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.

Rollin’ on a river with your dog

You don't need your own boat to paddle with your pup. Catch A Canoe in Mendocino offers dog-friendly outrigger canoes, Russian River Adventures in Healdsburg has stable inflatables, and Truckee River Raft Rentals provides a classic Tahoe float.

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Dog-friendly day hikes

North Lake Tahoe is packed with dog-friendly hikes, from the easy Tahoe City Lakeside Trail to the wildflower-rich Page Meadow. The Five Lakes Trail climbs into the Granite Chief Wilderness where sparkling alpine lakes await.

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Paws overnight at North Lake Tahoe

North Lake Tahoe has plenty of dog-friendly places to stay, from charming Tahoma Meadows B&B Cottages on the West Shore to cabins at Cedar Glen Lodge. Vacation rentals, motels, and boutique hotels round out the options.

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Dip into the blue

Your dog can absolutely swim in Lake Tahoe. Pocket coves along Highway 28, Coon Street Beach in Kings Beach, and the mellow West Shore all welcome pups. Rent a kayak or paddleboard in Tahoe City for more fun.

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Can dogs get poison oak? A vet tech’s guide

Dogs rarely get poison oak thanks to their protective fur, but they can easily transfer the irritating oil to their owners. If your dog brushes through poison oak on a hike, wash them promptly with Dawn dish soap.

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The many sides of Mendocino County

Mendocino County is one of Northern California's most dog-welcoming destinations. Pet-friendly inns provide treats and amenities, wineries like Husch let dogs inside the tasting room, and activities range from Skunk Train rides to paddling outrigger kayaks along the coast.

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Beaching it in South SLO County

SLO County's south coast stretches from Pismo Beach to Avila, offering dog-friendly sand, oceanfront dining, and scenic trails. Pismo's Dinosaur Caves Park has blufftop views, while Avila's Olde Port Beach lets dogs play off-leash in the surf beside evening bonfires.

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Bike or hike to the beach

The Bob Jones Bike Trail in Avila Beach is a 2.5-mile paved path from Highway 101 to the ocean, passing apple orchards and a golf course. At trail's end, off-leash Olde Port Beach rewards you and your dog.

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Last call for Tahoe snowshoeing

Late March and early April bring ideal conditions for snowshoeing with your dog around Lake Tahoe. The Echo Lakes Sno-Park at 7,500 feet is a favorite starting point, with trails winding through pine forest and along frozen lakeshores toward the…

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Dog-friendly road trip through Mono County on Highway 395

Highway 395 through Mono County opens a world of dog-friendly adventure in the Eastern Sierra. From Mono Lake's strange beauty to hiking at Devil's Postpile and exploring the ghost town of Bodie, every stop rewards curious pups and their people.

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Dog-friendly Gold Country: Exploring Tuolumne County

Tuolumne County near Yosemite is rich in Gold Rush history and dog-friendly adventures. Ride a stagecoach in Columbia, hop an old locomotive in Jamestown, and hike national forest trails near Groveland.

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Moseying around Mariposa County

Mariposa County's Highway 140 corridor leads to Yosemite through dog-friendly gateway towns. Hike the wildflower-rich Hite Cove Trail in spring, ride a vintage steam train at Sugar Pine Railroad, and stay at charming local lodges.

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Hear the roar

Yosemite Falls roars at 2,425 feet during snow-melt season, and your leashed dog is welcome on the paved half-mile path to the base. Dog-friendly lodging in gateway towns like Groveland and Fish Camp keeps you close.

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Exploring Marin County with your dog

Marin County offers dogs everything from Headlands trails with Golden Gate Bridge views to off-leash romps on Rodeo Beach. The Tenderfoot Trail winds through cool redwoods and Terra Linda's open space spans over 1,000 acres.

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Torn nails and your dog

A broken nail can cause your dog significant pain and bleeding during outdoor play. Keep nails trimmed short to prevent breaks, and if one occurs, apply a clean sock to contain bleeding on the way to the vet.

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Woof it up in wine-country luxury

For a romantic wine country getaway with your dog, Carneros Resort offers luxury cottages with private fenced patios and fire pits. Calistoga Ranch provides 127 acres to explore and a dog concierge for your pup.

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Shelter in the Tahoe snow

Tahoe in winter calls for snowy adventures by day and cozy cabin retreats at night. Cedar Glen Lodge, Tahoma Meadows, and Sorensen's Resort all welcome dogs and offer quick access to cross-country ski and snowshoe trails.

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Exploring the Tri-Valley

The Tri-Valley east of San Francisco Bay is home to Danville, Dublin, Livermore, Pleasanton, and San Ramon. The Livermore Wine Valley's 40-plus wineries welcome dogs, open-space preserves offer miles of trails, and dog-friendly patios and hotels make overnight visits easy.

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