Things to do with your dog in California

Over the past 10 years, DogTrekker’s team of veteran writers and editors have crafted more than 2,500 stories about all of the things you can do with your dog in California. Happy DogTrekking! Remember to travel lightly and always Leave Only Paw Prints®!

Placer County promises trails, thrills and tasty surprises

a man and a woman sitting on a rock with a dog.

Welcome to Placer County, a 1,400-square-mile playground where dog-friendly fun is always in season. From cosmopolitan Roseville and Rocklin, to the serene Gold Country foothills, to rugged Sierra landscapes near … Continued Read more.

Enjoying the California desert with your dog

Brown and white dog in close up photography

Photo by 狸花 on Pexels.

Taking a trip to the desert can be an exciting and rewarding experience. Before you embark on your adventure, here are some important tips for enjoying the California desert with your dog. Read more.

Top dog, meet Capital City

golden retriever dog in front of the capital building

Spring is a great time to visit Sacramento, as the city comes alive with a variety of outdoor activities, events, and plenty of opportunities to explore the city with your furry friend. Read more.

Get outdoors with your California pup today!

Photo by Ron Fung on Unsplash.

Let’s get out there and enjoy the fresh air with our furry best friends! Exploring the great outdoors is an amazing experience that both people and pups love, and having … Continued Read more.

Fort Bragg: Affordable and uniquely dog-friendly

Beachcomber properties blufftop long shot

Photo by Beachcomber Hotel Group.

Mendocino County in Northern California is a haven for dog-friendly adventures, with coastal Fort Bragg serving as an ideal hub. Enjoy affordable stays, minimal pet fees, and top amenities at Beachcomber Hotel Group's three properties. The Beachcomber Motel, Surf & Sand Lodge, and Beach House Inn all offer dog welcome kits and play areas, with proximity to outdoor dining, Glass Beach, Noyo He Read more.

An unforgettable ride in Mendocino County

Kayla ready to board the Skunk Train. Photo by Dave Kendrick.

Mendocino County is known for its breathtaking beaches, wineries and even some redwood forests. Hop aboard a historic train with your pup. This adventure takes “Wanna go for a ride?” to epic excitement levels. The century-and-a-half-old Skunk Train starts in Fort Bragg and winds through redwood groves, panoramic trestles and along a stunning river canyon. Pups are welcome on both open and clos Read more.

Unleash the fun: Book now for Lake Tahoe’s best-in-show dog camp

a couple of people that are sitting on a dock.

Attention all dog lovers! Don't miss out on the tail-waggin' good time at Wild Blue Dogs' fall camp experiences in Lake Tahoe. Register now to secure your spot and treat yourself and your furry friend to six nights of all-inclusive fun, including training events, guided hikes, pet photography, and special surprises. With limited spaces available, it's time to plan ahead and create unforgettable me Read more.

A bird’s eye view for your pup in Del Norte County

dog looks out window from SkyTrail gondola

Pups can ride the SkyTrail gondola. Photo by Visit Del Norte County.

Del Norte County is known for its Redwood National & State Parks, sprawling beaches and two wild rivers with plenty of trail fun, but check out some of their most unique dog-friendly attractions, trails and lodging. Read more.

Spring in Yosemite: Spectacular waterfalls!

a large brown dog sitting on top of a lush green field.

Duke at Yosemite. @dukethechocolatelab.

Spring in Yosemite is incredible this year with spectacular waterfalls and no reservations needed! This year they're bigger and more beautiful then ever. Now is a terrific time to view these powerful, postcard-perfect natural wonders that draw awe-struck visitors from all over the world. California dog parents are perfectly positioned for a visit. Mariposa County and Yosemite National Park are a Read more.

Dog-approved adventures in California’s North Coast region

Frenchie hiking the redwood forests of the North Coast.

Our pups have discerning tastes: good sleeps, good eats and plenty of play. Just north of San Francisco, the ‘North of Ordinary’ counties of California – Lake, Mendocino, Humboldt and Del Norte – offer plenty of fun for both you and and your dog on the North Coast in Northern California. Read more.

Delightful surprises in Tahoe City

A brown dog sitting in front of a sign in Tahoe City.

Tahoe City, set on the northwest shore of Lake Tahoe in Placer County, is a popular destination known for stunning natural surroundings, trails and water fun. Read more.

Canine cruising: A dog lover’s guide to RV travel

Embarking on an RV adventure with your canine companion can be an exhilarating and unforgettable experience! But before you hit the open road, there are some crucial considerations to ensure … Continued Read more.

Majestic, dog-friendly mountain towns

a dog sitting on top of a grass covered hillside.

Let’s admit it. DogTrekkers are spoiled here in sun-kissed California. We escape to places where palm trees sway, and waves crash against sandy shores. Read more.

California dreamin’ with your dog: The top 11 pet-friendly vacation destinations

Marin County Located just across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco, Marin County is packed with dog-friendly parks, beaches, and hiking trails. Check out popular spots like Muir Beach, … Continued Read more.

Take a walk through time

Dogs in costumes at the Annual Perro Costume Parade in Concord.

Annual Perro Costume Parade. Photo by Dave Kendrick.

Todos Santos Plaza, in the heart of downtown Concord, has been a community gathering space since 1869. A bronze statue here honors Don Salvio Pacheco, who received a land grant for Concord’s Ygnacio Valley and gave parcels to early Todos Santos (today’s Concord) residents. Read more.

Engage with Concord’s creative side

Graphic list of dog-friendly Concord mural locations

Concord's newest, most colorful attractions anchor the downtown corridor. Nine professional muralists participated in 2022 Creative Concord events, and they outfitted buildings in eye-catching murals that cover an array of styles and themes. Read more.

Committed to accessibility and awareness

Happy young man with a physical disability who uses wheelchair with his dog.

Welcome to Concord, a proactively ADA city.

Concord is an inclusive city that welcomes guests of all abilities. Families whose loved ones live with sensory challenges—someone on the autism spectrum or with a diagnosed sensory sensitivity, for example—can apply for a free, one-night practice hotel stay through Visit Concord. Read more.

Embrace the charm of coastal Mendocino: a pawsitively perfect spring coastal getaway with your dog

A dog is sitting on a hill overlooking the ocean on the Mendocino Coast.

A journey along the Mendocino County Coast is a feast for the senses, where the rugged beauty of the Pacific Ocean meets the lush tranquility of the redwood forests. For … Continued Read more.

Walk, play, eat & stay: Sacramento SPCA Doggy Dash is turning 30!

Join the Sacramento SPCA’s 30th annual Doggy Dash at William Land Park on Saturday, April 22, 2023! Dog-gone fun festivities include a 2k/5k dog walk and the popular Bark in the Park Pet Festival—complete with food, drinks, games, demos, prizes, chances to meet adoptable dogs, and much more. Read more.

Special events for you and your dog

Sacramento SPCA Doggy Dash. Photo by Dave Kendrick.

DogTrekkers are a giving bunch as witnessed by their support for the adoption/rescue community through donations, volunteering, and attendance at adoptathons and other special events during the year. Spring is here and it is time to start planning for event season 2023. Make plans to attend the following events; and to find even more events near you, click on the View Near Me button on DogTrekk Read more.