Road trips Blog
Explore the countryside
More than 200 wineries and tasting rooms sit within 75 miles of Sacramento, and many welcome dogs. From Revolution Wines in the city to Jessie's Grove in Lodi, wine country with your pup is closer than you think.
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See more on Highway 4
Highway 4 through Calaveras and Alpine counties packs in wine tasting in Murphys, off-leash hiking on the Arnold Rim Trail, and a stunning scenic drive over Ebbetts Pass. Rent a cabin and give yourself a full week.
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Best water activities for senior dogs in California
From gentle beach outings and pond-side cottage stays to houseboat adventures on Lake Shasta, California offers plenty of water-friendly activities suited to senior dogs who still love a good splash.
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Vet Buzz: Car travel
A veterinarian shares practical tips for safe car travel with your dog, from using a restraint harness and taking test drives to managing motion sickness and making frequent stops. Proper prep makes road trips fun for everyone.
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Vine and dine in Sonoma
The town of Sonoma charms with its historic plaza, dog-friendly sidewalk cafes and walkable tasting rooms. Stroll to nearby wineries, treat your pup at Three Dog Bakery and finish with dinner at a top-rated patio restaurant.
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Tuolumne County: North entrance (Hwy 120)
The Highway 120 corridor through Tuolumne County blends Gold Rush history with outdoor adventure on the way to Yosemite. Ride a stagecoach in Columbia, swim at Rainbow Pool and bed down at dog-friendly hotels in Groveland and Jamestown.
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Fall trekking in the SLO lane
San Luis Obispo County serves up wine tasting, coastal hikes and historic missions along a leisurely Highway 101 road trip. From Paso Robles wineries to Pismo Beach bluffs and Morro Bay seafood decks, your dog is welcome throughout.
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Mendocino wines on your mind?
Mendocino County 11 wine appellations blaze with fall color in October. Drive the Highway 128 Wine Trail through Anderson Valley or head inland along the Hopland Wine Road, stopping at dog-friendly tasting rooms along the way.
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Dog-friendly road trip north: The compass points toward Redding
Redding anchors a road trip through the Shasta Cascade, where 225 miles of trails radiate from town. Walk the Sundial Bridge, drive up Mount Shasta, swim at Lake Siskiyou, and hike to McCloud River waterfalls.
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Dog-friendly road trip: Highway 128, Mendocino County
Highway 128 winds 55 scenic miles through southern Mendocino County, passing Anderson Valley wineries where dogs are genuinely welcome. Navarro Vineyards offers treats and an exercise area for pups, while Husch and Toulouse pour tastings amid vineyard views.
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Down a lazy river with rover
Russian River Adventures in Healdsburg outfits dog-friendly float trips using ultra-stable SOAR canoes on an 8.5-mile stretch of the Russian River. Pack a picnic, bring your pup and drift through swimming holes and sandy beaches all day long.
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First stop: Start in Sacramento
Sacramento makes a great launching pad for a Sierra road trip. Explore the booming restaurant scene on R Street or in Midtown, hike the American River Parkway, then settle into a dog-friendly hotel before heading to the mountains.
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Pick a Shasta Cascade byway
The Shasta Cascade region boasts a dozen nationally designated scenic byways, from a quick 3-mile drive to views of the "three Shastas" to the 500-mile Volcanic Legacy All American Road. Pet-friendly communities and hiking trails line every route.
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Off the beaten track in Shasta Cascade
The eight-county Shasta Cascade region serves up wild country with seven national forests, scenic byways, and views of 13,162-foot Mount Shasta. Dog-friendly hotels, trails, and small-town charm make it ideal for adventurous road trips with your pup.
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Dog-friendly road trip: Highway 1 and Santa Cruz
Highway 1 leads to Santa Cruz, where 15 dog-friendly beaches, the iconic West Cliff Drive stroll, and miles of coastal scenery await. From Seabright State Beach to Lighthouse Field, there is sand and surf for every DogTrekker.
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Sunny Tri-Valley wineries welcome dogs
The Tri-Valley region east of San Francisco is home to more than 50 wineries in the historic Livermore Valley, with two dozen welcoming dogs. Sip zins at Chouinard's barn tasting room, enjoy bocce at Garre, and take in vineyard views.
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First-time dog camper? Make a list, check it twice
Heading out camping with your dog for the first time? Plan ahead with cable tie-outs, a crate for sleeping, and a first-aid kit. Pack food and water from home, store everything bear-proof, and review leash laws.
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Monterey County parks
Beyond famous Carmel Beach, Monterey County offers miles of off-leash hiking at Garland Ranch Regional Park, scenic views at Jacks Peak, and 20-plus miles of trails at Toro County Park. Well-behaved dogs can roam free on many of these paths.
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Urban rambles in Sonoma County
Petaluma, Santa Rosa, and Sebastopol each bring their own dog-friendly charm to a Sonoma County visit. Petaluma boasts one of the state's largest dog parks, while Santa Rosa celebrates Snoopy and Sebastopol's Barlow district pairs craft beer with artisan shopping.
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One dog-friendly Mendocino drive: Highway 128
Highway 128 winds from Cloverdale through the Anderson Valley wine country to the Mendocino Coast. Along the way, dog-friendly wineries like Navarro, Toulouse, and Husch welcome pups with treats, water bowls, and shaded picnic spots.
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Dog-friendly Highway 20 preserves beckon in spring
The Sierra foothills along Highway 20 between Marysville and Nevada City burst with wildflowers and waterfalls each spring. South Yuba River State Park and the vast Spenceville Wildlife Area both offer gorgeous, dog-friendly trails worth a weekend trip.
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What’s cookin’ in Calaveras County
Calaveras County's hip town of Murphys draws wine lovers and their dogs to 25-plus tasting rooms along Main Street. Beyond the annual Grape Stomp, the stunning Ebbetts Pass Scenic Byway offers dramatic High Sierra views and great hiking.
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Where to Cruz with your pup
Santa Cruz County pairs gorgeous coastline with a growing wine scene, and many tasting rooms welcome dogs. Follow the Corralitos Wine Trail for organic pinots, visit MJA Vineyard, or stop at Bonny Doon on a scenic Highway 1 cruise.
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Road trip! explore a scenic byway
Fall is prime time for a scenic drive through California's mountains with your dog. Three standout routes cross the Sierra and Cascades, from the twisting Ebbetts Pass to Yosemite's Tioga Road and the 500-mile Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway.
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