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®!

Ten best places in California to take your dog

California offers countless adventures for dogs and their owners, from the off-leash sands of Rosie's Dog Beach in Long Beach to the trails of Garland Ranch Regional Park in Carmel.

Image from Make a big splash on DogTrekker

Dog-friendly swimming spots: Big Bear Lake and Monterey Bay

Big Bear Lake and Monterey Bay both offer great spots for dogs to swim and paddle. Rent kayaks and paddleboards at Big Bear's marinas or hit the sandy shores near Monterey for some saltwater splashing with your pup.

Skunk Train named top scenic train ride

The Skunk Train in Mendocino County earned a top-five spot in USA Today's Best Scenic Train Ride awards. Dogs are welcome aboard for the ride through redwood forests, and the surrounding area offers beaches, trails and breweries.

Puppies play in a waterfall. professional photo ph

Discover California’s dog-friendly waterfalls: A nature lover’s guide

California has dozens of dog-friendly waterfalls worth visiting, from Alamere Falls cascading into the ocean at Point Reyes to Bridalveil Fall in Yosemite and hidden swimming holes in Shasta County. Leash up and go chase some mist.

Dog-friendly California destination, photo courtesy of ARF

Animals on Broadway

The Animal Rescue Foundation's Animals on Broadway fundraiser at Broadway Plaza in Walnut Creek features a pet walk, live music, food trucks, vendor booths, and pet adoptions. Proceeds support ARF's lifesaving programs for homeless Bay Area animals.

Yosemite and Mariposa County: Awesome dog-friendly guide

Mariposa County near Yosemite is packed with dog-friendly adventures, from the Wawona Meadow Loop and South Fork Trail to pet-welcoming restaurants, historic lodges and even a ghost town tour you can enjoy with your pup.

Bark in the Park

Bark in the Park in San Jose is the largest dog festival in the United States, drawing over 15,000 dog lovers. Enjoy costume contests, agility demos, vendors and more at William Street Park while supporting local pet organizations.

Great places to sit, stay and play

Sacramento's dog-friendly hotels range from the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Park to the riverfront Westin and boutique Kimpton Sawyer. Expect welcome treats, pet beds, and easy access to parks and walking trails downtown.

Four-paw fun with a view at Little River Inn

Little River Inn has welcomed dogs to the Mendocino coast for over 80 years. This locally owned gem offers ocean-view cottages, garden patio dining, welcome treats for pups and easy access to state beaches.

Chow down in Greater Ontario

Greater Ontario has pet-friendly restaurants with outdoor patios, including Lazy Dog Cafe in Rancho Cucamonga. Browse Victoria Gardens with your pup, burn off energy at local dog parks, then settle into one of several dog-welcoming hotels for the night.

Discover dog-friendly Pleasant Hill

Pleasant Hill in Contra Costa County offers dog-friendly wineries, off-leash parks, scenic trails and a welcoming downtown with patio dining. Nearby regional parks and nature preserves round out a perfect East Bay outing with your pup.

Bass Lake video

Less than 35 miles from Yosemite's front gate, Bass Lake offers crystal-clear waters, dog-friendly trails, and a laid-back local atmosphere. Whether you're swimming, hiking, or just exploring the shoreline, it's a perfect day trip or weekend escape with your pup.

Paddle, pedal and play with your pup

The Stanford Inn in Mendocino makes paddling with your dog easy. Rent a canine cruiser outrigger from Catch a Canoe and explore 8.3 miles of Big River Estuary, then return to a resort that welcomes pups warmly.

Autumn is the perfect time to visit Yosemite National Park.

Day 1: Woof this way

Your Yosemite Mariposa County road trip starts here. Check into a pet-friendly hotel, stroll charming main streets lined with water bowls, and grab craft brews at 1850 Restaurant. Then gaze up at the Sierra skies and dream about tomorrow's adventures.

Day 1: Inland wine trails and train rides

Mendocino County's inland corridor along Highway 101 features dog-friendly wineries, farm-to-fork restaurants, and the iconic Skunk Train. Board with your pup for a scenic ride through redwood canyons and over mountain summits.

Day 2: Beaches and botanical wonders in Fort Bragg

Fort Bragg delivers beaches, botanical gardens, and Skunk Train railbike tours for dogs and their people. Walk Glass Beach, explore MacKerricher State Park trails, and dine on dog-friendly patios at the Noyo Harbor waterfront.

Day 3: Hiking, history and waterfront hotels

Mendocino's sweeping Pacific vistas, pygmy forests, and bluff-top trails set the scene for a dog-friendly North Coast escape. The Stanford Inn offers canoe rides with a special canine deck, plus organic treats for pups.

Day 4: Barking ways

On the last day of your Yosemite Mariposa County trip, grab coffee at Sticks Coffee, then let your dog explore the Sierra National Forest. Cap it off with lunch at Coulter Cafe or Timberloft Pizzeria.

Pawsport Yountville: Dog-friendly wine tasting weekend

Pawsport Yountville is a dog-friendly wine tasting weekend in Napa Valley benefiting Napa Humane. Visit six pup-welcoming tasting rooms and restaurants in charming Yountville, with exclusive tastings, goodie bags, and dog treats included in each ticket.

Water fun and wineries in Lake County

Lake County, two hours north of San Francisco, blends water fun, wine tasting and small-town charm around Clear Lake. Bring your dog to paddle, hike, visit dog-friendly wineries and stay at lakeside lodges.

Napa Humane Walk for Animals 2023

Napa Humane's 12th Annual Walk for Animals is a fun fundraising stroll through Yountville that goes miles for local companion animals. Register, walk, enjoy raffles and contests, and use code DOGTREKKER for $5 off your registration.

San Francisco's Emperor Norton had his dogs Bummer and Lazarus. Calistoga's Sam Brannan had Leonitus. Archive photo.

Was Calistoga really founded by a dog?

Calistoga's founding story features Sam Brannan and his loyal Newfoundland, Leonitus, who helped shape the town into a thriving resort community. Today, pet-friendly inns, wine tasting rooms and restaurants carry on that dog-welcoming tradition in Napa Valley.

Young people toasting red wine on dinner party mood - Multiracia

Capital sipping experiences

Sacramento makes a perfect base for dog-friendly wine tasting. Sip on the patio at Revolution Winery in Midtown, then head to the Apple Hill region near Placerville for fall farm visits and hillside vineyard views.

Fun with Fido

Greater Ontario sits at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains and offers ideal fall weather for dog-friendly outings. Romp at Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park, hike foothill trails, and browse farmers markets.

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