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®!
Step into the magic of Mendocino
Mendocino County shines during the Harvest Mendocino festivities, with culinary events for foodies and wine lovers. Beyond the tastings, hike the 10-mile Big River Trail, visit the Point Cabrillo Lighthouse and tour dog-friendly wineries along Highway 101 and 128.
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Seven important tips for California dog travel
Planning a California road trip with your dog takes some preparation. These seven tips cover vaccination records, comfortable car travel, finding dog-friendly parks and beaches, safety on trails, and what to pack.
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Top Mendocino picks for waves and wine
Mendocino County pairs stunning Pacific coastline with dog-friendly adventures like kayaking, Skunk Train rides through redwoods, botanical garden strolls, and winery visits. The Little River Inn makes an ideal pup-welcoming basecamp.
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Big Bear Lake: A cool canine retreat
Big Bear Lake in the San Bernardino Mountains is a cool mountain escape for dogs and their people. With 100 miles of hiking trails, lakeside parks, pet-friendly cabins and patio dining, it offers year-round outdoor fun.
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Sit, stay and play in San Francisco
San Francisco rolls out the welcome mat for dogs at Crissy Field, Fort Funston, Ocean Beach, and Golden Gate Park. Add Nob Hill hotels and Presidio Tunnel Tops to the mix for a full pup-friendly city getaway.
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Five-star stays for four-paw friends
Mendocino County's standout dog-friendly hotels include the Stanford Inn, Little River Inn, Noyo Harbor Inn and Beachcomber Motel properties. Expect coastal charm, garden patios, welcome treats for pups and easy access to beaches, trails and waterfront dining.
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Surf towns and sand on the Central Coast
Hit the road along California's Central Coast with your dog, from Santa Cruz beaches and Cannery Row patios to off-leash Carmel Beach and Pismo's pup-friendly lighthouse suites. Sun, surf, and tail wags await.
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Concord Visitor Center Perro Costume Parade
The Concord Visitor Center hosted its first Perro Costume Contest and Parade at Salvio Pacheco Square. Dogs competed in categories like Best DIY Costume and Owner Dog Look-Alike, with proceeds benefiting Early Alert Canines.
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Fall moments await at Tenaya Lodge
Fall brings golden foliage and cooler weather to Yosemite, making it ideal to visit Tenaya Lodge with your dog. Hike Jackson Road, take a scenic train ride through Sierra National Forest, and soak in autumn magic.
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Siskiyou County: Where dogs are a way of life
Siskiyou County borders Oregon in the Shasta Cascade region and treats dogs like family. Hike the McCloud River falls loop, explore old-growth forests on Gray Butte Trail, and camp at Lake Siskiyou.
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The South Coast: Pedigreed fun for pups
Southern California's coast is a paradise for pups, from Huntington Beach's off-leash sand and annual surf dog competition to San Diego's string of dog-friendly beaches, harbor cruises, and outdoor dining patios.
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Top 5 dog parks in California
California leads the nation in dog parks, and these five stand out. From the 23-acre Point Isabel on San Francisco Bay to Runyon Canyon with Hollywood sign views, here are our top off-leash picks.
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On & off-leash adventures
Big Bear Lake offers seven miles of water plus 100 miles of hiking trails for dogs and their people. Kayak, paddleboard, and hike together, from easy shoreline strolls to the challenging Cougar Crest climb.
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Trinity County: Remote, relaxing and ruggedly beautiful
Trinity County is remote, rugged and beautifully uncrowded. Fewer than 14,000 people live here, leaving the Trinity Alps Wilderness, Gold Rush-era towns and pristine Trinity Lake wide open for hiking, boating, swimming and paddleboarding with your dog.
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Top five dog-friendly hotels in California
From treat turn-down service to doggy room service, here's how to spot a truly dog-friendly hotel in California. Plus, the right questions to ask before booking and our top five picks for pup-welcoming stays.
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Five great California destinations for you and your dog
From the off-leash beaches of Carmel-by-the-Sea to the trails of Yosemite and Big Bear Lake, California is packed with dog-welcoming destinations. Here are five top spots where your pup will feel right at home.
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Tehama County: Fresh fun in California
Tehama County rolls out the red carpet for dogs just 90 miles north of Sacramento. Hike forest trails along Mill Creek, stroll Sacramento River paths in Red Bluff, and taste wines at Burnsini Vineyards.
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Modoc County: High desert fun for four-legged friends
Modoc County offers high-desert solitude near the Oregon and Nevada borders. Spot over 200 bird species at the wildlife refuge, soak with your dog at Surprise Valley Hot Springs, hike the Modoc National Forest and stargaze under wide-open skies.
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Don’t miss the Big Bear Puptopia Festival!
The inaugural Big Bear Puptopia Festival brings stunt dog shows, an agility course, a giant ball-filled dog bowl, a K9 Lounge and a dog spa to Veteran's Park this July.
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Ruff-ing it in Shasta County
Redding anchors Shasta County with 225 miles of trails within 15 minutes of town, the iconic Sundial Bridge and dog-welcoming hotels like the Sheraton. Hike Whiskeytown, tour Shasta Dam and let your pup earn an official B.A.R.K. Ranger tag.
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Redding really does winter right
Redding and the Shasta Cascade region shine in winter with skiing at Mount Shasta, sledding at Eskimo Hill, and snow play in Lassen National Forest. Pet-friendly hotels like the Sheraton Redding even offer dog menus and weekly yappy hours.
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Butte County: Outdoor wonders and downtown fun
Butte County blends college-town culture with outstanding outdoor recreation. Base yourself in Chico for brewery patios and Bidwell Park, hike lava-formed landscapes at North Table Mountain, or head to Lake Oroville for houseboating and camping with your pup.
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Pawsport 2024: Sip some wine, support Napa Humane
Napa Humane's Pawsport returns in 2024 as a month-long wine tasting event. For $60, enjoy 2-for-1 tastings at participating wineries, dog treats, retail discounts and more while supporting life-saving programs for Napa Valley companion animals.
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Go off leash with Russian River Adventures
Russian River Adventures celebrates 25 years of paddling in Sonoma County with pup-friendly canoe tours on stable inflatable vessels. Dogs join for just $15 on a nine-mile self-guided trip past swimming holes, wildlife and scenic riverbanks.
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