Big Bear Lake | DogTrekker

A few of our favorite dog-friendly campgrounds

Unlike most state parks, national forest campgrounds let dogs hit the trails. Crystal Basin Recreation Area and the Carson Pass region in the Sierra offer hundreds of dog-friendly campsites and miles of trails through stunning alpine scenery.

Bark early to reserve these primo camping spots

The most popular coastal and lakefront campgrounds fill up fast, so mark your calendar six months out. Nevada Beach at Lake Tahoe and MacKerricher State Park on the Mendocino coast are two primo dog-friendly spots worth the early booking effort.

Feeling fine in Felton

Just seven miles from Santa Cruz, Felton offers dog-friendly steam train rides through redwoods at Roaring Camp Railroads, trails at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, and the quirky Bigfoot Discovery Museum.

Arch in from the west (Mariposa County, west entrance)

Highway 140 through Mariposa County leads to Yosemite's west entrance with plenty of dog-friendly fun along the way. Wineries, bakeries, riverside trails and lodging from rustic Yosemite Bug to the riverside View Lodge make this route worth savoring.

Time out for Tuolumne County (Yosemite north entrance)

Tuolumne County's Gold Rush towns along the route to Yosemite's north entrance have a relaxed attitude toward dogs. Stagecoach rides in Columbia, vintage train excursions in Jamestown and the scenic John Muir Highway make this a rewarding approach.

The advantages of a plant-based diet for your dog

Could a plant-based diet help your dog? One 14-year-old Chow-Lab mix saw dramatic improvements in mobility and kidney function after switching to whole grains, vegetables and tofu. A holistic veterinarian explains why some dogs thrive without meat.

There’s always something dog-centric going on in Oakland

Oakland's Jack London Square is a dog-friendly hub of shops, restaurants, and events on the waterfront. Add in a packed calendar of dog-centric happenings, from Bark at the Park with the A's to adoption fairs and street festivals.

Paws for a Napa Valley overnight

Napa Valley's dog-friendly lodging runs from Motel 6 to five-star resorts like Bardessono and Calistoga Ranch. Downtown Napa's walkable B&Bs, boutique hotels on the river and secluded countryside retreats with leash-optional grounds give you plenty of choices.

The Grateful Table

More than 500 people gathered at a Domaine Chandon vineyard for The Grateful Table, an open-air feast raising funds for Napa and Sonoma wildfire relief. Celebrity chef Tyler Florence hosted the benefit, which supported disaster recovery across Wine Country.

Paws for a good read

From heartwarming memoirs to playful picture books, this curated reading list from the Stanford Inn by the Sea features great titles for dog lovers. Picks include Finding Gobi, William Wegman's Being Human, and the whimsical Find Momo series.

Sip and stroll in Santa Barbara County

Santa Barbara County offers dog-friendly wine tasting from the Danish village of Solvang to the Urban Wine Trail downtown. Let your pup run free at Arroyo Burro Beach and sip local Rhone varietals at pet-welcoming tasting rooms.

Tails wag on Big Sur Coast

A drive along the Big Sur coast with your dog means breathtaking ocean views, purple-sand beaches, and walks through towering redwoods. Dog-friendly stops include Sand Dollar Beach, Pfeiffer Beach, and several state park campgrounds with cabins for overnight stays.