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.

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Dog-friendly wine tasting in Mendocino’s Anderson Valley

Mendocino's Anderson Valley wine region along Highway 128 is full of dog-friendly tasting rooms where water bowls and treats await. Navarro, Toulouse, and Husch vineyards are standouts, with cozy inns and farm-to-table dining nearby.

Mendocino Coast Humane Society 2013

The Mendocino Coast Humane Society continues its community-driven mission to help homeless pets. From the innovative Kitty Kottage that reduced cat returns to plans for a 1.5-acre dog play area, volunteers and donors keep making life better for shelter animals.

Cruising with Cosmo in Santa Cruz County

Santa Cruz County's 29 miles of coastline offer beaches, off-leash dog parks with ocean views, and dog-friendly restaurants for a coastal getaway. Mitchell's Cove provides leash-free sand time, while Seacliff State Beach features a quirky concrete freighter from 1910.

Scenic coasting in Monterey County

Monterey County's coastline offers dog-friendly beaches from Monterey State Beach to wild Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur. The crown jewel is Carmel Beach, where dogs run off-leash on white sand in one of America's most dog-welcoming communities.

Make a splash in Marin

Marin County is loaded with dog-friendly beaches, from off-leash Muir Beach to the magical shores of Point Reyes National Seashore. Kehoe Beach, Limantour Beach, Dillon Beach, and Rodeo Beach each offer stunning scenery and room for your pup to romp.

SLO down already

San Luis Obispo County's Central Coast is mellow for dogs and humans alike. Off-leash fun awaits at Olde Port Beach near Avila, while leashed pups can enjoy Pismo State Beach, Cayucos State Beach, and the secluded shores near Morro Rock.

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Explore the countryside

More than 200 wineries and tasting rooms sit within 75 miles of Sacramento, and many welcome dogs. From Revolution Wines in the city to Jessie's Grove in Lodi, wine country with your pup is closer than you think.

Toxic blue-green algae blooms

Blue-green algae in freshwater lakes and streams pose a serious, potentially fatal threat to dogs during late summer. These toxic blooms can cause seizures, liver failure, and death within hours. When water looks or smells suspicious, keep your dog out.

Amazing Mendocino County

Mendocino County rolls out the red carpet for dogs like few other California destinations. Pet-friendly inns offer treats and amenities, wineries welcome four-legged visitors inside, and activities range from Skunk Train rides to outrigger kayaking on the coast.

Of cottages and vines

California wine country is full of dog-welcoming retreats, from creekside cabins in Guerneville to luxury cottages at Carneros Resort with private fenced patios. Calistoga Ranch even provides a dog concierge for your pup.

Dog-friendly hide-aways in Mendocino

Mendocino County offers secluded, dog-friendly getaways from blufftop cottages at Serenisea to the architecturally stunning retreats of Sheep Dung Properties in Anderson Valley. Fenced grounds and nearby wineries make these spots ideal for a quiet escape.

Reserving a spot for you and Spot

Snagging a campsite in California takes planning, especially at popular coastal and mountain locations that book six months out. Here are strategies for securing reservations, from cancellation windows and first-come sites to lottery systems and midweek flexibility.