Dog stories
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.
Enjoy farm-to-glass bounty in Sacramento
Sacramento's farm-to-fork reputation extends to farm-to-glass, with over 200 wineries within 75 miles of downtown. Dog-friendly spots like Downtown and Vine, Revolution Wines, and Scribner Bend Vineyards let you sip and relax with your pup by your side.
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Exploring Napa’s ‘ghost wineries’
Napa Valley's "ghost wineries" are historic facilities built between 1860 and 1900 that have been beautifully restored. Dog-friendly Regusci and Flora Springs welcome four-legged visitors to their grounds, picnic areas, and hiking trails for a quieter side of wine country.
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Chasing surf with your dog in Santa Cruz County
Santa Cruz County's 29 miles of coastline include 15 dog-friendly beaches. Mitchell's Cove allows off-leash play before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m., while Seacliff State Beach features a curious concrete freighter hull that has stirred imaginations since 1929.
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Things to do with your dog in Santa Cruz
Beyond the beaches, Santa Cruz County offers dog-friendly hiking at Byrne-Milliron Forest and Pogonip, steam train rides at Roaring Camp Railroads, and leashed strolls down boutique-lined Pacific Avenue. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park even allows dogs on select trails.
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Make a splash on the Sonoma shore
The Sonoma County coast offers dog-friendly beaches, bluff-top trails, and river adventures. Walk the Bird Walk trail at Bodega Bay, hike six coastal access trails near the Mendocino County border, or float the Russian River in a dog-friendly inflatable canoe.
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Tails from Tahoe: The Tunnel Creek Cafe
DogTrekker Laura M. shares her experience at the Tunnel Creek Cafe near Lake Tahoe, where the staff welcomed her two dogs like family. After hiking up the hill, they enjoyed lunch at this genuinely dog-loving spot.
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Wilderness hiking in Whiskeytown NRA
Whiskeytown National Recreation Area near Redding is one of the rare National Park Service sites that allows leashed dogs on its 70 miles of trails. Four major waterfalls await, from Whiskeytown Falls to Crystal Creek Falls.
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Day by the bay in Benicia
The waterfront town of Benicia on the Carquinez Strait charms dog owners with art galleries, off-leash shoreline stretches, and the Bay Area Ridge Trail. Grab a table with your pup at Sailor Jack's or First Street Cafe.
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Diggin’ San Diego with your dog
San Diego is a dog lover's paradise with hiking at Mission Trails Regional Park, off-leash romps in Balboa Park, and leash-free beach time at Ocean Beach and Fiesta Island. The laid-back SoCal vibe extends to your pup.
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Coastal cool-off in Monterey County
Monterey County pairs coastal and inland hiking for dogs and their people. Stroll the 18-mile Monterey Bay Coastal Trail, then head to Garland Ranch Regional Park in Carmel Valley, where dogs can roam off-leash through redwood forests and oak savannas.
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Meandering Mariposa County with your dog
Highway 140 through Mariposa County leads to Yosemite but deserves a day of its own. Sample wines at Butterfly Creek, hike the Merced River Trail, and stay at dog-friendly lodges from Yosemite Bug to Yosemite View Lodge.
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River running with rover
Rivers offer some of the best water fun for dogs in California. Float the Russian River in a dog-friendly canoe, paddle an outrigger on the Big River estuary in Mendocino, or let your pup splash in swim-friendly waterways statewide.
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Marijuana toxicity and your dog
With marijuana use on the rise, canine toxicity cases are becoming more common and more severe. A veterinarian explains the symptoms, from staggering and urine dribbling to dangerous reactions from edibles, and why quick treatment matters for your dog.
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Traveling the SLO lane with your dog
San Luis Obispo County's 70 miles of Highway 1 coastline offer dog-friendly beaches, off-leash coves, patio dining and charming inns from San Simeon to Pismo Beach. Your pup will love every sandy, sun-soaked mile of this Central Coast road trip.
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Keep Santa Cruz woofy
Santa Cruz County's 29 miles of coastline include 15 dog-friendly beaches, from leash-free Mitchell's Cove to the sandy stretch at Seabright State Beach. Off-leash dog parks and the quirky concrete freighter at Seacliff Beach round out the fun.
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Meandering the Mendo Coast with your dog
Mendocino County's 102 miles of winding coastline reward slow travelers with leash-free beaches, Glass Beach, botanical gardens, scenic trails through MacKerricher State Park and cozy seaside lodgings from Fort Bragg to Gualala.
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Ferndale: A charming village to bark about
A reader shares her love for Ferndale, a Victorian village in Humboldt County with locally owned shops, great food, dog-friendly lodging at the Shaw House Inn and beaches just outside town.
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Kayla in Surf City
DogTrekker's own Kayla reports on her tail-wagging visit to Huntington Beach, where she romped on one of the largest dog beaches in the country and spent the night in style at the pet-pampering Shorebreak Hotel.
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