Travel Blog
Roll, stroll and sniff: California’s most wheelchair-accessible dog-friendly beaches
Sand is where good intentions go to get stuck. A boardwalk ends, the dunes begin, and suddenly a wheelchair, a walker or a 14-year-old dog with stiff hips is parked at the edge of the very thing you drove out…
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The accessible dog lover’s guide to California: travel for every body and every dog
“Accessible” is one of those words that means something different to everybody. For one reader it means a beach you can actually roll a wheelchair onto. For another it means a flat, shady half-mile instead of a 6-mile grind. For…
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Low-effort, high-tail-wag: California’s easiest dog-friendly getaways
Not every dog trip needs a summit, a sunrise alpine start or a packing list the length of your arm. Some of the best ones are almost lazy — a short drive, a flat walk, a patio with a water…
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Dog-friendly Eastern Sierra spring: where to go
You don't need the high passes to enjoy the Eastern Sierra in spring. Highway 395 stays open all year, and Lone Pine, Bishop, Convict Lake, the June Lake Loop, and Mono Lake come to life in May and June with…
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Dog-friendly Father’s Day: 5 California trips dads will want
Five honest California Father's Day trips, all dog-friendly: McCloud and the Shasta Cascade, Paso Robles ranch country, Trinidad on the Humboldt coast, Mammoth Lakes at full stretch, and Nevada City in the Gold Country. Muddy dogs, cabin porches, no infusions.
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4 high-elevation dog-friendly hikes for late wildflower season
California's high country blooms a full month or two after the valleys. Four dog-friendly hikes where wildflowers are still climbing into June and July: Carson Pass, Panther Meadows on Mount Shasta, the June Lake Loop, and the country around Lassen.
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Dog-friendly Memorial Day weekend in California: 6 escapes
Six dog-friendly California escapes for Memorial Day weekend: North Lake Tahoe, the Mendocino coast, Big Bear Lake, Avila Beach, Bishop and the Eastern Sierra, and Bodega Bay. Each pick includes real places to stay, and why the rooms book out…
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Skip the beach: 4 dog-friendly lake getaways
California's lakes are filling up from winter rains and the foothills are electric green. If you and your dog want warm spring weather without sandy crowds, head inland. Four dog-friendly lake getaways — Folsom, Clear Lake, Shasta, and Bass Lake…
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Your dog-friendly guide to California’s Central Coast this spring
California’s Central Coast is one of those places that seems tailor-made for a dog-friendly getaway — and spring might be the best time to go. The crowds thin out between winter storms and summer vacation season, wildflowers blanket the coastal…
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Five things to know about Yosemite with your dog
Even seasoned visitors may not know how welcoming Yosemite and Mariposa County can be for dogs. From pet-friendly paved trails and Sierra National Forest hikes to lodging with special pet packages, here are five things every dog traveler should know.
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Road trip tips for kids and dogs
Planning a family road trip with kids and dogs takes strategy, especially when booking hotels. Here's how to find truly dog-friendly lodging, from boutique brands like Kimpton to budget-friendly chains, plus what to ask before you reserve. Headed out on…
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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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Our favorite dog-friendly hotels and resorts in California
From rooftop dog runs in San Francisco to waterfront cottages on Tomales Bay, these ten California hotels truly welcome four-legged guests. Expect welcome kits, dedicated dog menus, private dog parks and staff who treat your pup like a VIP.
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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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Where to stay with your dog in Palm Springs
Greater Palm Springs has figured out something most desert towns haven’t: dogs are good for business. The result is a hotel market where pet policies go beyond “tolerated” to something closer to “actively welcomed.” Here’s where to stay, what it…
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4 dog-friendly Mother’s Day getaways in California
Mother’s Day is right around the corner, and if the most important lady in your life also happens to be a dog mom, we’ve got the perfect excuse to plan a getaway where everyone — two legs and four…
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Dog-friendly Bay Area spring getaways under 2 hours
Five spring dog-friendly escapes under two hours from San Francisco or Oakland: Half Moon Bay and Pescadero, Healdsburg and the Russian River, Calistoga and upper Napa, Bodega Bay and the Sonoma Coast, and Santa Cruz on the edge of Monterey…
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Calaveras Big Trees State Park with your dog
Calaveras Big Trees State Park lets you stand among giant sequoias with your dog. While pets can't join the dirt grove trails, paved paths near the visitor center wind past towering trees.
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Yucaipa Regional Park: dog-friendly lake day
Yucaipa Regional Park in the Inland Empire offers flat lakeside paths, shaded lawns, and a relaxed atmosphere that works well for dogs of all ages. Paved trails loop past three scenic lakes at the foot of the San Bernardino Mountains.
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Dog-friendly Mendocino coast: why April is the best time
There's a stretch of California coastline where fog rolls in like a slow exhale, bluffs erupt in wildflowers every spring, and nobody blinks when your dog walks into a restaurant. That's the Mendocino Coast, and April is arguably the best…
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Dog-friendly Lake Tahoe in spring: hike, eat, and stay
Spring has arrived in the Sierra and Lake Tahoe is shaking off winter. Snow melts, trails open at lower elevations, and mountain air hits different with your dog trotting beside you. Our guide to dog-friendly Tahoe hikes, restaurants, and lodging…
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Mother’s Day with your dog: four California getaways
Mother's Day lands on Sunday, May 10 this year, and the sweet spot for booking a California getaway is right now — about three weeks out, before the good rooms…
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Temecula with your dog: a guide to wine country
Temecula wine country is a playground for dogs and their people, with pup-friendly wineries, scenic hiking trails at the Santa Rosa Plateau, a walkable Old Town and plenty of outdoor dining options. Traveling with your dog can transform an ordinary…
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The hidden costs of ‘pet-friendly’ hotels in California
That "pet-friendly" hotel label can hide steep fees, musty designated rooms, strict weight limits and absurd breed restrictions. Before booking, learn to spot the red flags and find California lodgings that genuinely welcome your dog.
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