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®!

Wine Trail sign directs visitors to wineries of Santa Clara Valley - Gilroy, California, USA - 2021

Santa Clara County’s pet-friendly wine trail

The Santa Clara Valley Wine Trail stretches 30 miles between San Jose and Gilroy, with over 30 wineries and a rich history. Many tasting rooms welcome dogs, and a Wine Trail Passport makes repeat visits easy.

Sip and savor with your pup: Fall winery-trekking

Fall is prime time for dog-friendly wine tasting in California. Skip the crowds and pricey fees with laid-back visits to wineries near Sacramento, in Vacaville's Suisun Valley, and along Mendocino County's scenic Highway 101 and 128 wine roads.

Glass Beach, Fort Bragg. Soft on the paws!

Delights for dogs in Mendocino County

Mendocino County welcomes dogs to some wonderfully unique activities. Ride the Skunk Train through redwoods, pedal railbikes with dog trailers, paddle Big River in canine cruiser outriggers and browse pup-friendly shops from Fort Bragg to Point Arena.

Border Collie jumps over an agility hurdle on a dog agility course — Adobe Images

The thrill of dog agility

Dog agility training combines speed, precision, and teamwork as dogs sprint through obstacle courses guided by their handlers. Open to all breeds and sizes, it builds fitness, strengthens the human-canine bond, and is a blast to watch.

Mendocino County features 12 viticultural areas.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Dogs welcome at Tehaya at Yosemite Explorer Cabins.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Maya & Roxanne on a Holloway's Marina & RV Park Pontoon Boat.

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.

Dog-friendly California destination, photo courtesy of Visit California

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.