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®!

Four-paw dining in Oakland

Oakland rolls out the welcome mat for dogs at restaurants across the city. Jack London Square, Lake Merritt, and the historic Broadway Auto Row all feature patio dining where your pup can join you for craft beer and pizza.

All American River

Float six miles down the American River from Sunrise Bridge to River Bend Park on a dog-friendly raft rental from Sacramento. The gentle Class I water winds through a lush greenbelt with plenty of swimming stops.

Home Society Silicon Valley

Cheechoo, an 8-year-old pit bull mix at Humane Society Silicon Valley, overcame a tough flea allergy and graduated from obedience training with flying colors. This belly-rub-loving gentleman with excellent leash manners is ready for his forever home.

Point_Pinos_Light_during_reconstruction_(2013)

Coasting right along

Monterey, Pacific Grove, and Seaside offer plenty for dogs and their people. Walk the scenic Monterey Bay Coastal Trail, watch for whales and otters, explore tidepools at Asilomar Beach, and grab seafood on the wharf with your pup beside you.

Folsom: Gateway to Gold Country

Folsom offers 56 miles of paved trails, an off-leash dog park and easy access to Gold Country wine tasting and Apple Hill farms. Dog-friendly hotels, sidewalk dining on Sutter Street and Folsom Lake make it an ideal weekend base.

A Mammoth adventure!

Reader Stacy D. and her pup Ginger share their Mammoth Lakes adventure, including stops at Bodie State Park, Mono Lake, Convict Lake and Rock Creek Lake. They based their trip at the cozy, dog-friendly Edelweiss Lodge.

Dog-friendly California destination, photo courtesy of Mammoth Lakes

A mammoth undertaking

Mammoth Lakes offers high-altitude adventure for dogs and their people. Ride the Panorama Gondola to 11,053 feet, hike through alpine basins with seven lakes, and catch a shuttle to Devil's Postpile, where leashed dogs are welcome on trails.

Image from Tri-valley chow-down on DogTrekker

Dog-friendly dining and events in Pleasanton and Danville

Pleasanton and Danville in the East Bay welcome dogs at street fairs, pooch parades and dozens of patio restaurants. From wine tasting at Garre Winery to browsing pet boutiques, these towns know how to treat four-legged visitors.

Hiking hills and headlands

Sonoma County delivers scenic hikes from Bodega Bay's birdwatching trails to the Sea Ranch headlands and Hood Mountain's rugged peaks. Inland, Tolay Lake Regional Park near Petaluma adds sweeping views of Bay Area landmarks.

Explore the Santa Clara Valley wine trail

The Santa Clara Valley, better known as Silicon Valley, is one of California oldest wine regions with 34 family-owned wineries near Gilroy. A Wine Trail pass lets you taste all year, and Kirigin Cellars even hosts AKC events.

Pick a park and take a walk

Sacramento shady parks and trails are made for dog walking. Start at William Land Park or hike the 32-mile American River Parkway from Old Sacramento to Folsom Lake. Cross Tower Bridge for skyline views and food trucks.

Briones Regional Park, Contra Costa County, California, USA.

Putting paws to paths around Concord

The East Bay Regional Parks District offers 125,000 acres of open space near Concord. Lime Ridge has 25 miles of dog-friendly trails, Briones features hilly canyons, and Mount Diablo rewards with one of the most expansive views in California.

Catch a wave

Santa Cruz County's 29 miles of coastline include 15 dog-friendly beaches and a leash-free strand at Mitchell's Cove. Stroll West Cliff Drive for coastal views, hit the sand at Seabright Beach, or camp under the stars at Manresa State Beach.

Choosing a final good-bye away from the vet’s office

Saying goodbye to a beloved dog is one of the hardest things we face. An SF SPCA veterinarian offers guidance on recognizing when quality of life has declined and explains options for compassionate euthanasia, including in-home services.

Bonnie plays with friend at Partner Park.

Play in a park with your pup

Sacramento's tree-lined parks offer shady relief for dogs even on the hottest days. From the 166-acre William Land Regional Park to Capitol Park's labeled gardens to the 32-mile American River Bike Trail, the City of Trees has room to roam.

Wag your way through Old Sac

Old Sacramento's Gold Rush-era buildings now house shops, breweries, museums, and restaurants with dog-friendly patios along the river. Stroll the wooden boardwalks, snap selfies by the Delta King riverboat, and walk across the Tower Bridge together.

Dog-friendly pumpkin patches in NorCal

Northern California has dog-friendly pumpkin patches worth a fall visit. Cool Patch Pumpkins in Dixon features the world's largest corn maze on 40 acres, while Dave's Pumpkin Farm and Farmer John's in Half Moon Bay offer hay rides and fun.

All aboard (dogs, too)!

Several Northern California excursion railroads welcome dogs aboard for scenic rides through redwoods, Gold Country, and farmland. Options include Pumpkin Trains at the Western Railway Museum, the Skunk Train in Mendocino County, Roaring Camp in Santa Cruz, and Railtown 1897.

Down a lazy river with rover

Russian River Adventures in Healdsburg outfits dog-friendly float trips using ultra-stable SOAR canoes on an 8.5-mile stretch of the Russian River. Pack a picnic, bring your pup and drift through swimming holes and sandy beaches all day long.

An adorable brown Poodle dog lay on bed and enjoy his happiness with the owner who is working after wake up in the morning.

Paws up for these dog-friendly hotels

Sacramento's dog-friendly hotel scene stretches from downtown to the riverfront. The Kimpton Sawyer puts you steps from Old Sacramento, while the Westin offers riverfront trails and fire pits. Capitol Park and the American River Parkway are close by.

Wag tails for Oakland!

Oakland pairs urban pleasures like Jack London Square dining and ale and wine trails with easy access to open-space preserves full of redwoods and ridgeline views. Dog-friendly hotels, breweries, and seasonal events make it a tail-wagging destination.

Golden Retriever Looking Out Of Car Window

Tail-waggin’ times outside the Park

Mariposa County beyond Yosemite's boundaries is packed with dog-friendly fun. Hike through Sierra and Stanislaus National Forests, stroll historic Gold Country towns like Mariposa and Coulterville, and find water bowls waiting outside charming local shops and eateries.

Napa Valley camping with your dog!

Prefer sleeping under the stars in Napa Valley? Bothe-Napa Valley State Park offers tent and yurt camping between St. Helena and Calistoga, while Lake Berryessa's Putah Canyon Campground provides a more remote lakeside alternative for dog owners.

Rev up in Redding

Redding is your gateway to the Shasta Cascade region, starting with a stroll across the stunning Sundial Bridge and 19 miles of Sacramento River trails. Walk across Shasta Dam, enjoy dog-friendly patio dining, and stay at welcoming local hotels.

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