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.

Sno much fun, on a shoestring budget

California's SNO-Parks offer budget-friendly winter fun for you and your dog. For as little as $15 a day, enjoy skiing, sledding, snowshoeing and romping through snowdrifts at 18 sites scattered across the Sierra from Sierra County to Mammoth Lakes.

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Pleasant Hill has gone to the dogs!

Pleasant Hill makes a fantastic Bay Area base camp for dog owners. With off-leash trails winding through Briones Regional Park's 6,250 oak-studded acres and welcoming hotels and restaurants downtown, this Contra Costa County gem has everything pups and people need.

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Pawsport 2024: Sip some wine, support Napa Humane

Napa Humane's Pawsport returns in 2024 as a month-long wine tasting event. For $60, enjoy 2-for-1 tastings at participating wineries, dog treats, retail discounts and more while supporting life-saving programs for Napa Valley companion animals.

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Dog-friendly Folsom: Lakes, trails and historic Sutter Street

Folsom sits at Gold Country's western gateway with lakes, trails, and a vibrant historic district. Water sports at Folsom Lake pair well with a walk down Sutter Street, and Fido Field gives your dog room to run off-leash.

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Hit reset in the sunny Shasta Cascade region

The Shasta Cascade region spans eight Northern California counties filled with mountains, forests, rivers and high desert. For dog lovers, it means room to roam, small-town hospitality, swimming holes and long trails with dramatic volcanic scenery around every bend.

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Peak fun for pups and people in Plumas County

Plumas County sits between Mount Lassen and Lake Tahoe, with national forest covering over 75% of the land. Dogs can hike canyons and ridges, splash in Lake Almanor, explore charming Quincy and enjoy pet-friendly lodges and breweries throughout the county.

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Butte County: Outdoor wonders and downtown fun

Butte County blends college-town culture with outstanding outdoor recreation. Base yourself in Chico for brewery patios and Bidwell Park, hike lava-formed landscapes at North Table Mountain, or head to Lake Oroville for houseboating and camping with your pup.

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Sit, stay and splash in Siskiyou County

Siskiyou County raises the bar for dog-friendly travel with swimming holes, brewery patios, waterfall hikes, and cozy lodging near Mount Shasta. Follow the McCloud River past three waterfalls, explore old-growth forests, and unwind with a pint at a dog-welcoming alehouse.

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Ruff-ing it in Shasta County

Redding anchors Shasta County with 225 miles of trails within 15 minutes of town, the iconic Sundial Bridge and dog-welcoming hotels like the Sheraton. Hike Whiskeytown, tour Shasta Dam and let your pup earn an official B.A.R.K. Ranger tag.

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Share your thoughts and feed a shelter dog

Take the 2024 DogTrekker Reader Survey and help shape future travel stories. Your feedback supports our ongoing work with dog rescue organizations across California, and every response helps us continue covering dogs who need forever homes.

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Don’t miss the Big Bear Puptopia Festival!

The inaugural Big Bear Puptopia Festival brings stunt dog shows, an agility course, a giant ball-filled dog bowl, a K9 Lounge and a dog spa to Veteran's Park this July.

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Nick’s Cove plans to rebuild the Boat Shack

Nick's Cove on Tomales Bay lost its beloved Boat Shack to a January fire, and plans are underway to rebuild. Supporters can help by dining at the restaurant, booking one of the twelve waterfront cottages or purchasing gift cards.

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Lassen County: Off-leash adventures with volcano views

Lassen County pairs volcanic landscapes with genuine dog-friendly fun. Let your pup run off-leash at Susanville Bark Park, hike the 25-mile Bizz Johnson Trail over trestle bridges, fish at Eagle Lake and camp under the stars at lakefront campgrounds.

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Butte County: nature and culture for dogs and people

Butte County serves up Gold Rush history, college-town energy and beautiful hiking in the southern Shasta Cascade region. Walk your dog through Bidwell Park, explore lava flows at North Table Mountain, then refuel at a dog-friendly Chico brewery patio.

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Modoc County: High desert fun for four-legged friends

Modoc County offers high-desert solitude near the Oregon and Nevada borders. Spot over 200 bird species at the wildlife refuge, soak with your dog at Surprise Valley Hot Springs, hike the Modoc National Forest and stargaze under wide-open skies.

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Tehama County: Fresh fun in California

Tehama County rolls out the red carpet for dogs just 90 miles north of Sacramento. Hike forest trails along Mill Creek, stroll Sacramento River paths in Red Bluff, and taste wines at Burnsini Vineyards.

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Trinity County: Remote, relaxing and ruggedly beautiful

Trinity County is remote, rugged and beautifully uncrowded. Fewer than 14,000 people live here, leaving the Trinity Alps Wilderness, Gold Rush-era towns and pristine Trinity Lake wide open for hiking, boating, swimming and paddleboarding with your dog.

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Plumas County: Majestic peaks and pup-friendly trails

Plumas County stretches between Mount Lassen and Lake Tahoe, with national forest covering more than 75% of the landscape. Paddle Lake Almanor, hike the 11-mile recreation trail, camp at Rocky Point, and explore the charming town of Quincy with your…

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