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.
Preparing your dog for camping: vaccines and tick prevention
Before hitting the trail with your dog, make sure vaccinations for leptospirosis and Lyme disease are current and flea and tick prevention is in place. A vet shares essential camping prep tips for keeping your pup safe.
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Tri-Valley: wide open space for you and your dog
The Tri-Valley sits alongside thousands of acres of East Bay Regional Parkland where dogs can hike off-leash under voice control. From Pleasanton Ridge to Del Valle Regional Park, wide-open spaces and scenic vistas await you and your pup.
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Dog-friendly hotels and RV parks in Gilroy, CA
Planning a road trip through Gilroy? Several hotels and RV parks welcome dogs, from the Best Western Plus Forest Park Inn to Betabel RV Park with its enclosed off-leash dog area.
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Onward to Mammoth, Bishop, and Lone Pine
From Mammoth Lakes's gondola rides and Devil's Postpile to Bishop's famous bakery and the ancient bristlecone pines, the Eastern Sierra is packed with dog-friendly stops. Continue south to Lone Pine, gateway to Death Valley and classic Western movie country.
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A dog-friendly bird’s eye view in Del Norte County
Del Norte County offers dog-friendly adventures from redwood gondola rides at Trees of Mystery to rugged coastal trails and craft beer patios in Crescent City. Take the SkyTrail through an ancient canopy, hike the California Coastal Trail, and play fetch…
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California dreamin’ with your dog: 11 pet-friendly destinations
California is packed with dog-friendly vacation spots, from Marin County's beaches and hiking trails just across the Golden Gate Bridge to Santa Cruz's surf-friendly shores. Here are some of the best pet-welcoming destinations across the Golden State. California is a…
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Dear hotels: dog travel is big business
Dog travel is a billion-dollar industry, yet many hotels still treat pets like an afterthought. This straight-talking piece lays out why genuinely welcoming dogs leads to repeat business, higher spending, glowing reviews and fuller rooms.
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Calistoga in Napa Valley: a very dog-friendly wine city
Calistoga in Napa Valley is a standout wine country town for dog lovers. Stroll Lincoln Avenue, hike the Oat Hill Mine Trail, taste wines at dog-welcoming wineries like Chateau Montelena, and dine on pet-friendly patios.
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Condé Nast readers go all-in for the Bay Area
A MarketWatch study ranked San Francisco the most dog-friendly city in America, and Conde Nast readers agree. Three Bay Area hotels stand out for pup-loving travelers, including two in the scenic Presidio.
Read morePawsh on the mountain: a dog day at Chaminade
Chaminade Resort in Santa Cruz hosts Pawsh Retreat on August 24, featuring dog pools, pet massages, agility games, a canine fashion show and adoptable pups. Admission is free with a suggested donation benefiting the Santa Cruz SPCA.
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Winter and spring in Yosemite Mariposa: pet-friendly adventures
Winter and spring in Yosemite Mariposa County deliver two trips in one: snow-dusted scenery and quiet roads give way to roaring waterfalls and fresh green foothills. Either season is perfect for exploring with your dog by your side.
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Spring pet-friendly activities in Yosemite Mariposa County
Spring in Yosemite Mariposa County brings swelling rivers, wildflowers, and fresh scents that delight dogs on paved paths where leashed pets are welcome. See Bridalveil Fall at peak flow, explore Sierra National Forest trails, and discover dog-friendly towns beyond the…
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Calaveras Big Trees State Park with your dog
Calaveras Big Trees State Park lets you stand among giant sequoias with your dog. While pets can't join the dirt grove trails, paved paths near the visitor center wind past towering trees.
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Yucaipa Regional Park: dog-friendly lake day
Yucaipa Regional Park in the Inland Empire offers flat lakeside paths, shaded lawns, and a relaxed atmosphere that works well for dogs of all ages. Paved trails loop past three scenic lakes at the foot of the San Bernardino Mountains.
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Dog-friendly Mendocino coast: why April is the best time
There's a stretch of California coastline where fog rolls in like a slow exhale, bluffs erupt in wildflowers every spring, and nobody blinks when your dog walks into a restaurant. That's the Mendocino Coast, and April is arguably the best…
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Dog-friendly Lake Tahoe in spring: hike, eat, and stay
Spring has arrived in the Sierra and Lake Tahoe is shaking off winter. Snow melts, trails open at lower elevations, and mountain air hits different with your dog trotting beside you. Our guide to dog-friendly Tahoe hikes, restaurants, and lodging…
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26 dog-friendly cabins in Big Bear
26 dog-friendly cabins across Big Bear and the San Bernardino Mountains, from Big Bear Lake to Yermo, drawn from DogTrekker's directory of vetted pet-welcoming properties.
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Mother’s Day with your dog: four California getaways
Mother's Day lands on Sunday, May 10 this year, and the sweet spot for booking a California getaway is right now — about three weeks out, before the good rooms…
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12 dog-friendly vacation rentals in Mammoth Lakes
12 dog-friendly vacation rentals across Mammoth Lakes and the Eastern Sierra, drawn from DogTrekker's directory of vetted pet-welcoming properties.
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Pull up a pillow, pull up a dog bed
After a day of hiking or wine tasting in Tri-Valley, more than two dozen dog-friendly hotels await. Options range from budget-friendly Tri Valley Inn and Suites to chain properties, with pet fees varying from zero to 50. While the Tri-Valley…
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Dog-friendly restaurants and wineries in Gilroy, CA
Gilroy, the Garlic Capital of the World, boasts a generous lineup of dog-friendly restaurants and wineries. Enjoy al fresco dining and vineyard visits along the Santa Clara Valley Wine Trail any time of year.
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Poop on the trail: a note from Camp California
Dog waste on hiking trails is a bigger problem than most people realize, with millions of tons produced each year. Camp California shares practical tips for packing out pet waste and keeping trails clean for everyone.
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East Bay SPCA Growl Meow & Wine auction live
The East Bay SPCA's Growl Meow and Wine silent auction features hundreds of packages, from hotel stays to sustainable dog gear. All proceeds support the organization's mission of keeping pets and people together.
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Temecula with your dog: a guide to wine country
Temecula wine country is a playground for dogs and their people, with pup-friendly wineries, scenic hiking trails at the Santa Rosa Plateau, a walkable Old Town and plenty of outdoor dining options. Traveling with your dog can transform an ordinary…
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