Things to do Blog

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®!

Dip into Tahoe’s lake lifestyle

Lake Tahoe's summer scene includes dog-friendly beaches on the north shore, scenic waterfront paths and seasonal camps by Wild Blue Dogs that combine canine activities with nonprofit fundraising. Pups can swim, hike and socialize all season long.

High Sierra escapes from Sacramento

From Sacramento, you can reach Lake Tahoe's alpine beaches and mountain parks in about two hours. Let pups splash at Kiva Beach, hike Van Sickle Bi-State Park, paddle Echo Lakes or grab a post-hike pint at FiftyFifty Brewing in Truckee.

Canine cool: Wild Blue Dogs summer camp

Wild Blue Dogs Summer Camp at Lake Tahoe offers a week of activities, training, and beach time with your dog while supporting canine cancer research. Private beach access and pup-friendly lodging round out the experience.

Dog-friendly California destination, photo courtesy of Tahoe Keys Resort

Dog-friendly Lake Tahoe: Why your dog will thank you

Lake Tahoe is a dream for dogs and their people, with pristine beaches, mountain trails and pet-friendly lodging from South Lake to quieter spots like Tahoma. Here's how to plan the perfect Tahoe trip with your pup.

Sno much fun, on a shoestring budget

California's SNO-Parks offer budget-friendly winter fun for you and your dog. For as little as $15 a day, enjoy skiing, sledding, snowshoeing and romping through snowdrifts at 18 sites scattered across the Sierra from Sierra County to Mammoth Lakes.

Special events for you and your dog

Spring event season is here, and California's dog-loving community has plenty to look forward to. From the Sacramento SPCA Doggy Dash to DogFest in San Francisco, these fundraisers and adoption events bring people and pups together for a great cause.

Top dog-friendly beaches in California

California's coastline is full of amazing dog-friendly beaches. Fort Funston and Baker Beach in San Francisco, Montara State Beach, Kiva Beach at Lake Tahoe, and Carmel Beach are favorites where pups can run and play.

DogTrekker at Bark in the Park, San Jose.

Welcome to summer events!

Summer is packed with dog-friendly events across California, from Bark at the Park in San Francisco to the Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon in San Diego. Browse adoptathons, fundraisers, costume contests, and more happening through the fall.

To Bridgeport and beyond in the Eastern Sierra

Bridgeport in the Eastern Sierra offers dog-friendly lodges, the ghost town of Bodie State Historic Park, and the pristine Virginia Lakes at 9,000 feet. With rustic cabins, trout-filled waters, and quiet mountain scenery, it's an unforgettable stop on Highway 395.

Dreamy Placer County hotels for dogs and their families

Placer County has dog-friendly hotels and rentals from Roseville to Lake Tahoe. Options range from the retro-cool Foothills Motel in Auburn and modern Basecamp Hotel in Tahoe City to pet-welcoming cabin and lakefront home rentals throughout the region.

When and where to go in the Eastern Sierra

The Eastern Sierra is a year-round playground for dogs, but fall steals the show. Late September through mid-October brings California's best foliage, with golden aspens lining streams beneath granite peaks along Highway 395.

Winter wanderings in Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe in winter offers dogs and their people cross-country skiing on groomed trails, snowshoeing through meadows and lakeside hikes when the snow line is high. Here are our favorite ways to play with your pup at the lake.

Dog-friendly Lake Tahoe beaches: Your ultimate summer guide

From Carnelian Bay coffee shops to secluded coves on the Nevada side, here is your guide to the best dog-friendly beaches at Lake Tahoe. Both shores offer sandy spots where your pup can splash all summer long.

Reserving a camp spot for Spot

Planning a camping trip with your dog? Here are key resources for reserving sites in California, plus tips for snagging last-minute spots at popular coastal and mountain campgrounds that often book out six months in advance.

Image from Puptopia Festival returns to Big Bear Lake on DogTrekker

Paw-some events for the dog days of summer

Pup-friendly festivals are popping up across California this summer and fall. From Puptopia in Big Bear to Bark & Meow in Berkeley and winery fundraisers in Napa, these events bring dog lovers together while supporting rescue and animal welfare groups.

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.

Lake Tahoe’s South Shore and more

South Lake Tahoe vacation rentals offer space and flexibility for dog-friendly getaways. Tahoe Keys Resort provides private marina access, while properties ranging from cozy cabins to mansions sleeping 22 put you close to the lake and miles of hiking trails.

At Tahoe: Plowed trails for tails

Lake Tahoe maintains a network of plowed winter trails perfect for walking your dog without skis or snowshoes. The Tahoe City Lakeside Trail, Truckee River Legacy Trail, and paths in Incline Village are all great options.

SNO-Park with your pup

Skip the parking headaches at Lake Tahoe by picking up a Sno-Park permit for just five dollars a day. These plowed winter lots provide access to sledding hills, cross-country ski trails, and snowshoe routes, and all are dog-friendly.

Say hello to summer on Lake Tahoe’s South Shore

Lake Tahoe's South Shore has dog-friendly cabins, cottages, and lodges for every budget. With a pet concierge service at the Hard Rock Hotel, off-leash beach time at Nevada Beach, and plenty of patio dining, summer here is made for dogs.

Get a dog-friendly lift at Mammoth or Tahoe

Skip the uphill hike and ride a dog-friendly gondola or tram at Mammoth Mountain, Northstar or Palisades Tahoe. Each resort offers enclosed lifts that welcome dogs, plus summit trails, restaurants and stunning mountain views at the top.

Curl up off-season in a dog-friendly cabin

Come September, High Sierra cabin resorts open up with shorter stays and easier bookings. The Lakes Basin area between Sierra and Plumas counties offers everything from rustic sleeping rooms with rowboats to upscale lodges with on-site breweries and spas.

A Tahoe classic that rewards with a splash

The steep 4.4-mile hike up Shirley Canyon at Palisades Tahoe rewards you and your dog with cascading waterfalls, a mountain lake, and access to the High Camp complex at 8,200 feet. Ride the tram back down for free.

Stroller-friendly hikes for wheels, feet and paws

California offers plenty of paved, stroller-friendly trails where dogs are welcome too. From Lake Tahoe's Lam Watah Trail to San Francisco's Crissy Field and the historic Independence Trail near Nevada City, these paths work for wheels, feet and paws alike.

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Things to do Blog