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®!

Kissing the Santa Cruz coast

Santa Cruz County 29-mile coastline has 15 dog-friendly beaches, from Seabright and Manresa to Davenport and Lighthouse Field. Add a stroll along West Cliff Drive and dog-welcoming hotels for a full coastal getaway.

Take a spring hike around Redding

Redding calls itself California's Trail Capital, with about 100 miles of dog-friendly paths in and around the city. Spring is ideal for hiking the Sacramento River Rail Trail, crossing the iconic Sundial Bridge and exploring McConnell Arboretum with your pup.

Feeling fine in Felton

Just seven miles from Santa Cruz, Felton offers dog-friendly steam train rides through redwoods at Roaring Camp Railroads, trails at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, and the quirky Bigfoot Discovery Museum.

Maya chasing the sun at Pismo Beach, SLO.

Go coast crazy with your dog along Highway 1

Highway 1 along the California coast offers far more than stunning views. From dog-friendly beaches in San Luis Obispo County to redwood forests and wineries in Santa Cruz, there are endless reasons to explore with your pup.

Visit a family-friendly winery

Sonoma County wineries like Paradise Ridge, Cline Cellars and Larson Family Winery offer much more than tastings. Kids can explore sculpture gardens, visit a California mission museum and play with pygmy goats while parents sip and dogs tag along.

Make it Marin for dog-friendly GGNRA trails/beaches

More than 12,000 acres of GGNRA land in the Marin Headlands offer long on-leash walks and off-leash beach romps within view of the Golden Gate Bridge. Rodeo Beach, Muir Beach, and Fort Baker top the list of dog-friendly favorites.

Experience the joy of watching your canine companion frolic on the sandy shores of Crissy Field, while the majestic Golden Gate Bridge paints a stunning backdrop. The golden-hued structure standing tall against a clear blue sky promises a picturesque playdate for any dog lover and their faithful friend. Engage in an exciting game of fetch, let them chase the waves lapping at their paws, or simply relax as they dig into the cool sand under sunny skies near this iconic San Francisco gem. A perfect outing spot for those wanting to make unforgettable memories with their pets! — Adobe Images

San Francisco county’s GGNRA bounty

San Francisco's GGNRA lands wrap nearly the entire shoreline, from Fort Mason to Fort Funston. Dogs can romp off-leash at select beaches, explore 24 miles of Presidio trails, and take in million-dollar views along the Lands End path.

Image from Calaveras County on DogTrekker

Dog-friendly Calaveras County: Wine, caves and Gold Rush towns

Calaveras County blends Gold Rush history with wine tasting and outdoor adventure. Walk your dog through Murphys' 25-plus tasting rooms, hike near New Melones Lake or watch humans stomp grapes at the annual street fair in this Sierra foothills getaway.

Dog-friendly Amador County: Gold Country wine and history

Amador County along Highway 49 is Gold Country at its finest, with historic hotels, robust zinfandels and dog-friendly tasting rooms. Time your visit for the annual Barbera Festival or enjoy wine and live music any weekend in Sutter Creek.

Image from All aboard! Take a dog-friendly train ride to summer fun on DogTrekker

Don’t get skunked by the Skunk Train

The Skunk Train has rolled through Northern California redwood forests for over 130 years, departing from Fort Bragg and Willits. Dogs ride free in open-air cars, taking in views of towering trees, river canyons, and 30 bridges along the way.

Board the storied Skunk Train

Ride the historic Skunk Train through old-growth redwoods on Mendocino County's dog-friendly logging-era railroad. Choose the coastal Pudding Creek Express from Fort Bragg or the inland Wolf Tree Turn from Willits, both showcasing ancient forests and stunning scenery.

Engineer-in-training on Roaring Camp Railroad.

Cruising for history and scenery in Santa Cruz County

Roaring Camp Railroads in Santa Cruz County sends steam trains through towering redwoods on tracks once used for logging. The 75-minute ride to Bear Mountain includes a picnic stop, and the historic village offers kid-friendly activities and hiking.

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Make it a family affair in Marin County

Marin County rolls out the welcome mat for families with dogs. From the shops and farmers market at Marin Country Mart in Larkspur to off-leash romps at Rodeo Beach and scenic trails through the Marin Headlands, there's fun for everyone.

Paws for dinner on the patio

The Harborview Bistro and Bar at Noyo Harbor Inn serves locally sourced seafood and farm-fresh dishes on a dog-friendly patio overlooking the river. Chef Duboc pulls fish from the harbor and herbs from the inn gardens.

All aboard for Gold Country history

Tuolumne County's Gold Country is home to two must-visit heritage railroads. Railtown 1897 State Historic Park features Hollywood's famous Movie Railroad, while the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad offers narrated steam train rides near Yosemite.