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.

Onward and inland!

Head inland from Fort Bragg on Highway 1 to explore Mendocino County's redwood country with your dog. Drive through the Chandelier Tree in Leggett, ride the dog-friendly Skunk Train from Willits, and sample wines along the Highway 128 Wine Road.

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It takes a (dog-friendly) village

Mendocino village and its surrounding headlands are a dog lover's dream. Hike bluff-top trails to Big River State Beach, explore Point Cabrillo Light Station, and dine with your pup at Ravens restaurant inside the Stanford Inn.

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Dreyfus discovers Tahoe

DogTrekker Hope S. and her dog Dreyfus packed a memorable 24 hours into a Lake Tahoe getaway, taking in Emerald Bay views and spending the night at the dog-friendly Beach Retreat and Lodge with lakeside pier walks.

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Last chance for high-country hikes with your dog

Late fall is ideal for one last high-country hike before the snow flies. Five favorite trails near Interstate 80 include Castle Peak, Mount Judah Loop, Coldstream Valley, Truckee River Legacy Trail, and Martis Creek Wildlife Area, all welcoming dogs.

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Stake a claim in Sacramento

Sacramento makes a great home base for dog-friendly day trips, but you may never leave town. Fall foliage lights up the parks, R Street buzzes with patio dining, and craft breweries like Track 7 welcome your four-legged friend.

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Giacomo and Gelsomina’s mountain paradise

Jill M. and her dogs Giacomo and Gelsomina share their favorite hiking spot: the Mount Laguna Recreation Area inside Cleveland National Forest, where dogs are allowed off-leash on trails winding through pine forests and mountain meadows near San Diego.

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Take a fall hike around Redding

Redding earns its title as California's Trail Capital with about 100 miles of paths in and around the city. Fall is a great time to hike the Upper Sacramento Ditch Trail and the Sacramento River Rail Trail with your dog.

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Discover the ‘Lost Sierra’

The Lost Sierra region in Plumas County, an hour north of Lake Tahoe, offers a refreshing alternative to crowded mountain resorts. Dog-friendly lodges like Chalet View and Gray Eagle pair with over a million acres of Plumas National Forest trails.

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Napa Valley leg-stretchers

After wine tasting in Napa Valley, burn off those calories with your dog at Canine Commons in Alston Park, where off-leash play awaits. Westwood Hills Park and the downtown River Walk offer more leashed options with vineyard and city views.

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Second Chance German Shepherd Rescue

Second Chance German Shepherd Rescue saved young Falco from a high-kill shelter and fixed his painful jaw condition. This all-volunteer group, founded by over 60 breed rescue veterans, pulls German Shepherds from danger and prepares them for loving forever homes.

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Put these hiking havens on your radar

Bay Area regional park districts offer incredible hiking with your dog. East Bay Regional Parks has 1,200 miles of trails, Marin County Parks manages 34 preserves, and Monterey County welcomes off-leash dogs at Garland Ranch in Carmel Valley.

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Soaking up scenery in San Diego

San Diego's 18 open space preserves make it one of the most dog-friendly cities in the country. Hike 60 miles of trails at Mission Trails Regional Park, explore Los Penasquitos Canyon, or let your pup run leash-free on Ocean Beach.

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Sniffing out dog-friendly trails in Los Angeles

Los Angeles offers far more than freeways for dogs and their people. Hike to a 40-foot waterfall at Eaton Canyon, stroll 22 miles of coastal trail around Santa Monica Bay, or explore sandstone formations in Topanga.

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Sonoma County regional parks with your pup

Sonoma County's regional parks feature more than 140 miles of trails through beaches, forests, lakes, and meadows. Highlights include rugged Hood Mountain near Santa Rosa, the Bird Walk trail at Bodega Bay, and the stunning Pinnacle Gulch coastal loop.

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John Muir’s legacy in Contra Costa County

The John Muir Land Trust manages over 2,000 acres of open space in Contra Costa County where dogs with reliable recall can hike off-leash. Properties range from compact Acalanes Ridge in Lafayette to the sprawling Franklin Canyon-Fernandez Ranch complex.

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Calistoga with your pup

Calistoga at the north end of Napa Valley is a relaxing, dog-friendly destination with hot springs and welcoming tasting rooms. Tour Castello di Amorosa, sip wines at Clos Pegase, and enjoy vineyard views at Cuvasion with your pup.

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Santa Cruz: As much about wine as beaches

Santa Cruz County is as much about wine as beaches. The Santa Cruz Mountains appellation is known for cool-climate pinot noir, and many dog-friendly tasting rooms dot the hills from Soquel to Davenport, including Poetic Cellars and Bonny Doon Vineyard.

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Sunny, convenient Livermore Valley

Livermore Valley Wine Country in the Tri-Valley region features more than 40 wineries in a sunny, rolling landscape rivaling Napa. Dog-friendly favorites include Garre Winery with its bocce courts and patio, Retzlaff Estate, and the welcoming grounds at Concannon.

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