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.

Dog-friendly patio at Half Moon Bay Brewing.

Sea breezes and sand on the San Francisco Peninsula

Half Moon Bay on the San Francisco Peninsula is a natural getaway where dogs can romp on beaches, dine at patio restaurants with special pet menus and stay at seaside lodges right along Highway 1.

Escape into nature at Stone Ranch and Mendocino Grove

Mendocino Stone Ranch is a 50-acre retreat with art installations, redwood trails and unique lodging options including a yurt with ocean views. Nearby Mendocino Grove hosts dog-friendly group events amid stately forests.

Dog-friendly adventures await at Big Bear Lake

Big Bear Lake, just 100 miles from Los Angeles, is a top dog-friendly getaway in the San Bernardino National Forest. Paddle the seven-mile lake, hike over 100 miles of trails, then unwind at a pet-welcoming cabin or lakeside restaurant.

Putah Canyon Campground: Dog-friendly camping on Lake Berryessa

Putah Canyon Campground on Lake Berryessa's quiet west side offers waterfront campsites, gentle lakeshore walks and peaceful mornings with your dog. Facilities are basic, but the wide-open shoreline and starry skies make it an ideal low-key camping getaway.

Five ways to explore the California coast

Five dog-friendly stops near Noyo Harbor Inn showcase the best of the Mendocino Coast. Glass Beach, the Noyo Headlands Trail, the Skunk Train, Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens and the Big River Trail all welcome leashed pups.

Sunset Travel Awards showcase California’s coastal jewels

The 2024 Sunset Travel Awards spotlight three dog-friendly coastal California hotels: Timber Cove Resort on the Sonoma Coast, Laguna Surf Lodge in Orange County and the charming Orli La Jolla near San Diego.

Comfy rooms with fetching design features

Noyo Harbor Inn blends Arts and Crafts architecture with modern comfort on the Mendocino Coast. Half the rooms welcome pets, with wood floors, private patios and park-like grounds for dog walking just steps from the harbor.

Condé Nast and Sunset agree on Healdsburg

Both Conde Nast Traveler and Sunset named Healdsburg a top wine destination in 2024. This Sonoma County town offers dog-friendly tasting rooms, fenced parks, pet boutiques and hotels that roll out the red carpet for pups.

Culinary gems for people and pups

HarborView Bistro at Noyo Harbor Inn has added an impressive whiskey menu, a cigar lounge and a winemaker dinner series. These dog-friendly culinary events pair great food and drink with Mendocino Coast views and gracious hospitality.

Dogs are pampered in the new Little River Inn Pup Cabanas.

Little River Inn (choose from three exciting deals)

Little River Inn on the Mendocino coast is running three winter deals: a Hair Ball fundraiser package, the Cozy by the Coast discount through February, and a Whale of a Sale third-night-free offer in March.

Eight dog‑friendly stays between Mendocino and the Oregon border

Eight small lodges between Mendocino and the Oregon border treat dogs like honored guests. From Little River Inn's cliff-top rooms to Requa Inn's salmon scraps at breakfast, each property sits near trails through ancient redwood groves.

The text "Thank you" is used as a thank you sign. Adorable puppy holding a note of gratitude. Conveying appreciation, Generative AI.

This season, we share gratitude (and getaways for you!)

This Thanksgiving, DogTrekker celebrates a year of readers supporting California rescues, fostering pets and protecting park access. As a thank-you, we're sharing winter lodging specials from Mendocino County's most pup-friendly properties, including Little River Inn and Stanford Inn.

Planning a pet getaway? Airlines just changed the rules

Airlines have tightened pet travel rules, limiting cabin spots, ending emotional support animal policies and enforcing stricter crate requirements. California dog owners need to book early, prepare paperwork and plan ahead for smooth flights.

Photo by Visit Santa Cruz, two dogs playing on beach.

Surf and sand in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz pairs legendary surf breaks with towering redwoods and 17 dog-friendly beaches along its 29-mile coastline. Add wineries, breweries and a walkable downtown, and you have the perfect pup-friendly getaway.

Canines reign supreme in Carmel

Carmel-by-the-Sea is one of America's most dog-friendly towns, with loose leash laws, an off-leash beach, pet boutiques and patio dining galore. More than half of the village's 40-plus hotels welcome four-legged guests.

Big Bear Lake pet-friendly lodging for every travel tribe

Big Bear Lake has dog-friendly lodging for every type of traveler, from family cabins with full kitchens to romantic retreats with hot tubs and lake views. Pet fees and policies vary, so call ahead to confirm before you book.

Walk along Moonstone Beach Boardwalk, Cambria.

Slowdown in SLO CAL

San Luis Obispo County stretches 100 miles along Highway 1, with off-leash beaches, dog-friendly wineries and charming towns from Cambria to Pismo Beach. Stay at coastal lodges or the Michelin Key-awarded San Luis Creek Lodge.

Say “bone-appetit” to Big Bear

Big Bear's restaurant scene warmly welcomes dogs on patios throughout the village. Try dog-safe donuts at Dank Donuts, burgers and brews at The Bone Yard, wine and bites at Barrel 33, or Mexican fare at Azteca Grill.

Care for Big Bear

Care For Big Bear promotes responsible tourism in the San Bernardino National Forest, where more than 3 million visitors play each year. Stay on trails, respect wildlife, and support local green businesses.

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Boutique digs in Big Bear

Hotel Marina Riviera in Big Bear Lake blends retro alpine style with modern comfort on the waterfront. A heated pool, lakeside fire pits, and dog-friendly outdoor dining make it easy to bring your pup along.

Maya checks out the lifeguard station at the PAW-SEA private dog park.

A haven for hounds in Huntington

Paséa Hotel and Spa in Huntington Beach earned the top spot in USA Today's Best Pet-Friendly Hotel awards. Dogs of all sizes are welcomed with a private dog park and dedicated dog menu.

Hyper-realistic professional photo of several adopta

California’s housing crisis is overcrowding animal shelters

California's soaring rents and strict no-pet rental policies are forcing owners to surrender beloved dogs and cats. Shelters from Los Angeles to Oakland are overflowing as housing instability becomes the leading cause of pet relinquishment statewide.

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WeHo rolls out the ruff-ruff red carpet

West Hollywood is paws-down LA's most dog-friendly neighborhood. Walkable boulevards, rooftop lounges and patio dining along Melrose and Santa Monica make it easy to explore with your pup, while nearby Runyon Canyon offers off-leash hikes with skyline views.

Kaya at the top of Seven Falls Trail overlooking Santa Barbara.

Santa Barbara County calls

Santa Barbara offers a stunning coastal escape for dogs and their people, with off-leash beaches like Arroyo Burro, dog-friendly wine tasting rooms, waterfront hotels and the open spaces of Douglas Family Preserve.

Lodging and camping

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Lodging and camping

Lodging and camping

Lodging and camping Blog