Hillside Tree Farm in Camino has that real holiday energy—acres of evergreens on rolling Gold Country land where you can actually walk around and pick out your tree with your dog alongside you. They grow six different varieties here: Nordman Fir, Noble Fir, Swift Silver (Rocky Mountain), Silver Tip, Fraser Fir, and California White Fir, so there’s usually something that fits what you’re after, whether you want a classic dense tree or something with better spacing between branches.

You’ve got two options for how this goes. You can grab one of their saws and cut your own tree while your dog explores the property—there’s something satisfying about that DIY approach, and dogs seem to enjoy the wandering-around part. If you’d rather skip the sawing, their staff will handle it for you. Either way, you’re out in the open air for a good chunk of time, which works well if your dog needs to burn off some energy before being cooped up in a car or house for the holidays.

The setting itself is pleasant enough for a December outing. You’re up in the foothills, so it’s got that slightly cooler feel, and the farm has enough space that you won’t feel cramped even when it gets busy closer to Christmas. Bring water for your dog since you’ll be walking around selecting trees, and wear shoes with good traction—the ground can get uneven in places.

They’re serious about making this a family operation, and that extends to dogs coming along. It’s the kind of place where your dog isn’t treated as an afterthought but part of the experience. The farm’s website has details about current inventory and hours, so check there before heading out, especially if you’re planning a trip in mid-to-late December when things can get hectic.