Road trips Blog
Wine with your pup
Santa Cruz County's fog-kissed climate produces excellent pinot noir and chardonnay, and many wineries welcome dogs. Follow DogTrekker's wine trail itinerary or visit Alfaro and Nicholson on the Corralitos Wine Trail for organic wines and relaxed patio tasting.
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Mendocino: More than a day trip
Mendocino County offers dog-friendly lodging for every taste and budget, from the Stanford Inn and Little River Inn to the pet suites at Beachcomber Motel. With ocean views and direct beach access, your pup will feel at home.
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Cruz your way to a wine heaven
Santa Cruz County is home to more than 70 small-production wineries and tasting rooms, many of them dog-friendly. Follow the Organic Wine Trail or the Corralitos Wine Trail for a relaxed afternoon of sipping with your pup at your side.
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Hideaway finds in the Santa Cruz mountains
The Santa Cruz Mountains are home to certified organic vineyards and dog-friendly tasting rooms with stunning views. From Cooper-Garrod above Saratoga to Alfaro near the coast, you and your pup can sip and savor all year long.
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Canine cruising: A dog lover’s guide to RV travel
Hitting the road in an RV with your dog can be a fantastic adventure with the right preparation. From gradual acclimation to packing comfort items, these tips will keep your pup happy on the open road.
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Ten terrific dog-friendly wineries in California
California wine country is full of wineries that welcome dogs. From Hall Wines in Napa Valley and Castello di Amorosa in Calistoga to Mutt Lynch Winery in Windsor, here are ten great spots to sip with your pup.
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Bass Lake video
Less than 35 miles from Yosemite's front gate, Bass Lake offers crystal-clear waters, dog-friendly trails, and a laid-back local atmosphere. Whether you're swimming, hiking, or just exploring the shoreline, it's a perfect day trip or weekend escape with your pup.
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Was Calistoga really founded by a dog?
Calistoga's founding story features Sam Brannan and his loyal Newfoundland, Leonitus, who helped shape the town into a thriving resort community. Today, pet-friendly inns, wine tasting rooms and restaurants carry on that dog-welcoming tradition in Napa Valley.
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Capital sipping experiences
Sacramento makes a perfect base for dog-friendly wine tasting. Sip on the patio at Revolution Winery in Midtown, then head to the Apple Hill region near Placerville for fall farm visits and hillside vineyard views.
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Trinity County: Remote, relaxing and ruggedly beautiful
Trinity County is remote, rugged and beautifully uncrowded. Fewer than 14,000 people live here, leaving the Trinity Alps Wilderness, Gold Rush-era towns and pristine Trinity Lake wide open for hiking, boating, swimming and paddleboarding with your dog.
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Five great California destinations for you and your dog
From the off-leash beaches of Carmel-by-the-Sea to the trails of Yosemite and Big Bear Lake, California is packed with dog-welcoming destinations. Here are five top spots where your pup will feel right at home.
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Traveling safely with your dog
Keeping your dog safe on the road takes planning. From managing car sickness to packing the right supplies and making regular rest stops, these tips will help ensure a smooth trip for you and your pup.
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Go off leash with Russian River Adventures
Russian River Adventures celebrates 25 years of paddling in Sonoma County with pup-friendly canoe tours on stable inflatable vessels. Dogs join for just $15 on a nine-mile self-guided trip past swimming holes, wildlife and scenic riverbanks.
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Boat rides and big views near Bishop
Lake Sabrina, at 9,100 feet near Bishop, rents dog-friendly pontoons, motorboats and kayaks for high-altitude lake adventures. Back in town, pups enjoy a dedicated dog park, patio dining at local breweries, and 16 pet-welcoming hotels.
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Wine country within easy reach
From Vacaville, three renowned wine regions are within easy reach. Sample Suisun Valley's undiscovered gems, visit dog-welcoming Sonoma wineries like Mutt Lynch and Cline Cellars, or sip sparkling wine at Napa's Domaine Chandon.
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Sea breezes and sand on the San Francisco Peninsula
Half Moon Bay on the San Francisco Peninsula is a natural getaway where dogs can romp on beaches, dine at patio restaurants with special pet menus and stay at seaside lodges right along Highway 1.
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Five ways to explore the California coast
Five dog-friendly stops near Noyo Harbor Inn showcase the best of the Mendocino Coast. Glass Beach, the Noyo Headlands Trail, the Skunk Train, Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens and the Big River Trail all welcome leashed pups.
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Capitol Corridor’s pet-friendly rail program marks successful first year
The Capitol Corridor's Pets Onboard program has carried over 1,000 pets between Sacramento, Oakland and San Jose in its first year. Small dogs and cats ride for $29 each way, giving pet owners a practical alternative to highway traffic.
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Not every California town loves your dog
Not every California town is dog-friendly. Breed bans, strict leash laws, hefty fines and park restrictions vary widely from city to city. Before you travel, check local ordinances so you and your pup don't get caught off guard.
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GOCAL goes pet friendly
The GOCAL region in Southern California is a dog-friendly gateway to mountains, deserts and everything in between. From Ontario to Riverside and Mt. Baldy, you'll find parks, patios and trails that welcome four-legged travelers.
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