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.

Sacramento’s dog-friendly outdoor dining scene

Sacramento farm-to-fork dining thrives on dog-friendly patios across the city. From Burgers and Brew to Bike Dog Brewing taproom and Tequila Museo Mayahuel fine Mexican fare, there is a patio seat waiting for you and your pup.

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Romp ‘n’ roll at a SNO-park

California's 19 Sno-Park sites offer plowed parking and trails for skiing, snowshoeing, and hiking with your dog across the Sierra. Daily permits cost five dollars, and your California pass also works in Oregon and Idaho. Popular picks include Blackwood Canyon…

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Cooper loved to travel

Cooper the Lab mix lived ten adventure-packed years as an avid DogTrekker, from winery visits at Gundlach Bundschu in Sonoma to Shirley Canyon hikes at Palisades Tahoe and beach romps at Fort Funston. His owner Niki shares how DogTrekker shaped…

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Silicon Valley through a DogTrekker lens

Silicon Valley hides a wine region in plain sight. The Santa Clara Valley Wine Trail links 34 family-owned wineries near Gilroy, many welcoming dogs. At Kirigin Cellars, bring a tennis ball for fetch between tastings.

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Dog-friendly surprises in Solano County

Skip the high-priced Napa hotels and base yourself in Vacaville for half the cost. Nearby Suisun Valley offers dog-friendly wineries with outdoor tastings, while Lagoon Valley Park and Rockville Hills Regional Park give your pup room to stretch and explore.

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Dog, you’ve earned a Yosemite vacation!

Fall brings crisp weather and light crowds to Mariposa County near Yosemite, making it ideal for a dog-friendly getaway. Choose from Airstream glamping at AutoCamp, vacation homes at The Redwoods, or the luxury of Tenaya Lodge.

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Pumpkin patches and wine, oh my!

October is the perfect time to visit the Suisun Valley between Vacaville and Davis. Vineyards blaze with fall color, pumpkin patches are in full swing, and dog-friendly wineries welcome you and your pup for tastings and bocce.

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Explore the Santa Clara Valley wine trail

The Santa Clara Valley, better known as Silicon Valley, is one of California oldest wine regions with 34 family-owned wineries near Gilroy. A Wine Trail pass lets you taste all year, and Kirigin Cellars even hosts AKC events.

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Cruz the mountain wine roads with your pup

Santa Cruz County's mountain wineries offer far more than a beach-town reputation suggests. The Santa Cruz Mountains appellation and Corralitos Wine Trail feature a dozen dog-friendly wineries along winding roads, pouring pinot noirs and chardonnays kissed by coastal fog.

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Mendocino wines on your mind?

Mendocino County 11 wine appellations blaze with fall color in October. Drive the Highway 128 Wine Trail through Anderson Valley or head inland along the Hopland Wine Road, stopping at dog-friendly tasting rooms along the way.

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You, your dog and Yosemite: Pet-friendly Tenaya Lodge

If you enjoy adventuring with your dog and have always wanted to experience Yosemite National Park, then Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite is for you.

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Cuddle up with your pup in Mendocino county

Mendocino County is worth an overnight stay, and dog-friendly lodging options abound. From secluded modern cottages at Sheep Dung Properties to oceanfront pet suites at the Beachcomber Motel, there is something for every travel style and budget.

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Open air dog-friendly activities perfect for social distancing

Mendocino County offers plenty of open-air, dog-friendly activities perfect for getting outside safely. Ride the historic Skunk Train through redwood forests, stroll uncrowded beaches in Fort Bragg, or wander the blooming pathways of Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens with your pup.

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Forest bathing with Fido, anyone?

Mendocino County is the perfect place to try forest bathing with your dog. The region misty redwood forests, fresh air, and wide-open spaces offer a deeply restorative experience for you and your pup.

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Stay and play at Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite

Winner of the 2015 Sunset Travel Awards for Best Resort for Pets, Tenaya Lodge knows how to take care of your dog! Their Fido Friendly Pet Package includes lodging and the one-time $100 pet fee for up to two dogs.

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Tour Gold Rush towns

Mariposa County's towns all make great walks for you and Fido. In Mariposa, the shop-lined streets, Art Park and Mariposa Creek Walk make for a nice way to explore the quaint mountain community and several restaurants boast outdoor seating areas…

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Take a swim

What better way to beat the California summer heat than with a swim? There are great swimming holes all over Mariposa County, but maybe none that are better for dogs than Lake McClure and Lake McSwain in the southern Sierra…

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Hit the trails near Yosemite

What better way to enjoy the mountains for bipeds and quadrupeds alike than by being out on a hike? In Mariposa County's scenic Merced River Canyon, several dog friendly recreation areas exist including the Merced River Hike at the Briceburg…

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