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.
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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The hidden costs of ‘pet-friendly’ hotels in California
That "pet-friendly" hotel label can hide steep fees, musty designated rooms, strict weight limits and absurd breed restrictions. Before booking, learn to spot the red flags and find California lodgings that genuinely welcome your dog.
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Hop on, paws up: JSX makes dog travel easy
JSX lets dogs fly in the cabin on 30-seat jets with no security lines and no cargo holds. Pups up to 79 pounds ride beside you on routes connecting Burbank, Oakland, Napa and other California cities, making weekend getaways stress-free.
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Dog’s guide to autumn: 5 Northern California day trips
Autumn in Northern California means cooler trails, colorful foliage and fewer crowds. These five dog-friendly day trips cover Apple Hill orchards, Gold Rush towns, ocean bluffs and redwood groves, each one perfect for a fall road trip with your pup.
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Fall fun with your dog at South Lake Tahoe
Wild Blue Dogs hosts fall camp on 33 fenced acres near South Lake Tahoe, with training in agility, nose work, lure-coursing and more. This nonprofit camp also funds canine cancer research and treatment grants for dogs in need.
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Winter and spring pet activities in Yosemite Mariposa County
Yosemite welcomes leashed dogs on paved roads and paths near iconic landmarks like Bridalveil Fall and Glacier Point. Beyond the park, the towns and trails of Mariposa County offer even more pet-friendly hikes, lodging, and dining worth discovering.
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Dog-friendly spring getaway in coastal Mendocino
The Mendocino coast is a paradise for dogs and their people. Pedal railbikes through redwood groves, kayak Big River with your pup aboard, stroll the fragrant botanical gardens, and explore pristine beaches along one of California's most scenic and welcoming…
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Five things to know before a California dog trip
Planning a California trip with your dog involves more than finding pet-friendly hotels. Beach rules, dramatic climate swings, wildlife hazards, transit policies, and accommodation fees all vary by region and require advance research to keep your trip smooth and your…
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Dining in Mendocino County with your dog
Mendocino village offers great dining for dog owners. Ravens Restaurant seats guests with dogs in the lobby, Mendocino Cafe serves sustainably sourced fare on its patio, and Anderson Valley wineries welcome pups in their tasting rooms.
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Mendocino County’s coastal scenery
Mendocino County's coastline rewards a week of exploring with your dog. Pet-friendly inns provide bowls and towels, Mendocino Headlands allows leashed dogs on trails, and Catch-a-Canoe rents special dog canoes for floating the Big River.
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Pet-friendly Mendocino County
Mendocino County rolls out the red carpet for dogs, with dozens of pet-welcoming hotels, winery tasting rooms that offer treats and water bowls, botanical gardens open to leashed pups, and gorgeous beaches along the coast.
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Beyond the crowds in Mendocino County
Mendocino County pairs leash-free beaches, dog-welcoming wineries, botanical gardens, and kayak outfitters with cozy lodging from the Stanford Inn to state park campgrounds. Ride the Skunk Train with your pup or paddle an estuary in a canoe built for dogs.
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“Voluntourism” opportunities at Milo
The Milo Foundation's 283-acre sanctuary in Mendocino County welcomes volunteers to walk dogs, socialize cats, and help with chores. Families can arrange day or overnight visits, camp on-site, and bring their own well-behaved dogs to explore off-leash trails.
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South Yuba River State Park
South Yuba River State Park in Nevada County strings together swimming holes, hiking trails, and gold-panning spots along the scenic Yuba River. Dogs are welcome nearly everywhere, making it a perfect weekend pairing with Grass Valley.
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Toolin’ around Tuolumne
Tuolumne County's Gold Rush towns come alive with dog-friendly history. Ride vintage trains at Railtown 1897, tour Columbia State Historic Park by stagecoach, and stay at the Groveland Hotel with its award-winning wine list.
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Say hello to Folsom
Folsom offers dog-friendly fun year-round, from hiking and water sports at Folsom Lake to strolling the revitalized Sutter Street historic district. Let your pup run free at Fido Field, then grab lunch at a sidewalk cafe.
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Sleeping with Sparky in Carmel
Carmel has more than 20 hotels and inns that genuinely welcome dogs, from the legendary Cypress Inn to Carmel Mission Inn with its 37-acre park trail. This is a town where four-legged guests are truly cherished.
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The many sides of Mendocino County
Mendocino County is one of Northern California's most dog-welcoming destinations. Pet-friendly inns provide treats and amenities, wineries like Husch let dogs inside the tasting room, and activities range from Skunk Train rides to paddling outrigger kayaks along the coast.
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