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.

San Diego bound

San Diego offers dogs a perfect mix of urban parks, iconic hikes and off-leash beaches. From the sprawling green spaces of Balboa Park to the sand and surf of Ocean Beach, this city was made for four-legged explorers.

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Pet sounds of the OC

Huntington Beach earns its dog-friendly reputation with an off-leash beach, restaurants serving canine cuisine and fun events like dachshund races. Plus, nearby hotels and trails make Orange County a great base for pup-friendly getaways.

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Fall trekking in the SLO lane

San Luis Obispo County serves up wine tasting, coastal hikes and historic missions along a leisurely Highway 101 road trip. From Paso Robles wineries to Pismo Beach bluffs and Morro Bay seafood decks, your dog is welcome throughout.

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Set the scene in Santa Cruz County

Santa Cruz County pairs redwood forests, sandy beaches and a walkable downtown into one excellent dog-friendly getaway. Ride a steam train, go tidepooling, hike off-leash trails and explore 15 miles of dog-welcoming coastline.

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Dog-friendly waterfalls and trails at Whiskeytown

Whiskeytown National Recreation Area near Redding is a rare National Park Service gem that welcomes leashed dogs on 70 miles of trails. Four waterfalls, lakeside swimming and stunning scenery make it worth the trek north.

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Understanding and treating arthritis

Arthritis is common in aging dogs and can cause pain, limping and reluctance to jump or play. A veterinarian explains the causes, symptoms to watch for and treatment options ranging from supplements and swimming to laser therapy.

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East Bay Regional wonders

The East Bay Regional Park District spans 65 parks across Alameda and Contra Costa counties, with over 1,200 miles of trails where dogs can hike off-leash in undeveloped areas. Del Valle and the Ohlone Wilderness are standout picks.

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Doggin’ it on the Pacific Crest Trail

The 2,560-mile Pacific Crest Trail is entirely dog-friendly except in national and state parks. Many day-hike sections are accessible from major highways near Tahoe, Echo Summit and Ebbetts Pass, offering spectacular scenery with your pup.

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The National Forest/BLM advantage

National forests and BLM lands offer dog owners freedom that state and national parks rarely do. From Hope Valley's golden aspens to Garland Ranch's swimming holes and Mendocino's coastal bluffs, these public lands welcome off-leash hiking under voice control.

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Microchipping your dog

A microchip is a tiny implant that links your dog to you through a registry database. Unlike collars that can be lost, microchips are permanent and have reunited pets with their owners even years after separation.

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Hiking hills and headlands

Sonoma County delivers scenic hikes from Bodega Bay's birdwatching trails to the Sea Ranch headlands and Hood Mountain's rugged peaks. Inland, Tolay Lake Regional Park near Petaluma adds sweeping views of Bay Area landmarks.

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Hideaways by the sea

The Sonoma Coast offers dog-friendly hideaways from Bodega Bay to Sea Ranch, where you can fall asleep to the sound of the Pacific. Cozy inns, vacation rentals and blufftop cottages put sandy beaches and coastal trails right outside your door.

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Sonoma County trippin’

A Sonoma County road trip from Petaluma to Sebastopol to Santa Rosa serves up craft breweries, off-leash dog parks, wine-country trails and walkable downtowns. Each town brings its own character and plenty of dog-friendly stops along the way.

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Cruise control in Santa Cruz wine country

The Santa Cruz Mountains wine region welcomes dogs at tasting rooms tucked among redwoods and ocean views. Follow a dog-friendly wine trail from Davenport to Soquel to Aptos, with stops for picnics and vineyard strolls along the way.

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Vine and dine in Sonoma

The town of Sonoma charms with its historic plaza, dog-friendly sidewalk cafes and walkable tasting rooms. Stroll to nearby wineries, treat your pup at Three Dog Bakery and finish with dinner at a top-rated patio restaurant.

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North Coast winery ramble

Mendocino County's North Coast tasting rooms roll out a warm welcome for dogs. The Anderson Valley alone has dozens of dog-friendly wineries, plus cozy inns and farm-to-table restaurants that make it easy to settle in for the weekend.

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Pets Lifeline 2016

Sean and Connery, two Chihuahua-mix best friends rescued from the streets of Sonoma County, are healthy and looking for a home together. Pets Lifeline has been saving animals and serving the community since 1982.

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Why does my dog snore? Causes and vet advice

Dog snoring can be normal or a sign of something worth checking out. A veterinarian explains the most common causes, from breed-related anatomy and excess weight to allergies and sleeping position, and when to seek medical advice.

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