Dog stories
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.
Capital sipping experiences
Sacramento makes a perfect base for dog-friendly wine tasting. Sip on the patio at Revolution Winery in Midtown, then head to the Apple Hill region near Placerville for fall farm visits and hillside vineyard views.
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Dip into some desert sunshine
Southern California's desert regions come alive in winter, and dog-friendly Temecula is at the center of it all. Stroll Old Town with your pup, visit pet-welcoming wineries, hike desert trails, and enjoy patio dining with vineyard views. California's desert regions…
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Mammoth Lakes is the ultimate pup-cation
Mammoth Lakes is a year-round paradise for dogs, with countless hiking trails, crystal-clear mountain lakes for swimming, and a town full of dog-loving people and pet-friendly hotels. Summer or winter, your pup will have the adventure of a lifetime here.
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Muttville, celebrating 15 years, 2007-2022!
San Francisco's Muttville Senior Dog Rescue celebrated 15 years and over 10,000 dogs rescued. Thanks to their success, shelters across the country now see people specifically asking to adopt senior dogs for the first time.
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Day 4: Barking ways
On the last day of your Yosemite Mariposa County trip, grab coffee at Sticks Coffee, then let your dog explore the Sierra National Forest. Cap it off with lunch at Coulter Cafe or Timberloft Pizzeria.
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Day 1: Woof this way
Your Yosemite Mariposa County road trip starts here. Check into a pet-friendly hotel, stroll charming main streets lined with water bowls, and grab craft brews at 1850 Restaurant. Then gaze up at the Sierra skies and dream about tomorrow's adventures.
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Dog-friendly Tuolumne County (video)
Tuolumne County puts Yosemite, Gold Country, and High Sierra adventures within easy reach. Just two and a half hours from the Bay Area, this dog-friendly region offers year-round outdoor recreation, wine tasting, history, and camera-ready scenery around every bend.
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Paddleboard with your dog at Bass Lake (video)
Bass Lake in Madera County, just 35 miles from Yosemite, is a fantastic spot for paddleboarding with your dog. This video shows how to play like a local on the lake's calm, clear waters.
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Bass Lake video
Less than 35 miles from Yosemite's front gate, Bass Lake offers crystal-clear waters, dog-friendly trails, and a laid-back local atmosphere. Whether you're swimming, hiking, or just exploring the shoreline, it's a perfect day trip or weekend escape with your pup.
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The ultimate doggie treat: A Mammoth Lakes adventure
Mammoth Lakes is pure dog paradise, from the sandy shores of Horseshoe Lake to scenic trails through lodgepole pine forests. Pack up the dog bowl and treat your pup to the ultimate Eastern Sierra adventure.
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Onward to Mammoth, Bishop, and Lone Pine
From Mammoth Lakes's gondola rides and Devil's Postpile to Bishop's famous bakery and the ancient bristlecone pines, the Eastern Sierra is packed with dog-friendly stops. Continue south to Lone Pine, gateway to Death Valley and classic Western movie country.
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Moving south in the Eastern Sierra
Mono Lake's otherworldly tufa towers and Lee Vining's gateway to Yosemite's Tioga Road highlight this stretch of the Eastern Sierra. Don't miss the Saddlebag Lake Loop Trail or the famous Whoa Nellie Deli, where road food reaches gourmet heights.
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To Bridgeport and beyond in the Eastern Sierra
Bridgeport in the Eastern Sierra offers dog-friendly lodges, the ghost town of Bodie State Historic Park, and the pristine Virginia Lakes at 9,000 feet. With rustic cabins, trout-filled waters, and quiet mountain scenery, it's an unforgettable stop on Highway 395.
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When and where to go in the Eastern Sierra
The Eastern Sierra is a year-round playground for dogs, but fall steals the show. Late September through mid-October brings California's best foliage, with golden aspens lining streams beneath granite peaks along Highway 395.
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Water Dog Sea Cave & River Dog packages
Little River Inn rolls out the red carpet for dogs with kayaking packages on the Mendocino Coast. The Water Dog Sea Cave package includes a two-night ocean-view stay, dog-friendly dining, and a guided kayak tour through sea caves.
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Mendocino’s beachcomber motel offers pet suites and dog park
The Beachcomber Motel and Spa in Fort Bragg now offers custom Pet Suites with lowered dog showers, dog houses, and direct access to a private 3,500-square-foot leash-free dog park. Two suites even feature doggie doors leading to private kennels.
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The summit of Yosemite escape
This year, it’s time to treat yourself to a family- and dog-friendly California experience that lets everyone feel like a kid again.
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Widescreen Yosemite adventure
Home to towering waterfalls and 200-foot-tall giant sequoias, there’s no place like Yosemite. And Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite puts you just two miles from Yosemite National Park.
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