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®!
Spring in Yosemite: Spectacular waterfalls!
Spring brings spectacular waterfalls to Yosemite, and several of the best are accessible to leashed dogs. Bridalveil Fall and Lower Yosemite Falls offer easy paved paths with stunning views, while nearby Mariposa County has plenty of dog-friendly places to stay.
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Four-day Yosemite Mariposa County dog-friendly itinerary
This four-day itinerary covers the best of dog-friendly Yosemite Mariposa County, from historic Mariposa town strolls and paved valley hikes to hidden gems like the Wawona Meadow Loop Trail and the dramatic granite-walled reservoir at Hetch Hetchy.
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Bone appétit: Dog-friendly dining in Yosemite Mariposa County
After a day exploring Yosemite Mariposa County, you and your dog will have earned a good meal. Pup-friendly restaurants along the way serve everything from craft beer and burgers to farm-to-table plates and steaming bowls of ramen.
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Your dog’s California bucket list!
Five California towns every dog should visit at least once: Carmel-by-the-Sea for off-leash beach bliss, Mendocino for coastal trails, South Lake Tahoe for mountain adventures, Santa Barbara for elegant seaside strolls, and one more surprise.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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