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.

Tips and tricks for reserving a dog-friendly campsite

California's best campgrounds book up months ahead, but persistence pays off. From working cancellation windows and first-come sites to trying midweek stays and lesser-known campgrounds run by utility companies, these strategies can land you a summer spot.

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Bark early to reserve these primo camping spots

The most popular coastal and lakefront campgrounds fill up fast, so mark your calendar six months out. Nevada Beach at Lake Tahoe and MacKerricher State Park on the Mendocino coast are two primo dog-friendly spots worth the early booking effort.

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A few of our favorite dog-friendly campgrounds

Unlike most state parks, national forest campgrounds let dogs hit the trails. Crystal Basin Recreation Area and the Carson Pass region in the Sierra offer hundreds of dog-friendly campsites and miles of trails through stunning alpine scenery.

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Animal Rescue Foundation 2018

Meet Lisbeth Salander, a husky-border collie mix at Tony La Russa Animal Rescue Foundation in Walnut Creek. At 58 pounds with plenty of energy, she is looking for an active family who loves the outdoors.

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Xylitol poisoning in dogs: a hidden everyday danger

Xylitol, an artificial sweetener found in sugar-free gum, candy, and some medications, can be deadly to dogs. Even a small amount triggers dangerous drops in blood sugar and severe liver damage.

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Swirl, sip and savor at Santa Cruz’s dog-friendly wineries

Santa Cruz County is home to more than 100 wineries, and many welcome dogs in their tasting rooms. From Bonny Doon Vineyard in Davenport to the Surf City Vintners collective, it is a great Highway 1 wine tour.

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Santa Cruz County’s offbeat bounty

Looking for something offbeat in Santa Cruz County? Walk meditation trails at Land of Medicine Buddha in Soquel, hike through 300 acres of redwood forest at Chaminade Resort, or refuel at Dharma's vegetarian restaurant. Dogs are welcome at all three.

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Feeling fine in Felton

Just seven miles from Santa Cruz, Felton offers dog-friendly steam train rides through redwoods at Roaring Camp Railroads, trails at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, and the quirky Bigfoot Discovery Museum.

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Kissing the Santa Cruz coast

Santa Cruz County 29-mile coastline has 15 dog-friendly beaches, from Seabright and Manresa to Davenport and Lighthouse Field. Add a stroll along West Cliff Drive and dog-welcoming hotels for a full coastal getaway.

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Take a spring hike around Redding

Redding calls itself California's Trail Capital, with about 100 miles of dog-friendly paths in and around the city. Spring is ideal for hiking the Sacramento River Rail Trail, crossing the iconic Sundial Bridge and exploring McConnell Arboretum with your pup.

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Five tips for helping your dog deal with grief

Dogs grieve the loss of a canine companion just like people do, showing signs like appetite changes, restlessness and lethargy. A veterinarian shares five practical tips for recognizing grief in your surviving dog and helping them through the process.

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Spring rambles in the South Bay

South of San Francisco, spring turns the hills green and the trails inviting. Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve offers 17 acres of off-leash fun, while the Uvas Canyon Waterfall Loop near Morgan Hill delivers waterfalls, footbridges and lush scenery.

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Dog-friendly Highway 20 preserves beckon in spring

The Sierra foothills along Highway 20 between Marysville and Nevada City burst with wildflowers and waterfalls each spring. South Yuba River State Park and the vast Spenceville Wildlife Area both offer gorgeous, dog-friendly trails worth a weekend trip.

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Chasing cascades in the Bay Area

Spring rains bring Bay Area waterfalls to life, and many are reachable on dog-friendly trails. From Fairway Falls in Novato to Little Yosemite in Sunol and Cascade Canyon Falls near Fairfax, here are some favorites.

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Arch in from the west (Mariposa County, west entrance)

Highway 140 through Mariposa County leads to Yosemite's west entrance with plenty of dog-friendly fun along the way. Wineries, bakeries, riverside trails and lodging from rustic Yosemite Bug to the riverside View Lodge make this route worth savoring.

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Journey to Wawona (Madera County, south entrance)

The Highway 41 corridor from Oakhurst to Yosemite's south entrance is full of dog-friendly stops. Bass Lake resorts, the quirky town of Coarsegold, a steam train in Fish Camp and the luxury Tenaya Lodge all welcome four-legged travelers.

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Time out for Tuolumne County (Yosemite north entrance)

Tuolumne County's Gold Rush towns along the route to Yosemite's north entrance have a relaxed attitude toward dogs. Stagecoach rides in Columbia, vintage train excursions in Jamestown and the scenic John Muir Highway make this a rewarding approach.

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Yosemite is positively pawsome for dogs

Yes, Yosemite is dog-friendly, with some caveats. Leashed dogs are welcome at several campgrounds, in picnic areas, and on paved paths in the valley. Here's what you need to know about the rules before heading out with your pup.

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