Big Bear Lake | DogTrekker

Hiding in plain sight: Santa Clara Valley wine trail

Gilroy sits in the heart of the Santa Clara Valley, one of California's oldest wine-growing regions with more than 35 family-owned wineries. Many welcome dogs, and a Wine Trail Pass gives you year-round tasting access with dog-friendly stops clearly marked.

Tahoe splash: Dog-friendly things to do in Tahoe

Summer at Lake Tahoe means beach romps, mountain hikes, and tram rides with your dog. Splash at dog-friendly beaches, hike Shirley Canyon Trail to High Camp at Palisades Tahoe, or join Wild Blue Dogs camp.

Walking trails and waggin’ tails near the Stanford Inn

The Stanford Inn in Mendocino makes walking with your dog a wellness practice. Trails through Mendocino Headlands State Park and Van Damme State Beach are a short drive away, offering ocean views and forest beauty.

Activities for every family member at the Stanford Inn

The Stanford Inn by the Sea in Mendocino is a playground for all ages, including four-legged family members. Paddle the Big River on a canine cruiser catamaran, bike coastal trails, or browse the lobby bookshop.

First-time dog camper? Make a list, check it twice

Heading out camping with your dog for the first time? Plan ahead with cable tie-outs, a crate for sleeping, and a first-aid kit. Pack food and water from home, store everything bear-proof, and review leash laws.

Bark at the bots, but don’t give up

Bots are snatching up popular campsite reservations before humans can click, but don't give up. Try lesser-known campgrounds on public and private lands, go midweek, check for cancellations, or wait until after Labor Day when competition thins out considerably.

Sacramento’s dog-friendly outdoor dining scene

Sacramento farm-to-fork dining thrives on dog-friendly patios across the city. From Burgers and Brew to Bike Dog Brewing taproom and Tequila Museo Mayahuel fine Mexican fare, there is a patio seat waiting for you and your pup.

Cooper loved to travel

Cooper the Lab mix lived ten adventure-packed years as an avid DogTrekker, from winery visits at Gundlach Bundschu in Sonoma to Shirley Canyon hikes at Palisades Tahoe and beach romps at Fort Funston. His owner Niki shares how DogTrekker shaped…

Silicon Valley through a DogTrekker lens

Silicon Valley hides a wine region in plain sight. The Santa Clara Valley Wine Trail links 34 family-owned wineries near Gilroy, many welcoming dogs. At Kirigin Cellars, bring a tennis ball for fetch between tastings.

Pumpkin patches and wine, oh my!

October is the perfect time to visit the Suisun Valley between Vacaville and Davis. Vineyards blaze with fall color, pumpkin patches are in full swing, and dog-friendly wineries welcome you and your pup for tastings and bocce.

Explore the Santa Clara Valley wine trail

The Santa Clara Valley, better known as Silicon Valley, is one of California oldest wine regions with 34 family-owned wineries near Gilroy. A Wine Trail pass lets you taste all year, and Kirigin Cellars even hosts AKC events.

Go big at Big Bear

Big Bear Lake sits at 6,743 feet in the San Bernardino mountains and welcomes dogs year-round. Snowshoe forest roads, walk lakeside trails, then warm up in a pet-friendly cabin before hitting one of the many restaurants with dog-friendly patio seating.