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.

What bones are safe to give your dog

A veterinary professional explains which bones are safest for dogs and why rib and marrow bones pose the greatest risks. Beef knuckle bones are the best choice, but supervision is essential to avoid broken teeth and choking hazards.

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Greater Palm Springs: Gateway to the desert

Greater Palm Springs rolls out the welcome mat for dogs with pet-friendly luxury resorts, retro boutique motels, patio restaurants with pooch menus, and endless sunshine. The region spans multiple communities along the I-10 corridor, each with its own dog-friendly appeal.

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Moseying around the Mojave

The 1.6-million-acre Mojave National Preserve offers winter adventurers rose-hued dunes, Joshua tree forests, and ghost towns to explore with leashed dogs. A high-clearance vehicle opens up hundreds of miles of dirt roads through this rugged San Bernardino County landscape.

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Death Valley dalliance with your dog

Death Valley is far more than parched sand. Visit in winter for pleasant temperatures and drive backcountry roads with your leashed dog. Salt-crusted badlands, colorful geology, and dog-friendly lodging at Stovepipe Wells make this a memorable trip.

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Put paws to GGNRA paths in San Mateo County

San Mateo County's GGNRA lands offer scenic coastal walks with your dog, from the dramatic headlands at Mori Point in Pacifica to the sweeping ridgeline views atop Sweeney Ridge. Both on-leash and off-leash areas remain open under current rules.

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Make it Marin for dog-friendly GGNRA trails/beaches

More than 12,000 acres of GGNRA land in the Marin Headlands offer long on-leash walks and off-leash beach romps within view of the Golden Gate Bridge. Rodeo Beach, Muir Beach, and Fort Baker top the list of dog-friendly favorites.

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San Francisco county’s GGNRA bounty

San Francisco's GGNRA lands wrap nearly the entire shoreline, from Fort Mason to Fort Funston. Dogs can romp off-leash at select beaches, explore 24 miles of Presidio trails, and take in million-dollar views along the Lands End path.

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GGNRA dog-walking saga: The backstory

After years of legal battles over dog walking restrictions in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, the National Park Service withdrew its controversial dog management plan in 2017. The original 1979 rules allowing dogs on GGNRA lands remain in effect.

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Traveling with a blind or deaf dog

Deaf and blind dogs can be wonderful travel companions with a little extra planning. Stick to familiar routines, keep them leashed in new places, bring bedding that smells like home, and maintain regular feeding schedules for comfort on the road.

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Pets and your health

Research shows that pets can lower stress, reduce blood pressure, and boost feel-good hormones. The book "Dog as My Doctor, Cat as My Nurse" by Carlyn Montes De Oca explores how animal companions improve our health.

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The Grateful Table

More than 500 people gathered at a Domaine Chandon vineyard for The Grateful Table, an open-air feast raising funds for Napa and Sonoma wildfire relief. Celebrity chef Tyler Florence hosted the benefit, which supported disaster recovery across Wine Country.

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Paws for a good read

From heartwarming memoirs to playful picture books, this curated reading list from the Stanford Inn by the Sea features great titles for dog lovers. Picks include Finding Gobi, William Wegman's Being Human, and the whimsical Find Momo series.

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Leave no paws behind 2017

Leave No Paws Behind rescues senior and special-needs dogs from high-kill shelters across Southern California. Stories like Miracle the husky and Rambo, who recovered from a severe autoimmune condition, show the life-changing impact of dedicated foster networks.

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Sip and stroll in Santa Barbara County

Santa Barbara County offers dog-friendly wine tasting from the Danish village of Solvang to the Urban Wine Trail downtown. Let your pup run free at Arroyo Burro Beach and sip local Rhone varietals at pet-welcoming tasting rooms.

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Tails wag on Big Sur Coast

A drive along the Big Sur coast with your dog means breathtaking ocean views, purple-sand beaches, and walks through towering redwoods. Dog-friendly stops include Sand Dollar Beach, Pfeiffer Beach, and several state park campgrounds with cabins for overnight stays.

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Where to Cruz with your pup

Santa Cruz County pairs gorgeous coastline with a growing wine scene, and many tasting rooms welcome dogs. Follow the Corralitos Wine Trail for organic pinots, visit MJA Vineyard, or stop at Bonny Doon on a scenic Highway 1 cruise.

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Take time to coast

Mendocino County's vast public lands offer everything from off-leash coastal walks at Stornetta Public Lands to beach romps at Noyo Beach in Fort Bragg. The historic Point Arena Lighthouse even has pet-friendly vacation rentals right on the grounds.

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Paws for an overnight break in Mendocino County

With summer crowds gone and low-season specials in play, fall and winter are ideal for a dog-friendly Mendocino County coast getaway. The Little River Inn, Beachcomber Motel, and other welcoming properties offer cozy rooms and easy beach access.

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