusher with your dog
Redding is surrounded by stunning waterfalls worth a visit with your dog. Hedge Creek Falls in Dunsmuir is a quick stop off I-5, while the three-tiered McCloud River Falls offer a scenic hike through top swimming hole country.
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Cruz the California coast
Santa Cruz County's 29 miles of coastline include 15 dog-friendly beaches. Walk West Cliff Drive's coastal path, explore Seabright and Davenport beaches on-leash, and choose from dozens of pet-welcoming hotels, inns, and cottages for your stay.
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How to remove a tick
Ticks carry serious diseases like Lyme and Ehrlichia, so removing them quickly is important. Grab the tick close to the skin, pull firmly, seal it in a bag, and wash your hands. A tick removal tool makes the job easier.
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Tail-waggin’ fun in Folsom and surrounding areas
Folsom pairs a charming Old Town with miles of dog-friendly trails along the American River Parkway and Folsom Lake. Add in taprooms, restaurants with patios, and the Johnny Cash Trail for a full weekend with your pup.
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