Kick Some Butte

Butte County, a quick 70 miles north of Sacramento via interstate 5, is more than just drive-by country. Besides being home to Chico, a vibrant college town; and Lake Oroville, second-largest reservoir in the state, it cradles several wildlife preserves where you and your canine companion can hike (and sniff) in the company of millions of honking, quacking, chirping, whistling winged critters.  Read more.

Pick A Shasta Cascade Byway

Fall is an optimal time for a scenic-drive vacation, and it would be hard to find more options for leisurely, snout-out-the-window road trips than in the Shasta Cascade region, which boasts a dozen nationally designated scenic byways, each with its own intrinsic qualities.  Read more.

Riding through the Redwoods

After a recent move from Illinois to California, Diana and her pups set out to explore dog-friendly California. She shared one of their California adventures with us:  Read more.

All aboard (dogs, too)!

Excursion-train rides are fun for the whole family, and several lines in Northern California allow dogs to ride along, too. Our pick for a fall rail outing: Pumpkin Trains at the Western Railway Museum in Solano County.  Read more.

Make it a Meal Deal

Be sure to stash a few treats in your pocket so Spike won’t get jealous while the rest of you take your pick of food-truck fare and enjoy live music, kid zones and more at Off the Grid events in San Francisco and Sacramento.  Read more.

Laurel Inn
Pamper Your Pet Package

Laurel Inn, San Francisco Pamper Your Pet Package Treat your dog to a relaxing San Francisco getaway with this hotel package! • Doggie welcome treat and toy • Complimentary access to … Continued  Read more.

Fairmont San Francisco
Pampered Pooch Package

Fairmont San Francisco Pampered Pooch Package Having provided legendary service to travelers for more than a century, Fairmont San Francisco has unleashed an exclusive package for its four-legged guests. Make your visit … Continued  Read more.

Kimpton Hotel Palomar
Pamper Your Pet

Kimpton Hotel Palomar, San Diego Pamper Your Pet Treat your four-legged friend to a toy, treat, and doggy waste bags + a dog bowl and bed for a good night's … Continued  Read more.

Historic Folsom: Gateway to the Gold Country

Visitors know Folsom for the song made famous by the Man in Black, but no one sings the blues once they get to this historic little city at the western gateway to California Gold Country. Folsom makes a great launching pad for forays into El Dorado County wine country and the Apple Hill region, where many dog-friendly adventures await. But it also has much to offer DogTrekkers   Read more.

Finding Gold in El Dorado County

Talk about diverse: El Dorado County stretches from the city of Folsom, at the beginning of the Sierra Nevada foothills, all the way up to Lake Tahoe and the High Sierra. It’s what’s in between that’s of greatest interest to DogTrekkers in fall, when the harvest is on and the Apple Hill growing region off Highway 50 near Camino, just east of Placerville, rolls out the welcome mat  Read more.

Woofin’ It Up in Tuolumne County

Like other parts of Gold Country, Tuolumne County is rich in history, rugged scenery and recreational opportunities. You can get some of both and soak up some local color too at First Friday Jamestown Art Walk-Wine-Dine & Music events, continuing through October, or 2nd Saturday Art Nights held year-round in historic downtown Sonora. Either town makes a great base for jumping off int  Read more.

Breed Restrictions are the Pits

It can be a challenge to find dog-friendly accommodations when traveling with large dogs. It is common to discover that so-called dog-friendly hotels have pet policies with size restrictions, allowing … Continued  Read more.

Aragon’s Story, continued…

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What and Where is Tri-Valley?

Three valleys and four cities make up the Tri-Valley region, which away from urban areas is characterized by rolling hills studded with gnarly oaks and sprawling vineyards. It’s less than an hour from San Francisco or Sacramento, straddling the line between Alameda and Contra Costa counties on the “sunny side” of the bay. Dog-friendly hotels, restaurants, wineries and craft brewe  Read more.

Ocean day for Riggs

DogTrekker.com reader Michelle M. wrote in to tell us about her dog-friendly adventures along the Mendocino Coast:  Read more.

Max Gives The Bayfront Inn 4 Paws Up!

Max and his pawrent, Shea stayed at the dog-friendly Bayfront Inn at the waterfront in Morro Bay and loved it!  Read more.

The New CA Coastal Region Debuts

There’s nothing like the sight and sound of the sea to perk up a dog’s ears and set her tail to wagging—and California’s 840 miles of coastline offer plenty of fun for pups and their people. Don’t know where to go? DogTrekker.com has identified almost 200 dog-friendly beaches between Del Norte County in the north and San Diego County in the south.  Read more.

Sensory Overload in Sonoma County

You’ll forget all about work, worries and traffic woes once you get within sight and sound of the sea. And in Sonoma County, there are dozens of places where you and your pup can splash to your hearts’ content and then bed down to the ceaseless whooshing of the restless Pacific.  Read more.

Hugging the Coast in Santa Cruz County

You’re never far from the water when following the Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) through Santa Cruz County. The curvy coastline is studded with 29 miles of beaches providing lots of options for DogTrekkers. Fifteen strands are dog-friendly, and one, Mitchell’s Cove, is legally leash-free during daylight hours before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m.  Read more.

Beach it in Mendocino County

Photo by www.blakefloydgardner.com

Whether you drive all or just some of the 102 intoxicating miles of Highway 1 hugging the Mendocino County shore, you’re sure to find many places to pull over and get some sand between Bella’s toes. Take it at a snail’s pace, but be sure to check out these highlights.  Read more.

Third stop: South Lake Tahoe to Truckee

Tallac Historic Site. Photo by Chris Mansker.

Highway 89 along Tahoe’s West Shore is a treat for the senses on many levels. It takes about an hour in non-traffic conditions to drive straight through, but why would you want to do that? Your first worthwhile diversion, especially if you’re a Tahoe first-timer, is Tallac Historic Site, a collection of late 19th-century estate homes and outbuildings.  Read more.

Fun For Dogs and the Humans Who Follow

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Make tracks to Tahoe

Tallac Historic Site. Photo by Chris Mansker.

For on-water fun, try renting a large cockpit kayak from Tahoe City Kayak and taking a paddle with your pup along the North Shore.  Read more.

Down A Lazy River With Rover

Ever skipped an otherwise great outing because your dog couldn’t come along? We all have—and sometimes, it’s because we just didn’t know our options. Here’s one that should be on every DogTrekker’s bucket list: floating with your pup on the Russian River in an inflatable canoe specifically designed to accommodate canines. Russian River Adventures outfits this a  Read more.

Pamper Your Pets at Hollywood Hotel

Hollywood, California Pamper Your Pets at Hollywood Hotel Hollywood Hotel has always been pet-friendly, but now your furry friends can enjoy special amenities as part of the “Pamper Your Pet” … Continued  Read more.

Fun For Dogs and the Humans Who Follow

8. Bark (& Meow) Around the Block, Berkeley: August 19. Don't miss Berkeley Humane’s adopt-a-thon and street fair featuring 100-plus animals available for adoption from more than Bay Area rescues, … Continued  Read more.

Elk Spotting at Lake Pillsbury

On a camping trip at Pogie Point Campground? Lake Pillsbury in the Mendocino National Forest of Lake County, California, Wendi and her dogs Mimi and Mei Mei woke up one morning to the sound of several hooves walking through their camp.  Read more.

Catch a Wave

Whatever your motivation for coming to Santa Cruz County, sooner or later you and your pup will want to chase some waves and get some sand between your toes. With 29 miles of coastline, there are lots of places to go, including 15 strands that welcome leashed dogs and one, Mitchell’s Cove, that is legally leash-free before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m.  Read more.

The Glamping Route

“Glamping,” a hybrid word referring to rustic-chic, outdoor-oriented lodging that doesn’t involve pitching your own tent, is a concept that’s been exploding for more than a decade, with new properties opening every season in Northern California. A new player on the scene, Inn Town Campground, just outside the Gold Country town of Nevada City, does it right with a   Read more.

Off-leash Romp at Rodeo Beach

DogTrekker.com reader Linda Cox shared this picture with us of her dog Zeke enjoying some off leash time at Rodeo Beach in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area in Marin County.  Read more.

Madera County: South Entrance (Hwy 41)

The town Oakhurst in Madera County is the main gateway to Yosemite’s south (Wawona) entrance on the Highway 41 corridor winding through the Sierra Nevada foothills from Fresno. A great stop in Oakhurst is Queen’s Inn by the River, a dog-friendly establishment boasting an adjacent winery, the Idle Hour, and a beer garden where, Wednesdays through Sundays, almost  Read more.

Tuolumne County: North Entrance (Hwy 120)

The 19th-century miners who swarmed California’s Gold Country made an indelible mark on Tuolumne County, dotting the map with a string of settlements that still have a boomtown feel. There is plenty to see and do as you and your four-legged companion wander through rugged scenery toward the Big Oak Flat entrance to Yosemite National Park.  Read more.

Wet ‘N’ Wild in SoCal

Southern California didn’t get as drenched as the north state during the winter’s deluge, but its mountain waterfalls are running fast and furious nonetheless. Pack mud boots for you and towels for Sunny as you explore this standout pair of cascades.  Read more.

Woof It Up At Little Yosemite

Wildflowers and waterfalls are the star spring attractions in Little Yosemite, a scenic gorge on Alameda Creek in Sunol Regional Wilderness. On a 3-mile round trip along the Canyon View Trail, you’ll traverse open meadows studded with wildflowers, walk through woods and encounter dramatic serpentine and basalt outcrops along the crashing creek.  Read more.

Pawesome Places to Spoil Your Pup

Huntington Beach has incredible pet-friendly hotels, scenic places to take your pooch and a host of great restaurants for you and your beloved four-legged friends to eat. But what about spoiling your pup even more? Huntington Beach boasts many special places for treats, toys and grooming — everything your dog deserves, especially on vacation. These are four of Marilyn’s favorite places  Read more.

Central Coasting In Winter

The California coast is nothing if not moody in late winter and early spring. Calm, crystal-clear days are interspersed with blustery gray ones, so it’s best to prepare for all possibilities. DogTrekkers who prefer cabin or cottage accommodations to standard hotels and motels will find a staggering selection of dog-friendly options along the Central Coast.  Read more.

Cuddle up at Lake Tahoe

You know that Lake Tahoe is a great spot to play in the snow, not just for skiers and boarders, but for any brand of DogTrekker who enjoys navigating in and around the white stuff. We’ve sniffed out umpteen places where you and your four-legged snow angel will be welcome.  Read more.

San Francisco SPCA Pop-Up

Kitten cuddles? Check. Puppy kisses? Check. Cuteness overload? Check, check, check! Don’t miss all the cuteness at the San Francisco SPCA Pop-Up at Two Embarcadero Center.  Read more.

Do More Along Highway 4

It’s a little off the beaten track, but Highway 4, which climbs into the Sierra through Calaveras and Alpine counties, is a magical place to visit in wintertime. The surrounding national forests offer plenty of places to break your own trail in the snow or take advantage of groomed forest roads.  Read more.

Winterize Your Dog (and Yourself)

Preparation is key whenever you head up to snow country. DogTrekker offers these tips: • Winterizing Your Dog – Your vehicle isn’t the only thing that needs attention before you head to the mountains. Your dog needs preventative maintenance, too! More...  Read more.

Get Some Snowshine at Lake Tahoe

Northern California’s favorite mountain playground offers a lifetime’s worth of opportunities to play in the snow with your pup. Start with a snowshoe trek at a SNO-PARK pullout or, in a year like this, just about anyplace you can park and walk into the snow.  Read more.

Beach Day for Wilbur and Walter

Photo Credit: Gwen Khoury Wilbur and Walter recently visited Cayucos State Beach, known for its fishing pier, beautiful beach and historical buildings.  Read more.

Coasting Oregon With Your Tail-Wagger

We Californians think our Highway 1 and Big Sur coastline are scenic, and they certainly are. But Highway 101, which runs a bit inland along California’s North Coast and continues over the state line into Oregon, gives it a run for the money. The road hugs 363 miles of Oregon shoreline, much of it given over to beaches. Almost all those strands are open to leashed pets, and many (outside state p  Read more.

Little River with my little buddy

Photo by Kristina B.

Kristina B. remembers a wonderful stay at the Cottages at Little River Cove with her best buddy.  Read more.

San Diego Strut

San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter is all aglow for the holidays, and for dogs and their people. The fun comes to a head on Dec. 11, when pet owners and their furry, feathered, and scaled companions are invited to don their favorite costumes for this jolly promenade and pet expo.  Read more.

See the Lights

Holiday parades and light displays are part and parcel of the American holiday experience, with cities and towns large and small getting into the illuminated holiday spirit. Here are three dog-friendly displays for you and Murphy to view:  Read more.

Time for ‘Leche-Vitrines’

That’s French for “window licking,” an expression that in English equates to “window shopping.” But the French term translates (almost) literally when it comes to Macy’s Holiday Windows displays in San Francisco’s Union Square—only it’s puppies and kittens doing the licking.  Read more.

Sacramento’s Big Gift

Almost every city and shelter in California sponsors a holiday adoption event, but few are as fortunate as Sacramento in having a benefactor like Kim Pacini-Hauch, a pet-loving real-estate agent who is picking up the cost of pet adoption through Dec. 31 as part of the Front Street Shelter’s “Home for the Pawlidays” event.  Read more.

The California Desert Region

The Greater Palm Springs area, cutting through five counties and encompassing millions of acres of protected lands, is the perfect place to begin exploring the much larger Desert Regions of California. Here are some dog-friendly suggestions on where to go and what to do in the fall and winter months.  Read more.

Bruno’s First Trip to Carmel Beach

Bruno at Carmel Beach. Photo Credit: Paula B. DogTrekker.com reader Paula B. sent in this great photo of her dog Bruno enjoying his first trip to Carmel Beach.  Read more.

Pamper Your Pooch

Not only can dogs dine with their owners and enjoy their very own doggy spa days in Greater Palm Springs, they have plenty of shopping opportunities, too. From gourmet dog food to customized outfits, these canine boutiques have everything you can imagine to make both of you do a happy dance.  Read more.

Perfect Patios For Pooches

Greater Palm Springs is head over heels in puppy love with our furry pals—especially when it comes to pet-friendly patio restaurants. From lush gardens to establishments with exclusive dog menus, these local patios give every dog a way to have its day in the oasis. Are you all ears yet? Then check out these pawsitively perfect patios for pooches.  Read more.

Let The Dogs Out

Whether you stand on two legs or four, there’s no better way to enjoy your time in Greater Palm Springs than by going outside to soak up the sunshine and picturesque vistas. When your dog is ready for a romp, head to one of many dog parks where you can enjoy the outdoors together, whether you’re in Palm Springs, Indio, or somewhere in-between.  Read more.

A Doggone Good Vacation

Whether you need time to chill or simply relax under the sun, you don’t have to leave your four-legged friend behind on a getaway to Greater Palm Springs. The Coachella Valley has always been a dog-friendly destination, and you’ll find plenty of hotels ready to welcome your dog. We rounded up some favorites where your pooch can get in on the vacation action.  Read more.

Download Our Free DogTrekker App!

DogTrekker.com’s free mobile app is your guide to California’s Endless Summer. As you plan your trip south this fall and winter, the app covers everything warm, from coastal beaches to inland road trips to our spectacular deserts.  Read more.

Pet Sounds of the OC

Even in November and December, you’ll find yourself humming a Beach Boys tune as you stroll the sands of aptly named Dog Beach, a leash-free segment of a longer strand in Huntington Beach, aka “Surf City USA.” You’ll find a flip-flop casual welcome almost anywhere you go in this quintessential Orange County beach town just 35 miles south of Los Angeles on the Pacific C  Read more.

Boo! Bark, Brews + Bites

Halloween is in the air! It's time to pick out a fabulous costume for you and your dog and head to Oakland's waterfront on Saturday, October 29 for Boo! Bark, Brews + Bites, Jack London Square's free pet-centric Halloween celebration.  Read more.

Whiskeytown Calls

Haven’t figured out how to use those unused vacation days? We have just the perfect destination. Redding, the last major city on Interstate 5 as you near Mt. Shasta, is the undisputed Trail Capital of California with over 225 miles of trails within 15 miles of its city center. Redding is also the gateway to the Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. Few areas managed by the National Park Ser  Read more.

East Bay Regional Wonders

The East Bay Regional Park District, a network of 65 parks spanning Alameda and Contra Costa counties, is cherished by dogs and their people, and rightly so. Its 1,250 miles of trails dip and dive over 120,536 acres of open space and are enjoyed by hikers, bikers and equestrians as well as DogTrekkers grateful for the opportunity to disconnect from the leash.  Read more.

Good Manners on the Trail

You love your dog—heck, maybe you love all dogs, even the hundred-pounders who bowl you over in an attempt to give you an unsolicited kiss. But not all people you encounter on a leash-free hike will want to welcome, pet or even come near your four-legged family member.  Read more.

The National Forest/BLM advantage

State parks and national parks are notoriously unaccommodating when it comes to dogs. With few exceptions, four-paw visitors aren’t allowed outside developed campgrounds or off of paved roads and paths. But on public lands administered by the USDA Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management, as well as some tracts overseen by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, your pup is welco  Read more.

Doggin’ It On The Pacific Crest Trail

You don’t have to be a lean and hardy thru-hiker to enjoy sections of the famous Pacific Crest Trail stretching 2,560 miles from Mexico to Canada. It travels through some of America’s most exquisite scenery—and it’s all dog-friendly with the exception of segments transiting national parks, California state parks and a few heavily trafficked wilderness areas.  Read more.

Leash-free Sand and Sea

The hands-down, No. 1 place to play in waves and sand in California is Carmel Beach, a powder-white, city-managed, mile-long strand on the outskirts of Carmel-by-the Sea, the chic vacation village on the Monterey Peninsula. DogTrekkers come from around the country to share their good fortune here. A trio of tips:  Read more.

Hideaways by the Sea

There’s nothing like the non-stop sigh of the sea to instill a meditative state of mind. And in Sonoma County, there are dozens of places where you and your pup can bed down to the sound and sight of the restless Pacific. Closest to the Bay Area is Bodega Bay, just an hour and a half north of San Francisco.  Read more.

Begin Your Shasta Cascade Adventure in Redding

With mountains all around, miles of dog-friendly hiking and biking trails and the Sacramento River nearby, Redding is an outdoor paradise for young and old. Cradled by Mount Shasta and Mount Lassen, and blessed by sunshine much of the year, it’s a great place to base camp for year-round recreation.  Read more.

Three Must-See’s For You And Your Dog

Shasta Dam, the second-largest concrete dam in the United States (after Grand Coulee in Washington) is a wonder to behold, as is Shasta Lake, the largest reservoir in California. If it’s your first trip to Redding, put the pair of them high on your “must-see-and-do” list. The 602-foot-tall dam, begun during the Great Depression and completed during World War II, can be viewe  Read more.

Dog-passionate Oasis

Greater Palm Springs has always been one of the most dog-friendly destinations on the planet. They recently celebrated National Dog Day with this cool video.  We agree with them that National Dog Day should be every day because for so many of us, our tail wagging companions are our BFFF (Best Furry Friend Forever)!  Read more.

Leash up for a fall trip to Mendocino

Photo Credit: Berklee Akutagawa.

If peace, quiet and scenery are your vacation priorities, you’ll find plenty of all three in big, diverse Mendocino County—especially in September and October, when you’re likely to experience the best weather conditions of the year. For the ultimate in privacy, try a vacation rental like Redwood Majic, a two-bedroom home with fenced yard tucked deep into the forest just a mile from Mendocin  Read more.

Save Room for Desert Delights With Dreyfus

Cool nights, warm days, turquoise pools, nodding palms and stylish lodgings welcome fall visitors of both the two-legged and four-legged varieties to the Greater Palm Springs resort area. With so many dog-friendly lodgings, finding places to rest your heads (and paws) couldn’t be easier.  Read more.

Visit Dog-friendly Shelter Cove

DogTrekker.com reader Carolina C. loves traveling with her dog and sharing these experiences with others who have similar interests. She created the following video about Shelter Cove, a dog-friendly coastal town in Humboldt County: Thank you, Carolina for sharing this informative video with us!  Read more.

Ah, September: Tahoe without the crowds

Tahoma Meadows Cottages.

After Labor Day, tourist crowds vanish from Lake Tahoe and locals take a breather. DogTrekking visitors can take a deep breath, too, with easy-to-get reservations at pet-friendly properties.  Read more.

Folsom – Gateway to Gold Country

Yes, country legend Johnny Cash put Folsom on America's musical map—and soon there will be a 2.5-mile, Class I bike trail named in his honor. It will cross Folsom Prison property and connect to the miles of existing trails that help make this vibrant little city at the western gateway to California Gold Country such a recreational magnet for DogTrekkers.  Read more.

Full Day of Fun at Avila Beach

Lisa and her dog, Penny love Avila Beach! Here's what Lisa had to say about their Avila Beach adventures.  Read more.

Dogs ride and hike free at Palisades Tahoe

Photo by Ciel.

Lake Tahoe is at its glorious best in summer, but you have to be a very early riser to get a parking spot at a dog-friendly beach on weekends. Our advice: Sleep in, then head for High Camp, the high-altitude recreation complex at Palisades Tahoe, where a pool, hot tub, roller rink, limitless hiking options and plenty of free parking await.  Read more.

A Mammoth Adventure!

Stacy D. and her sweet pup, Ginger, recently explored some of California's most stunning landscapes.  Read more.

Tahoe under paws: Lake Tahoe dog beaches

Lake Tahoe —aka “Big Blue—is Northern California’s favorite summer playground, but to enjoy it to the fullest with your B4LF (best four-legged friend), you’ll need to do your homework before heading up the hill.  Read more.

Off-leash beaches for chasing waves

For water-loving canines, nothing beats fetching a bright yellow tennis ball from the surf and romping full speed ahead on a sandy beach. But while there’s plenty of sand to share with your leashed pup along California’s 840 miles of coastline, you should know before you go where dogs are and aren’t allowed to run off-leash. Here are a few of our favorite off-leash beaches.  Read more.

DogTrekker APPlause!

Photo Credit: Melanie B. Melanie B. wrote in to let us know that she discovered dog-friendly Chimney Beach while on a trip to Tahoe, thanks to the DogTrekker App! She and her four-legged best friend had a pawsome time!  Read more.

Have Dog, Will Travel to Santa Cruz

Have dog, will travel. And you know a great place that you and your four-legged friend will love? Santa Cruz! From dog-friendly beaches and redwood hikes to restaurants and resorts, Santa Cruz County has a ton to offer for people and their pets. Find out more about the best places to visit in Santa Cruz County with your pooch!  Read more.

The Call of the Wild (Critters, That Is)

Wherever you camp, it’s a sure bet there are wild animals in the vicinity—and in much of California, that includes black bears. An estimated 30,000 bears roam the Sierra Nevada, and their presence should be a top-of-mind concern. Keeping a clean camp is the most important element of being bear aware.  Read more.

Rules and Regs Regarding Rover

Camp life can be very exciting for a dog, so long as she doesn’t eat too many marshmallows. Dogs are welcome at 90 percent of California campgrounds—it’s the rare one indeed that doesn’t allow pooches. But before you put your credit card down, you’ll want to find out where, outside of developed campsites, Daisy is allowed to accompany you.  Read more.

Boating on Lake Havasu

Ranger on Lake Havasu. Photo Credit: Lisa Hernandez Ranger sure looks like he's enjoying his first boating adventure at Black Meadow located on the California side of Lake Havasu in Parker Dam, CA.  Read more.

Fun For Dogs And The Humans Who Follow

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Inland Bounty in Monterey County

Anyone who’s visited Monterey County with a dog knows about that glorious off-leash beach in Carmel-by-the-Sea. But that's not the only place you can unclip Spot and Sassy and let them run free so long as they stay within sight and under voice control. Garland Ranch Regional Park in Carmel Valley has miles of trails to roam, a river and tributary creek with swimming holes to splash in, a  Read more.

Get Local

Greater Palm Springs offers plenty of ways to make your next trip a getaway you and your pup won’t soon forget. Jumpstart the day with a massage or reflexology session—for your pup, that is—before lounging in a scenic garden courtyard, the hippest place for Palm Springs’ pooches to be seen. Then, stock up on must-have accessories at a chic puppy boutique before schmoozing w  Read more.

Rina’s Rover the Hill Pawty

When our furry loved ones receive devastating health news, it can be extremely difficult to stay positive. The following submission sent to us by Judy Fridono of the account of her 13-year old lab Rina's celebration of life in Vegas might help provide some hope, inspiration and positivity for anyone in the mist of caring for an aging pet with health issues:  Read more.

Sit, Stay

Greater Palm Springs is all about staying in style—and why should your dog settle for anything less? Here, hotels take the term “dog-friendly” to the next level with amenities ranging from dog-sitting services to in-room massages and fresh treats baked by the pastry chef himself. Not only do local hotels welcome four-legged guests with open paws, but they also cater to them with   Read more.

Bring On The Lawyers!

Last week Bay Area dog and recreation groups banded together to hire the prestigious law firm Morrison & Foerster to represent us and help us fight the National Park Service to save recreational dog walking in the GGNRA. We're filing suit against the National Park Service for refusing to comply with the Freedom of Information Act. Please help today by making a tax-deductible donation to o  Read more.

Impact: Marin County

The most troubling impacts of the ill-conceived Golden Gate National Recreation Area’s dog management plan will be felt in Marin County, where historic access to trails and beaches will be drastically reduced or cut off completely for thousands of pet owners. Residents of several communities in Marin will no longer be able to walk their dogs on trails in their own neighborhoods and will ins  Read more.

Fetching Fun Along the Coast

Matilda at Pismo Beach, CA. Photo Credit: Steve Fargie Steve F. sent in this fantastic action shot of Matilda the mini Aussie making a great catch while enjoying a game of fetch along the coast of Pismo Beach.  Read more.

Impact: San Francisco County

If the National Park Service’s proposed dog rule goes through, it will constitute the largest single reduction in recreational access for people in the history of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.  Read more.

Join the Mighty Mutt March!

Join dog and recreation lovers from throughout the Bay Area on April 23 for a march and rally to save dog walking in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. At this 11th hour, we need to show up in force to protect our access to the places we love: Crissy Field, Fort Funston, Marin Headlands, Rancho Corral de Tierra, Ocean Beach, Muir Beach and others.  Read more.

Tuolumne County (North/Big Oak Flat) Entrance

There is plenty to see as you and your four-legged companion wander through rugged Tuolumne County toward the Big Oak Flat entrance to Yosemite National Park.  Read more.

Madera County (South/Wawona) Entrance

The town Oakhurst in Madera County is the main gateway to Yosemite’s south (Wawona) entrance on the Highway 41 corridor winding through the Sierra Nevada foothills from Fresno. A great stop in Oakhurst is Queen’s Inn by the River, a dog-friendly establishment boasting an adjacent winery, the Idle Hour, and a beer garden where, Wednesdays through Sundays, almost 100 wines and craft beer  Read more.

Mariposa County (West/Arch Rock) Entrance

While visiting Yosemite National Park might be the goal, a trip through the region is also about the journey. It would be a shame to arrive at the park’s Highway 140 (El Portal) entrance without having paused to explore Mariposa County along the way. Start in the town of Mariposa, the historic county seat, with breakfast at Jantz Bakery or lunch at the delightful Deli Garden Caf&ea  Read more.

Your Perfect Leash

Humphrey at 8 months has already chewed up his share of leashes—at least 5! I think we've finally found a solution.  Read more.

Share Your Local Dog-friendly Places

Did you know that you can share your on-the-go experiences with DogTrekker.com? Our Paw-Tested section has dozens of stories and photos of things to do in your area and beyond. Whether it’s a new dog park, dog-friendly restaurant, craft brewery, beach, hike or event, DogTrekkers are always on the lookout for new fun tips on where to go and what to do with their dogs. Inspire all of us with y  Read more.

In Search of Forever Homes

Part of DogTrekker’s “4-Paw Promise” is a commitment to animal welfare organizations in the communities we serve. This includes providing descriptions and contact information for almost 300 adoption, shelter and rescue organizations throughout the state, as well as profile stories highlighting a specific organization  and adoptable dog in each issue of our newsletter.  Read more.

Going Places Nearby With Your Pup

OK, so you and your dog have regular places where you hang out—at a neighborhood dog park or coffee shop, for instance. Looking to expand your horizons? When you’re playing tourist in your own hometown, you need only turn to the DogTrekker.com website or app to uncover new dog-friendly places where you and your pup are welcome.  Read more.

Tenaya Lodge
Deluxe Pampered Pet Package

Tenaya Lodge, Deluxe Pampered Pet Package If only the royal treatment will do for your furry friend, this is the package you seek. This unique deal designed for pets and … Continued  Read more.

Anza Borrego Jeep Adventure

Jeeping in Coyote Canyon, Anza Borrego Desert Park. Photo Credit: Laura M. Laura and Dan M. took their dogs Zane and Keeva on a Jeeping adventure at Anza Borrego Desert Park.  Read more.

Hiding in Plain Sight

DogTrekkers who have discovered the delights of 1,200-acre Hidden Falls Regional Park a few miles off Interstate 80 near Auburn have plenty to bark about during waterfall season.  Read more.

Desert Delights

Dog in the desert If your vision of a California winter vacation with dogs in tow includes blue sky, purple mountains, turquoise pools and nodding palm trees, Palm Springs is the place. Outdoor living is what it’s all about, and even in mid-winter, dog-friendly patio dining is a given.  Read more.

Cut Loose in Del Mar

If Southern California is on your travel schedule and you’re up for a seaside splurge, look no farther than L’Auberge Del Mar, a AAA Four Diamond property where every detail for both you and your dog is impeccably handled from the moment you check in.  Read more.

Treasure in Gold Country

Eden Vale Inn Not interested in snow? You, your significant other and the four-legged tagalong who can’t be left behind will find walkable serenity coupled with luxurious accommodations at dog-friendly Eden Vale Inn near Placerville in El Dorado County.  Read more.

San Francisco Dreamin’

Charlie at Cavallo Point Lodge Once the Super Bowl is over, San Francisco can breathe deeply again (and hotel rates revert to normal, too). For true romantics who like to share their splurges with canine companions, we have two dog-welcoming suggestions: Inn at the Presidio and Cavallo Point Lodge.   Read more.

Winter Coasting

Dixie and Lili at Limantour Beach. Photo Credit: Chelsie Lesinski Something about salt air is both invigorating and intoxicating, especially to those who don’t visit the coast very often. Hibernate in a waterfront cabin at Nick’s Cove on Tomales Bay, and you may only emerge to go for a walk or pause at a patio restaurant table to fill up on an order of oysters with a side of crab  Read more.

First Trip to the Snow!

"Hurry up and take the picture before our behinds freeze!" -Skooter and Skye DogTrekker fan Lori M. wrote in to tell us about her girls' (senior yellow labs, Scooter and Skye) first trip to the snow: "We ended up at Blue Canyon in Placer County, which was a perfect place to stop - right off the freeway, not very many people, etc. It was a beautiful, sunny day and the girls had  Read more.

Get off the beaten track

Sure, Tahoe is great in winter—but so are the Lost Sierra and Mammoth Lakes regions, which take longer to reach but reward with plenty of cold-weather fun.  Read more.

Ginger, the All-American Chihuahua & the Blue Angels

Ginger watches the Blue Angels in action from Treasure Island. Photo Credit: Ruth Mary Chofré Ruth C. sent in this image of her dog Ginger posing for a picture with the Blue Angels. This shot is outstanding—capturing a very patriotic Ginger, sitting perfectly still as the Blue Angels fly in formation above her. Nicely done!  Read more.

The adventures of Alvin & Theodore

Alvin and Theodore at the Bay Area Pet Expo.

Alvin and Theodore at the Bay Area Pet Expo Brian and Tabitha stopped by the DogTrekker booth at the 2016 Bay Area Pet Expo to say hi and introduce us to their pups, Alvin and Theodore. We had so much fun chatting with them about their dog-friendly travels throughout California.  Read more.

Free to Run

Coastal run. Photo Credit: Marcella W. Marcella W. wrote in to tell us about a good day spent with her dogs in the Marin Headlands: "We love finding great beach spots where our pups can run free! Loved making new friends at Marin Headlands. It was a bit cold for our little cocker spaniel but the flat-coated retriever loved it!"  Read more.

Soak Up Some History

Carmel Fountain of Woof One of the best ways to get acquainted with a destination is on a walking tour, but it’s not every destination that welcomes four-legged tour members.  Read more.

Scenic Drive

The view Yes, Seventeen-Mile-Drive is a tourist attraction, but if you make a day of it, you’ll find the $10 entry fee a small price to pay for soaking up some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.  Read more.

Run and Play

Dogs on Carmel Beach. Photo Credit: Jen For probably nine out of 10 DogTrekkers, the No. 1 attraction in Carmel is mile-long, leash-free, powder-white Carmel Beach, where you and yours can run, play and splash to your hearts’ content right below the ninth hole of the famed Pebble Beach Golf Links.  Read more.

And many more Mendocino County suggestions…

Photo by Angela Snoberger.

Bird watching in Mendocino. Photo Credit: Angela Snoberger Over the past five years, DogTrekker.com has presented many stories on places to go and things to do with dogs in Mendocino County. Take a look back at more of our favorites, and be inspired to head north this holiday season!  Read more.

Chill out in Fort Bragg

Dog on Glass Beach, Fort Bragg.

Fort Bragg is the “big city” on the Mendocino Coast with 7,500 full-time human residents, many of whose households also count our-legged family members.  Read more.

Onward and inland!

Photo by Wikimedia

Drive north on Highway 1 from Fort Bragg, and you’ll soon turn away from the coast and enter the county’s “Inland Empire.” It’s about an hour to Leggett, where the road merges with Highway 101 and the Redwood Coast begins.  Read more.

Minimize driving, maximize scenery

It’s just 17 miles along scenic Highway 1 from the coastal village of Albion to the more muscular city of Fort Bragg, but considering how much lies in between, you could take an entire, leisurely week to go the distance.  Read more.

It takes a (dog-friendly) village

Rio at Point Cabrillo Lighthouse station. Photo by Sueanne.

Just north of Little River, picturesque Mendocino village, with its wealth of lacy Victorians and colorful saltbox cottages, has more places than you can shake a tennis ball at to enjoy with your four-legged friend.  Read more.

Pets Winter Wonderland

Amazing Pet Expos, which produces consumer/pet trade shows around the nation featuring pets, pet products, entertainers, veterinarians, trainers, and organizations geared toward pet lovers, has announced that its Pet Winter Wonderland™ will be held December 12 and 13 at the LA Convention Center.  Read more.

It’s “Fleas Navidad” in Sacramento

The Sacramento SPCA is among organizations working many angles this holiday season in an effort to raise funds and find loving homes for the animals in its temporary care. It’s “Fleas Navidad” adoption program, running Nov. 27-Dec. 23, offers half-price adoption fees on adult animals, and every pet adopted goes home with a goody bag that includes Advantage flea preventative from  Read more.

Pet Expo LA: All About Animals to Love

Leave it to Los Angeles to do everything in a big way. That’s what’s promised at Winter Wonderland Pet Expo, Dec. 12-13 at the LA Convention Center. The event's dozens of exhibitors include rescue groups sponsoring mega-adopathons, plus vendors showcasing the latest and greatest pet products.  Read more.

San Diego’s Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade

Photo courtesy: Gaslamp Quarter Bring your own best friend or get a grin out of others unleashing their creativity in a Dec. 13 pet parade through the streets of San Diego’s picturesque Gaslamp district.  Read more.

29th Annual Macy’s Holiday Windows

Photo courtesy: SF SPCA If you live in the Bay Area or plan a holiday-season trip to the City by the Bay, be sure to stop by the flagship Macy’s store on Union Square to ooh and aah over the Macy’s Holiday Windows displays featuring adoptable animals from the San Francisco SPCA.  Read more.

Los Osos Christmas Parade

When it comes to holiday spectacles, the Dec. 12 Los Osos Christmas Parade in San Luis Obispo County is one not to miss. This year’s theme: Christmas Safari. Participants are encouraged to decorate and costume their cars, floats and dogs to creatively reflect the theme. Awards include Best of Animal honors.  Read more.

Dreyfus discovers Tahoe

Hope and Dreyfus at Emerald Bay Hope S. and her dog Dreyfus take a mini vacation to Lake Tahoe and write in to tell us all about their dog-friendly adventures.  Read more.

Do Unto Other Dogs…

Photo Credit: caruba (CC) Perhaps the nicest thing a DogTrekker can do for pups in need is to help place them in loving homes. Even if you can’t take on another pet yourself, there are as many ways to help as there are displaced dogs pouring through shelter and rescue-organization doors. And many of the ways in which you can make a difference are as much fun for you as they are helpful to t  Read more.

Stake a Claim in Sacramento

Photo Credit: Eileen McFall (CC) If you’re one for “spoke and wheel” getaways, the centrally located state capital makes a great hub for day trips throughout the region. Of course, you and Sparky might find so much to do that you won’t even want to leave town.  Read more.

Bark when you discover Vacaville

Lagoon Valley Park, Vacaville.

Don’t you love it when you stumble across something great that you never knew about before? That’s the feeling that takes  Read more.

Best Buds Having a Blast at Millerton Point

Shyla playing with her best buddy Liz. Photo by: Dan Gabel Dan Gabel from Peghead Nation sent us this picture of his dog Shyla playing with her best buddy Liz the Dalmatian out at Millerton Point outside of Point Reyes.  Read more.

Dog-friendly Western Railway Museum

People and pups interested in history have a couple of great options within a half-hour’s drive. The Western Railway Museum, on a rural stretch of Highway 12, is a fascinating living-history museum that aims to help visitors envision what transportation in Northern California was like a hundred years ago. Well behaved tail-waggers also are invited to join their people on an electric train   Read more.

Your Shasta Cascade Adventure Starts in Redding

With mountains all around, miles of dog-friendly hiking and biking trails, the Sacramento River running through it and Lassen National Park nearby, Redding is an outdoor paradise for young and old. Cradled by Mount Shasta and Mount Lassen, and blessed by sunshine much of the year, it’s a great place to escape the gray days of winter and make base camp for year-round recreation.  Read more.

This Just In: All Hail A New Rail Trail!

Photo by the Great Shasta Rail Trail.

Hikers, bikers and DogTrekkers have a great new resource in the Great Shasta Rail Trail, which had its ribbon cutting in September and will eventually stretch 80 miles from McCloud (Siskiyou County to Burney (Shasta County), both about an hour from Redding.  Read more.

Butte County Getaway With Humphrey

Bidwell Park Just an hour north of Sacramento, Butte County is a great place for an outdoorsy getaway with your canine companion. The surprises start in the county seat of Chico, home to Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, a California State University Campus and Bidwell Park, more than three times larger than San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park at 3,618 acres.  Read more.

Feast Your Eyes On Something Wet

Photo Credit: lostintheredwoods (CC) As the drought continues (come on, El Niño!), the mere sight of a sizeable body of water becomes ever more revered. And while Shasta Lake, the state’s largest reservoir, has shrunk to a shadow of its former self, nearby Whiskeytown Lake, centerpiece of Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, is kept full almost to the brim. Boaters, kayakers and hik  Read more.

Explore A Scenic Byway

Photo Credit: Beth King Fall is great time for a scenic-drive vacation, and it would be hard to find a better variety of options than in the scenic Shasta/Cascade region, which boasts 12 designated scenic byways, each with its own intrinsic qualities. The 500-mile Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway, which winds through the least populated part of California, is one of just 21 routes nationwide designat  Read more.

Discover the ‘Lost Sierra’

Photo Credit: J (CC) This scenic region an hour north of Lake Tahoe in Plumas County has been making family vacation memories for generations, but it’s just now appearing on the radar screens of mountain bikers, hikers, winter sports enthusiasts and DogTrekkers looking to trade congestion and commercialism for recreational and lodging opportunities with elbow room.  Read more.

Let Sleeping Dogs Lie

Photo courtesy: Visit Napa Valley A destination as diverse as Napa County deserves an overnight stay, and there’s no need to leave Bella home no matter what your budget. Whether you lodge at a luxury property (think five-star Bardessono, Solage, Calistoga Ranch or Carneros Inn) or make a short commute from an affordably priced chain property on the outskirts of the valley (such as Holiday I  Read more.

Dog-friendly Tri-Valley Region Trails

The Bay Area’s Tri-Valley region, just 45 minutes east of San Francisco, is a sunny paradise for hiking dogs and their people, rewarding both with lots of wide open spaces and scenic vistas. The four cities that make up the Tri-Valley region, Pleasanton, Danville, Dublin and Livermore, each have something special to offer DogTrekkers. What they all have in common is their proximity to the   Read more.

Enter Your Best Dog Photo!

Judging by the great submissions from DogTrekkers to the Go California! DogTrekker.com Photo Contest, we are convinced that you and your four-legged best friends are having a great time touring our great state. While summer might almost be over, our photo contest goes on through September 30, giving you plenty of time to submit photos and to vote for your favorites! Fun day on the coast. Photo Cr  Read more.

John Muir’s Legacy in Contra Costa County

Photo by John Muir Land Trust.

Axel hiking Acalanes Ridge. Photo Credit: Karen Booth, JMLT staff Be grateful for the folks behind the John Muir Land Trust—and consider donating to the Saving Contra Costa campaign if you can. This 25-year-old organization devoted to outdoor recreation and preservation of open space manages 11 properties comprising more than 2,000 acres of classic East Bay hills, ranches, streams and shoreline  Read more.

Paso Robles Passion

Photo credit: Jordan Carson San Luis Obispo County’s Paso Robles wine region was voted 2013's Wine Region of the Year by the Wine Enthusiast Magazine. And based on the number of wineries that are dog-friendly, the region deserves an award from dog enthusiasts as well.  Read more.

Sunny, Convenient Livermore Valley

With 40-plus wineries tucked into a landscape of rolling hills and sun-dappled valleys, the Tri-Valley region's Livermore Valley Wine Country shares a landscape very similar to the more famous Napa Valley on the other side of the Coast Range. The region’s boutique labels are produced in small lots and not widely known, which makes it all the more fun to go exploring. The sunny Tri-Valley  Read more.

Dog-Passionate Santa Cruz County

DogTrekker.com would like to welcome Santa Cruz County Visitors Council as our latest Paw of Approval partner. As this issue makes clear, one of our favorite California beach towns is also a wine, waves, wilderness and woof™ paradise.  Read more.

Dog Paddling in San Diego

  Read more.

Go California™ Photo Contest Returns!

Choose the best photo submission to date with a caption of where it was taken. Have a great photo of your best friend frolicking on a California beach, hightailing it … Continued  Read more.

Green Inspiration at Cornerstone Sonoma

Kayla gets the cold shoulder from Cornerstone dog Anyone who loves gardens will be hearing a lot very soon about Sunset magazine making Cornerstone Sonoma, a garden and retail complex on Highway 121 near the junction with Highway 116, the site of its new demonstration gardens and outdoor test kitchen. The magazine in 2009 named the existing gardens, which feature 20-plus walk-through installation  Read more.

Cuddle Up With Your Pup

Photo Credit: smerikal (CC) Sonoma County has plenty of gorgeous scenery to share with your best friend, and plenty of places to make base camp if you’re able to spend the night or make a weekend of it.  Read more.

Stretch Your Legs In Sonoma County

Photo Credit: Mike Lewinski (CC) Like to scope out new horizons from a two- and four-legged point of view? The Sonoma County coast, the Sonoma Valley and the Russian River region are yours to explore through a network of 50 regional parks, 35 of them with dog-friendly walking and hiking trails, maintained by Sonoma County Regional Parks.  Read more.

Make a Splash on the Sonoma Shore

There’s something about fresh ocean air that makes a day at the coast restorative as well as memorable. Every good bird deserves watching at Bodega Bay, an hour and a half north of San Francisco. Photo: Steve Shupe.  Read more.

Pilots N Paws

Pops. Photo courtesy: Pilots N Paws Meet Pops. Things didn't look good for this elderly terrier mix when he landed in the Baldwin Park shelter in Los Angeles with no history and several health issues. The good folks at Muttville Senior Dog Rescue in SF were willing to take the little guy in, but they weren't exactly local.  Read more.

Tahoe time

Dying to get out on “Big Blue” with your pup? Tahoe Keys Boat Rentals and its affiliate locations will fix you up with a dog-friendly boat (and a “boat butler” captain, if needed)  Read more.

Russian River with Rover

Photo courtesy: Russian River Adventures Among our favorite DogTrekker activities is paddling a languidly flowing, 8.5-mile stretch of the Russian River around the dog-friendly, wine-centric town of Healdsburg in Sonoma County. Russian River Adventures is the go-to outfitter here, providing stable and dog-friendly inflatable canoes.  Read more.

Pups Welcome on the Roaring Camp Railroads

Photo courtesy: Roaring Camp Railroads It's hard to beat a day in the redwoods, especially if the visit includes a ride on a narrow-gauge railroad once used to haul Bunyan-size logs out of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Roaring Camp Railroad's vintage steam engines date to the 1890s, but today  Read more.

Wag Your Way Through Western Railway Museum

From the late 1800s into the early 1940s, dozens of Northern California communities were connected by electric “interurban” railroads. The biggest player was the Sacramento Northern, whose trunk line stretched 184 miles from Chico to San Francisco—and whose heritage  Read more.

Roll with Rex through Yosemite

Photo courtesy: Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad Your camera won’t stop clicking during hour-long, narrow-gauge rides into history aboard rail cars pulled by steam locomotives that once hauled massive logs out of what is now the Sierra National Forest. The Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad 4-mile excursions include a stop to see the rare Shay locomotives  Read more.

Tails from Tahoe: The Tunnel Creek Cafe

DogTrekker Laura M. was visiting Tahoe recently with her two travel-loving dogs and her mountain biking husband.  Read more.

Tenaya Lodge Wins Big, Celebrates 25 Years

DogTrekker.com lodging partner Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite has been declared the Best Resort for Pets of the West by Sunset magazine, the premier guide to living in the West. Tenaya is one of 30 winners of the first-ever Sunset Travel Awards, which honor the West’s top destinations in lodging, dining, cultural tourism, outdoor adventure, environmental stewardship, and more.  Read more.

Dog-friendly Moseying in Madera County

Dog visiting Devil's Postpile, Madera County. Photo: Sarah Park What’s one of the “10 Best Places to Lodge Yourself In A Movie,” as claimed by USA Today? That would be the dog-friendly Pines Resort on Bass Lake, a Madera County recreation magnet and destination in itself for many summer vacationers. Lake levels this year are low due to the drought, but that’s not impac  Read more.

Traveling Tuolumne With Tucker

Spade the mighty watchdog. Photo: Isolino Ferreira The 19th-century miners who swarmed California’s Gold Country made an indelible mark on Tuolumne County, dotting the map with a string of settlements that still have a boomtown feel. If you’re driving up to Yosemite National Park along the Highway 49 or Highway 120 corridors, it’s worth scheduling an extra day to do some explori  Read more.

Trinity Alps Backpacking Adventure

Izora and Schay, geared up and ready to hit the trail. Photo: Izora Garcia de Lillard Izora and her boyfriend, Alex, recently set out on a five day, four night backpacking adventure in the majestic Trinity Alps Wilderness. Wherever Izora goes, her dog and best friend, Schay, follows.  Read more.

The DogTrekker.com Mobile App Is Here

DogTrekker.com has long been your go-to resource for planning trips for you and your best friend, and now has the perfect mobile companion to guide the way once you hit the road. Our free mobile app is available in both the Apple Store and Google play. This app puts our 12,000-plus dog-friendly listings and more than 1,200 associated stories into the palm of your hand. Do  Read more.

River running with Rover

Lakes are great and beaches are peachy, but there’s something special about splashing in a river. DogTrekker.com has explored quite a few with our furry best friends and want to share our favorites as part of our sand bucket list.  Read more.

Hunting Fun in Huntington Beach

Huntington Beach dog. Photo: Matty Sides (CC) If every dog had a surfboard, they’d all be hanging 20 in the Surf City Surf Dog contest set this year for Sept. 25-27 on Huntington Beach’s famous Dog Beach, where four-legged family members are allowed to run free all day, every day, chasing balls, sticks and each other into the surf.  Read more.

Keep Santa Cruz Woofy

Dog on Santa Cruz Beach. Photo: Don DeBold (CC) The bumper stickers read “Keep Santa Cruz Weird,” but DogTrekkers visiting this diverse coastal county might prefer to just keep it tail-waggingly wonderful. And with 29 miles of beaches studding its crenelated shoreline, Santa Cruz County has plenty of room for dogs and people to spread out. Fifteen coastal beaches are dog-fri  Read more.

Traveling the SLO Lane With Your Dog

From Ragged Point in the north to Pismo Beach in the south, the San Luis Obispo County coast is a dog-friendly wonderland at the beach.  Read more.

Making Dog-friendly Magic in Marin

Caspian at the beach. Photo: Georgio (CC) If you’re a dog, you can thank your lucky stars for the opportunity to visit Marin County, where dog-friendly open space abounds. In the beach department, leash-optional Muir Beach and Rodeo Beach, both part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, are favorite romp spots. A bit to the north, Bolinas Beach and Dillon Beach are tai  Read more.

Ferndale: A Charming Village to Bark About

Photo by Shaw House Inn.

Photo: Chris P. Registered Veterinary Technician, Chris P., recently wrote in to tell us about her visit to Ferndale, a charming, dog-friendly destination in Humboldt County. Here's what she had to say: Ferndale is a wonderful, self-billed Victorian village located in Humboldt County. I love that all the businesses are locally owned, and it has a little of everything.  Read more.

Farewell My Friend

My dear Abby; we started off with a skirmish over a newspaper and quickly became the best of friends. I will miss you terribly but will meet you at the Rainbow Bridge! Farewell my friend. Love, Kayla  Read more.

Muttville’s 10 Tips for Traveling With Senior Dogs

When it comes to traveling with senior dogs, the good folks at Muttville Senior Dog Rescue have accumulated a lot of practical wisdom over the years. So we asked them to share it with us. Here are their tips for making your next DogTrek fun for all. What to Pack License, rabies tag and meds. Comforts of home: heir favorite bed/blanket so they feel cozy and secure in the car and   Read more.

Sit, Stay, Play, and Eat

Lora V. sent in some pictures of her greyhound, Curly, hanging out at the Doghouse, San Diego's first pet-friendly bar and grill.  Read more.

Paddling Away on the Bay

Photo by Carol A. Carol A. with her Havanese, Toby, paddling the San Rafael canal and the bay.  Read more.

Dog-Passionate Folsom

Oscar having fun at Folsom Lake. (CC) T. Dibble Johnny Cash may have put Folsom on America's musical map, but visitors don't sing the blues once they experience the vitality of this historic little city at the western gateway to California Gold Country. DogTrekkers visiting Folsom will find more than 32 miles of paved, multi-use trails for cyclists, walkers and joggers, includi  Read more.

El Dorado County’s adventure loop

Lola and Leroy on an adventure in Gold Country. Photo by M. Miller.

Lola and Leroy on an adventure in Gold Country. Photo: M. Miller Next time you can wrangle a weekend away in Gold Country, head east on Highway 50, exit at El Dorado Hills Boulevard and drive through 10 miles of suburbia to the intersection with Green Valley Road. Put your vehicle in explorer gear and keep going: the name changes to Salmon Falls Road and the asphalt narrows into a two-lane trac  Read more.

Sun, Sand, Santa Cruz

Jennifer M. sent in this fabulous picture of her best friend, Harley, playing on the beach in Santa Cruz. Thanks for sharing Jennifer!  Read more.

Poochies on the Road to Yosemite

Poochies playing catch by the river. Photo: Missy B. Missy B. from Sacramento sent us a great picture of her best friend, Poochies, frolicking by the river on the way to Yosemite. Thanks Missy! If you have a picture or story you'd like us to publish, go to our Share Your Favorite California Dog Experience link and fill in the form.  Read more.

Dog-friendly beaches of San Luis Obispo

Let's go to the beach! CC E.Haug Dog-friendly beaches abound in SLO County, including several strands where you can cut the cord and let your best friend run free. You can always visit a dog-friendly beach on your own, of course, but for occasions worthy of a splurge, call the Beach Butlerz. This innovative service staffed by local college students promises to change a typical day at a dog-friendl  Read more.

The Bark on Bernal Heights

Otto in Bernal's secret garden. (CC)ejbSF Bernal Heights Park is something you don’t expect to find in a densely populated city: 35 acres of rugged, often windswept terrain that can feel more like a wilderness than an urban playground. Your dog can be off-leash here so long as she comes when called—and you definitely won’t want an eager canine pulling at the leash as you huf  Read more.

Chasing Waves on Ocean Beach With Your Dog

Traveling in Style at Ocean Beach. (CC) torbakhopper If your dog has a reliable recall and can be trusted not to jump on people, bring her to Ocean Beach, a four-mile strip of sand at the foot of Golden Gate Park. The section between stairwells 1 and 21 is off-leash territory, and dogs go wild chasing waves, fetching balls and dodging the throngs of humans who congregate here on weekends.   Read more.

Death Valley, Heavenly in Winter

Obi and Lola in Death Valley. Photo Credit: Marc Smith (CC) Death Valley National Park is one of the most colorful and breathtaking places on Earth—and winter’s exceedingly pleasant temperatures (60s in the daytime; 40s at night) make February a prime time to visit. Nowhere else on the planet will you see salt-crusted badlands 282 feet below sea level walled in by mountains 11,000 feet high  Read more.

Travelling with Pepper Lukes

Pepper Lukes all Smiles at Cuvier DogTrekker, Anna Lisa, sent us photos of her lovely seven year old shih tzu poodle, Pepper Lukes. Pepper travels everywhere with her family, is very sociable and has a wonderful personality. Check out some of the fun adventures she's been on in the California Wine Country.  Read more.

Adventure awaits on the North Coast

California’s North Coast is a magical place made more magical still with the 2014 incorporation of Point Arena-Stornetta Public Lands, a 1,132-acre coastal preserve in Mendocino County that you and your leashed dog are welcome to explore at your scenic-overload leisure.  Read more.

Dog-friendly Tri-Valley Trails

The Bay Area’s Tri-Valley region, just 30 minutes east of San Francisco, is a sunny paradise for hiking dogs and their people. With lots of wide open spaces and scenic vistas, the Tri-Valley is one of Northern California’s best kept secrets. Here are a few of our favorite dog-friendly trails in the Tri-Valley. For more trail info, as well as maps and directions, download Trai  Read more.

SLO Down and Savor Some Waterfall Magic

Eden on the trail to Big Canyon Falls. Ryan McKay (CC) January is a magical time along the Central Coast, a time when the lumpy hills of the Coast Range turn from brown to emerald overnight and when streams swollen with rain morph from gentle trickles into raging torrents. Raging torrents produce waterfalls, of course, and three of the most accessible are produced by Big Creek as it flows through  Read more.

Not-so-hidden Escondido Falls

Dog on the Escondido Trail. (CC) HermitSMoores “Escondido” means “hidden” in Spanish, but there’s nothing remotely discreet about the approach to one of Southern California’s most stunning waterfalls, which just happens to do its thing near a “mansions of the stars” strip of real estate in Malibu.  Read more.

The Bay Area’s Classic Cascades

Digby in Uvas Canyon. Zervas (CC) In past issues, DogTrekker.com has introduced its dog-passionate readers to a number of waterfalls that are perennial winter favorites. Time to leash up your dog, bundle up and put one of these destinations on your winter radar:  Read more.

Go With the Flows in Northern California

Luna at Lower Yosemite Falls. (CC) Luna Dog Mom. Yosemite Falls: Yosemite in winter can make for a glorious getaway for you and your best friend. Yes, you’ll have to make base camp outside park boundaries unless you’re a hard-core camper (dogs aren’t allowed at park hotels), but that factoid of life shouldn’t cast a shadow on your enjoyment of the falls and the park. You a  Read more.

Heading South

Throughout 2014, DogTrekker.com research and editorial teams sniffed around the southern part of our state, adding SoCal destinations one at a time to our pages and ensuring that we keep our 4-Paw Promise to provide in-depth local coverage, accurate listings, engaging stories and commitment to the support of rescue and adoption organizations.   Read more.

When it Rains, They Pour

Rita in Christmas Valley. Photo by Ed Burns. Recent rains are good news not just for drought-parched California in general, but for the many waterfalls that gush forth and make great hiking destinations in winter and spring. Waterfall hikes, indeed, are among the most searched-for outdoor recreation topics on DogTrekker.com. Type “waterfalls” into our home-page search box, and you&  Read more.

Golden Gate National Recreation Area

For more than three years, DogTrekker.com has been proud to champion the ongoing advocacy efforts of dog lovers opposed to provisions in a proposed management plan that would prohibit or restrict access to portions of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area that have long been available for on- or off-leash dog walking and exercise. Our most recent story, Enjoy These GGNRA Beaches While You Ca  Read more.

Dog-time for Yosemite

Cordelia in Yosemtie. By Cordelia's Adventures Is Yosemite National Park dog-friendly? That’s a question that comes up frequently at DogTrekker.com, and one we address every year in one form or another. This year, while emphasizing that there are many ways to enjoy the park with your furry friend, we also expanded our coverage of the four-county Yosemite Region.  Read more.

Dog-friendly Lodging

photo by Francine Williams One of the top subjects that draws DogTrekkers to our site is dog-friendly lodging. This year, we expanded our listings and now include more than 3,000 properties throughout California. To make it easier to find places for you and your pooch to bed down, we’ve added a “Lodging” tab on our toolbar. Click it, then drill down to find hotels and motel  Read more.

Fall Fun on the American River in Redding

Pammy and her pup Cade sent DogTrekker some pictures from their beautiful day spent at Lake Redding Park on the American River.   Read more.

Shop Local

Do you have anything in my size? B. Hammarlund (CC) Shopping local not only provides satisfying, hands-on experiences and the opportunity to consult with experts; it’s also good for your community. Most Northern California cities and towns have at least one dog boutique or bakery where DogTrekkers and their best friends can be dazzled by colorful arrays of beds, toys, sweaters, homemade t  Read more.

Gifts That Keep On Giving

Best gift ever. Mike Schmid (CC) Perhaps the nicest thing a dog-lover can do for canines in need is to help place them in loving homes. Even if you can’t take on another pet yourself, there are as many ways to help as there are displaced pups pouring through shelter and rescue-organization doors. And many ways to make a difference are as much fun for you as they are helpful to the dogs whos  Read more.

Gold Country Getaways

Kennedy Meadows in Sonora. Rachael Moore (CC) On Highway 49 you’ll find a string of Gold Rush-era towns delightfully uncrowded at this time of year. While Sutter Creek and Jackson are well known bed-and-breakfast havens, DogTrekkers in search of cottage accommodations will strike gold with private vacation rentals such as the family-friendly Sutter Creek Cottage, situated right on Sutter  Read more.

Redding, Trail Capital of California

Redding calls itself the Trail Capital of California for good reason: more than 200 miles of paved and natural surface trails have been developed in and around the city through private and public partnerships. Fall is an exceptional time to enjoy the views from the Upper Sacramento Ditch Trail, which traces the route of historic waterworks that once supplied miners’ sluice bo  Read more.

San Francisco is for Dog Lovers

Addie headed for fun at Fort Funston. Photo by Heather. If there’s a more dog-friendly big city than San Francisco, we at DogTrekker.com certainly don’t know about it. An abundance of open space available to the canine set is one of the City by the Bay’s main attractions for dog lovers. Well behaved pooches are allowed to exercise and socialize off-leash in two dozen places within city limi  Read more.

Tails in Tahoe

Fallen Leaf Lake.

Most hikes around Lake Tahoe—and there are hundreds—can be enjoyed with your best friend. But if your goal is to bask in fall color  Read more.