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.
Fort Bragg: Affordable and uniquely dog-friendly
Fort Bragg on the Mendocino coast is an affordable, standout destination for dog travelers. The Beachcomber Hotel Group's three properties offer welcome kits for pups, play areas, and easy access to Glass Beach, the Skunk Train, and coastal trails.
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Tahoe’s tail-waggin’ winter highlights
Lake Tahoe in winter means plowed trails, snowshoeing with your dog, and even skijoring across snowy landscapes. With over 20 miles of cleared paths and pet-friendly lodges from Truckee to South Lake Tahoe, cold-weather fun comes easy here.
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Tahoe snow play and stay: dog-friendly hotels
Lake Tahoe has dog-friendly lodging for every budget, from the Ritz-Carlton to cozy B&B cottages on the West Shore. In winter, enjoy plowed walking trails, cross-country skiing, and heated patio dining in Truckee before cozying up by a fireplace.
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So, what’s to do with your dog in Concord?
Concord has plenty to get tails wagging, from off-leash romps at Baldwin Dog Park to miles of trails at Lime Ridge and Shell Ridge Open Space. Drive up Mount Diablo for panoramic views or cruise the Iron Horse Trail.
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The Gold Country’s golden chain highway
Highway 49 links 330 miles of Gold Rush history, dog-friendly trails, and small-town charm. Base yourself in Oakhurst or Sonora for steam-train rides, state park explorations, living-history weekends at Columbia, and scenic Sierra detours along the way.
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Paw-some road trips from Sacramento
Sacramento's big backyard delivers dog-friendly road trips to Placer County waterfalls, Gold Country mining trails, and small-batch wineries in the Sacramento River Delta. Two-room suites at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Sacramento Riverfront Promenade make a comfortable home base.
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Make Noyo Harbor Inn your ulti-mutt fall getaway
Noyo Harbor Inn in Fort Bragg pairs Mendocino Coast beauty with genuine dog-friendly hospitality. Leashed dogs join guests at HarborView Bistro, and the inn's grounds and nearby coastal trails make it easy to keep your pup happy all weekend.
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Award-winning California hotels that welcome four-legged guests
From Palm Springs resorts to Bay Area landmarks, California's best dog-friendly hotels earned major accolades in 2024. Here are award-winning properties that treat your pup like a VIP guest. California is home to some of the finest dog-friendly hotels in…
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Dog-friendly lakes not named “Tahoe”
Skip the Tahoe crowds and explore California's quieter dog-friendly lakes instead. From Clear Lake in Lake County to Big Bear, Shasta Lake and more, these alternatives offer great swimming, boating and shoreline fun with your pup.
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Activities in Sacramento’s big backyard
Sacramento sits within easy reach of Folsom Lake, Apple Hill wineries, Gold Country, and the Sacramento River Delta. These day-trip destinations offer hiking, paddling, seasonal tastings, and plenty of dog-friendly stops along the way.
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Best dog-friendly lakes in California
California is loaded with dog-friendly lakes for swimming, fetching, and cooling off. From Lake Tahoe's alpine beaches to the warm waters of San Luis Reservoir and Big Bear Lake, here are the best spots for a water day with your…
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Bringing your dog to Yosemite: the complete 2026 guide
Yes, you can bring your dog to Yosemite. Full trail list (Valley, Wawona, Glacier Point), where to stay in Mariposa County, B.A.R.K. Ranger program, shuttle rules, FAQ. Updated 2026 by the DogTrekker editorial team.
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Introducing the DogTrekker Southern California portal
DogTrekker's new SoCal Portal showcases Southern California's best dog-friendly places to stay, play, hike, dine, and splash, from laid-back beach towns to high-desert escapes. Sunshine, surf, mountains and deserts—Southern California is a dog lover's dream. DogTrekker.com's brand-new SoCal Portal pulls…
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Wag again at Little River Inn
Little River Inn on the Mendocino coast has new doggie dining cabanas, updated rooms and pup-friendly adventure packages. Fifth-generation innkeeper Cally Dym invites guests to revisit this bluff-top gem near trails, beaches and ocean sunsets.
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Attention all water dogs: It’s splash season
California's splash season means it's time to hit the water with your dog. From Russian River paddling trips to Mendocino coast kayaking, these DogTrekker-tested favorites offer seaside coves, freshwater lakes and rivers for every water-loving pup.
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Plan your perfect Sacramento daycation
Sacramento is a dog-travel powerhouse with 32 miles of river parkway trails, farm-to-fork dining on spacious patios and craft breweries that welcome pups. These one-day itineraries pair top dog-friendly hotels with the best the capital city has to offer.
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DogTrekker’s official spring/summer event guide is live!
DogTrekker's spring and summer 2025 event guide highlights pup-friendly fundraisers across California. From Pasadena Humane's Wiggle Waggle Walk to the Sacramento SPCA Doggy Dash and Woofstock Chico, your participation supports rescue efforts that change animal lives.
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Hit reset in the sunny Shasta Cascade region
The Shasta Cascade region spans eight Northern California counties filled with mountains, forests, rivers and high desert. For dog lovers, it means room to roam, small-town hospitality, swimming holes and long trails with dramatic volcanic scenery around every bend.
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Plan a summer reset in the Shasta Cascade region
Northern California's Shasta Cascade region spans eight counties packed with national and state parks, trails, lakes and pet-friendly towns. From Mount Shasta's peaks to Burney Falls, spring brings wildflowers and ideal conditions for exploring with your dog.
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Hiking Mount Tamalpais’s Old Railroad Grade with your dog
Follow the historic Old Railroad Grade 6.6 miles up Mount Tamalpais, tracing the route of the crookedest railway in the world. The smooth trail climbs 1,300 feet through redwoods to panoramic Bay Area views.
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Road trip tips for kids and dogs
Planning a family road trip with kids and dogs takes strategy, especially when booking hotels. Here's how to find truly dog-friendly lodging, from boutique brands like Kimpton to budget-friendly chains, plus what to ask before you reserve. Headed out on…
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Chow down with your dog near the sea
Finding dog-friendly restaurants on the Mendocino Coast is easier than you think. From the heated patio at Silver's at the Wharf in Fort Bragg to upscale seaside dining in Gualala, your pup can join you for meals with ocean views.
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A taste and a sip of the dog-friendly Delta
The Sacramento River Delta is just minutes from downtown and loaded with dog-friendly wineries, live music patios, and funky eateries. From Scribner Bend Vineyards to Husick's BBQ in Clarksburg, a taste of rural California awaits.
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Tenaya Lodge: the Yosemite home for you and Fido
Tenaya Lodge near Yosemite's south entrance rolls out the red carpet for dogs with pet-friendly rooms, new Explorer Cabins, dog massages, and gourmet treats. It's a Four-Diamond resort that makes your pup feel just as pampered as you.
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