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.

Dreamy Placer County hotels for dogs and their families

Placer County has dog-friendly hotels and rentals from Roseville to Lake Tahoe. Options range from the retro-cool Foothills Motel in Auburn and modern Basecamp Hotel in Tahoe City to pet-welcoming cabin and lakefront home rentals throughout the region.

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Eat and drink like a local in Placer County

Placer County's farm-to-table food scene welcomes dogs at breweries, restaurants, and wine trail stops. Highlights include Dueling Dogs Brewing Co. on a 10-acre Lincoln ranch, The Monk's Cellar in Roseville, and lakeside barbecue in Tahoe City.

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The splashy side of Placer County

Placer County is full of dog-friendly water fun, from rafting the American River and fishing at French Meadows Reservoir to kayaking on Lake Tahoe. Folsom Lake and Sugar Pine Reservoir also welcome leashed pups for swimming, hiking, and boating.

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Treks, tours, and top spots in Placer County

From Hidden Falls Regional Park near Auburn to the Miners Ravine Trail in Roseville, Placer County is loaded with dog-friendly hikes and outdoor adventures. Explore 30-plus miles of trails, seasonal waterfalls, and scenic American River views with your pup.

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Borrow a buddy at the Beachcomber Properties, Fort Bragg

The Borrow a Buddy program at Fort Bragg's Beachcomber Hotel Group lets guests without dogs spend time with adoptable pups from the Mendocino Coast Humane Society. Take a deserving shelter dog to a local beach, winery, or state park for…

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Fort Bragg: Affordable and uniquely dog-friendly

Fort Bragg on the Mendocino coast is an affordable, standout destination for dog travelers. The Beachcomber Hotel Group's three properties offer welcome kits for pups, play areas, and easy access to Glass Beach, the Skunk Train, and coastal trails.

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Animals on Broadway

The Animal Rescue Foundation's Animals on Broadway fundraiser at Broadway Plaza in Walnut Creek features a pet walk, live music, food trucks, vendor booths, and pet adoptions. Proceeds support ARF's lifesaving programs for homeless Bay Area animals.

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Leave Only Paw Prints® when visiting Yosemite

The Redwoods in Yosemite and Tenaya at Yosemite, featuring Tenaya Lodge and Explorer Cabins, are members of the Yosemite Mariposa County Tourism Bureau (YMCTB), the destination marketing organization for Mariposa County.

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In Yosemite, overnight at these dog-friendly Mariposa properties

Mariposa County, home to Yosemite National Park, is often known as the “Mother of Counties.” This historic segment of California was one of the original counties established after statehood in 1850.

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Furry friends love Lower Yosemite Falls

Yosemite Falls is the highest waterfall in North America and the sixth tallest in the world. DogTrekkers are especially fond of Lower Yosemite Falls, which is easily accessible for humans and hounds via a one-mile loop trail.

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Dog-friendly beauty at Bridalveil Fall

Bridalveil Fall is beautiful to behold and famously photo-friendly in the spring. The sound of water splashing and crashing against rocks creates an immersive experience as you approach the waterfall.

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The Gold Country, an amazing American road trip

California’s Gold Country, home to the Gold Rush in 1849, combines history, nature, authentic American West small towns, a sensational culinary scene, wine, microbreweries, and majestic scenery in a captivating way that no other California region rivals. The gold…

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No, you don’t have to be the alpha

Modern dog training research shows that the old alpha-dominance approach can actually increase stress and anxiety in dogs. A positive, reward-based method built on trust, socialization, and clear communication leads to a more confident, well-behaved companion.

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The difference between emotional support animals and service animals

Emotional support animals and service animals have very different legal protections. California's AB 468 law cracks down on fraudulent ESA letters, and understanding the distinction matters for dog owners navigating housing, travel, and public access rights.

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Who domesticated whom?

What if dogs domesticated us instead of the other way around? The coevolution hypothesis suggests dogs and humans evolved together over 33,000 years, each shaping the other's development through a mutually beneficial relationship of protection, hunting, and companionship.

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Ten best places in California to take your dog

California offers countless adventures for dogs and their owners, from the off-leash sands of Rosie's Dog Beach in Long Beach to the trails of Garland Ranch Regional Park in Carmel.

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Keep your dog healthy: vaccinations, flea meds, and heartworm

Keeping your dog healthy in California means staying current on vaccinations, flea prevention, and heartworm protection. Rabies shots are required by law, and your vet can recommend additional vaccines and parasite control based on your dog's lifestyle and risk factors.

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Ten terrific dog-friendly wineries in California

California wine country is full of wineries that welcome dogs. From Hall Wines in Napa Valley and Castello di Amorosa in Calistoga to Mutt Lynch Winery in Windsor, here are ten great spots to sip with your pup.

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