Maya heads into the surf at Sunny Cove Beach. Photo by Dave Kendrick.
If you and your pup don't live on the coast, you probably crave some surf and sand from time to time. Start at Mitchell's Cove, the number one dog beach in Santa Cruz. It's the first strand up the coast from the lighthouse on West Cliff Drive, where you can walk for miles with your leashed dog. Follow the Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) along the Santa Cruz County coastline for 29 more miles of beautiful beachfront, including 15 beaches that welcome pups.
Here’s your complete guide to the region’s dog-friendly beach scene. more »
Maya hanging out in the garden. Photo by Dave Kendrick.
Fresh sea breezes. Fido-friendly paddling, pedaling and hiking. Sustainable practices and cleaning products. Local wine and produce plated hours after harvest. Simple suggestions for living well. Enjoy highlights like these at dog-passionate Stanford Inn by the Sea, a historic farm and eco-resort on the Mendocino coast.
Tucked between old-growth trees and USDA-certified organic gardens, this dog-friendly California destination weaves wellness, relaxation and earth-friendly elements into each stay. Here’s what to explore when you visit. more »
Maya and Roxanne on the deck of Ruthie’s Cabin at Nick’s Cove. Photo by Dave Kendrick.
Take a gorgeous national seashore and sprinkle in some intriguing history. Then, add luxury cottages, an oyster bar, and a restaurant. Give it a shake, and what do you get? Nick’s Cove Restaurant, Oyster Bar & Cottages, a dog-friendly, boutique resort on Tomales Bay in Marin County, just outside Point Reyes National Seashore.
Since the 1930s, the cozy cabins at Nick's Cove have accommodated sightseers, fishing fans and outdoor adventurers exploring the beautiful Tomales Bay coast. Book direct and save. more »
Maya checks out the llamas at Dog & Pony Ranch. Photo by Dave Kendrick.
Dog-friendly cabins dot the California landscape, connecting four-legged family members with best-in-show adventures. Whether you prefer a farm stay in Gold Country, a trek along Yosemite trails, or a Marin County coastal stroll, you’ll always find great options. Because DogTrekker.com readers tell us that cabins and cottages are their top lodging preference, we asked Maya, DogTrekker’s Director of Barketing, to do some digging. She’s traveled California in search of dog-friendly cabins and cottages, and here are three of her favorites.
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Photo Credit: Linda Mannella, Petaluma. @wherescrol.
Kacee testing the waters in O’Hair Park Novato. In her 17th year when she passed, she never missed a dunk in a swimming hole. more »
Dakota at Mendocino Grove. Photo by Jennifer Brierley.
California travelers know fall is the ripe time to pack the hiking boots for an adventure in Northern California’s Mendocino County. As the barometer slides, the fog pulls away, corks pop and nature hits its seasonal migration stride.
Here is the best of dog-friendly Mendocino County in the fall:
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Paddle the Big River. Photo by Catch A Canoe & Bicycles Too.
Coastal Mendocino County is stitched to rivers and ocean, but visitors aren’t restricted to just looking at the water. It’s also possible to get out on it—with your dog. Two premier options: the Water Dog Package at Little River Inn Resort & Spa, which offers river nature tours on the Albion River, and Catch A Canoe & Bicycles Too, which has been outfitting paddlers on the Big River since 1972. more »
The active Noyo Harbor fishing village sets an engaging backdrop for a Noyo Harbor Inn stay. Walk your dog around the village, or plan adventures at the area’s state parks, beaches, botanical gardens and attractions. Ride the famous Skunk Train. Admire shimmering Glass Beach at sunset. Photograph Fort Bragg murals. You’ll find plenty of fun for you and your four-legged friends. more »
Nick’s Cove, Cottages and Tables with a View
Take a national seashore, cross it with some intriguing history, add luxury cottages, an oyster bar and restaurant. Give it a shake and what do you get? Nick’s Cove Restaurant, Oyster Bar & Cottages, a dog-friendly, boutique resort on Tomales Bay in Marin County, just outside Point Reyes National Seashore. Nick's Cove is one of the last remaining historic settlements catering to the early California tourist trade on the beautiful Tomales Bay coast land. Book direct and save. more »
Maya chillin' on Lake Tahoe
As of June 20, it’s officially summertime! Lakes and rivers are not so full as last year, but don’t let the drought hamper your fun. Thousands of splash spots in California await people and pups eager to get wet in the great outdoors.
Here are the great splash-zones where you can get wet with your dogs:
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