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.
The difference between emotional support animals and service animals
Emotional support animals and service animals have very different legal protections. California's AB 468 law cracks down on fraudulent ESA letters, and understanding the distinction matters for dog owners navigating housing, travel, and public access rights.
Read more
Skunk Train named top scenic train ride
The Skunk Train in Mendocino County earned a top-five spot in USA Today's Best Scenic Train Ride awards. Dogs are welcome aboard for the ride through redwood forests, and the surrounding area offers beaches, trails and breweries.
Read more
Family Dog Rescue: A Sonoma haven for special dogs
Family Dog Rescue in Sonoma is a sanctuary for dogs with special needs, founded by cancer survivor Angela Padilla. The nonprofit provides medical care, behavioral training, and a personalized adoption process for dogs that other shelters often overlook.
Read more
Yosemite and Mariposa County: Awesome dog-friendly guide
Mariposa County near Yosemite is packed with dog-friendly adventures, from the Wawona Meadow Loop and South Fork Trail to pet-welcoming restaurants, historic lodges and even a ghost town tour you can enjoy with your pup.
Read more
Great places to sit, stay and play
Sacramento's dog-friendly hotels range from the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Park to the riverfront Westin and boutique Kimpton Sawyer. Expect welcome treats, pet beds, and easy access to parks and walking trails downtown.
Read more
Say cheers to pup-friendly tasting rooms
Sacramento's craft beer and wine scene is surprisingly dog-friendly. From Track 7 Brewing and Urban Roots downtown to Scribner Bend Vineyards in the Delta, taprooms and tasting rooms across the region welcome leashed pups.
Read more
Four-paw fun with a view at Little River Inn
Little River Inn has welcomed dogs to the Mendocino coast for over 80 years. This locally owned gem offers ocean-view cottages, garden patio dining, welcome treats for pups and easy access to state beaches.
Read more
Discover dog-friendly Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill in Contra Costa County offers dog-friendly wineries, off-leash parks, scenic trails and a welcoming downtown with patio dining. Nearby regional parks and nature preserves round out a perfect East Bay outing with your pup.
Read more
Canine-centered and eco-friendly at heart
Sustainability defines the Stanford Inn experience, from biodynamic gardens and plant-based dining at Ravens Restaurant to environmental workshops and wellness programs. Dogs are welcome throughout, with organic treats and a staff that genuinely loves four-legged guests.
Read more
Bass Lake video
Less than 35 miles from Yosemite's front gate, Bass Lake offers crystal-clear waters, dog-friendly trails, and a laid-back local atmosphere. Whether you're swimming, hiking, or just exploring the shoreline, it's a perfect day trip or weekend escape with your pup.
Read more
The perfect pairing of rest and relaxation
The Stanford Inn pairs ocean-view suites and wood-burning fireplaces with a dog-welcoming atmosphere on the Mendocino coast. Enjoy complimentary breakfast, plant-based dining at Ravens Restaurant, a heated saltwater pool and easy access to coastal trails and beaches.
Read more
Paddle, pedal and play with your pup
The Stanford Inn in Mendocino makes paddling with your dog easy. Rent a canine cruiser outrigger from Catch a Canoe and explore 8.3 miles of Big River Estuary, then return to a resort that welcomes pups warmly.
Read more
Your dog deserves a vacation too!
The Little River Inn on the Mendocino coast offers two adventure packages for dog lovers. The Water Dog package includes ocean kayaking, while the River Dog package features an outrigger canoe trip with your pup.
Read more
Day 1: Woof this way
Your Yosemite Mariposa County road trip starts here. Check into a pet-friendly hotel, stroll charming main streets lined with water bowls, and grab craft brews at 1850 Restaurant. Then gaze up at the Sierra skies and dream about tomorrow's adventures.
Read more
Day 2: Beaches and botanical wonders in Fort Bragg
Fort Bragg delivers beaches, botanical gardens, and Skunk Train railbike tours for dogs and their people. Walk Glass Beach, explore MacKerricher State Park trails, and dine on dog-friendly patios at the Noyo Harbor waterfront.
Read more
Day 3: Hiking, history and waterfront hotels
Mendocino's sweeping Pacific vistas, pygmy forests, and bluff-top trails set the scene for a dog-friendly North Coast escape. The Stanford Inn offers canoe rides with a special canine deck, plus organic treats for pups.
Read more
Day 4: Barking ways
On the last day of your Yosemite Mariposa County trip, grab coffee at Sticks Coffee, then let your dog explore the Sierra National Forest. Cap it off with lunch at Coulter Cafe or Timberloft Pizzeria.
Read more
Day 4: The dog-friendly delights of Highway 128
Highway 128 winds through Mendocino's Anderson Valley past dog-friendly wineries, farmstead cheese stops, and craft breweries. Tasting rooms hand out treats, and spots like Pennyroyal Farm even feature sheep-herding border collies.
Read more
Water fun and wineries in Lake County
Lake County, two hours north of San Francisco, blends water fun, wine tasting and small-town charm around Clear Lake. Bring your dog to paddle, hike, visit dog-friendly wineries and stay at lakeside lodges.
Read more
Was Calistoga really founded by a dog?
Calistoga's founding story features Sam Brannan and his loyal Newfoundland, Leonitus, who helped shape the town into a thriving resort community. Today, pet-friendly inns, wine tasting rooms and restaurants carry on that dog-welcoming tradition in Napa Valley.
Read more
Pet-friendly accommodations
Greater Ontario, California has plenty of pet-friendly hotels for you and your dog. The Ontario Airport Hotel, Ayres Hotel Ontario Mills and Sheraton Ontario Airport Hotel all offer comfortable rooms and amenities that make traveling with your pup stress-free.
Read more
Delights for dogs in Mendocino County
Mendocino County welcomes dogs to some wonderfully unique activities. Ride the Skunk Train through redwoods, pedal railbikes with dog trailers, paddle Big River in canine cruiser outriggers and browse pup-friendly shops from Fort Bragg to Point Arena.
Read more
Seven important tips for California dog travel
Planning a California road trip with your dog takes some preparation. These seven tips cover vaccination records, comfortable car travel, finding dog-friendly parks and beaches, safety on trails, and what to pack.
Read more
Top Mendocino picks for waves and wine
Mendocino County pairs stunning Pacific coastline with dog-friendly adventures like kayaking, Skunk Train rides through redwoods, botanical garden strolls, and winery visits. The Little River Inn makes an ideal pup-welcoming basecamp.
Read more