As this year comes to a close, our greatest joy comes from expressing gratitude for the DogTrekker family. Your engagement means everything to us, and to the rescue and adoption organizations we support. As we wish you this season’s warmest greetings, we’re also happy to share some of our top 2023 travel stories. These destination stories will spark inspiration for your 2024 California journeys, whether you’d like to marvel at nature, sample charming small towns, or explore dynamic urban landscapes.
These dog-friendly destinations across the Golden State are all paw-tested and approved by the DogTrekker team. We hope you enjoy these featured stories again, and we’d love to hear about your adventures in the year ahead.
1. Paws up: Top dog, meet Capital City
Spring will be here before we know it and that’s when Sacramento comes alive. Wag your way through Old Sacramento and check out the dog scene at dog-friendly Sacramento hotels. Read more…
2. Placer County promises trails, thrills and tasty surprises
Discover the treks, tours and splashy side of Placer County. From the Gold Country to North Lake Tahoe, this 1,400-square-mile playground is the place to live life at its peak. Read more…
3. Was Calistoga really founded by a dog?
Sam Brannan and Leonitus paved the way for what today is one of the most dog-friendly towns in California. Calistoga is alive with dog-friendly outdoor adventures, culinary wonders, and places to stay. Read more…
4. Fall in Yosemite: Captivating color and wagging tails welcome
While this story highlighted fall color, it also introduced us to an amazing dog-friendly Yosemite itinerary that DogTrekkers can use year-round. We also focused on dog-passionate hotels, cabin rentals and lodges. Read more…
5. North of Ordinary! Leash up for endless dog-approved advantages
North of Ordinary, aka North Coast Region, comprises Mendocino, Humboldt, Del Norte and Lake Counties. This region uniquely features dog-friendly waves, wine, wilderness, and lots to woof about! Read more…
6. Magic is real in pup-friendly Mendocino County
Mendocino County captivates those who travel with furry family members, and it has also enchanted DogTrekker readers for decades. With mist-cloaked valleys, ancient redwood stands, and stunning state parks that unfold along the coast and across inland peaks, you’ll discover magical landscapes at every turn. Read more…
7. North Lake Tahoe: Wildly beautiful and perfect for pups
In the four-season wonderland of North Lake Tahoe, autumn stands out for its unforgettable beauty. Changing leaves lend gorgeous color to the mountain landscape, and sunshine sparkles off crystal-clear waters. Temperatures are mild, and traffic is quieter than during the summer rush or buzzy winter ski weekends. It’s a peaceful time that promises engaging outdoor options for people and their pups. Read more…
8. A sunny pup-cation in Greater Palm Springs
With endless blue skies, awe-inspiring mountains, sparkling pools, and swaying palm trees in all directions, it’s hard to imagine a more beautiful and relaxing destination than Greater Palm Springs — and humans aren’t the only ones who get to soak in the sunshine and breathtaking views. Read more…
9. Pleasant Hill: It’s a dog’s world
Pup-friendly Pleasant Hill puts Northern California’s best within easy reach. Hike scenic East Bay canyons with your furry friend. Hop over to San Francisco for family attractions and culture. Sample world-class wines in Napa, Sonoma or Livermore. Then, relax at Pleasant Hill restaurants and hotels that roll out the red carpet for dogs. Read more…
10. Southern California: Tail-wagging adventures await
With a warm and welcoming atmosphere, Greater Ontario California embraces dogs as part of the family. From welcoming parks and trails to pet-friendly eateries and accommodations, this destination is an ideal playground for canines and their owners alike. Read more…
