Central Valley

Sacramento: A beer-lover’s magnet

A large gray dog wearing a neon green collar sits at an outdoor table in Sacramento. Its tongue hangs out as it looks at a plate of food and a glass of orange beverage. Green trees surround the area, and part of a person is visible nearby.

Old Sacramento is a must-visit for history buffs and dog lovers alike. The area features wooden sidewalks, horse-drawn carriages, and plenty of dog-friendly spots.

Chow down in Sacramento

I'll have the chicken salad... Photo:Kennejima Several years ago, Sacramento branded itself “America’s Farm-to-Fork Capital.” And no wonder: virtually every independently-owned restaurant in town prides itself on fresh ingredients sourced...

Pick a park and take a walk

Sacramento, California’s “City of Trees,” takes great pride in its shady parks. William Land Park, just south of downtown, is its largest urban oasis. The 166-acre preserve is home to...

Dog-friendly Sacramento: Two rivers run through it

The American and Sacramento rivers converge at Discovery Park, just north of downtown Sacramento, and whichever way you trek along the 32-mile, multi-use Jedidiah Smith Memorial Trail (also known as...

Explore Sacramento and folsom

Colonial architecture in Old Sacramento Historic District

Buddy jumped 26 feet at Splash Dogs in Folsom No, gold wasn’t found in Sacramento or Folsom. But both cities played huge roles in the Gold Rush as supply centers,...

Sacramento and folsom: gold country getaways

Dog party in downtown Sacramento. Photo: Kelly Huston Sacramento and Folsom are the dog-friendly gateways to California Gold Country. And there’s no denying it: temperatures here can get very hot...

Top dog, meet Capital City

dog in front of Capital building in Sacramento

Spring is a great time to visit Sacramento, as the city comes alive with a variety of outdoor activities, events,

Wag your way through Old Sac

Sacramento’s No. 1 tourist destination is as popular with locals as with visitors. And now that masks are off and smiles are on, it’s crazy hopping with activity again. The...

Play in a park with your pup

Two dogs running in a park with trees in background

Sacramento is known for its rich agricultural heritage and is often referred to as "America's Farm-to-Fork Capital" due to its abundance of fresh, locally-sourced food.

Paws up for these dog-friendly hotels

If you’re like many visitors, you want to stay in a central location just a short jaunt from the attractions on your “must experience” list. Fortunately, central Sacramento is chock-full...

Rancho Cordova: A beer-lovers destination!

Rancho Cordova, a suburban community on Highway 50 about 15 miles east of downtown Sacramento, is a great jumping-off place for forays into the Sierra foothills, as well as a...

Vacaville is exciting, affordable and friendly for dogs

DogTrekkers love exploring Northern California, and one regional destination stands out for its convenient location and four-paw experiences.

Affordable hotels with dog-friendly amenities

Vacaville’s central location makes it an easy, budget-friendly home base for all sorts of Northern California adventures.

Two new trails spotlight Vacaville’s top stops

Vacaville Bucket List graphic with an illustration of the sun peeking out from behind hills.

Vacaville's popular taco and winery trails introduce some of the city's tastiest highlights. Now, two new trail guides offer additional ways to explore.

Culture, open-air patios and tacos galore

In Vacaville, you’ll find engaging surprises at every turn. The Western Railway Museum showcases 50 vintage cars across 22 dog-friendly acres.

Placer County promises trails, thrills and tasty surprises

Welcome to Placer County, a 1,400-square-mile playground where dog-friendly fun is always in season. From cosmopolitan Roseville and Rocklin,

Special events for you and your dog

DogTrekkers are a giving bunch as witnessed by their support for the adoption/rescue community through donations, volunteering, and attendance at

California SNO-Parks: SNO many options for dog-friendly fun

2 men and a dog stand in snowy parking lot

Here's a DogTrekker secret: Stories about California SNO-Parks are among our most-read each year! There's lots to bark about

Woof it up in Vacaville

hanging sign that reads "winery tasting room open"

So…what do you and your pup know about dog-friendly Vacaville and its slice of Solano County? Maybe not much if all you’ve done is zoom past the exits on Interstate...

Dog-friendy Tuolumne County (video)

Welcome to Tuolumne County, California where you can experience iconic Yosemite explorations, authentic California Gold Country discoveries and unforgettable High Sierra outdoor adventures.

Raise a glass to the dog-friendly Delta

chocolate lab sits at table with bottle of wine

Just 15 miles south of downtown Sacramento, the scenic Sacramento River Delta opens up, city life slows to a crawl and the Clarksburg American Viticultural Area offers all kind of...

Wag your way through the Central Valley

Dog boarding a Western Railway museum train

Redwood forests and mountains might be more scenically impressive, but there’s a different kind of ambience to be had in California’s flatlands. And the dog-friendly excursion trains that operate here...

Plan a great Gilroy getaway with your dog

Follow your nose (as well as your dog’s) to the Garlic Capital of the World! Gilroy California is a great place for a getaway with your four-legged friend. You’ll find...

Eat, drink and be hairy: Dog-friendly restaurants and wineries in Gilroy, CA

Gilroy is fortunate to have many dog-friendly restaurants and wineries. No need to leave your dog behind to enjoy a tasty meal away from home—you can just wine and dine...

A hotel for every budget

Vacaville is a convenient wine country gateway that’s also a short drive from both San Francisco and Sacramento. You’ll find some of the most reasonably priced accommodations around. Vacaville hotels...

Can you Suisun? if you haven’t, go soon!

While Napa and Sonoma bask in California wine-country publicity, Solano County’s “Rustic Wine Country,” aka Suisun Valley, deserves a place on your dog-friendly bucket list, too. The “hidden” valley is...

Stay and play in Vacaville

Sure, you could drive home after a day of hiking or just romping with your dog the fabulous, 3,000-acre fenced canine playground at Lagoon Valley/Pena Adobe Park or the newer...

Raise a glass to the dog-friendly Delta

Just 15 miles south of downtown Sacramento, the Clarksburg American Viticultural Area offers all kind of dog-friendly, small-batch wine-tasting experiences.

Tail-waggin’ fun in Folsom and surrounding areas

Just up Highway 50 from Sacramento, the city of Folsom is a superb dog-friendly destination with a handsomely renovated Old Town just a block or two from the Sacramento River....

Capital canine discoveries

If it’s your first visit to Sacto, don’t neglect to take a stroll through Capitol Park, a 40-acre urban preserve surrounding the imposing domed structure.

East to the foothills and apples galore

While parts of El Dorado County were impacted by the Caldor Fire in August and September, the Apple Hill Growers region north of Placerville (about 45 minutes from Sacramento on Highway...

Explore Sacramento’s ‘big back yard’ with your pup

As the seasons change and the smoke from Northern California wildfires gives way to crystal-blue skies, opportunities for exploring Sacramento and the destinations in its “big back yard” expand. Make...

Bark at the bots, but don’t give up

Woman working at home on laptop with her dog

It’s usually difficult to snag a reservation at popular lakeside, state and national parks at this point in the year. Many can take repeated attempts to score. This year, however,...

Sacramento’s dog-friendly outdoor dining scene

Sacramento’s restaurant scene, is in full bloom; heated dining tents and patios have sprung up all over town, and with the weather generally mild, dog-friendly patio dining is ramping up...

Dog-friendly surprises in Solano County

Taken aback by prices at Napa and Sonoma hotels and wineries? Stay in Vacaville at half the price and visit nearby Suisun Valley Rustic Wine Country,

Pumpkins patches and wine, oh my!

There’s no time better than October to visit the Suisun Valley between Davis and Vacaville in Solano County.

Find a dog-friendly place in Placer County

Placer County is large and diverse, stretching from just north of Sacramento County all the way to Tahoe’s north shore. In between are hundreds of square miles of national forest...

Folsom: Gateway to Gold Country

Folsom isn’t only a convenient destination for Northern California visitors, it’s also diverse, offering many options for “socially distanced” outdoor recreation. Start by stepping out on a segment of the...

Concord: Hike, drink, dine & unwind

The Contra Costa County town of Concord calls itself a “Northern California Original,” and it’s easy to see why. With a booming craft brew scene, creative dining options and a...

Naturalist John Muir’s dog-friendly legacy

Man, woman, child and dog running on a hill

John Muir might be most famous for his conservation efforts in the Yosemite region, but he wrote and raised a family in the East Bay community near Concord and cherished...

Go north, DogTrekkers, go north!

A month from now, the epic waterfalls of the Shasta-Cascade region in Northern California will be gushing in spectacular fashion. That said, the cascades on the McCloud River —Lower, Middle...

Vacaville: a dog-friendly base camp for new discoveries

Panoramic view of Lagoon Valley Park in Vacaville, California, USA, featuring oak tree and a lake and pedestrian walkway around it, from above

There’s a lot more to Vacaville than meets the eye when whizzing past it on Interstate 80. Dog-friendly lodging abounds (take note: it’s lot less expensive than in nearby Napa or...

Paws up for the Mount Diablo Region

The dog-friendly East Bay communities of Concord and Pleasant Hill in Contra Costa County have something very much in common: both look out on Mount Diablo, an isolated peak that...

Go soon to Suisun!

When it comes to dog-friendly wineries, Suisun Valley wineries in Solano County are just a hop-skip away from Vacaville, San Francisco and Sacramento. This unpretentious “Rustic Wine Country” is one...

Drifting about in the Delta

The San Joaquin-Sacramento River Delta is a boater’s paradise that in places feels like anther world. But you don’t need a boat to explore this rich agricultural region marked with...

Visit a close-in, dog-friendly campground

Even if you’re an urban dweller, you don’t have to go far to snag a spot in the woods (although you might have trouble with reservations).

Much to adore about Amador County wine

Dog in vineyard with glass of wine in Amador Wine Country

This beautiful, rolling county southeast of Sacramento is highly regarded both for its wines and historic towns like Sutter Creek and Plymouth that beg lingering. Six dog-friendly wineries on the Amador...

Brews and more in Rancho Cordova

Dog and person outside in Rancho Cordova

Rancho Cordova, a suburban community on Highway 50 about 15 miles east of downtown Sacramento, is a great jumping-off place for forays into the Sierra foothills, but it’s also a...

Pleasant surprises in Pleasant Hill

This East Bay community of 35,000 is surrounded by hills that perfectly reflect its name. But while some may view its location (23 miles east of San Francisco and 73...

Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary

Dog on bed at the Happy Trails Pet Sanctuary

There Karli was, a cute little dog wandering the streets of Sacramento. Picked up as a stray. Unclaimed by anybody. But then along came Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary.

Where to stay with your dog in Sacramento

Dog with big ears lying on bed at hotel in Sacramento

From the downtown core to the farthest reaches of suburbia, Sacramento abounds with dog-friendly places to stay. If downtown is your chosen destination, the new Kimpton Sawyer might be just...

Eat, drink, be merry with your dog by your side

Outdoor dining is an integral part of Sacramento culture, and restaurants with dog-friendly patios are too numerous to count. For walkability and a huge diversity of offerings, the Midtown residential/retail/dining/entertainment...

North Valley Animal Disaster Group

If you're feeling both helpless and grateful as rains finally douse the catastrophic Camp Fire, you're not alone. But there are a lot of heroes stepping up to render aid...

Jingle bell pup crawl, Sacramento

Jingle Bell Pup Crawl, Sacramento – Dec. 8 Few animal shelter and city holiday fundraising events promise to be as much fun as the Sacramento SPCA’s second annual Jingle Bell Pup Crawl from noon...

Yolo county spca purrfect howliday pawty, Sacramento

Yolo County SPCA Purrfect Howliday Pawty, Sacramento – Nov. 30 Dinner, live music, a silent auction and presentations about programs and community partnership are on the menu for the Yolo SPCA’s evening...

Pets lifeline 2018

Wherever Chavo came from, he was much loved and knows how to be a good dog. That's the report from his foster parents at Pets Lifeline in Sonoma, who took...

Where to chow down with your pup in vacaville

When it’s mealtime in Vacaville, you’ll find many casual, dog-friendly options, from pizza and barbecue to Mexican, Italian and sandwich shops.

Hike, sniff and park it on the alamo creek bikeway

bike sits on paved trail lined with trees.

Yes it’s primarily a bike path, but dog walkers will find much to enjoy along the shaded, 4.4-mile Alamo Creek Bikeway.

Take a stroll through history

Don’t you love it when you stumble upon something great that you never knew about before? That’s the feeling that takes over upon entering Lagoon Valley/Peña Adobe Regional Park, a...

Call it a night in the Tri-Valley

Sure, you could commute from the Bay Area or Sacramento, but why not make a weekend of it? After a day of hiking or touring the wine or craft-beer trails,...

Summer fun with your pup in folsom

History, a vibrant dining scene and outdoor recreation options galore beckon in this gateway to California Gold Country.

Cool your jets (and your pets) in Sacramento

Sacramento is hot, hot, hot—and we’re not talking summer weather. The restaurant and craft brewery scene here has exploded of late, and thanks to a (usually) mild climate, outdoor dining...

Lots new to see and do in rancho cordova

Highway 50 buzzes right through Rancho Cordova between Sacramento and Folsom, so unless you pull off to explore, you won’t know what you’re missing. Start, perhaps with an overnight stay...

All aboard a choo-choo train

The chug-chug and urgent whistle call of an approaching train is always exciting, especially when a vintage steam engine leads the charge. How can you hear it and see it...

Dog-friendly campground reservation resources

• California State Parks rolled out a new reservation system, ReserveCalifornia, in August of last year, with new features still being phased in. Users who create a profile can reserve...

A few of our favorite dog-friendly campgrounds

Almost every public campground in California is dog-friendly, but that doesn’t mean your dog is welcome to hike with you, even on a leash.

Kimpton Sawyer Hotel, Sacramento

Smack downtown in the middle of the action surrounding the new Golden 1 Center (home of the Sacramento Kings), the new, 260-room Kimpton Sawyer co-anchors a developing retail and entertainment...

Sunny Tri-Valley wineries welcome dogs

The Tri-Valley region, an hour east of San Francisco, is nothing if not full of surprises, especially when it comes to wine. Production is centered in the rolling Livermore Valley...

A cluster of winery finds in Gold Country

Wine grapes were introduced to the Sierra Nevada foothills during the Gold Rush years, when miners were thirsty for refreshment and farmers eager to provide. Today, the Sierra Foothills AVA...

Carneros, here we come

What part of the Napa and Sonoma valleys is closest to the Bay Area and Sacramento? The answer: Carneros, a wine-growing region and AVA (American Viticultural Area) that spans parts...

Make time for Mount Shasta

White dog with Mount Shasta in background

The Shasta Cascade region’s name comes from a monumental mountain (Mount Shasta, at 14,179 feet, one of the highest peaks in the country) and the Cascade mountain range that begins...

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...

Dog-friendly pumpkin patches in NorCal

What's Halloween without a visit to a pumpkin patch, especially if the pumpkin patch doubles as a seasonal family theme park?

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,...

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...

Pull up a pillow (and a dog bed) and stay the night

While the Tri-Valley region is within easy commuting distance of the Bay Area and Sacramento, after a day of hiking or touring the wine or craft beer trails, it’s always...

What and where is Tri-Valley?

Dog on patio at winery in the 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...

Fifth stop: Mammoth Lakes back to Sac via Yosemite

a brown and white dog laying in front of now covered mountains

Allow a full day—or more, if time permits—for the long but scenic drive back to Sacramento via Highway 120 over Tioga Pass Road through Yosemite National Park.

First stop: Start in Sacramento

The California capital makes a great jumping-off place for DogTrekkers poised for a trip to high country. Snuggle into a dog-friendly hotel, dine on a restaurant patio with your pup...

Crystal blue persuasion

You’ve probably seen, en-route to Lake Tahoe on Highway 50, the left-turn lane directing traffic onto Ice House Road leading into the Crystal Basin Recreation Area. Take time to explore...

Here’s where to SNO-Park

welsh corgi dog running outdoors in the snow

Wondering where to go to the snow with Rover? Start with a look at the DogTrekker SNO-PARKS page and map

Pyrpaw Rescue

Some months ago, Bear was facing death before his life had really started, through no fault of his own. At 2 1/2, the happy, healthy Great Pyrenees dog became a...

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...

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...

Vine and dine in Sonoma

Sonoma County is one of California’s largest and most diverse regions—and one that can seem very close or very far away, depending on your time, destination and inclinations. For a...

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...

Climb (or drive) every mountain

Two adventurous pooches rest on an intriguing shoreline peppered with rocks, their loyal water bottle companion at their side. Behind them, a serene lake seamlessly merges with the cloudy summer sky, creating a breathtaking backdrop for this canine-friendly spot. This picture-perfect setting offers not only natural beauty but an array of exciting activities for your furry friends to enjoy. - Dogtrekker

On a clear day, 14,179-foot-high Mount Shasta comes into view just north of Sacramento as you make the trip up Interstate 5.

Where to float away

Northern California has more houseboating opportunities than any other state in the Union, but a little homework is always in order. For comprehensive information and comparisons, check in with Forever...

Folsom: Gateway to Gold Country

Dog with bridge in background in 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...

More wet ways to play

golden retriever on stand up paddleboard

Stand-Up Paddleboarding, SUP for short, is an emerging sport with Hawaiian heritage that’s caught on big all up and down California. The newest craze: teaching dogs to hitch a ride....

Top paw-tested campgrounds

Two dogs in front of blue and white tent

We don’t claim to be personally familiar with every campground in California, but our experiences at these dog-friendly sites have been pawsitive enough to keep us coming back again and...

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...

Tiptoe through the tulips in davis

pomeranian dog sitting in front of red tulips

Sometimes a lovely May day beckons with a leisurely stroll, rather than a full-on hike. For DogTrekkers who enjoy spring blooms,

Tuolumne county (north/big oak flat) entrance

Tuolumne County North/Big Flat entrance building

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.

Lots to wag about in tri-valley

Dog and person walking in the Tri-Valley

For those who live in San Francisco, Sacramento and most points in between, the Tri-Valley region, with its rolling topography and semi-rural character, offers a refreshing change of venue for...

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...

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,...

Bark when you discover vacaville

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

Take a Yolo County detour

In Yolo County, Interstate 80 runs right past the UC Davis campus and within ball-throwing distance of Sudwerk, one of the state’s pioneering craft breweries.

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...

Butte humane society 2015

Meet Hooch, a happy young fellow who seeks a spot as the only dog in a loving home. A smart guy who loves practicing his obedience skills (especially if treats...

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...

Sip ‘n’ sightsee with your dog

Photo Credit: JJ (CC) The Napa Valley wine region boasts about 120 wineries that welcome dogs on their grounds and/or their tasting rooms.

Enjoy farm-to-glass bounty in Sacramento

Norman visiting the CA State Capitol. Photo credit: Julie Christensen With more than 200 hundred wineries situated within a 75-mile radius of the state Capitol, Sacramento can lay claim to...

Sup with your pup

A man in black shorts and a beige cap stands on a paddleboard in Marin, holding a paddle. His small black dog, attached to a leash, walks at the front of the board.

Stand-Up Paddle-boarding has caught on big-time with canine passengers as well as the people who do the paddling. Most dogs love to ride along, although it can take some coaxing...

Sacramento’s dog-friendly craft breweries

(CC) Sephiroty To say the craft-brewery scene has exploded in Sacramento is an understatement: the California capital just might lead the nation in number of craft breweries per capita, with...

City of Sacramento’s front street shelter

We've told you before about the dramatic turnaround of the City of Sacramento's Front Street shelter. Once a dark and deadly place for dogs, it's much safer and happier these...

Exploring greater Sacramento’s wine regions

Sacramento's self-proclaimed title as "America's Farm-to-Fork Capital," and regional wineries are a big part of the picture.

Lead me to lodi

Lodi is a San Joaquin County town and wine region 35 miles south of Sacramento. It is an up-and-coming visitor destination that boasts some 90 wineries, many with dog-friendly grounds...

Yearning for yolo

dog standing on chair in front of table on restaurant patio

You can’t know what you’re missing if you don’t pull off the highway, and for DogTrekkers speeding through Yolo County on Interstate 80, there are myriad reasons to put on...

Vroom over to vacaville

Sometimes the places in our own backyard are the least explored. And for many Northern Californians, Vacaville, a familiar name on Interstate 80, is one of them.

Explore the countryside

The words “wine” and “Sacramento” may not seem to go together—until you realize more than 200 wineries and tasting rooms are situated within 75 miles of the state capital.

City of Sacramento animal care services 2013

In the old days, the City of Sacramento's animal shelter was a notoriously dark, even abusive institution. When we checked in with them a couple of years ago, new management...

Say hello to folsom

Johnny Cash may have slipped Folsom into America’s psyche, but visitors will sing a different tune once they experience the vitality of this historic little city at the western gateway...

Sacramento wineries and beyond with your furry friend

The words “wine” and “Sacramento” may not seem to go together—until you realize more than 200 wineries and tasting rooms are situated within 75 miles of the state capital. Many...

Pie am i in gold country

The sun shines through the trees in an apple hill vineyard.

Things get so busy in October in the Apple Hill region of El Dorado County that shuttle buses are put into play. But from Labor Day weekend until the calendar...

Butte humane society

Since 1911, Chico's Butte Humane Society, one of the county's oldest nonprofit agencies, has been coming to the aid of animals in need, helping the lost and abandoned find new...

Golden state greyhound adoption

Golden State Greyhound Adoption places retired racing greyhounds in adoptive homes in the San Francisco Bay Area, the greater Sacramento area and beyond.

Bark for Benicia

We thought that seeing this Solano County town in the No. 4 slot on the Dog Fancy list would elicit yowls of surprise. Yet behind all those happily wagging tails...

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