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.

Gateway to farm and wine country

Vacaville makes a smart, affordable base for wine country trips with your dog. Stay at half the price of Napa hotels and daytrip to dog-friendly wineries in nearby Suisun Valley, where family-owned tasting rooms welcome four-legged visitors.

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Take a stroll through history

Lagoon Valley Park near Vacaville blends history and outdoor fun, with a 2.5-mile lake trail and a 30,000-square-foot off-leash dog park. Nearby, the Western Railway Museum even lets dogs ride aboard historic streetcars.

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Disaster preparedness for pets

September is National Preparedness Month, and your pets need a disaster plan too. From evacuation kits with food, water and medical records to arranging safe shelter, here is how to keep your furry family members protected.

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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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