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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®!

Find your oasis in Greater Palm Springs

woman with dog on lap sitting on bone shaped bench

Photo by Visit Greater Palm Springs/@visitgreaterps.

If your vision of a perfect Southern California vacation includes endless blue skies, awe-inspiring mountains, sparkling pools, swaying palm trees, and lots of tail-wagging fun in the sun, you've come to the right place. Read more.

Go to the SNO with your pup

Lola, dad Jeff and grandpa Dave head out for the SNO-Parks.

The recent record snowfall in California has created unbeatable ski conditions and brought flakes to dog-friendly SNO-Parks, snowshoeing trails and more. Read more.

SNO many options for fun

2 men and a dog stand in snowy parking lot

Lola, dad Jeff and grandpa Dave, head out for the SNO-Parks.

Here's a DogTrekker secret: Stories about California SNO-Parks are among our most-read each year! There's lots to bark about when it comes to these dog-friendly, snow-covered playgrounds scattered on U.S. Forest Service lands. Read more.

Tahoe’s tail-waggin’ winter highlights

Belgian Malinois at Kiva Beach at Lake Tahoe with snow

Snow dog at Kiva Beach, Lake Tahoe.

Lake Tahoe promises classic fun in any season, but this slice of California really sparkles during the winter. The destination is known for ski hills, cross-country trails, and more spectacular scenery than you can shake a stick at. Read more.

Day 4: Barking ways

“All-Paw-Drive” in National Forests.

Hit the trails with your four-legged friends. All vacations come to a close, or else we’d all be living a dog’s life! Enjoy your last day to its fullest with … Continued Read more.

Capital sipping experiences

group of friends sit at a table with a dog clinking full wine glasses

Sacramento is not only the star on the map of California, it’s a fabulous base camp for exploring wineries in and within a short distance of town (check out our list of great dog-friendly places to stay). Read more.

Woof it up in Vacaville

hanging sign that reads "winery tasting room open"

So…what do you and your pup know about dog-friendly Vacaville and its slice of Solano County? Maybe not much if all you’ve done is zoom past the exits on Interstate 80. Read more.

Sip and savor with your pup: Fall winery-trekking

It’s fall! Besides cooler weather, ‘tis the season for wine-tasting experiences with your pup by your side. So why not celebrate the winding down of harvest and crush seasons by trying something new? Explore an unfamiliar wine region or two, snag a picnic table or a fire-pit seat, talk wine, be social (you and your pup) and be informed. Read more.

Cross country skiing: Jack’s Trail at Bear Valley

Get a Bear Valley Adventure Co. trail pass for you and your dog and you're good to go on Jack's Trail behind Tamarack Lodge. Read more.

Arnold Rim Trail (video)

Come along with Lily as she enjoys an off-leash hike on the Arnold Rim Trail in Arnold, CA. Read more.

Four-paw winter accommodations

Photo by Tenaya Lodge.

In the Sierra Mountains, you’ll find places to explore and activities to enjoy, with one-of-a-kind, pet-friendly lodging at Tenaya Lodge. Read more.

Five great California destinations for you and your dog

Yes, you can take dogs to Yosemite,

Has your pup been begging you to take them on vacation? We know the feeling. Lucky for you, California is full of incredible places that welcome dogs with open arms. … Continued Read more.

Best dog-friendly lakes in California

Looking for a great place to take your furry friend for a swim? Look no further! California is home to many beautiful lakes that are perfect for dogs. Read more.

Rainy day fun: 10 indoor activities for dog lovers in Sonoma County

PepperJack and Skylar want you to take them somewhere. Photo by Roger Coryell.

Our top 10 recommendations for rainy-day dog activities in Sonoma County. Read more.

To Bridgeport and beyond in the Eastern Sierra

red and white spaniel sits in front of tufas and Mono Lake

Bodie at Mono Lake. Photo by Cathy Crnkovich.

Oh, so many dog-friendly overnight choices! The town of Bridgeport, about 100 miles south of Carson City in Mono County, offers multiple options: The historic Bridgeport Inn (dog-friendly rooms are in a motel-style building out back, but you can both enjoy dinner on the porch); the Ruby Inn, Big Meadow Lodge and Walker River Lodge. Read more.

When and where to go in the Eastern Sierra

View of mountain lake surrounded by trees with vibrant red, orange and yellow leaves

Fall color in the the Eastern Sierra. Photo by Jennifer Chen.

Summers are glorious for dogs in the Eastern Sierra while winters are devoted to snow sports,but the best time of year, especially if you’re into photography, is late September into mid-October. Read more.

First time paws-ing in Redding?

Famous Sundial Bridge in Redding California

Sundial Bridge. Photo by Choose Redding.

If you’re new to Redding and the eight-county UpState CA region, start at the Shasta Cascade Welcome Center that’s just down the road in Anderson. Open daily and packed with free maps, brochures, exhibits, geocaching guidance, gifts and even a waterfall pond with wild trout, it's your gateway to the area’s experiences. The DogTrekker team has also outlined a few of our favorite dog-frien Read more.

All aboard! Take a dog-friendly train ride to summer fun

Photo by Robert Jason Pinoli.

Summer is a time for family vacations, and whether it’s a multi-day trip or day trip, not much can get children more excited or add to the memory bank than a train ride. Read more.

Wag your way through the Central Valley

Dog boarding a Western Railway museum train

Photo by Chris Howe, Western Railway Museum.

Redwood forests and mountains might be more scenically impressive, but there’s a different kind of ambience to be had in California’s flatlands. And the dog-friendly excursion trains that operate here provide plenty of diversions. Take, for example, the electric trains of the Western Railway Museum, a repository of history from the pre-Interstate days when Northern California communit Read more.

Unsure about your dog on a train? Try a small-scale starter train

Redwood Valley Railroad in Tilden Park, Berkeley.

Photo by David McSpadden (cc).

Don’t know if your dog will like riding the rails? You can always try a training ride on the Tilden/Redwood Valley Railway in Berkeley’s Tilden Regional Park. It’s an authentic miniature steam train featuring more than 30 pieces of rolling stock. Call ahead if bringing a dog. One of the East Bay Regional Park District’s three oldest parks, Tilden has been called the jewel Read more.