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Central Valley region

Central Valley region

Stories about Central Valley

Bridge FPO

Live like a local in dog-friendly Sacramento

Set along the Sacramento and American rivers, Sacramento offers endless activities and an engaging dog-friendly lifestyle. Mornings start on waterfront trails. Afternoons unfold across sun-kissed parks and restaurant patios. Each evening, serene, stylish hotels invite four- and two-legged guests to unwind. You’ll see why Sacramento
Pug at Sacto. Midtown Pooch parade

Effortless day trips and outdoor adventures

Sacramento sits within a short drive of some of California's most iconic activities, including many delightfully dog-friendly options. It’s easy to choose your own adventure here, whether you'd like to taste small-batch wines, hike ruggedly beautiful trails, survey the state's gold rush history or splash
Cappie at the Kimpton Sawyer Hotel, Sacramento

Settle in and stay a little longer

With so many activities for four-legged VIPs, it's worth lingering longer in Sacramento. Dog-friendly hotels offer generous amenities and comfortable options for every price point. Plus, walkable neighborhoods feature independent shops and dining venues that welcome you like a local. Find your home away from
Dog-friendly California destination, photo courtesy of Sacramento River Cats

Gathering places for pups and people

Some of Sacramento's most dog-friendly spots double as social spaces that connect travelers with friendly locals. By striking up a conversation, you'll often get the inside scoop on the best parks, restaurants, shops and trails for pups. These paw-some playgrounds, brewery patios and other surprises
Two Doberman Pinschers looking at a taco plate, ears up, in Sacramento.

Start your day the local way

In Sacramento, mornings move at an easy pace. Greet the day on the American River Parkway, where dog walkers can wander for miles, or play fetch in a neighborhood park. From there, swing by one of the city’s many coffee shops and breakfast spots that
A child's hand points to a map that a ranger is holding

Dog-friendly Sacramento River Delta: where to take your pup

If you're scouting a spring getaway that doesn't require a four-hour drive or a June reservation made in February, point the car east from the Bay Area toward the Sacramento River Delta.
Spring Flowers at the California State Capitol

Spring in Sacramento with your dog: why April works

Sacramento doesn't always get the credit it deserves as a dog-friendly destination.
Dog beach san diego

Heatstroke and hot pavement: California dog summer safety

Heatstroke kills 50–64% of affected dogs, and 3 out of 4 cases are caused by exercise — not hot weather alone. Here's what California dog owners need to know about hot pavement, warning signs, emergency cooling, and the state law that lets you break a
Love Valley Trail — Google Places photo

ADA accessible dog-friendly trails in the Central Valley

California's Central Valley stretches more than 400 miles through the heart of the state, and its flat terrain and extensive paved trail systems make it one of the most accessible regions for visitors with mobility challenges. From the shaded riverfront paths of Sacramento to the
Image from Paws and patios: where to eat in GOCAL on DogTrekker

Dog-friendly patios in California: Your spring outdoor dining guide

Spring in California means one thing for dog owners: patio season is officially open. California legalized dogs on restaurant patios in 2014, and since then the dining scene for pup parents has only grown. Our statewide guide to dog-friendly outdoor dining from SoCal beaches to
Image from Your mountain moment is waiting in Big Bear Lake on DogTrekker

Skip the beach: 4 dog-friendly lake getaways

California's lakes are filling up from winter rains and the foothills are electric green. If you and your dog want warm spring weather without sandy crowds, head inland. Four dog-friendly lake getaways — Folsom, Clear Lake, Shasta, and Bass Lake — that deliver spring at
Two women with dogs sit at a patio table with wine glasses; PawSport Napa Valley logo appears on an orange background to the left.

New for you: DogTrekker’s ulti-mutt spring event guide

Spring brings a packed calendar of dog-friendly events across California, from fun runs and beach festivals to wine tastings and costume parades. Many raise funds for animal welfare organizations, so you and your pup can play while making a positive impact.

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