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.

Dog-friendly places to play in Golden Gate Park

Golden Gate Park's 1,017 acres are a dog lover's playground, with off-leash training areas, hikes to the summit of Strawberry Hill, lakeside strolls at Spreckels Lake and car-free weekends when pups rule the roads.

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Rovering around in Palm Springs

Palm Springs is a winter paradise for dogs and their people, with patio dining, desert botanical gardens, hiking trails through stunning scenery and retro-chic hotels that treat four-legged guests like royalty. Blue sky, purple mountains, turquoise pools, nodding palms and…

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Ways to snag prime reservations

Snagging a prime campsite or hotel room in California's most popular destinations takes strategy. Here are seven tips for working cancellation windows, wait lists and first-come sites to land that perfect spot with your dog.

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Reserve summer campsites now

Summer campsites at California's coast and mountain hotspots fill up fast, so book early. Here is a roundup of reservation resources, from Reserve America and Recreation.gov to utility-district campgrounds, dog-friendly KOA cabins, and tips for snagging last-minute spots.

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Orvis contest supports canine cancer research

The Orvis Cover Dog Photo Contest has raised over a million dollars for canine cancer research through Morris Animal Foundation, funding studies at 11 veterinary colleges working to prevent, treat and cure the disease.

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Adventure awaits on the north coast

California's North Coast is a top dog-friendly destination, with the Point Arena-Stornetta preserve, scenic trails, botanical gardens and welcoming lodgings like the Beachcomber Motel and Surf and Sand Lodge in Fort Bragg.

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When your dog vomits

A veterinarian explains when dog vomiting is a wait-and-see situation and when it requires an emergency vet visit. Key warning signs include blood in vomit, visible discomfort and repeated attempts to throw up.

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Winterizing your dog

Before heading to snow country with your dog, take a few precautions. Wipe paws after outings to remove toxic de-icers, consider a waterproof coat for short-haired breeds and protect paw pads from ice and grit.

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Dog-friendly adventures along Highway 395 to Mammoth Lakes

Highway 395 along the Eastern Sierra serves up stunning scenery, dog-friendly trails around Convict Lake and Mono Lake, cross-country skiing near Mammoth Lakes and even a genuine ghost town at Bodie State Historic Park.

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Winter wanderings in Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe in winter offers dogs and their people cross-country skiing on groomed trails, snowshoeing through meadows and lakeside hikes when the snow line is high. Here are our favorite ways to play with your pup at the lake.

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Heritage House: Same time, next year

Heritage House Resort on the Mendocino coast, the filming location for Same Time Next Year, has reopened with fresh interiors, four-star service and a warm welcome for dogs. Ocean-view cottages and bluff-top trails await.

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Walking the wilds of Mendocino

Beyond the famous coastline, Mendocino County holds vast dog-friendly public lands including the 50,000-acre Jackson Demonstration State Forest, with trails through old-growth redwood groves and a waterfall hike worth the effort.

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Mendocino’s inland empire

Mendocino County's inland treasures include the Anderson Valley wine road with dog-friendly tasting rooms, the drive-through Chandelier Tree in Leggett and farm-to-table dining in Boonville. Wine, redwoods and warm welcomes abound.

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Now wear this!

From GoPro harnesses that capture your dog's point of view to GPS trackers, activity monitors and digital ID tags, these tech gadgets help you keep tabs on your pup and see the world through their eyes.

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Benefits of physical rehabilitation for your dog

Physical rehabilitation therapies for dogs have come a long way, from underwater treadmills and therapeutic lasers to acupuncture and massage. A veterinarian explains how these treatments help injured, post-surgical and aging dogs.

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Coastal cabins and cottages

California's coast is lined with dog-friendly cabins and cottages, from retro-themed seaside inns on the Mendocino coast to charming 1940s cottage motels in Pacific Grove and vacation rentals along Big Sur.

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Congratulations Dr. Erin Troy!

DogTrekker's Vet Buzz contributor Dr. Erin Troy of Muller Veterinary Hospital in Walnut Creek was named a top-five finalist out of 2,100 nominees in the American Veterinary Medical Foundation's Favorite Veterinarian Contest.

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Tails in Tahoe

Fall at Lake Tahoe means golden aspens, cooler trails, and thinner crowds. From easy lakeshore strolls at Kiva Beach and the Rainbow Trail at Taylor Creek to backcountry routes into Desolation Wilderness, the hiking options with your dog are practically…

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