Moccasin Point Marina sits on Lake Don Pedro in the Sierra Nevada foothills, about 60 miles west of Yosemite and two and a half hours east of San Francisco. It’s the kind of place where you can actually hear yourself think, which your dog will appreciate as much as you will. The lake itself is calm and scenic, surrounded by rolling terrain that feels genuinely removed from the usual tourist crowds.

The marina rents ski boats and deck cruisers if you want to get out on the water for tubing, fishing, or just cruising around. Kayaks and paddle boards are also available for rent, so there are plenty of options depending on your comfort level and what your dog can handle. The calmer paddle board or kayak experience works well if your dog hasn’t spent much time on the water—easier to manage and they’re less likely to freak out from engine noise.

Since you’re in the Jamestown area, you’re positioned between some genuinely interesting territory. Yosemite is close enough for a day trip if you want to explore beyond the marina, and the Sierra Nevada foothills have decent hiking trails if you want to get your dog off the water for a bit. The lake itself gives you that nice escape-from-it-all feeling without being completely remote.

Keep in mind that California law requires anyone operating a motorized vessel (15 hp or more) to be at least 16 years old, so factor that in if you’re planning to rent a ski boat or deck cruiser. Call ahead to confirm what’s available for your specific trip and to check their policies about dogs on boats—water conditions and rental details can vary by season, and you’ll want to make sure they can accommodate your dog’s size and swimming ability.