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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.

Beachcomber Motel, a dog-friendly hotel in Fort Bragg, California

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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Jackalope's at Tenaya Lodge, a dog-friendly restaurant in Fish Camp, California

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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Image from Widescreen Yosemite adventure on DogTrekker

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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Image from Tenaya Lodge’s four-paw accommodations on DogTrekker

Tenaya Lodge’s four-paw accommodations

Fetch a trip you’ll both enjoy at Tenaya Lodge. If you’re planning to visit Yosemite National Park, including Badger Pass and other areas in the park that have restrictions on dogs,

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Image from Tenaya Lodge with the kids on DogTrekker

Tenaya Lodge with the kids

Not surprisingly, a place as big as Yosemite is home to plenty of outdoor and indoor activities for children of all ages. Of course, there’s the seemingly endless natural beauty

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Poop happens – pack it out.

Poop on the trail: a note from Camp California

Dog waste on hiking trails is a bigger problem than most people realize, with millions of tons produced each year. Camp California shares practical tips for packing out pet waste and keeping trails clean for everyone.

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Be prepared!

Dog-camping motto: Be prepared

Adding a dog to your camping trip means extra planning, from travel logistics to bear-proofing your campsite. Here are practical tips on containment, crating, leash laws, wildlife safety, and assembling a dog first-aid kit for the outdoors.

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Favorite campgrounds.

Bark for some of our favorite dog-friendly campgrounds

From Mammoth Lakes to Lake Tahoe to the Highway 88 corridor, California offers incredible dog-friendly campgrounds in diverse settings. Here are some of our favorite spots to pitch a tent, park an RV, or rent a cabin with your pup.

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On the road with the pup.

How to snag a dog-friendly camping rez

Snagging a dog-friendly campsite in California takes some strategy. From Reserve America to Recreation.gov to glamping options, here's where to search for reservations at public, private, and luxury campgrounds that welcome four-legged guests.

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Exploring Shasta State Historic Park.

By land or by lake: Redding as a basecamp

Redding is the gateway to Upstate California, where rugged mountains, serene lakes, and stunning waterfalls await you and your dog. Hike the Sacramento River Trail, boat on Shasta Lake, or tackle the three McCloud River falls.

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Image from Redding hotels for hounds and the humans who follow on DogTrekker

Redding hotels for hounds and the humans who follow

Redding's hotels go above and beyond for canine guests, with amenities from dog beds to dedicated pet menus. The Sheraton at the Sundial Bridge even serves frozen desserts for dogs, while the Best Western Plus offers affordable pet-friendly rooms.

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Sundial Bridge.
Adobe Images

First time paws-ing in Redding?

New to Redding? Start at the Shasta Cascade Welcome Center, then walk the Sundial Bridge over the Sacramento River. From Whiskeytown Falls to botanical gardens to local breweries, here are our top picks for first-time visitors with dogs.

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Dog Sitting at Table

Raise a glass to the dog-friendly Delta

Just south of Sacramento, the Clarksburg wine region along the Sacramento River Delta offers dog-friendly tasting rooms, great food, and a slower pace. From Scribner Bend Vineyards to the Old Sugar Mill, bring your pup and a picnic.

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Olive at Baker Beach, San Francisco.

Dogs take on the National Park Service

Dog access to California's parks and beaches has come under increasing pressure in recent years. The fight over the Golden Gate National Recreation Area showed what's at stake. Here's how responsible dog owners can protect outdoor access for all.

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Image from Unsure about your dog on a train? Try a small-scale starter train on DogTrekker

Nervous about your dog on a train? Start small

Not sure how your dog will handle a train ride? The miniature steam train at Tilden Regional Park in Berkeley makes a great test run. The park itself offers swimming, hiking, and a botanical garden across more than 2,000 acres.

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Image from Wag your way through the Central Valley on DogTrekker

Wag your way through the Central Valley

California's Central Valley holds surprises for dogs and train lovers alike. Ride vintage electric cars at the Western Railway Museum near Suisun City, or hop aboard the Sacramento River Fox Train for a leisurely round trip through Gold Rush country.

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Image from All aboard for Gold Country history on DogTrekker

All aboard for Gold Country history

Tuolumne County's Gold Country is home to two must-visit heritage railroads. Railtown 1897 State Historic Park features Hollywood's famous Movie Railroad, while the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad offers narrated steam train rides near Yosemite.

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Engineer-in-training on Roaring Camp Railroad.

Cruising for history and scenery in Santa Cruz County

Roaring Camp Railroads in Santa Cruz County sends steam trains through towering redwoods on tracks once used for logging. The 75-minute ride to Bear Mountain includes a picnic stop, and the historic village offers kid-friendly activities and hiking.

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