Big Bear Lake | DogTrekker

Beaching it with your pup in Fort Bragg

Fort Bragg beaches give dogs plenty of sand time. Glass Beach dazzles with smooth, colorful sea glass, Noyo Beach offers off-leash fun where the river meets the Pacific, and Seaside Beach has roomy stretches for running free.

The street vet

Dr. Kwane Stewart, known as The Street Vet, walks California's streets treating pets belonging to homeless individuals. Since 2011, he has cared for about 400 animals, covering vaccination and medication costs out of his own pocket.

Need-to-know dog-friendly digs

Greater Palm Springs is packed with dog-friendly hotels, from the retro-chic Caliente Tropics Resort to the rustic Sparrows Lodge and the luxurious Hyatt Regency Indian Wells. Many offer welcome treats, dog beds, and easy access to grassy play areas.

Yosemite in winter: Doglicious!

Winter is the best time to visit Yosemite with your dog, when crowds thin and the scenery is stunning. Dogs can walk paved trails to Lower Yosemite Fall and Bridalveil Fall, and gateway town Groveland has charming dog-friendly hotels.

Paws up for the Mount Diablo Region

Concord and Pleasant Hill sit at the base of Mount Diablo, where summit views stretch 200 miles on clear days. The 32-mile Iron Horse Trail, Todos Santos Plaza, craft breweries, and dog-friendly restaurants round out a great East Bay outing.

Wag tails for Oakland!

Oakland pairs urban pleasures like Jack London Square dining and ale and wine trails with easy access to open-space preserves full of redwoods and ridgeline views. Dog-friendly hotels, breweries, and seasonal events make it a tail-wagging destination.

Norcal Poodle Rescue

NorCal Poodle Rescue helps poodles and poodle mixes who end up matted, neglected, or traumatized in shelters. Through a network of fosters and volunteers, dogs like Ozzy and Whisper get a second chance at life and love.

Dog-passionate from the get-go

Stanford Inn by the Sea in Mendocino has welcomed pets for nearly 40 years. Guest rooms come with food bowls, organic treats, and furniture covers, while the 10-acre property invites leashed dogs to roam past gardens and ocean views.

Helen Woodward Animal Center 2019

Helen Woodward Animal Center in San Diego County has spent over 45 years rescuing animals and running community programs. Their work includes the Pets Without Walls program for homeless pet owners and extra care for dogs needing surgery.

Headed up Mendo County way?

Sheep Dung Properties offers dog-friendly cottage rentals in Mendocino County's Anderson Valley. Choose from ranch cottages on 500 acres outside Boonville or an in-town rental with a soaking tub, all fenced and dog-proofed for worry-free stays.

Little bit of magic in El Dorado County

El Dorado County's Apple Hill region near Placerville comes alive in fall with more than 50 farms and a new Hard Cider Trail featuring six dog-friendly producers. Nearby cabins and glamping spots make it easy to stay the weekend.

Orphan dog 2019

Orphan Dog in Lake County rescues dogs from local shelters and provides medical care and fostering until they find forever homes. Since 2004, they've saved over 4,500 dogs and run free spay-neuter clinics to keep animals out of shelters.