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®!

Exceptional experiences in Yosemite

Yosemite's gateway towns are welcoming a wave of new glamping and adventure hotels. From canvas tents in Mariposa to safari-style camps in Groveland, these fresh lodging options put you close to the park with dog-friendly rooms and outdoor experiences.

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Big Bear Lake, the ultimate dog-friendly destination year-round

Big Bear Lake in the San Bernardino Mountains is a year-round playground for dogs. Swim and kayak in summer, hike through fall colors, romp in winter snow, and enjoy spring wildflowers, all with pet-friendly lodging and dining nearby.

Mammoth Lakes is the ultimate pup-cation

Mammoth Lakes is a year-round paradise for dogs, with countless hiking trails, crystal-clear mountain lakes for swimming, and a town full of dog-loving people and pet-friendly hotels. Summer or winter, your pup will have the adventure of a lifetime here.

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Best city for dog-friendly restaurants in California

San Diego tops California for dog-friendly dining, thanks to year-round mild weather and hundreds of patio restaurants that welcome pups. From dedicated dog menus at The Patio on Lamont to spacious gardens at Stone Brewing, options abound.

National Dog Day Reminder on calendar marked with Pen

Mark your calendar!

Redding's event calendar is packed with festivals, fairs and community gatherings year-round. From the Redding Rodeo and Kool April Nites car show to First Fridays downtown and the Glowing Wild light installation at Turtle Bay, there's always something happening.

River running with rover

Rivers offer some of the best water fun for dogs in California. Float the Russian River in a dog-friendly canoe, paddle an outrigger on the Big River estuary in Mendocino, or let your pup splash in swim-friendly waterways statewide.

Coastal cool-off in Monterey County

Monterey County pairs coastal and inland hiking for dogs and their people. Stroll the 18-mile Monterey Bay Coastal Trail, then head to Garland Ranch Regional Park in Carmel Valley, where dogs can roam off-leash through redwood forests and oak savannas.

An adventure-and-nature loving man, donned in a vibrant blue shirt, sits in an eye-catching yellow kayak on a scenic waterbody. The serene atmosphere around him is further enhanced by the lush green trees enveloping the expanse. At his side, taking in the sights with him is his loyal black canine companion, both of them seeking adventure and connection in nature's embrace. Ideal for dog owners looking for bonding activities with their furry friends amidst natural beauty and tranquility.

How to canoe and kayak safely with your dog

Paddling with your dog takes preparation. Train in shallow water first, choose a stable craft with room for both of you, and always use a canine flotation vest. Never leash your dog to the boat.

No tent or rv? no problem…

No tent? No problem. From dog-friendly KOA cabins near Petaluma and Watsonville to Casini Ranch on the Russian River, these soft-camping options let you and your pup enjoy the outdoors without a full gear kit.

Exploring Marin County with your dog

Marin County offers dogs everything from Headlands trails with Golden Gate Bridge views to off-leash romps on Rodeo Beach. The Tenderfoot Trail winds through cool redwoods and Terra Linda's open space spans over 1,000 acres.

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Exploring the Eastern Sierra: Fall adventures and leaf-peeping spots

The Eastern Sierra lights up each fall with vibrant color at Conway Summit, Virginia Lakes, and Lundy Canyon. Dog-friendly Virginia Lakes Resort puts ten lakes within a mile of your cabin.

Fall foliage and dog-friendly lodging in Mammoth Lakes

Mammoth Lakes and the Eastern Sierra deliver dog-friendly lodging from historic Tamarack Lodge to pet-pampering Westin Monache, plus leash-free national forest trails and fall color that peaks at Convict Lake, McGee Creek Canyon, and Devil's Postpile.

Take a fall hike around Redding

Redding earns its title as California's Trail Capital with about 100 miles of paths in and around the city. Fall is a great time to hike the Upper Sacramento Ditch Trail and the Sacramento River Rail Trail with your dog.

Bike or hike to the beach

The Bob Jones Bike Trail in Avila Beach is a 2.5-mile paved path from Highway 101 to the ocean, passing apple orchards and a golf course. At trail's end, off-leash Olde Port Beach rewards you and your dog.

Dog-friendly wineries in Sonoma County

Sonoma County's wine country pairs world-class vintages with a warm welcome for dogs. From the canine-celebrating Mutt Lynch Winery to Kunde Family's guided dog hikes through the vineyards, tasting has never been more fun.

Stake a claim in Sacramento

Sacramento makes a great home base for dog-friendly day trips, but you may never leave town. Fall foliage lights up the parks, R Street buzzes with patio dining, and craft breweries like Track 7 welcome your four-legged friend.

San Francisco is for dog lovers

San Francisco offers dogs an embarrassment of riches, from off-leash romps at Fort Funston and Crissy Field to the stunning Lands End Trail and 24 miles of paths winding through the historic Presidio.

Have dog, will travel to Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz County is a dog lover's playground. Walk the coastal path along West Cliff Drive, let your pup run off-leash at Mitchell's Cove Beach, hike through redwoods at Henry Cowell, or ride a steam train at Roaring Camp.

Catch a ride on a canine cruiser

Catch A Canoe in Mendocino has added a custom-built Canine Cruiser to its fleet. The handmade redwood outrigger features a raised, padded deck that fits up to four dogs, making Big River estuary trips a true family affair.

Dog-friendly San Simeon Cove

San Simeon Cove offers off-leash beach time just steps from Hearst Memorial State Beach. Hunt for sea glass and jade, watch otters and pelicans, hike the bluff-top trail, then head to Cambria for patio dining.

Roam among giants

Most giant sequoia groves sit inside national parks where dogs aren't welcome on trails. But Nelder Grove near Oakhurst and Converse Basin Grove in the Sequoia National Forest offer dog-friendly paths among these massive, awe-inspiring trees.

Enter a doggie paradise at dusk in the stunningly lush, flower-filled gardens surrounding the multi-story Stanford Inn. The vibrant blossoms create a delightful visual spectacle, providing an exciting adventure for both you and your four-legged friend to discover.

The Stanford Inn – authentically eco-minded

The Stanford Inn by the Sea in Mendocino has practiced sustainability since the 1980s, with organic gardens, vegan dining at Ravens Restaurant, biodiesel trucks, and green cleaning. Dogs are welcome at this eco-minded resort overlooking Mendocino Bay.

Experience the joy-filled sight of a golden retriever scampering gleefully towards you, its tail wagging merrily. In the backdrop, a lively group of dogs adds to the playful ambiance of the sun-kissed, pet-friendly dog park. This place is an enticing option for your beloved pet's recreative and socializing needs.

Paws for a park

Sonoma County's parks offer everything from coastal trails to wooded ridgelines for you and your dog. Hike Hood Mountain, explore Tolay Lake's grasslands, or walk 17 miles of coastline at Sonoma Coast State Park.

Discover a verdant oasis in the South Bay for your next canine adventure, meandering through a network of trails in a forest of towering oak trees. Observe the intricate patchwork of vibrant green moss adorning each tree trunk, creating an enchanting realm that captivates both human and hound alike. The rich brown carpeting that lines the trail- compiled entirely by nature's own fallen leaves - provides ample cushioning for paws and footwear alike. This woodland retreat presents countless sights, sounds and smells to entertain your dog's senses while also offering plenty of peace and tranquility.

South Bay ramble

Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve in the San Mateo County hills features a rare 16-acre off-leash area where dogs can roam freely. Trails wind through oak woodlands with Santa Cruz Mountain views.

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