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®!

Cricket at Kelso Dunes at Mojave National Preserve.

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.

ES GN Garrett Nakamura closeup bee poppy 20170430

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…

Woman with Labrador on a scenic coastal walk in Pacific Grove, California.

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.

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…

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.

Maya checks out the Santford Inn’s organic gardens.

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.

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…

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.

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.

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.

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…

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.

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.

There is still time to book your Lake Tahoe adventure!

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.

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.

Sacha enjoying the water in Folsom Lake.

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.

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.

San francisco painted lady victorian with dogs all

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.

Photorealistic photo og a dog in palm springs --ar

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.

Dog-friendly escapes in California’s desert.

Top 5 dog-friendly adventures in the California deserts

From Joshua Tree's Barker Dam Trail to Anza-Borrego's palm oasis hike and Lake Cahuilla's shoreline, the California deserts serve up five outstanding adventures for dogs and their humans. Leash up and explore. Hike the Barker Dam Trail, Joshua Tree National…

Enjoying the California desert with your dog

A desert trip with your dog takes extra planning. Bring plenty of water, watch for cacti and extreme heat, take frequent shade breaks, and check that trails and campsites are pet-friendly before you go.

Tahoe’s tail-waggin’ winter highlights

Lake Tahoe in winter means plowed trails, snowshoeing with your dog, and even skijoring across snowy landscapes. With over 20 miles of cleared paths and pet-friendly lodges from Truckee to South Lake Tahoe, cold-weather fun comes easy here.

Tahoe snow play and stay: dog-friendly hotels

Lake Tahoe has dog-friendly lodging for every budget, from the Ritz-Carlton to cozy B&B cottages on the West Shore. In winter, enjoy plowed walking trails, cross-country skiing, and heated patio dining in Truckee before cozying up by a fireplace.

Splash and Cricket at Mojave National Preserve in winter.

Moseying around the Mojave

The 1.6-million-acre Mojave National Preserve offers winter adventurers rose-hued dunes, Joshua tree forests, and ghost towns to explore with leashed dogs. A high-clearance vehicle opens up hundreds of miles of dirt roads through this rugged San Bernardino County landscape.

Things to do

Things to do near me..

Things to do

Things to do

Things to do Blog