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 guide to pet-friendly Autumn lodging in Yosemite Mariposa
Yosemite Mariposa County is packed with pet-friendly lodging, from luxury tents at AutoCamp to rustic cabins near the park. Leashed dogs can enjoy paved trails, campgrounds and the B.A.R.K. Ranger program.
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Puptopia Festival
Calling all dog lovers and pet parents! You're invited to come out to the Big Bear Puptopia Festival on July 25 for a tail-wagging day of fun in Veterans Park. Enjoy the Pawground, relax in the K9 Lounge, watch stunt…
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Stanford Inn: Green, gorgeous and welcoming for 45 years
The Stanford Inn by the Sea in Mendocino celebrates 45 years of welcoming dogs with ocean-view rooms, plant-based dining, spa services and nature walks. This eco-resort treats four-legged guests like family, with treats, beds and coastal trails nearby.
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ADA accessible dog-friendly trails in Southern California
Southern California’s diverse landscape — from mountain lakes to desert oases to coastal bluffs — offers a surprising number of paved and accessible trails where handlers with mobility needs and their dogs can enjoy the outdoors together. Whether we’re talking…
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Skip the beach: 4 dog-friendly lake getaways
California's lakes are filling up from winter rains and the foothills are electric green. If you and your dog want warm spring weather without sandy crowds, head inland. Four dog-friendly lake getaways — Folsom, Clear Lake, Shasta, and Bass Lake…
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Dog-friendly wildflower hikes in the Mojave: 5 trails
Mojave National Preserve is the rare NPS unit that welcomes dogs on every trail. Here are five hikes where spring blooms are peaking right now.
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3 dog-friendly wildflower hikes to catch before spring fades
California's wildflower season peaks from late March through mid-April, and several of the best spots welcome dogs. From Hite Cove near Yosemite to Gold Country river trails, these three hikes deliver rolling hills of poppies and lupines before the blooms…
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Dog-friendly hikes on the San Francisco Peninsula
From coastal bluffs in Pacifica to redwood forests in Woodside, the San Francisco Peninsula is loaded with dog-friendly hiking. These trails offer ocean panoramas, shaded woodland paths and wide-open grasslands perfect for energetic pups on leash.
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New for you: DogTrekker’s ulti-mutt spring event guide
Spring brings a packed calendar of dog-friendly events across California, from fun runs and beach festivals to wine tastings and costume parades. Many raise funds for animal welfare organizations, so you and your pup can play while making a positive…
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Forestville trail opens miles of dog-friendly adventure
The West County Regional Trail starts in Forestville and stretches 5.5 paved miles through vineyards and farms to Sebastopol, following an old railway corridor. Connect to the Joe Rodota Trail for 14 miles of continuous, dog-friendly walking across Sonoma County.
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Paws-itively impressive green practices
The Stanford Inn earned a spot on USA Today's top 10 eco-friendly hotels for the second consecutive year, recognized for organic gardens, composting programs, and classes that help guests leave as better stewards of the environment after their stay.
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Desert days & mountain stays
Glamping in California's mountains and deserts pairs epic scenery with dog-friendly comfort. From safari tents near Yosemite to Western-themed lodging at the gateway to Anza-Borrego, these retreats offer hiking, stargazing and wide-open spaces for your pup. From alpine meadows to…
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Affordable hotels near wine country? We’re all ears.
Vacaville offers affordable pet-friendly hotels with easy access to Napa, Sonoma and Suisun Valley wineries. Stay for less, sip world-class wines, and enjoy dog parks, patio dining and public art with your pup along the way.
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Five things to know about Yosemite with your dog
Even seasoned visitors may not know how welcoming Yosemite and Mariposa County can be for dogs. From pet-friendly paved trails and Sierra National Forest hikes to lodging with special pet packages, here are five things every dog traveler should know.
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Explore Yosemite Mariposa County with your furry friend
Mariposa County is home to Yosemite National Park and a wealth of pet-friendly lodging, dining and photo opportunities. Bring your dog to experience the valley's iconic views, Gold Rush-era towns, and trails in the surrounding Sierra National Forest.
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The mountains are barking from Big Bear Lake
The snow is melting and spring is blooming in beautiful Big Bear Lake. Trails teem with life, the lake beckons paddlers, and patio dining season buzzes. Our guide to paddling, hiking, dining, lodging, and the Care For Big Bear stewardship…
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This spring, have fun while benefitting furry friends
Team DogTrekker spotlights two spring fundraisers that support California animal welfare. Napa Humane's Pawsport unlocks wine, dining and hotel deals from 30-plus businesses, while Pasadena Humane's Wiggle Waggle Walk and Run raises funds for Southern California wildfire relief.
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Make tracks in majestic Mammoth
Mammoth Lakes in the Eastern Sierra is a top winter basecamp for dog lovers. Pet-friendly lodges, cross-country ski trails, snowshoe routes and cozy cabins make this mountain town ideal for snowy getaways with your pup.
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Wild Blue Dogs camp at Tahoe? You lucky dog!
Wild Blue Dogs' fall camp in South Lake Tahoe, September 13-19, pairs bonding activities like agility, nose work and kayaking with certified trainers. All proceeds support canine cancer research, and you'll enjoy quiet Tahoe beaches and great weather all week.
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Ruffin’ it in snowy Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe rolls out the red carpet for dogs in winter, with plowed walking trails along the lakeshore, cross-country ski centers that welcome pups, pet-friendly hotels and restaurants, and wide-open wilderness to explore on snowshoes or on foot.
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Have a dog-gone good time at Folsom Lake
Folsom Lake State Recreation Area welcomes dogs on trails and in most of its waters, just 25 miles from Sacramento. With 75 miles of shoreline, hiking paths, picnic areas, and campgrounds, it's a top day-trip destination.
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Splashy fun and trails to explore
Sacramento's tree-lined trails, fenced dog parks, and riverfront pathways make it a standout for outdoor fun with your pup. Explore the 32-mile American River Parkway or play at one of nearly a dozen off-leash parks.
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San Francisco: The ultimate dog-friendly destination
San Francisco is basically Disneyland for dogs. With a rich canine history, off-leash beaches, dog-friendly bars, and famous four-legged residents past and present, the city by the bay has earned its reputation as the ultimate dog town.
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Exploring Greater Palm Springs with your dog
Greater Palm Springs offers dog-friendly desert adventures, from hiking Tahquitz Canyon to patio dining on El Paseo. Stay at pet-welcoming resorts like La Quinta, explore date gardens in Indio and soak up the laid-back desert vibe with your pup.
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