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®!
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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Discover dog-friendly Bishop: Small town, big backyard
Bishop sits at 4,000 feet in the Eastern Sierra, surrounded by public lands perfect for dogs. With pet-friendly hotels, a dedicated dog park, patio dining, and trailheads steps away, it's a big draw for pups.
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Vineyard views & wine-loving woofs
Glamping in California wine country means safari tents along the Russian River, luxury cottages in Paso Robles and campgrounds in the Santa Ynez Valley. Many nearby wineries welcome leashed dogs for tastings, treats and vineyard strolls.
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A seaside paradise for pups and people
Little River Inn sits between Mendocino's redwoods and the Pacific coast, with a footpath to Van Damme State Beach and easy access to Big River Trail. This 225-acre, family-owned property has welcomed dogs and their people for over 80 years.
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Paws-itively perfect resort packages
Little River Inn's Water Dog Package bundles a two-night stay with your choice of dog-friendly sea cave kayaking or a Big River canoe trip, plus a dinner voucher and pet goodie bag. Available May through September on the Mendocino coast.
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Follow the sun to Greater Ontario
Greater Ontario, or GOCAL, is an under-the-radar Southern California gem for dog-friendly travel. Hike San Gabriel Mountain trails, shop at Victoria Gardens with your pup, treat them to a Doggie Delights cupcake, and settle into one of several pet-welcoming hotels.
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Stanford Inn: #1 for families
Families love the Stanford Inn for its kid-friendly adventures, from canoe trips on Big River to scavenger hunts in the organic gardens. Spacious suites, a heated pool and complimentary breakfast round out the appeal.
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Stanford Inn: #1 for couples
The Stanford Inn on the Mendocino coast sets a dreamy scene for romantic getaways. Ocean-view rooms with fireplaces, spa services, river tours and creative workshops help couples reconnect alongside their pups.
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Napa Humane’s Pawsport: Fetch great deals and fun
Napa Humane's annual Pawsport offers more than $1,100 in perks for just $75 during March. Two-for-one wine tastings, restaurant discounts, and lodging deals make it a great value supporting Napa Humane's programs.
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Wine country within easy reach
From Vacaville, three renowned wine regions are within easy reach. Sample Suisun Valley's undiscovered gems, visit dog-welcoming Sonoma wineries like Mutt Lynch and Cline Cellars, or sip sparkling wine at Napa's Domaine Chandon.
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Stanford Inn: #1 for health and happiness
Happiness and health are woven into every stay at the Stanford Inn on the Mendocino coast. Expect plant-based dining at Ravens Restaurant, wellness workshops, ocean views and four state parks within two miles.
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Patios, playtime and pup-friendly businesses
Vacaville's dog-friendly culture shines through its renovated dog parks, pet-welcoming breweries and charming downtown shopping. Sip craft beers at The Brass Tap's yappy hour and browse pet boutiques like Sweet Pea's.
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Pup-tastic adventures in the great outdoors
Vacaville's mild climate and 30-plus parks make it a prime destination for outdoor fun with dogs. Hike the trails at Lagoon Valley Park or let pups play fetch at Alamo Creek Park.
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Dog-friendly delights in Dillon Beach
Dillon Beach sits between Bodega Bay and Tomales Bay with an off-leash public beach perfect for well-behaved dogs. Stay in chic tiny home cabins at Dillon Beach Resort or historic waterfront cottages at Nick's Cove.
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Paws-itively welcoming hotel properties
Mendocino County's coastal hotels go above and beyond for dogs. From Rendezvous Mendocino's peaceful B&B setting to the Stanford Inn's dog-friendly canoe rentals and the Little River Inn's fireside cottages, these properties make four-legged guests feel right at home.
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Tasty treats for hungry travelers
Mendocino County's dining scene welcomes dogs with open arms. The Little River Inn is debuting cozy Pup Cabanas, James Beard-nominee Scott Baird runs a beloved burger stand in Philo, and the Stanford Inn serves plant-based meals at pup-friendly lobby tables.
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Bask in San Francisco’s fall sunshine
Fall brings San Francisco's sunniest weather, making it the perfect time to explore the city with your dog. From off-leash Fort Funston to the Presidio's bay-view trails, here are our favorite spots.
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Escape into nature at Stone Ranch and Mendocino Grove
Mendocino Stone Ranch is a 50-acre retreat with art installations, redwood trails and unique lodging options including a yurt with ocean views. Nearby Mendocino Grove hosts dog-friendly group events amid stately forests.
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Dog-friendly adventures await at Big Bear Lake
Big Bear Lake, just 100 miles from Los Angeles, is a top dog-friendly getaway in the San Bernardino National Forest. Paddle the seven-mile lake, hike over 100 miles of trails, then unwind at a pet-welcoming cabin or lakeside restaurant.
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Five ways to explore the California coast
Five dog-friendly stops near Noyo Harbor Inn showcase the best of the Mendocino Coast. Glass Beach, the Noyo Headlands Trail, the Skunk Train, Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens and the Big River Trail all welcome leashed pups.
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Comfy rooms with fetching design features
Noyo Harbor Inn blends Arts and Crafts architecture with modern comfort on the Mendocino Coast. Half the rooms welcome pets, with wood floors, private patios and park-like grounds for dog walking just steps from the harbor.
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