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®!
Big mountains, big fun at dog-friendly Mammoth
The drive to Mammoth Lakes on Highway 395 is half the adventure, with stops at Mono Lake and Convict Lake. Once there, your dog can join you for snowshoeing, hiking, and cross-country skiing in the Inyo National Forest.
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Fetch special rates for Wild Blue Dogs Fall Camp
Wild Blue Dogs, a nonprofit fighting canine cancer, hosts a week-long fall camp on the shores of South Lake Tahoe. The all-inclusive event features private beach access, hiking, education sessions, and plenty of fun for dogs and their people.
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By land or by lake: Redding as a basecamp
Redding is the gateway to Upstate California, where rugged mountains, serene lakes, and stunning waterfalls await you and your dog. Hike the Sacramento River Trail, boat on Shasta Lake, or tackle the three McCloud River falls.
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Treks, tours, and top spots in Placer County
From Hidden Falls Regional Park near Auburn to the Miners Ravine Trail in Roseville, Placer County is loaded with dog-friendly hikes and outdoor adventures. Explore 30-plus miles of trails, seasonal waterfalls, and scenic American River views with your pup.
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Wild Blue Dogs summer camp early-bird ends March 15
Wild Blue Dogs Camp at Lake Tahoe runs weeklong sessions packed with dog training, agility, kayaking, and beach time. The nonprofit raises funds for canine cancer treatment, making every visit count for a good cause.
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Best dog-friendly hiking trails in Big Bear Lake
Big Bear Lake has over 100 miles of dog-friendly hiking trails through pine forests, high desert, and alpine meadows. From easy loops like Woodland Trail to the challenging climb up Cougar Crest, there's a route for every pup.
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Santa Monica: a tail-wagging destination for pups and people
Santa Monica offers dog-friendly hotels near the pier, off-leash parks like Airport Park and Herb Katz Dog Park, pet-welcoming restaurant patios, and top-notch grooming spas. It's a SoCal hotspot for pups and people.
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Bark Park in Susanville: dog-friendly stop in Lassen County
Bark Park in Susanville offers separate off-leash areas for large and small dogs, open dawn to dusk. This Lassen County community gem is a welcome rest stop for travelers with pups on road trips through northeastern California.
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Redding: perfect pit stop for you and your dog
Redding is the perfect base for exploring Northern California with your dog. Walk the iconic Sundial Bridge, hike and swim at Whiskeytown Lake, and enjoy craft beer on dog-friendly patios around this welcoming mountain town.
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Where to stay and play in Big Bear
Big Bear Lake shines in autumn with golden leaves, warm days and cooler evenings under starry skies. Lower lodging rates and fewer crowds mean more room for your dog to play at this mountain getaway.
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Winter pet-friendly activities in Yosemite Mariposa County
Yosemite Mariposa County is a wonderful winter destination for dogs and their people. Leashed pups can enjoy paved trails past iconic landmarks, snowy forest hikes, and cozy pet-friendly lodging at spots like Tenaya Lodge and AutoCamp Yosemite.
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Winter/spring guide to pet-friendly lodging in Yosemite Mariposa
Yosemite Mariposa County offers dog-welcoming places to stay for every style, from glamping at AutoCamp to the award-winning Tenaya at Yosemite in Fish Camp. Plan ahead for pet policies and pair your stay with nearby trails and wildflowers.
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8 dog-friendly lakes near Southern California
When Southern California heats up, head to these eight dog-friendly lakes within three hours of the city. From Castaic Lake's golden foothills to Big Bear's alpine waters, each spot offers shoreline access and cool relief for overheated pups.
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7 California beaches where dogs run completely free
California offers seven world-class off-leash dog beaches, from Huntington Dog Beach's golden sands to Carmel Beach's iconic shoreline. This field-tested guide covers the best times to visit, parking tips and insider knowledge for each location.
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Rainy-day fun to keep your dog sane
When rain cancels the daily walk, your dog still needs engagement. Scent games, frozen Kongs, DIY puzzles and short training sessions can tire out a restless pup just as well as a hike.
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Dog-friendly wine tasting in Napa and Sonoma
Spring is the best time to take your dog wine tasting in Napa and Sonoma. Cooler temps, thinner crowds and dozens of dog-friendly patios make it easy to sip, stroll and explore together.
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Dog-friendly Amador County winery tasting trail
If your idea of California wine country starts and ends with Napa, we need to talk. About 90 minutes east of Sacramento, Amador County’s Shenandoah Valley is home to some of the oldest Zinfandel vines in the state — and…
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ADA accessible dog-friendly trails in the Bay Area
The San Francisco Bay Area offers one of the most extensive networks of accessible, dog-friendly trails in California. From the paved waterfront promenades of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area to the wide levee paths maintained by the East Bay…
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A dog-friendly bird’s eye view in Del Norte County
Del Norte County offers dog-friendly adventures from redwood gondola rides at Trees of Mystery to rugged coastal trails and craft beer patios in Crescent City. Take the SkyTrail through an ancient canopy, hike the California Coastal Trail, and play fetch…
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California dreamin’ with your dog: 11 pet-friendly destinations
California is packed with dog-friendly vacation spots, from Marin County's beaches and hiking trails just across the Golden Gate Bridge to Santa Cruz's surf-friendly shores. Here are some of the best pet-welcoming destinations across the Golden State. California is a…
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Moorten Botanical Garden: a dog-friendly desert oasis
Moorten Botanical Garden in Palm Springs welcomes leashed dogs to explore over 3,000 species of desert plants. Wander through the Cactarium and outdoor trails while your pup sniffs earthy desert aromas in the warm sun. If you're a dog owner…
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Calistoga in Napa Valley: a very dog-friendly wine city
Calistoga in Napa Valley is a standout wine country town for dog lovers. Stroll Lincoln Avenue, hike the Oat Hill Mine Trail, taste wines at dog-welcoming wineries like Chateau Montelena, and dine on pet-friendly patios.
Read morePawsh on the mountain: a dog day at Chaminade
Chaminade Resort in Santa Cruz hosts Pawsh Retreat on August 24, featuring dog pools, pet massages, agility games, a canine fashion show and adoptable pups. Admission is free with a suggested donation benefiting the Santa Cruz SPCA.
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Spring pet-friendly activities in Yosemite Mariposa County
Spring in Yosemite Mariposa County brings swelling rivers, wildflowers, and fresh scents that delight dogs on paved paths where leashed pets are welcome. See Bridalveil Fall at peak flow, explore Sierra National Forest trails, and discover dog-friendly towns beyond the…
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