Our DogTrekker writers know dog-friendly California like your pup knows the treat jar—intimately and enthusiastically. Whether sniffing out beaches in San Diego, dog-friendly wineries in Sonoma, hiking trails in the Sierra, or cozy mountain cabins near Big Bear Lake, we're your trusted guides for dog travel. From bustling cities to hidden wilderness gems, we fetch reliable tips, insights, and local secrets to make traveling with your four-legged friend effortless. Trust DogTrekker to lead you and your pup to tail-wagging dog travel adventures across dog-friendly California.

Happy New Year from DogTrekker!

DogTrekker kicks off 2026 with a look ahead at the coastal walks, mountain trails, and welcoming patios waiting for you and your dog across California. More hotels, trails, and restaurants are rolling out the red carpet for pups than ever…

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Planning a California coast trip around your dog

Planning a California coast trip around your dog isn't a compromise. From off-leash sand at Huntington Dog Beach to boutique inns in Mendocino, the Golden State's shoreline rewards travelers who bring their four-legged companions along for the ride.

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Oreo’s Law: What California’s new disaster pet-rescue bill does

California's FOUND Act, signed into law in October 2025, changes how cities handle pets during evacuations. Named for Oreo, a Pomeranian rescued from the Palisades fire, the law requires better planning for animals in disaster zones starting January 2026.

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Skylar and the long way home

Skylar was a young street dog and new mom when she landed in a high-kill shelter with time running out. A Bay Area rescuer pulled her with minutes to spare, and her story highlights the difference rescue makes.

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2025 award-winning dog-friendly hotels

From Big Bear's lakefront boutique hotels to Huntington Beach's award-winning resort and West Hollywood's rooftop patios, these 2025 award-winning properties set the standard for dog-friendly hospitality across California. Pack treats and start planning.

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Exceptional experiences in Yosemite

Yosemite's gateway towns are welcoming a wave of new glamping and adventure hotels. From canvas tents in Mariposa to safari-style camps in Groveland, these fresh lodging options put you close to the park with dog-friendly rooms and outdoor experiences.

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WeHo rolls out the ruff-ruff red carpet

West Hollywood is paws-down LA's most dog-friendly neighborhood. Walkable boulevards, rooftop lounges and patio dining along Melrose and Santa Monica make it easy to explore with your pup, while nearby Runyon Canyon offers off-leash hikes with skyline views.

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A haven for hounds in Huntington

Paséa Hotel and Spa in Huntington Beach earned the top spot in USA Today's Best Pet-Friendly Hotel awards. Dogs of all sizes are welcomed with a private dog park and dedicated dog menu.

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Boutique digs in Big Bear

Hotel Marina Riviera in Big Bear Lake blends retro alpine style with modern comfort on the waterfront. A heated pool, lakeside fire pits, and dog-friendly outdoor dining make it easy to bring your pup along.

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Dog’s guide to autumn: 5 Northern California day trips

Autumn in Northern California means cooler trails, colorful foliage and fewer crowds. These five dog-friendly day trips cover Apple Hill orchards, Gold Rush towns, ocean bluffs and redwood groves, each one perfect for a fall road trip with your pup.

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Plan your perfect Sacramento daycation

Sacramento is a dog-travel powerhouse with 32 miles of river parkway trails, farm-to-fork dining on spacious patios and craft breweries that welcome pups. These one-day itineraries pair top dog-friendly hotels with the best the capital city has to offer.

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Secret mountain hikes with dogs in California

California's best dog-friendly mountain hikes hide in national forests and regional parks, far from the famous national parks that ban pets on trails. Dawn in the Sierra Nevada is a quiet, pink-tinted secret. My dog, Scout, knows it before I…

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California’s best coastal dog-friendly towns

From Mendocino's Victorian headlands to Laguna Beach's gallery-lined streets, California's best coastal towns have quietly reshaped themselves around four-legged visitors. Expect water bowls at storefronts, treats at hotel check-in and patios where dogs are the guests of honor.

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Best Southern California doggie swim spots

Southern California is loaded with places where dogs can cool off, from the famous off-leash waves at Huntington Dog Beach to calm inland lakes and hidden creeks. This guide covers the best swim spots and what to know before you…

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This season, we share gratitude (and getaways for you!)

This Thanksgiving, DogTrekker celebrates a year of readers supporting California rescues, fostering pets and protecting park access. As a thank-you, we're sharing winter lodging specials from Mendocino County's most pup-friendly properties, including Little River Inn and Stanford Inn.

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Little River Inn (choose from three exciting deals)

Little River Inn on the Mendocino coast is running three winter deals: a Hair Ball fundraiser package, the Cozy by the Coast discount through February, and a Whale of a Sale third-night-free offer in March.

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Rainy-day fun to keep your dog sane

When rain cancels the daily walk, your dog still needs engagement. Scent games, frozen Kongs, DIY puzzles and short training sessions can tire out a restless pup just as well as a hike.

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The best ultra dog-friendly hotels in Southern California

Southern California's best dog-friendly hotels go far beyond a simple pets-allowed policy. From Loews Coronado Bay's bayside paths to La Quinta Resort's 45 acres of gardens, these properties treat dogs like honored guests with dedicated amenities and genuine hospitality.

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