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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Rollin' on the River
There’s something magical about the Big River estuary near Mendocino—and something ingenious about the “canine cruiser” that transports two- and four-legged visitors down the calm and inky river to the sea. Catch A Canoe & Bicycles Too, which has been outfitting paddlers on an 8.3-mile section of the river since 1972, added the cruiser to its fleet of handmade redwood watercraft more than a decade ago. more »
Please support our sponsors
The Little River Inn brings back its very popular Water Dog package at the Little River Inn Resort & Spa, perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific. You’ll enjoy a two-night stay in a pet-friendly guest room, a Kayak Albion River Nature Tour, a goodie bag with dog treats and info on where to hike and boat with dogs—plus a $120 dinner voucher good for takeout dining and in-person outdoor dining under the big white tent! more »
Wild Blue Dog Camp at Lake Tahoe
Go for a beach romp, a hike or a tram ride—or, go to camp with Wild Blue Dogs! Summer is high season at Northern California’s favorite vacation destination, and now, with the state’s pandemic restrictions easing up, you can lower the mask and breath deep of that invigorating mountain air. Here are some tried and true DogTrekker tips on how to enjoy Big Blue with your four-legged sidekick. more »
Enter Today!
Historically known as the quintessential California beach vacation, Santa Cruz County is the best place to put your paws in the sand. Enter the Let’s Cruz Safely DogCation® Getaway for a chance to win a two-night stay at the Chaminade Resort, where you and your pup can embrace your mutual sense of adventure.
In addition to the two-nights, the package includes two tickets to pet-friendly Roaring Camp Railroads; $25 gift certificate to dog-friendly Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing; two O’Neill brand face masks, Santa Cruz stickers, and other Santa Cruz swag.
Enter Today. more »
Theo at Its Beach, photo by: @theothebulldog
It’s no secret that California Highway 1 (aka the Pacific Coast Highway) is considered one of the most scenic routes in the country. All the better, then, that it leads to Santa Cruz, arguably one of the most scenic sun-and-surf towns in the state. You’ll love it there and so will your dog, given all the fun activities you can do together. more »
Dog-sailing on Big River. Photo courtesy of Catch A Canoe
Leaving Highway 101 at Cloverdale (Sonoma county), and heading on CA-128 West, this scenic road offers up many delights, from the Boonville General Store (think deli goodies from pizza to soups and sandwiches) in southern Mendocino County, to Leggett, on the Eel River in the north. In between? Let us count just a few of the ways along this 55-mile stretch of road to make your DogTrekking trip memorable. more »