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®!

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.

Finding gold in El Dorado County

El Dorado County's Apple Hill region comes alive in fall with 50-plus farms and ranches welcoming visitors. Load up on fresh apples, sample wines at Boeger Winery, and grab a bite in downtown Placerville with your pup.

Third stop: South Lake Tahoe to Truckee

Highway 89 along Tahoe's West Shore is a sensory treat, from the historic Tallac estates and dog-friendly Kiva Beach to a gentle stroll to Fallen Leaf Lake and the easy trail to Cascade Creek Falls near Emerald Bay.

Second stop: Highway 50, Sacramento to South Lake Tahoe

Highway 50 from Sacramento to South Lake Tahoe is the scenic route to the Sierra. Stop at Horsetail Falls, then choose between the bustling Heavenly Village or a mellow drive up the west shore with beaches and trails.

Make tracks to Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is brimming with water and activity options for dogs and their people. Kayak the North Shore, walk the expanding shoreline trail network, or visit the historic Tallac estate homes with Big Blue sparkling in the background.

Crystal blue persuasion

The Crystal Basin Recreation Area off Highway 50 holds more than 700 campsites around five scenic reservoirs in the Eldorado National Forest. Two lakes offer direct trail access into Desolation Wilderness, where dogs can hike off-leash beside you.

Go with the rivers’ flow

Grab a paddle and bring your dog along for a float on California's best rivers. From canoe trips on the Russian River near Healdsburg to outrigger canoes on Mendocino's Big River and rafting the Truckee at Tahoe, wet fun awaits.

Tahoe under paws: Lake Tahoe dog beaches

Lake Tahoe has several dog beaches, but off-leash spots are rare. A locals' favorite is the sandy strand at Nevada Beach, where dogs fetch sticks from crystalline water. Other options include Coon Street Dog Beach and Patton Beach.

Swooning for wildflowers

Carson Pass on Highway 88 near Lake Tahoe erupts with spectacular wildflowers in early July. Hike the dog-friendly Pacific Crest Trail to Frog Lake and Lake Winnemucca through head-high lupins, paintbrush and mountain daisies at over 8,600 feet elevation.

Beach bliss at South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe has several dog-friendly beaches worth knowing about. Kiva Beach offers a long sandy stretch, Regan Memorial Beach allows off-leash play, and a hidden section of Nevada Beach is a locals' favorite for fetching sticks.

Image from See more on Highway 4 on DogTrekker

Last chance for high-country hikes with your dog

Late fall is ideal for one last high-country hike before the snow flies. Five favorite trails near Interstate 80 include Castle Peak, Mount Judah Loop, Coldstream Valley, Truckee River Legacy Trail, and Martis Creek Wildlife Area, all welcoming dogs.

Pacified in Pacifica

Pacifica offers six miles of coastline just over the hills from San Francisco, with leash-free beach romps, a spectacular hike to Mori Point, and thousands of acres of public parkland.

Highway 50 is nifty

Highway 50 between Sacramento and South Lake Tahoe hides great dog-friendly stops along the way. Hike to the top of Lover's Leap for sweeping canyon views, or explore granite pools along the Pyramid Loop Trail near Horsetail Falls.

Female wild duck on blue water of lake Jenkinson

Treasure in El Dorado County

El Dorado County stretches from the Gold Rush towns along Highway 49 up to Lake Tahoe, offering dog-friendly recreation at Sly Park, Horsetail Falls, and Echo Lakes. Stay at the charmingly haunted Cary House Hotel in Placerville.

What makes Bishop a pup-lover’s paradise

Bishop is a high desert gem on Highway 395 where dogs are genuinely welcome. A central dog park, walkable downtown, pet-friendly dining patios and trails with off-leash options make this Eastern Sierra town a favorite among DogTrekker regulars.

Guide to the best dog parks in Southern California

Southern California's best dog parks range from Hollywood Hills hikes at Runyon Canyon to off-leash beach romps at Rosie's Dog Beach in Long Beach. This north-to-south guide covers urban hideaways, oceanfront escapes and mountain vistas for every pup.

5 little-known travel hacks for dog-friendly California adventures

Five insider tips for smoother California road trips with your dog, including pet-friendly rest stops with fenced play areas, hidden beaches away from crowds, no-fee hotel chains, dog-welcome ferries and trains, and local visitor centers with canine-specific recommendations.

California glampsites your dog will dig

A curated guide to California's top dog-friendly glamping escapes, from Mendocino Grove's safari tents under the redwoods to desert retreats and vineyard stays. Each property blends wilderness access with comfortable amenities for you and your pup. Glamping by the sea…

Where to stay with your dog in Sacramento

Sacramento has dog-friendly lodging for every budget, from the boutique Kimpton Sawyer downtown to riverside hotels with trail access along the American River Parkway. Many welcome dogs at no extra charge. From the downtown core to the farthest reaches of…

Greater Palm Springs: Gateway to the desert

Greater Palm Springs rolls out the welcome mat for dogs with pet-friendly luxury resorts, retro boutique motels, patio restaurants with pooch menus, and endless sunshine. The region spans multiple communities along the I-10 corridor, each with its own dog-friendly appeal.

2. Dog trekking through vibrant wildflower-covered mountain trail with breathtaking scenic views in the background.

Secret mountain hikes with dogs in California

California's best dog-friendly mountain hikes hide in national forests and regional parks, far from the famous national parks that ban pets on trails. Dawn in the Sierra Nevada is a quiet, pink-tinted secret. My dog, Scout, knows it before I…

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