Mt. Shasta / Photo: @crazycoco_bcmix
If you crave a change of scenery, you’ll get it many times over in the eight-county Shasta Cascade region. The lightly traveled North State is a treasure trove of mountainous scenery, history and small towns that charm. What’s not to like? A paws-up warning: Dog access is restricted, to various degrees, at the places set forth below. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have a woofing good time with your four-legged companion, even where leashes are required. Here we go with some suggestions. more »
Sheraton Redding Hotel at Sundial Bridge
Bringing the gang to Redding? Bunk down at a pet-friendly hotel like the Sheraton Redding Hotel at Sundial Bridge or the Hotel Gaia in nearby Anderson. They’re both on the Sacramento River, adjacent to trails and attractions. Either makes a great base camp for a family getaway (see other dog-friendly lodging options here). more »
Moorten Botanical Garden / Photo: @thefrenchietrekker
If you think the only outdoor activities in Greater Palm Springs for you and your dog can be found on hiking trails and at dog parks, we have a surprise for you. The destination boasts singular attractions that promise engaging experiences for everyone. From polo fields to one of the world’s top air museums to lakeside camping and fishing, these dog-friendly attractions welcome canine visitors on leash. more »
Beach House Inn, Fort Bragg
For the month of February, we are teaming up with the Beach House Inn in Fort Bragg to give away a two-night stay with waived pet fees to one lucky California dog (or dogs) and their two legged best friend(s)! more »
There’s something magical about the Big River estuary alongside the Stanford Inn, and something ingenious about the “canine cruiser” that transports two-and four-legged visitors downstream on an ultra-stable platform. That said, you won’t find a more eclectic collection of canoes and kayaks than at Catch a Canoe, which shares ground with the inn and has been outfitting paddlers on the 8.3-mile-long Big River estuary since 1972. Well-behaved dogs of all makes and models are welcome to ride along and enjoy the scenery in surrounding Big River State Park. more »
Photo Credit: Visit Santa Cruz County
If you don’t live in Santa Cruz County, you probably know this gorgeous stretch of the California coast for its beaches, its stellar university and the namesake town that proudly embraces its somewhat eccentric reputation. But Santa Cruz County is also known for its mountains, its redwood forests and its wines, particularly the pinot noir and chardonnay that thrive in the fog-kissed climate. Wineries and tasting rooms are sprinkled throughout the county, and dogs get a warm welcome at many of them. more »
Big Basin - Photo Credit: Alice Chen
Every time we visit, Santa Cruz County gets more and more dog-friendly. And this year there are several new opportunities to bark about. Tops among them: As of a couple of years ago, dogs have a place to hike with their people at Big Basin Redwoods State Park, where they previously were confined to campsites and picnic areas. The North Escape Road isn’t a trail, exactly, but it’ll do: The former fire evacuation road, surrounded by redwoods, provides for a 7-mile round-trip trek on a paved surface that parallels Opal Creek for much of the way. more »
Beach Time! Photo Credit: Visit Santa Cruz County
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 »
Roaring Camp Railroads - Photo Credit: zak_the_vizsla
When it comes to things to do with your dog in Santa Cruz County, there’s the obvious (beaches, wineries), and the not-so-obvious—like Byrne-Milliron Forest, a 400-acre Land Trust of Santa Cruz County property managed as a working forest and laced with dog-friendly trails (off-leash hiking for dogs with reliable recall is allowed). Another option for hikers is Pogonip, a 640-acre nature reserve/greenbelt with numerous dog-friendly trails. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is one of few state-run parks in California that allows dogs on some (but not all) trails. More...
Photo Credit: @zak_the_vizla more »
Photo Credit: Visit Santa Cruz County
One of our favorite DogCation locations is Santa Cruz County and this month a lucky DogTrekker will win the perfect getaway to this quintessential California beach location! The grand prize includes a two-night stay at the over-the-top dog-friendly Chaminade Resort & Spa complete with breakfast for four. The renovated AAA four-diamond Chaminade is located on a spectacular 300-acre Santa Cruz mountaintop, with its own dog-friendly hiking trails. In addition, you will win all-day ride passes to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk (sorry, not dog-friendly), four passes to Roaring Camp Railroads (which is crazy dog-friendly) – plus, a goodie bag from Visit Santa Cruz County! more »