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.
Call it a night in the Tri-Valley
More than two dozen Tri-Valley hotels welcome dogs, with pet fees ranging from nothing to $150. From budget motels to all-suite properties with full kitchens, there are plenty of options for every DogTrekker visiting the area. Sure, you could commute…
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Not all tri-valley trails are made for walking
The Tri-Valley offers trails you follow by taste, not by foot. A beer trail with 22 craft breweries, a wine trail with 50-plus wineries, and a top-rated ice cream trail all welcome dogs at many stops.
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Urban delights along the iron horse trail
The 32-mile Iron Horse Regional Trail follows an old railway through the Tri-Valley, connecting towns and parks along the way. Stop in dog-friendly downtown Danville for patio dining, shopping and a romp at the Canine Corral dog park.
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Tri-Valley: wide open space for you and your dog
The Tri-Valley sits alongside thousands of acres of East Bay Regional Parkland where dogs can hike off-leash under voice control. From Pleasanton Ridge to Del Valle Regional Park, wide-open spaces and scenic vistas await you and your pup.
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Wine time! Paws up for these Mendo wineries
Mendocino County has nearly four dozen dog-friendly wineries along the Highway 128 and Highway 101 corridors. From laid-back Navarro Vineyards in the Anderson Valley to family-owned tasting rooms in Hopland, wine touring with your pup is easy here.
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Chow down with your dog near the sea
Finding dog-friendly restaurants on the Mendocino Coast is easier than you think. From the heated patio at Silver's at the Wharf in Fort Bragg to upscale seaside dining in Gualala, your pup can join you for meals with ocean views.
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Dog-passionate places to rest heads and paws
The Mendocino Coast has hotels that truly love dogs, greeting them with treats, beds and bowls. From the eco-luxury Stanford Inn to the Victorian-era Little River Inn and Fort Bragg's Beachcomber properties, pet pampering is the standard here.
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The importance of play for your dog
Play keeps your dog healthy, mentally sharp and bonded to you. Whether it is walks, swimming, fetch or puzzle toys, regular fun activity helps prevent obesity, anxiety and destructive behavior while keeping both of you in good shape.
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Summer’s last splash: Gotta lake it!
September is the sweet spot at Lake Tahoe, with fewer crowds and great deals on lodging. Swim and hike with your dog at beaches like Nevada Beach, Kiva Beach and Fallen Leaf Lake before summer fades away.
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Get a dog-friendly lift at Mammoth or Tahoe
Skip the uphill hike and ride a dog-friendly gondola or tram at Mammoth Mountain, Northstar or Palisades Tahoe. Each resort offers enclosed lifts that welcome dogs, plus summit trails, restaurants and stunning mountain views at the top.
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Road trip! explore a scenic byway
Fall is prime time for a scenic drive through California's mountains with your dog. Three standout routes cross the Sierra and Cascades, from the twisting Ebbetts Pass to Yosemite's Tioga Road and the 500-mile Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway.
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Curl up off-season in a dog-friendly cabin
Come September, High Sierra cabin resorts open up with shorter stays and easier bookings. The Lakes Basin area between Sierra and Plumas counties offers everything from rustic sleeping rooms with rowboats to upscale lodges with on-site breweries and spas.
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Time to revisit Yosemite with your dog
Early fall brings thinner crowds and autumn color to Yosemite, and there is more for dogs to do than you might expect. Leashed pups can walk to Lower Yosemite Fall and along the valley bike paths.
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Jessica’s Haven: Pairing rescue dogs with people with disabilities
Jessica's Haven and Rescue in San Rafael pairs rescue dogs with kids and adults with disabilities, creating meaningful bonds for both. Dogs get extra love and nurturing while special-needs visitors learn responsibility and soak up unconditional affection.
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Dog-friendly Calaveras County: Wine, caves and Gold Rush towns
Calaveras County blends Gold Rush history with wine tasting and outdoor adventure. Walk your dog through Murphys' 25-plus tasting rooms, hike near New Melones Lake or watch humans stomp grapes at the annual street fair in this Sierra foothills getaway.
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Dog-friendly Amador County: Gold Country wine and history
Amador County along Highway 49 is Gold Country at its finest, with historic hotels, robust zinfandels and dog-friendly tasting rooms. Time your visit for the annual Barbera Festival or enjoy wine and live music any weekend in Sutter Creek.
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El Dorado County
El Dorado County is classic Gold Country, with the historic Cary House Hotel in Placerville, dog-friendly wineries along the Adventure Loop and living history events at Marshall Gold Discovery State Park where the Gold Rush began.
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Dog-friendly Sierra County: Downieville and the Sierra Buttes
Sierra County's tiny town of Downieville on the Yuba River makes a perfect fall base camp. Sleep in a streamside cabin, fish the river and hike the steep Sierra Buttes Lookout Trail for jaw-dropping views from nearly 9,000 feet.
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