Big Bear Lake | DogTrekker

Sit, stay and snore in dog-friendly San Francisco

San Francisco may be the most dog-friendly city in California for overnight stays. From the vintage Ocean Park Motel near Fort Funston to Victorian B&Bs in the Mission, the options for pup-welcoming lodging are endless.

Ways to snag prime reservations

Snagging a prime campsite or hotel room in California's most popular destinations takes strategy. Here are seven tips for working cancellation windows, wait lists and first-come sites to land that perfect spot with your dog.

Tails in Tahoe

Fall at Lake Tahoe means golden aspens, cooler trails, and thinner crowds. From easy lakeshore strolls at Kiva Beach and the Rainbow Trail at Taylor Creek to backcountry routes into Desolation Wilderness, the hiking options with your dog are practically…

Yearning for Yolo

Yolo County rewards those who pull off the highway with dog-friendly tasting rooms in Winters, farm tours in the Capay Valley, new wineries along the Sacramento River in Clarksburg and patio dining throughout.

Calistoga on a leash

Calistoga at the north end of Napa Valley charms visitors with castle-like wineries, bocce courts, Michelin-starred patio dining and a walkable downtown. Dogs are welcome at tasting rooms, restaurants and lodgings throughout town.

A-glamping we will go

Glamping with your dog in California ranges from Airstream villages near Joshua Tree to yurts at Mount Madonna County Park. Whether you prefer platform tents or retro trailers, camping has never been more comfortable for pups and people.

On the road to Yosemite

The Yosemite Region spans four gateway counties, each with its own dog-friendly highlights. From Merced River hikes in Mariposa County to Gold Rush history in Tuolumne County, the journey can be as rewarding as the destination.

Clearly Clear Lake

A road trip from Santa Rosa to Clear Lake makes for a great dog-friendly getaway. Stop to hike Hood Mountain, lunch on patios in Healdsburg, browse dog-welcoming wine bars, and float the Russian River before heading north to Lake County.

The Gold Country’s golden chain highway

Highway 49 links 330 miles of Gold Rush history, dog-friendly trails, and small-town charm. Base yourself in Oakhurst or Sonora for steam-train rides, state park explorations, living-history weekends at Columbia, and scenic Sierra detours along the way.

Lake Tahoe’s South Shore and more

South Lake Tahoe vacation rentals offer space and flexibility for dog-friendly getaways. Tahoe Keys Resort provides private marina access, while properties ranging from cozy cabins to mansions sleeping 22 put you close to the lake and miles of hiking trails.

Dog-friendly San Simeon Cove

San Simeon Cove offers off-leash beach time just steps from Hearst Memorial State Beach. Hunt for sea glass and jade, watch otters and pelicans, hike the bluff-top trail, then head to Cambria for patio dining.

Pet-passionate Stanford Inn

The Stanford Inn By the Sea in Mendocino has welcomed pets for decades, greeting dogs with treats and food bowls. Next door, Catch-A-Canoe rents outrigger canoes where up to four dogs can ride while you paddle Big River.