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 Tahoe Keys Resort

Tahoe Keys Resort offers dog-friendly cabins, condos, and homes in a 740-acre private marina community with easy lake access. The dog-passionate staff greets canine guests with treats and insider tips on the best hikes and restaurants around South Lake Tahoe.

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10 ways to enjoy Lake Tahoe with your dog

Lake Tahoe delivers ten ways to play with your dog, from swimming at dog-friendly beaches and riding gondolas to floating the Truckee River and paddling kayaks. Add hiking, patio dining, and pup pampering for the ultimate trip.

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Swimming with fido

Swimming is great exercise for dogs, but it can lead to ear infections, hot spots, and swimmer's tail. A vet explains how to prevent these issues with drying ear cleaners, towel drying, and gradual increases in water time.

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“Voluntourism” opportunities at Milo

The Milo Foundation's 283-acre sanctuary in Mendocino County welcomes volunteers to walk dogs, socialize cats, and help with chores. Families can arrange day or overnight visits, camp on-site, and bring their own well-behaved dogs to explore off-leash trails.

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Dog-friendly campsites in northern California

A roundup of exceptional dog-friendly campgrounds across Northern California, from spacious Gerle Creek Reservoir sites to wildflower-rich Woods Lake near Carson Pass, secluded Kidd Lake, coastal MacKerricher State Park, and the redwood groves of Pfeiffer Big Sur.

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Downtown dogs in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz lifted its longtime ban on dogs downtown, and the new policy is now permanent. Leashed pups are welcome from sunrise to sunset, opening up cafes, pizza joints, and seafood spots along the way.

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At Tahoe: The ultimate doggie meetup

Camp Winnaribbun turns a 33-acre Tahoe property into doggie paradise each summer, with off-leash beach play, dock diving, agility training, nose work, and daily hikes. Evening campfires and shared meals give owners a chance to swap stories and training tips.

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Yo, little Yosemite!

Little Yosemite, a scenic gorge in Sunol Regional Wilderness, rewards hikers and their dogs with dramatic rock formations, wildflowers, and boulder-hopping along Alameda Creek. The Canyon View Trail is one of many routes through this East Bay park.

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Mendocino coasting with your canine

The Mendocino coast offers leash-free beaches, bluff-top trails, scenic Skunk Train rides, and dog-welcoming inns from Fort Bragg to Little River. Dine at Ravens restaurant with your pup beside you or paddle Big River.

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Much ado about mushrooms

Wild mushrooms popping up in spring can be toxic to curious dogs, causing symptoms from vomiting and seizures to liver failure. If your dog eats one, get to a vet immediately and bring a damp sample.

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Eco-friendly, dog-friendly hotels in Northern California

Northern California leads the nation in LEED-certified hotels, and several welcome dogs. From platinum-rated Bardessono in Yountville to eco-friendly Inn Marin in Novato and sustainable Gravity Haus near Truckee, you can travel green without leaving your pup behind.

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Eco all the way

From hemp collars and recycled-fill dog beds to coconut-based shampoos and durable Orbee-Tuff toys, eco-friendly dog products let you green up your pup's gear without sacrificing quality. A few smart swaps can make your DogTrekking adventures kinder to the planet.

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Dallying in Davis

The 100-acre U.C. Davis Arboretum is a leafy retreat along the campus waterway, with globally themed gardens and plenty of fellow dog walkers. Let your pup run free at nearby Toad Hollow Dog Park afterward.

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Kayla takes on Blithedale Summit

Blithedale Summit in Marin County Open Space offers a 6.6-mile loop where dogs can run off-leash on fire roads with sweeping views of Mount Tam, the Bay bridges, San Francisco, and the Pacific.

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Dog-friendly guide to Stinson Beach and Bolinas

Stinson Beach and Bolinas offer contrasting dog experiences in West Marin. Leashed dogs are welcome on Upton Beach at Stinson, while Bolinas Beach allows off-leash romps on a wide sandy stretch.

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Hiking Mount Tamalpais’s Old Railroad Grade with your dog

Follow the historic Old Railroad Grade 6.6 miles up Mount Tamalpais, tracing the route of the crookedest railway in the world. The smooth trail climbs 1,300 feet through redwoods to panoramic Bay Area views.

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Pet insurance: Where do you draw the line?

A single hiking mishap can mean thousands in vet bills, raising the question of whether pet insurance is worth it. Weigh traditional policies against alternatives like Pawp, Pet Assure, and dedicated savings accounts.

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Contra Costa Humane Society

Contra Costa Humane Society runs programs from low-cost spay-neuter assistance to AniMeals, which provides pet food to 450 families so they can keep their animals. CCHS also fosters shelter dogs and matches pets needing new homes with prospective adopters.

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