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.
Sniff your way to the garlic capital
Gilroy, the Garlic Capital of the World, welcomes dogs to wineries along the Santa Clara Valley Wine Trail, restaurants with patios, and hiking trails at Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch and Mount Madonna.
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Chow down with your dog: Fort Bragg restaurants
Fort Bragg serves up dog-friendly outdoor dining all over town. Silver's at the Wharf has a heated pet-friendly patio overlooking Noyo Harbor, and nearby options range from seafood at Sea Pal Cove to craft beer at North Coast Brewing Company.
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Big mountains, big fun at dog-friendly Mammoth
The drive to Mammoth Lakes on Highway 395 is half the adventure, with stops at Mono Lake and Convict Lake. Once there, your dog can join you for snowshoeing, hiking, and cross-country skiing in the Inyo National Forest.
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Fetch special rates for Wild Blue Dogs Fall Camp
Wild Blue Dogs, a nonprofit fighting canine cancer, hosts a week-long fall camp on the shores of South Lake Tahoe. The all-inclusive event features private beach access, hiking, education sessions, and plenty of fun for dogs and their people.
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By land or by lake: Redding as a basecamp
Redding is the gateway to Upstate California, where rugged mountains, serene lakes, and stunning waterfalls await you and your dog. Hike the Sacramento River Trail, boat on Shasta Lake, or tackle the three McCloud River falls.
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Mend your mind and thrill your dog in Mendocino
Mendocino County's 12 wine-growing regions produce standout wines along Highways 101 and 128. Dogs are welcome at nearly every winery, tasting is often free, and the vibe is refreshingly casual. Plan a trek from Hopland to Anderson Valley and beyond.
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Treks, tours, and top spots in Placer County
From Hidden Falls Regional Park near Auburn to the Miners Ravine Trail in Roseville, Placer County is loaded with dog-friendly hikes and outdoor adventures. Explore 30-plus miles of trails, seasonal waterfalls, and scenic American River views with your pup.
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Fireworks and Fido: 4th of July impact on dogs
Fireworks cause more pets to go missing around the Fourth of July than any other time of year, with shelters reporting a 30 to 60 percent surge in lost animals. Here are tips to keep your dog safe.
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Our favorite dog-friendly hotels and resorts in California
From rooftop dog runs in San Francisco to waterfront cottages on Tomales Bay, these ten California hotels truly welcome four-legged guests. Expect welcome kits, dedicated dog menus, private dog parks and staff who treat your pup like a VIP.
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Butte County: nature and culture for dogs and people
Butte County serves up Gold Rush history, college-town energy and beautiful hiking in the southern Shasta Cascade region. Walk your dog through Bidwell Park, explore lava flows at North Table Mountain, then refuel at a dog-friendly Chico brewery patio.
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Wild Blue Dogs summer camp early-bird ends March 15
Wild Blue Dogs Camp at Lake Tahoe runs weeklong sessions packed with dog training, agility, kayaking, and beach time. The nonprofit raises funds for canine cancer treatment, making every visit count for a good cause.
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Santa Monica: a tail-wagging destination for pups and people
Santa Monica offers dog-friendly hotels near the pier, off-leash parks like Airport Park and Herb Katz Dog Park, pet-welcoming restaurant patios, and top-notch grooming spas. It's a SoCal hotspot for pups and people.
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Bark Park in Susanville: dog-friendly stop in Lassen County
Bark Park in Susanville offers separate off-leash areas for large and small dogs, open dawn to dusk. This Lassen County community gem is a welcome rest stop for travelers with pups on road trips through northeastern California.
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Redding: perfect pit stop for you and your dog
Redding is the perfect base for exploring Northern California with your dog. Walk the iconic Sundial Bridge, hike and swim at Whiskeytown Lake, and enjoy craft beer on dog-friendly patios around this welcoming mountain town.
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How to pick a truly dog-friendly motel
Not all pet-friendly motels truly welcome dogs. Learn how to spot the real deal by checking reviews, comparing fees, assessing on-site amenities and evaluating staff attitudes before booking your next trip with your pup.
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Where to stay and play in Big Bear
Big Bear Lake shines in autumn with golden leaves, warm days and cooler evenings under starry skies. Lower lodging rates and fewer crowds mean more room for your dog to play at this mountain getaway.
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Winter pet-friendly activities in Yosemite Mariposa County
Yosemite Mariposa County is a wonderful winter destination for dogs and their people. Leashed pups can enjoy paved trails past iconic landmarks, snowy forest hikes, and cozy pet-friendly lodging at spots like Tenaya Lodge and AutoCamp Yosemite.
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Palm Springs tops the Condé Nast Traveler awards
Two Palm Springs hotels landed on Conde Nast Traveler's 2024 list of the 10 Best Hotels in the World. Hermann Bungalows and Colony Palms Hotel both welcome dogs and offer upscale desert retreats. window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []}; googletag.cmd.push(function()…
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Check into Berkeley’s classic Claremont Club & Spa
The historic Claremont Club and Spa in the Oakland Hills pampers dogs of all sizes with fluffy beds, treats and sweeping Bay Area views. Nearby East Bay Regional Parks offer 120,000 acres of trails to explore.
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Camping and hiking with your dog in California deserts
Desert camping with your dog requires extra care, from hydration and paw protection to tent safety and wildlife awareness. Here are practical tips for enjoying California's desert landscapes with your pup. California's deserts are a world apart — wide-open spaces…
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Winter/spring guide to pet-friendly lodging in Yosemite Mariposa
Yosemite Mariposa County offers dog-welcoming places to stay for every style, from glamping at AutoCamp to the award-winning Tenaya at Yosemite in Fish Camp. Plan ahead for pet policies and pair your stay with nearby trails and wildflowers.
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8 dog-friendly lakes near Southern California
When Southern California heats up, head to these eight dog-friendly lakes within three hours of the city. From Castaic Lake's golden foothills to Big Bear's alpine waters, each spot offers shoreline access and cool relief for overheated pups.
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7 California beaches where dogs run completely free
California offers seven world-class off-leash dog beaches, from Huntington Dog Beach's golden sands to Carmel Beach's iconic shoreline. This field-tested guide covers the best times to visit, parking tips and insider knowledge for each location.
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Big Bear Lake: mountain fun with your pup
Big Bear Lake is a tail-wagging alpine getaway just hours from Southern California, with forested trails, a flat shoreline path, and dog-friendly boat rentals on the lake. Crisp mountain air and laid-back charm make it an ideal escape for dogs…
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