Big Bear Lake | DogTrekker

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.

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.