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®!
Five secret dog spots on the San Francisco Peninsula
The San Francisco Peninsula is hiding some genuinely under-the-radar spots that most dog owners drive right past. From a forest-ringed lake in Belmont to windswept bluffs above the Mavericks surf break, these five are the ones locals keep to themselves.
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Dog-friendly Easter weekend getaways in California
Easter weekend is the perfect excuse to hit the road with your dog. California is packed with dog-friendly destinations where you and your pup can soak up spring, from the off-leash beaches of Carmel to the wine country patios of…
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Reserving a spot for you and Spot
Snagging a campsite in California takes planning, especially at popular coastal and mountain locations that book six months out. Here are strategies for securing reservations, from cancellation windows and first-come sites to lottery systems and midweek flexibility.
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Must-attend events this summer and fall
California summers are packed with dog-friendly celebrations, from Sacramento River Cats Wet Nose Wednesdays and the Puptopia Festival in Big Bear to the Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon in San Diego and brewery fundraisers across the Bay Area. Here are our top…
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Reserve summer campsites now
Summer campsites at California's coast and mountain hotspots fill up fast, so book early. Here is a roundup of reservation resources, from Reserve America and Recreation.gov to utility-district campgrounds, dog-friendly KOA cabins, and tips for snagging last-minute spots.
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California SNO-Parks: SNO many options for dog-friendly fun
California SNO-Parks are among DogTrekker's most popular picks each winter. These snow-covered playgrounds on U.S. Forest Service land welcome dogs for sledding, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. Grab a permit and arrive early for the best parking and fresh powder.
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Mindfully protecting the magic of Tahoe
North Lake Tahoe and DogTrekker share a commitment to responsible outdoor recreation. Take the Traveler Responsibility Pledge, hike the Tahoe Rim Trail, cool off at dog-welcoming beaches, and help keep Tahoe blue through mindful, sustainable travel with your dog.
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What it’s all about, Ralphie?
Wild Blue funds canine cancer research and provides treatment grants to dog owners who can't afford care. Their week-long dog camps at Lake Tahoe raise money while giving you and your pup an unforgettable vacation for a meaningful cause.
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Tails from Tahoe: The Tunnel Creek Cafe
DogTrekker Laura M. shares her experience at the Tunnel Creek Cafe near Lake Tahoe, where the staff welcomed her two dogs like family. After hiking up the hill, they enjoyed lunch at this genuinely dog-loving spot.
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At Tahoe: The ultimate doggie meetup
Camp Winnaribbun turns a 33-acre Tahoe property into doggie paradise each summer, with off-leash beach play, dock diving, agility training, nose work, and daily hikes. Evening campfires and shared meals give owners a chance to swap stories and training tips.
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Kick and glide with Fido at your side
Several Lake Tahoe cross-country ski resorts welcome dogs on groomed trails. Tahoe Donner offers eight dog-friendly routes plus fire-pit relaxation after your run, while Tahoe Cross Country and Kirkwood sell doggy day passes for their own designated trail networks.
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Lake Tahoe fall fun
Fall in Tahoe means golden aspens, glassy lake mornings, and thinning crowds. Base yourself in Truckee for the best leaf color and trail access, chase reflections at Spooner Lake, and enjoy shoulder-season dining before the short window of peak color…
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Paw your way to High Camp
Palisades Tahoe's dog-friendly aerial tram whisks you and your pup 2,000 feet up to High Camp, where hiking trails wind through wildflower meadows and down Shirley Canyon. Four-legged hikers ride free, and food awaits at both ends.
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Strap on the snowshoes: Dog-friendly snowshoeing in Tahoe
Echo Lakes near Highway 50 is one of the best dog-friendly snowshoe spots in the Sierra, with flat frozen lakes, stunning mountain scenery, and trails for all levels. Other top Tahoe-area options include Page Meadow, Fallen Leaf Lake Trail, and…
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Spring forward at Lake Tahoe
Spring is Tahoe's overlooked shoulder season, and that's exactly why it works so well with a dog. Snow melts off the lower trails, crowds vanish, and the lake shifts through shades of blue while meltwater-fed rivers run fast through pine…
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Reserving a camping spot for Spot
Booking a dog-friendly campsite in California takes planning, especially at popular coastal and mountain spots that fill up months ahead. Here is a guide to reservation resources, strategies for snagging last-minute cancellations, and tips for scoring first-come sites on weekends.
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Lake Tahoe: Winter fun with your dog
Winter in North Lake Tahoe brings fewer crowds, deep snow, and a landscape made for long walks with your dog. From Truckee's gritty main street to Kings Beach's quiet shoreline and Tahoe City's groomed Nordic trails, each community offers its…
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Visit California’s dog-friendly SNO-Parks
California's 18 SNO-Parks offer affordable winter access to stunning Forest Service lands for snowshoeing, sledding, cross-country skiing, and even skijoring with your dog. A season pass costs just $40 and covers all locations from November through May.
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This snow season, sample California’s best
From SNO-Parks and Big Bear Lake to Lake Tahoe and Mammoth, California delivers serious winter fun for dogs and their people. Snowshoe through national forest, sled powder-covered meadows, and retreat to pet-friendly cabins and lodges across the Sierra Nevada.
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Romantic retreats worth woofing about
February calls for a romantic alpine getaway for three. Lake Tahoe offers dog-friendly luxury at the Ritz-Carlton Northstar with plush dog beds and Yappy Hours, cozy rustic charm at Fireside Lodge, and stunning cabin retreats in Mammoth Lakes and nearby…
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California’s best dog-friendly sports bars
Catch the big game with your dog at these 10 California sports bars, from Riddick's in Redding to spots in Big Bear, Fort Bragg and South Lake Tahoe. Few things are better than catching the big game with good friends…
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California’s top tail-wagging destinations: Adventure awaits
A south-to-north road trip through California's best dog-friendly destinations, from Ocean Beach in San Diego and Runyon Canyon in LA to Big Bear Lake, Carmel Beach and beyond. Each stop pairs off-leash fun with pet-welcoming hotels and cafes.
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48 hours of tail-wagging fun in Sacramento
A weekend itinerary for Sacramento with your dog, from Saturday morning walks in Capitol Park and mural hopping in Midtown to Sunday brunch at dog-friendly patios, off-leash parks, and a River Fox Train ride that welcomes pups.
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Last call for Tahoe snowshoeing
Late March and early April bring ideal conditions for snowshoeing with your dog around Lake Tahoe. The Echo Lakes Sno-Park at 7,500 feet is a favorite starting point, with trails winding through pine forest and along frozen lakeshores toward the…
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