Road trips Blog
On the road to Yosemite
The Yosemite Region spans four gateway counties, each with its own dog-friendly highlights. From Merced River hikes in Mariposa County to Gold Rush history in Tuolumne County, the journey can be as rewarding as the destination.
Read more
Dogtrekker’s best river adventures
California rivers offer some of the best warm-weather fun you can have with your dog. Paddle inflatable canoes on the Russian River, float the Truckee River from Tahoe City, or raft the American River in Sacramento.
Read more
Second stop: Highway 50, Sacramento to South Lake Tahoe
Highway 50 from Sacramento to South Lake Tahoe is the scenic route to the Sierra. Stop at Horsetail Falls, then choose between the bustling Heavenly Village or a mellow drive up the west shore with beaches and trails.
Read more
Get your Buttes in gear
The Lakes Basin Recreation Area in Plumas and Sierra counties is a high-country paradise with dozens of alpine lakes and miles of dog-friendly trails. The Sierra Buttes Lookout hike ranks among the best day treks in the state.
Read more
Go with the rivers’ flow
Grab a paddle and bring your dog along for a float on California's best rivers. From canoe trips on the Russian River near Healdsburg to outrigger canoes on Mendocino's Big River and rafting the Truckee at Tahoe, wet fun awaits.
Read more
Fall walk with Fido
October brings stunning fall color to Gold Country and the Sierra. Aspens peak early at Hope Valley and Carson Pass, maples light up Nevada City later, and the Eastern Sierra puts on the West's finest autumn show.
Read more
Greater Palm Springs: Oasis for paws and people
Greater Palm Springs blends dog-friendly spirit with vibrant desert beauty, making it a prime pick for sunshine escapes. Start your day with a walk along palm-lined neighborhoods, explore welcoming patios, and stay at hotels that treat your pup like family.
Read more
5 little-known travel hacks for dog-friendly California adventures
Five insider tips for smoother California road trips with your dog, including pet-friendly rest stops with fenced play areas, hidden beaches away from crowds, no-fee hotel chains, dog-welcome ferries and trains, and local visitor centers with canine-specific recommendations.
Read more
Vacaville: Your wine country HQ
Vacaville offers affordable, dog-friendly lodging just 30 minutes from Napa Valley and even closer to the laid-back Suisun Valley wine region. Between tastings, enjoy off-leash play at Lagoon Valley Dog Park and patio dining downtown. For wine lovers craving a…
Read more
Dog-friendly fall fun in Greater Palm Springs
This fall, Greater Palm Springs is the perfect playground for you and your four-legged travel buddy. Explore dog-friendly breweries, dine on sunny patios where wagging tails are always welcome, and follow a curated itinerary for the ultimate getaway.
Read more
The ultimate dog-friendly itinerary in Greater Palm Springs
Greater Palm Springs is a sun-soaked playground for dogs and their people. This itinerary covers dog-friendly dining at spots like Boozehounds and Wilma and Frieda's, desert trail hikes and craft breweries where wagging tails are always welcome. Planning the ultimate…
Read more
Escape your ordinary in Greater Palm Springs
In Greater Palm Springs, every day is an invitation to adventure for you and your dog, with scenic hiking trails, sun-drenched patios, and a variety of pet-friendly hotels and vacation rentals. In Greater Palm Springs, every day is an invitation…
Read more
Three amazing dog-friendly road trips in California
Three dog-friendly California road trips worth taking: Yosemite to Mammoth Lakes through the Eastern Sierra, Jenner to Leggett along the coast, and Redding to Mount Shasta through volcanic country. Each route features pet-friendly stops and stunning scenery.
Read more
Marin County’s best-kept secret that locals will deny exists
There are no signs to Bolinas — the locals keep taking them down. But if you find the turnoff from Highway 1, you'll discover off-leash beaches, secret waterfall hikes, and one of Marin's most dog-friendly towns.
Read more
Dog-friendly road trip: Highway 140 to Yosemite National Park
Spring is prime time to road-trip Highway 140 to Yosemite with your dog. Small towns like Mariposa and Fish Camp offer dog-friendly lodging from luxury Tenaya Lodge cabins to Airstreams at AutoCamp, all surrounded by blooming wildflowers and gushing waterfalls.
Read more
Big Bear Lake, the ultimate dog-friendly destination year-round
Big Bear Lake in the San Bernardino Mountains is a year-round playground for dogs. Swim and kayak in summer, hike through fall colors, romp in winter snow, and enjoy spring wildflowers, all with pet-friendly lodging and dining nearby.
Read more
Mammoth Lakes is the ultimate pup-cation
Mammoth Lakes is a year-round paradise for dogs, with countless hiking trails, crystal-clear mountain lakes for swimming, and a town full of dog-loving people and pet-friendly hotels. Summer or winter, your pup will have the adventure of a lifetime here.
Read more
River running with rover
Rivers offer some of the best water fun for dogs in California. Float the Russian River in a dog-friendly canoe, paddle an outrigger on the Big River estuary in Mendocino, or let your pup splash in swim-friendly waterways statewide.
Read more
Coastal cool-off in Monterey County
Monterey County pairs coastal and inland hiking for dogs and their people. Stroll the 18-mile Monterey Bay Coastal Trail, then head to Garland Ranch Regional Park in Carmel Valley, where dogs can roam off-leash through redwood forests and oak savannas.
Read more
Fall color starts here
Highway 395 through the Eastern Sierra rivals coastal Highway 1 for sheer beauty, especially in fall when aspens and cottonwoods blaze yellow and orange. Color starts in mid-September at the high lakes and creeps downhill for about six spectacular weeks.
Read more
Dog-friendly Gold Country: Exploring Tuolumne County
Tuolumne County near Yosemite is rich in Gold Rush history and dog-friendly adventures. Ride a stagecoach in Columbia, hop an old locomotive in Jamestown, and hike national forest trails near Groveland.
Read more
What to pack for your pup
Packing for a camping trip with your dog means thinking beyond the basics. Cable tie-outs keep your pup safe at the campsite, a portable kennel prevents nighttime wandering and a first-aid kit handles away-from-home emergencies.
Read more
Stake a claim in Sacramento
Sacramento makes a great home base for dog-friendly day trips, but you may never leave town. Fall foliage lights up the parks, R Street buzzes with patio dining, and craft breweries like Track 7 welcome your four-legged friend.
Read more
From wine to bristlecone pines
A dog-friendly road trip through the High Sierra follows the Golden Chain Highway through Gold Country, crosses Yosemite via Tioga Pass and heads south on Highway 395 past Mono Lake, Mammoth Lakes and the ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest near Bishop.
Read more