Southern California
Dog-friendly Southern California is known world-wide for its warm, welcoming hospitality, near perfect weather, breathtaking beauty and fun-filled recreation for you and your best dog buddy. Be sure to visit dog-friendly Huntington Beach and its famous Dog Beach and the Greater Palm Springs Region, one of the most dog-friendly destinations on the planet.
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California’s coolest mountain getaway: Big Bear Lake
![A black and white dog stands in the shallow water at Big Bear Lake. Nearby, several boats are docked beside a marina building with blue awnings. In the background, green-forested mountains rise under a clear blue sky.](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/IMG_4162-1-300x169.jpg)
Big Bear Lake puts an alpine spin on classic California adventures. Set high in the San Bernardino National Forest, just
Read moreThe South Coast: Pedigreed fun for pups
![](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Corgi-at-Dog-Beach-in-San-Diego-300x169.jpg)
Huntington Beach boasts miles of Pacific swells and beaches, including a 1.5-mile off-leash segment. This South Coast community hosts the
Read moreFresh air fun beckons in Big Bear Lake
![Big Bear Lake in spring.](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Castle-Rock-trail-2285-copy-300x169.jpg)
Itching to hit the road for your next adventure? Big Bear Lake is barking! Nestled in the San Bernardino National
Read moreShow your care for Big Bear
![Care for Big Bear banner](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/CareForBigBear_DIgitalHeader_Hero_d7439eaa25498c77bfbbdcd092d7d67c-300x169.png)
The Big Bear community is passionate about protecting and preserving their natural resources for the benefit of today’s travelers and
Read moreHit the happy trails
![Big Bear Lake spring hiking](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/DSC09426-Edit-copy-300x169.jpg)
The hiking trails are definitely for the dogs in Big Bear Lake! With 100 miles of trails, you can choose your
Read moreMake a big splash
![Happy dog on boat at Big Bear Lake.](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/IMG_3786-copy-300x169.jpg)
It’s not hard to get lured in by the lake lifestyle, especially when your canine companions are welcome on the
Read moreDog-friendly hikes in Greater Palm Springs
![Child walking a dog on a trail in the California Desert.](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/590976932-maggie-photo-2-cc-1-300x169.jpg)
The California Desert Region is the ultimate playground for hiking enthusiasts and their furry friends, and these dog-friendly hikes are a
Read moreTop 5 dog-friendly adventures in the California deserts
![Entrance sign at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/590892992-gps17_anzaborrego_18-300x169.jpg)
From the sand dunes of Death Valley to the rugged wilderness of Anza-Borrego to starry night skies in Joshua Tree National Park,
Read moreSpectacular snow days in Big Bear Lake
![man cross country skiing with Labrador retriever](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/LS_VBB_Snow-Shoe24-300x169.jpg)
Located just 100 miles from Los Angeles, Big Bear Lake puts winter adventure within easy reach of many Southern California
Read moreEmbark on a paw-some adventure in Greater Palm Springs
![City of Indian Wells. Photo by Visit Greater Palm Springs.](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/GPS15_Mountains_60-1-300x169.jpg)
It’s a dog’s world in Greater Palm Springs, and we’re just living in it! From sipping craft beers at local breweries to
Read morePawsitively perfect patios of pooches
![patio at Pink Cabana in Palm Springs](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Pink-Cabana-GPS-300x169.jpeg)
Dine al fresco with your pup at these dog-friendly restaurants. From lush gardens to exclusive dog menus, you and your
Read moreDog-friendly hikes
![Two women hiking with a dog in Greater Palm Springs](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/GPS18_Scenic_11-300x169.jpg)
Discover beautiful Greater Palm Springs trails on these dog-friendly hikes. Pack water, grab treats, and get ready to check out
Read moreTop dog-friendly breweries
![dog at table on outdoor patio in Palm Springs](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/GPS23_Boozehounds_12-300x169.jpg)
Raise a glass (and a paw) to good times with your four-legged companion. Here are some of our favorite restaurants and breweries
Read moreA sunny pup-cation in Greater Palm Springs
![people walk in front of Boozehounds with dog on leash](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/1ad035c0-ab21-7c92-f764-fea75099f6c6-300x169.jpeg)
With endless blue skies, awe-inspiring mountains, sparkling pools, and swaying palm trees in all directions, it’s hard to imagine a
Read morePups, plates and patios
![group of people at outdoor table looking at a dog with paws up on the end of the table at Boozehounds in Palm Springs.](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/GPS23_Boozehounds_42-300x169.jpg)
In Greater Palm Springs, entire menus are created with canines in mind. Pups can order everything from egg bites and teriyaki
Read moreSunset’s annual travel awards spotlight four-paw cities in California
![group of dogs sit on summit of a mountain with the city of Oakland behind](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/oakland-dogs-4-300x169.png)
DogTrekker team members are big fans of Sunset, the iconic publication that’s celebrating 125 years in 2023. The California-based magazine recently announced its Sunset Travel Awards, including several must-visit standouts...
Read moreSouthern California: Tail-wagging adventures await
![dog in car with head out window](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Screen-Shot-2023-10-05-at-11.47.10-AM-300x169.png)
With a warm and welcoming atmosphere, Greater Ontario, California embraces dogs as part of the family. From welcoming parks and trails to pet-friendly
Read moreFall fun with Fido
![Couple with a small yellow dog in forest](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/GoCals-endless-summer-300x169.jpeg)
Greater Ontario, California offers the ideal setting for an autumn escape that will create cherished memories for you and your loyal companion.
Read moreTrails & tails
![Labrador retriever with leash is waiting for walk.](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Im-ready-are-you-300x169.jpeg)
Greater Ontario, California boasts an array of dog-friendly trails that are a paw-fect fit for both canine companions and their outdoor-loving humans.
Read moreSan Luis Obispo (SLO)
![yellow lab panting](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Maya-Bishop-Peak-SLO-300x169.jpg)
Sunset likes the laid-back vibe, local, independent wineries, and public art of San Luis Obispo (SLO). From a dog-parent’s perspective,
Read moreOceanside (O’side)
![vibrant sunset on beach in Oceanside](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Oceandside-Beach-Sunset-300x169.jpeg)
A dynamic surf heritage, playful boutique hotels and Michelin-recognized restaurants earned Oceanside its spot on Sunset's top cities list.
Read moreGreater Palm Springs
![group of people at outdoor table looking at a dog with paws up on the end of the table at Boozehounds in Palm Springs.](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/GPS23_Boozehounds_42-300x169.jpg)
Southern California’s most storied resort oasis is a sun-splashed playground known for history, scenery and exciting adventures.
Read moreGreater Ontario
![A beautiful dog comes up close to the camera while on a hike](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/GOCAL_DogTrekkerImage_16x9_300dpi-300x169.jpg)
When it comes to the “pawfect” road trip for Fido and the family, the cities, historic downtowns, and mountain trails of Greater Ontario are a real treat
Read moreChow down in Greater Ontario
![Illustration of Lazy Dog Restaurant.](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Screenshot-2023-07-18-at-4.43.47-PM-300x169.png)
Pet-friendly restaurants provide outdoor patios to enjoy a great meal for the entire family, including your dog.
Read moreGreater Ontario, gateway to the socal experience
![Labrador sitting next to a suitcase.](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/GOCAL-so-dog-friendly-300x169.jpeg)
Dogs love to GO! With plenty of hotels in Ontario and Rancho Cucamonga to choose from, several of them will accommodate your pet.
Read moreTen best places in California to take your dog
![Dogs on a beach](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/garlicbreath_Do_anything_you_can_to_make_this_perfect_realistic_3257cc30-03bc-4149-a092-22a6b34cb5a6-300x168.png)
California is a dream destination for dog owners, offering a variety of dog-friendly parks, beaches, and hiking trails to explore with your furry companion. From the sunny shores of Long...
Read moreFavorite San Diego County beaches: Del Mar beach and La Jolla cove
![View of wild brown California pelicans (Pelecanus occidentalis californicus) in the La Jolla cove near San Diego, California](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/view-of-wild-brown-California-pelicans-pelecanus-occidentalis-californicus-in-the-la-jolla-cove-near-san-diego-California-stockpack-adobe-stock-e1675993918943-300x169.jpg)
Del Mar Beach and La Jolla Cove are two of Southern California’s most beautiful and famous dog-friendly beaches. Located just a short drive from San Diego, these beaches offer a...
Read moreFind your oasis in dog-friendly Greater Palm Springs
![woman with dog on lap sitting on bone shaped bench](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/f8aa9fe8-7bb8-205c-bff2-19fcb0c8994b-300x169.jpg)
If your vision of a perfect dog-friendly Palm Springs region vacation includes endless blue skies, awe-inspiring mountains, sparkling pools, swaying palm trees, and lots of tail-wagging fun in the sun,...
Read moreFeatured hotel: Paséa Hotel & Spa, Huntington Beach
![yellow lab sits in hotel room next to bed](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Maya-at-Paséa-Hotel.-Photo-by-Dave-Kendrick.-scaled-e1671026714551-300x169.jpg)
Paséa brings winter magic to Southern California as their annual Ice Rink at Paséa Hotel & Spa returns November 25 - December 31.
Read moreTemecula: A Southern California wine oasis
![Temecula Valley with vineyard](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Temecula-Valley.-Photo-by-Leigh-Castelli-e1664284274807-300x169.jpg)
Think Southern California, and beach towns, mountains and desert landscapes come to mind. But wine country? Yep, that’s what you get in Temecula, a high-desert town about 60 miles north...
Read moreSoak up spring in Greater Palm Springs
![mountains reflected in mirror-like lake](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/GPS15_Mountains_60-1-300x169.jpg)
Spring is officially here, and there's no better time to plan a getaway to Greater Palm Springs. This Southern California oasis offers a blissful, sun-kissed escape, and you'll find plenty...
Read moreFall for these dog-friendly waterfalls
![Dog and waterfall](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/story_4870-e1684176959602-300x169.jpg)
Yes, we had a dry January, but the big storms in late December filled lakes and streams and created a hefty Sierra snowpack. The payoff: Waterfall season! Here are some...
Read moreDon’t pass on Pasadena with your dog
![Pasadena sign](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/story_4868-300x200.jpg)
If you can just get off of those L.A. freeways (and you can!) a great place to gulp some fresh air and take in some flowy eye candy is Eaton...
Read moreEnjoy the great outdoors in Greater Palm Springs
![Dog and person outside in Greater Palm Springs](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/story_4847-e1661133009396-300x169.jpeg)
If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to travel more (with your four-legged best friend in tow), then start planning a getaway to Greater Palm Springs. With more than...
Read moreBig dog-friendly opportunities at Big Bear
![Dog at Big Bear Lake](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/tommy-lisbin-I8vOQotSLnA-unsplash-e1660765987978-300x169.jpg)
Just as Lake Tahoe is a vacation magnet for NorCal residents, so Big Bear Lake, two hours from LA, is a major draw for South State residents. Sister ski areas...
Read moreCove Oasis loop, La Quinta
![Taking a walk with a dog at the Cove Oasis Loop in La Quinta](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/story_3571-300x162.jpg)
The Cove Oasis Loop, nestled at the base of the Southern Santa Rosa Mountains,offers the perfect stroll for families and their four-legged friends. The mostly flat, gravel path begins at...
Read moreVisit a close-in, dog-friendly campground
![Dog at campground](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/pexels-igor-cibulsky-8713324-scaled-e1714849009172-300x169.jpg)
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).
Read moreHit the trail
![Dog walking with 2 people on a trail](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/IMG_9086-300x200.jpg)
When you and Duke want a dose of adventure, head out on one of the dog-friendly trails in Greater Palm Springs.
Read moreWaggin’ trails Rescue Foundation 2018
![Dogs at Waggin' Trails Rescue Foundation](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/story_3374-300x160.jpg)
Not long ago Phoebe (black) and Henry (blond) were tiny puppies, facing a bleak future in a rural California shelter with few resources and little foot traffic. Luckily for them,...
Read moreHuntington Beach Dog Beach, Orange County
![Black dog in the sand at Huntington Beach Dog Beach in Orange County](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/story_3279-240x300.jpg)
Huntington Beach Dog Beach, Orange County. This salty-dog paradise encompasses a 1.5-mile section of a 3.5-mile-long beach that seems plucked straight out of a surfer movie.
Read moreSan Simeon Cove, San Luis Obispo County
![San Simeon Cove](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/gabriel-soto-nS4C0CK39Q8-unsplash-300x200.jpg)
Tucked beneath William Randolph Hearst’s famous castle, San Simeon Cove is a jewel of a place with emerald water and ample space for dogs to romp.
Read moreSurf City Usa, gateway to the OC
If you’re lucky enough to be visiting Huntington Beach with your pooch, you might be inclined to get comfortable and not leave the city. After all, when it comes to...
Read moreThe Waterfront Beach Resort, a Hilton Hotel
![Two dogs in the sand by the Waterfront Beach Resort](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/story_2198-300x300.jpg)
Love life by the beach with The Waterfront Beach Resort, A Hilton Hotel’s new stylish oceanfront suites. The spacious suites feature a private furnished balcony overlooking the beach and ocean,...
Read morePaséa Hotel & Spa, Huntington Beach
![Dog on bed at Pasea Hotel and Spa Huntington Beach](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/story_2191-300x231.jpg)
Just steps from the beach and the famous pier in “Surf City USA,” the 250 room Paséa Hotel & Spa, part of the prestigious Meritage Collection, features bright coastal décor,...
Read moreMoseying around the Mojave
![2 beagles sit in front of the entrance sign at Mohave National Preserve.](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/IMG_1704-300x225.jpg)
The name sounds intimidating, and the 1.6 million-acre Mojave National Preserve in San Bernardino County can certainly be that.
Read moreDeath Valley dalliance with your dog
![Dog exploring Death Valley](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/carter-baran-dFlaO3vtMao-unsplash-300x200.jpg)
Think Death Valley is nothing but a parched and endless patch of wind-blown sand? You’ve been watching too many old TV shows. This Southern California national park is in reality...
Read moreTraveling with a dog in Huntington Beach California
![Dog with ball running on beach](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/AdobeStock_122288138_b_beach_dog-scaled-e1657491131889-300x150.jpeg)
By Lauren Lloyd Voted as one of California’s dog-friendliest cities, Surf City USA welcomes four-legged kids with open arms at restaurants, parks, and hotels, along its paved beach path, and...
Read moreIf everybody had a surf dog…
![Dog on beach in front of lifeguard stand](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/story_1989-300x225.jpg)
You’re sure to have a Beach Boys sound track playing in your head as you and your pup cavort on aptly named Dog Beach, the leash-free segment of 3.5-mile-long Huntington...
Read moreSurf City USA with your dog
![Two long haired dachshunds running on the beach.](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/kojirou-sasaki-4sz73pydlYA-unsplash-scaled-e1658342410285-300x169.jpg)
Voted one of California's dog-friendliest cities, Huntington Beach welcomes four-legged children with open arms at restaurants, parks, and hotels; along its paved beach path; and even dedicates a stretch of...
Read moreWaggin’ trails 2017
![Cute white dog at Waggin' Trails eent](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/story_1898-267x300.jpg)
Landing in a shelter is rarely a good thing if you're a dog. If you're in an overcrowded California rural shelter with no resources and less foot traffic, your prospects...
Read morePawesome places to spoil your pup
![Dog at dog cafe](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/story_1897-238x300.jpg)
Huntington Beach has incredible pet-friendly hotels, scenic places to take your pooch and a host of great restaurants for you and your beloved four-legged friends to eat. But what about...
Read moreChow for your chow chow (or any other breed)
![Wiener dog on the road](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/story_1896-300x300.jpg)
Living in Huntington Beach, we’re spoiled with beautiful scenery and often perfect weather. Our canine friends are also spoiled, especially when it comes to dining options. Me and my girl...
Read moreEvery walk in Surf City is special
![Huntington Beach dogs](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/49f7a3c1_92ac_49d2_92c7_ee3c86df292f_7fcf606b-dfd7-4f43-a169-db07d2809de1-1-300x161.jpg)
The Dog Beach here in Surf City has become famous throughout Southern California. More than a mile of undeveloped beach along one of the prettiest stretches of the coast
Read moreHb collection: Dog-passionate hotels
![Dog snuggling up on a bed](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/story_1894-300x200.jpg)
Where to stay? Is it really possible to find a beautiful place near the beach for you and your pooch? In Surf City USA, absolutely. For years, many hotels in...
Read moreSan Diego bound
![Lily Pond at Balboa Park, San Diego](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Lily-Pond-at-Balboa-Park-San-Diego-e1658534176729-300x169.jpeg)
In San Diego County, it’s a dog life when it comes to hiking, beaching, dining and sharing a hotel room with your pup.
Read morePet sounds of the OC
![Dog on beach in Orange County](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/story_1815-298x300.jpg)
Even in November and December, you’ll find yourself humming a Beach Boys tune as you stroll the sands of aptly named Dog Beach, a leash-free segment of a longer strand...
Read moreWaggin’ trails rescue foundation
![Dog walking at Waggin' Trails Rescue Foundation](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/story_1705-300x228.jpg)
Location, location, location. If you're a shelter dog, it can make the difference between life and death. Especially in overcrowded, underfunded shelters in remote areas, conditions are often poor (like...
Read moreGiacomo and gelsomina’s mountain paradise
![Nova Scotia duck tolling retriever stands on log in forest](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/jamie-street-VoTLnbZjK6s-unsplash-300x220.jpg)
Although Mount Laguna is about 50 miles from central San Diego, the spectacular scenery and climate are well worth the drive. This 6,000-foot altitude alpine area is an evergreen tree...
Read moreSoaking up scenery in San Diego
![mountain view with clouds at Mission Trails Regional Park](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/christopher-lorenzo-c-bGT7xhWoIus-unsplash-300x225.jpg)
San Diego epitomizes the laid-back SoCal lifestyle—and it just happens to be one of the most dog-friendly cities in the country, to boot.
Read moreSniffing out dog-friendly trails in la
![trail kiosk in front of dusty trail and desert mountain](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/ivan-mercado-QYlDR3cycIM-unsplash-300x169.jpg)
Los Angeles is lots more than jammed freeways, as anyone who’s taken time to explore its hilly terrain and beautiful beaches knows.
Read moreCatalina adventure
![Catalina Express](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Catalina-Express-e1660653575178-300x169.jpeg)
Catalina Island off the coast of Southern California is a favorite day-trip and weekend destination, and many travelers are surprised to discover that the Catalina Express, serving the island from...
Read moreKayla in Surf City
![Huntington Beach dogs](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/49f7a3c1_92ac_49d2_92c7_ee3c86df292f_7fcf606b-dfd7-4f43-a169-db07d2809de1-1-300x161.jpg)
DogTrekker.com's Chief Operating Dog, Director of Barketing and Research Lab, Kayla, recently visited Huntington Beach (aka Surf City, USA) and is still barking about it. Surf City is roughly 35...
Read moreDog-friendly san simeon cove
![San Simeon Cove Beach](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/SanSimeonCove_HeasrtPier-300x169.jpg)
Nestled under the watchful eye of William Randolph Hearst’s famous castle is San Simeon Cove, a jewel in San Luis Obispo’s crown of beaches. Emerald-green water, abundant wildlife and ample space...
Read moreDeath valley national park
![sunset over Death Valley road](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/johannes-plenio-2TQwrtZnl08-unsplash-300x169.jpg)
Exceedingly pleasant temperatures—low 60s in the daytime, low 40s at night—make January and February the ideal time to visit Death Valley. This is one of the best drive-through parks in...
Read moreTrekking in temecula
![Dog in a vineyard](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/story_4922-e1661470723836-300x168.jpg)
Southern California’s high-desert wine country is centered around the town of Temecula, 90 miles southeast of Los Angeles and 60 miles north of San Diego.
Read moreJoshua tree and anza borrego
![Joshua Tree National Park](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/pexels-kindel-media-8979722-300x225.jpg)
As at most national parks, regulations at Joshua Tree prohibit dogs from accompanying you on trails—but not from driving through to admire the scenery or enjoy a picnic at a...
Read moreOn being a good hotel guest
![Woman with dog and luggage checking in to hotel](https://dogtrekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Person-with-luggage-and-dog-checking-in-scaled-e1689278425688-300x169.jpeg)
Too often, rules are in place because the human/canine parties who visited before caused trouble or annoyance to management or other guests.
Read more