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.

Pie am I in Gold Country

Apple Hill in El Dorado County features 56 family ranches offering fresh produce, baked goods, and fall fun from Labor Day through November. Many welcome leashed dogs, including El Dorado Orchards and Pine O Mine.

Read more

Half Moon Bay

Half Moon Bay welcomes dogs with off-leash beach time at Francis Beach, hidden coves at Montara, and five miles of coastal bluff trails. Pair your sandy adventures with a meal at the dog-friendly Brewing Company patio.

Read more

Paws to the path around Lake Tahoe

Hundreds of hiking trails ring Lake Tahoe, and most welcome dogs. Easy favorites include the stroll to Fallen Leaf Lake, the mile-long Cascade Falls trail near Emerald Bay, and the scenic Spooner Summit section of the Tahoe Rim Trail with…

Read more

Tahoe splash spots

Finding dog-friendly beaches at Lake Tahoe takes a little planning, but the payoff is worth it. Kiva Beach on the South Shore, Coon Street in Kings Beach, and Patton Landing in Carnelian Bay all welcome pups for swimming and shoreline…

Read more

Dog paddle safety

Not every dog is a natural swimmer, and introducing a nervous pup to water should be slow and positive. Start in shallow areas, use treats and favorite toys, and invest in a flotation vest for safety.

Read more

Butte Humane Society

Chico's Butte Humane Society has helped lost and abandoned animals since 1911 through adoptions, foster care, public education, and a low-cost spay-neuter clinic. The staff goes out of its way to match dogs with adopters.

Read more

Hiking Horsetail Falls near Lake Tahoe with your dog

The hike to Horsetail Falls near Twin Bridges is a Tahoe-area classic, but hot granite slabs can scorch paws on summer days. The Pyramid Creek Loop offers a shady alternative with granite-rimmed swimming pools and dense pine forest along the…

Read more

Crystal blue perfection

Long Lake near Soda Springs is a crystal-clear swimming hole ringed by granite slabs with Devils Peak as a backdrop. A short hike from Cascade Lakes gets you there, and on weekdays you may have it to yourself.

Read more

A mammoth undertaking

Mammoth Lakes offers high-altitude adventure for dogs and their people. Ride the Panorama Gondola to 11,053 feet, hike through alpine basins with seven lakes, and catch a shuttle to Devil's Postpile, where leashed dogs are welcome on trails.

Read more

Paw your way to High Camp

Palisades Tahoe's dog-friendly aerial tram whisks you and your pup 2,000 feet up to High Camp, where hiking trails wind through wildflower meadows and down Shirley Canyon. Four-legged hikers ride free, and food awaits at both ends.

Read more

Pet-friendly Mendocino County

Mendocino County rolls out the red carpet for dogs, with dozens of pet-welcoming hotels, winery tasting rooms that offer treats and water bowls, botanical gardens open to leashed pups, and gorgeous beaches along the coast.

Read more

The far, far north in Del Norte County

Near Klamath in Del Norte County, Trees of Mystery welcomes dogs to its old-growth redwood trails, gift store, and SkyTrail gondola ride through the treetops. The giant Paul Bunyan statues make this a must-stop attraction.

Read more

Eureka, you’ve found it!

Eureka makes an ideal base for exploring Humboldt's redwood country with your dog. Off-leash beaches, the five-mile Hammond Coastal Trail, and a laid-back waterfront town with flannel-shirt charm and real sophistication await you and your pup.

Read more

The road to scenic overload

Highway 1 through Big Sur delivers 122 miles of jaw-dropping coastal curves, with dog-friendly Pfeiffer Beach as the star attraction. Campgrounds, cabins, and outdoor breakfast at classic Deetjen's round out a memorable road trip with your pup.

Read more

Dining in Mendocino County with your dog

Mendocino village offers great dining for dog owners. Ravens Restaurant seats guests with dogs in the lobby, Mendocino Cafe serves sustainably sourced fare on its patio, and Anderson Valley wineries welcome pups in their tasting rooms.

Read more

Mendocino County’s coastal scenery

Mendocino County's coastline rewards a week of exploring with your dog. Pet-friendly inns provide bowls and towels, Mendocino Headlands allows leashed dogs on trails, and Catch-a-Canoe rents special dog canoes for floating the Big River.

Read more

Coasting right along

Monterey, Pacific Grove, and Seaside offer plenty for dogs and their people. Walk the scenic Monterey Bay Coastal Trail, watch for whales and otters, explore tidepools at Asilomar Beach, and grab seafood on the wharf with your pup beside you.

Read more

Great Dane rescue of Northern California

Great Dane Rescue of Northern California serves as a safety net for these lovable giants, taking in dogs from shelters and owners facing hardship. Volunteers across the region match each dog with the right forever home.

Read more