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®!

A chocolate-hued canine, sporting a stylish collar, amicably ambles toward the camera along a leaf-strewn forest pathway kissed by sunset's warm glow. The faint silhouette of their companion softens in the distance, their arms laden with delectable East Bay Treats - perfect nibbles for your four-legged friend on such adventure-filled outings.

East Bay treats

The East Bay Regional Park District spans over 100,000 acres across 65 parks, with most areas open to dogs. Start at Tilden Regional Park in the Berkeley Hills for panoramic views and woodland trails.

Dog surfing competitions and lessons in Southern California

Southern California hosts dog surfing competitions in Huntington Beach, Imperial Beach, and Del Mar throughout summer. If your pup wants in, lessons are available on Dog Beach in Del Mar with board and life vest included.

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Russian River Adventures

Russian River Adventures in Healdsburg rents dog-friendly inflatable canoes for a nine-mile float down a secluded stretch of the Russian River. Pack a picnic, let your pup splash at swimming holes, and catch the shuttle back.

Adventure awaits on the north coast

California's North Coast is a top dog-friendly destination, with the Point Arena-Stornetta preserve, scenic trails, botanical gardens and welcoming lodgings like the Beachcomber Motel and Surf and Sand Lodge in Fort Bragg.

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.

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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.

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Things to do Blog