Lovers Point, Pacific Grove - Photo Credit: @desiferguson
The most abiding joy to be had on the Monterey Peninsula is simply enjoying the rugged coastal scenery, and there’s no better way to soak it up than on the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail. This paved, multi-use path stretches 18 miles from Castroville in the north to Pacific Grove in the south. To get started, we suggest strolling the segment between Cannery Row and Asilomar State Beach, which will take about an hour at a moderate walking pace. more »
Carmel City Beach - Photo Credit: @roux.the.blue
For many visitors with dogs, the primary reason to visit the Monterey Peninsula is to share your dog’s joy in running free on Carmel City Beach, a powdery, mile-long strand that is perhaps the best known leash-free beach in the country. It’s a short drive from Cannery Row and walking distance from stylish Carmel-by-the-Sea with its wealth of dog-friendly lodging and places to eat. Come in early morning to meet the locals, at dusk to enjoy the sunset. more »
Lago, Paséa Hotel & Spa Pet Concierge
It’s one thing to stay in a dog-friendly hotel—and another to have to get into your car and drive to a dog park or other venue where you can let her off-leash to run off some steam. Starting Dec. 2, you won’t have to leave home base if staying at the Paséa Hotel & Spa in Huntington Beach. more »
Van Damme State Park - Photo Credit: @cassielue2
Whether your drive all or just some of intoxicating Highway 1 hugging the Mendocino County coast, you’re sure to find many places to pull over and get some sand between your and Buster’s toes. Go slow, stop often and be sure to check out these highlights. more »
My stick! Photo Credit: @finnbodey
Noyo Beach, Mendocino County. Legal places to romp off-leash with your dog are few and far between on Mendocino County’s gorgeous coastline, but one place you can unclip and let your pup run free is Noyo Beach Off-Leash Dog Area in Fort Bragg. more »
Photo Credit: @mrkobeandme
Follow the Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) along the Santa Cruz County coastline, and you’ll be tempted by 29 miles of beaches (15 of them dog-friendly) along the way. Only one, Mitchell’s Cove, is legally leash-free, and then only before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m. But no worries: there are plenty of other strands to explore provided you keep a tether stretched between you. more »
Lands End Trail - Photo Credit: gastondog (CC)
In San Francisco, GGNRA lands wrap the shoreline almost all the way from Fort Mason in the north to Fort Funston in the south, with a few breaks along the way. Dogs and their people can enjoy miles-long leashed walks with ocean views and, at a few places, unclip their canine companions to chase the surf and run free. more »
Rodeo Beach - Photo Credit: Elaine (CC)
More than 12,000 acres of the GGNRA are concentrated in the Marin Headlands, a hilly peninsula just across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco. The possibilities for long on-leash walks and off-leash beach frolics with your best furry friend are many—and, as a bonus, you’ll often be playing within view of the famous orange span. Following are a few to put on your dog-friendly Marin bucket list. more »
Poppy exploring Mendocino County - Photo Credit: @roderickranch
After a rough fire season that took out homes, businesses and lives, Mendocino County is bouncing back with a full helping of winter events and holiday cheer. The gorgeous seashore offers uncrowded respite in winter, while towering redwoods invite contemplation and dog-friendly wineries welcome visitors with treats for the pups and tastes for their people. more »
DogTrekker.com Founders Dave & Roxanne Kendrick at Grateful Table
On Nov. 21, more than 500 people gathered in a Domaine Chandon vineyard near the border of Napa and Sonoma counties to enjoy an open-air feast at a very long table and raise funds for wildfire relief. Fire responders, chefs, winemakers, tourism officials and many others gave time, energy and money to help those impacted by the October blazes. Visit California and Outstanding in the Field—along with host Tyler Florence and destination partners Visit Napa Valley, Sonoma County Tourism and Visit Mendocino County—were beneficiaries of the event, called The Grateful Table. more »