Beaches Blog
Here are our favorite stories about the best dog-friendly beaches in California! Whether you’re a local or visiting from afar, we’ve got you covered with the most paw-some spots for your furry friends to enjoy some sand and surf. Check out our list below and get ready for some tail-wagging adventures!
Go coast crazy with your dog along Highway 1
Highway 1 along the California coast offers far more than stunning views. From dog-friendly beaches in San Luis Obispo County to redwood forests and wineries in Santa Cruz, there are endless reasons to explore with your pup.
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Wine with your pup
Santa Cruz County's fog-kissed climate produces excellent pinot noir and chardonnay, and many wineries welcome dogs. Follow DogTrekker's wine trail itinerary or visit Alfaro and Nicholson on the Corralitos Wine Trail for organic wines and relaxed patio tasting.
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Things to do in Santa Cruz County
Santa Cruz County has plenty to do with your dog beyond the beach. Hike off-leash at Byrne-Milliron Forest, ride a steam train at Roaring Camp, stroll the now dog-friendly Pacific Avenue downtown, or go tidepooling at Santa Maria Beach.
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Get your float on in Sonoma Wine Country!
A four-hour float down a secluded stretch of the Russian River near Healdsburg is a must-do for water-loving dogs. Custom inflatable canoes keep everyone stable while you swim, picnic, and play fetch at sandy beaches along the way.
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Clear your head at Clear Lake
Clear Lake in Lake County is a natural freshwater paradise about 75 miles north of Santa Rosa. Rent a dog-friendly pontoon boat, stay in waterfront cabins, sample local wines, and let your pup splash at Clear Lake State Park.
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Brews and views in Humboldt County
Humboldt County pairs towering redwoods, wild beaches, and craft breweries into one great dog-friendly destination. Hike old-growth forest, explore Black Sands Beach at Shelter Cove, and wind down with brews at Gyppo Ale Mill.
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An unforgettable ride in Mendocino County
Mendocino County's coast is an adventure playground for dogs. Ride the historic Skunk Train through redwood groves, paddle a handcrafted outrigger canoe on Big River, grab fish and chips overlooking Noyo Harbor, and stay in an ocean-view vacation home nearby.
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The ultimate doggie treat: A Mammoth Lakes adventure
Mammoth Lakes is pure dog paradise, from the sandy shores of Horseshoe Lake to scenic trails through lodgepole pine forests. Pack up the dog bowl and treat your pup to the ultimate Eastern Sierra adventure.
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The perfect pairing of rest and relaxation
The Stanford Inn pairs ocean-view suites and wood-burning fireplaces with a dog-welcoming atmosphere on the Mendocino coast. Enjoy complimentary breakfast, plant-based dining at Ravens Restaurant, a heated saltwater pool and easy access to coastal trails and beaches.
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Activities in Sacramento’s big backyard
Sacramento sits within easy reach of Folsom Lake, Apple Hill wineries, Gold Country, and the Sacramento River Delta. These day-trip destinations offer hiking, paddling, seasonal tastings, and plenty of dog-friendly stops along the way.
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Temecula: A Southern California wine oasis
Temecula Valley wine country, about 60 miles north of San Diego, offers more than 40 dog-friendly wineries, relaxed Old Town dining, and welcoming lodging. With a Mediterranean climate year-round, it's a great getaway for you and your pup.
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Sip and savor with your pup: Fall winery-trekking
Fall is prime time for dog-friendly wine tasting in California. Skip the crowds and pricey fees with laid-back visits to wineries near Sacramento, in Vacaville's Suisun Valley, and along Mendocino County's scenic Highway 101 and 128 wine roads.
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Step into the magic of Mendocino
Mendocino County shines during the Harvest Mendocino festivities, with culinary events for foodies and wine lovers. Beyond the tastings, hike the 10-mile Big River Trail, visit the Point Cabrillo Lighthouse and tour dog-friendly wineries along Highway 101 and 128.
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Top Mendocino picks for waves and wine
Mendocino County pairs stunning Pacific coastline with dog-friendly adventures like kayaking, Skunk Train rides through redwoods, botanical garden strolls, and winery visits. The Little River Inn makes an ideal pup-welcoming basecamp.
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Surf towns and sand on the Central Coast
Hit the road along California's Central Coast with your dog, from Santa Cruz beaches and Cannery Row patios to off-leash Carmel Beach and Pismo's pup-friendly lighthouse suites. Sun, surf, and tail wags await.
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Five great California destinations for you and your dog
From the off-leash beaches of Carmel-by-the-Sea to the trails of Yosemite and Big Bear Lake, California is packed with dog-welcoming destinations. Here are five top spots where your pup will feel right at home.
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How to pick a dog-friendly motel: Are they really dog-friendly?
Not all pet-friendly motels truly welcome dogs. Learn how to spot the real deal by checking reviews, comparing fees, assessing on-site amenities and evaluating staff attitudes before booking your next trip with your pup.
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Happy New Year
Ring in the new year with fresh dog-friendly travel plans across California. DogTrekker.com has been revamped to help you find hikes, beaches, wineries, hotels, and more to enjoy with your furry family members throughout the state.
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Paws-itively perfect resort packages
Little River Inn's Water Dog Package bundles a two-night stay with your choice of dog-friendly sea cave kayaking or a Big River canoe trip, plus a dinner voucher and pet goodie bag. Available May through September on the Mendocino coast.
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Stanford Inn: #1 for health and happiness
Happiness and health are woven into every stay at the Stanford Inn on the Mendocino coast. Expect plant-based dining at Ravens Restaurant, wellness workshops, ocean views and four state parks within two miles.
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California hotels that don’t just tolerate dogs—they adore them
From Cypress Inn's Yappy Hours in Carmel to canine massages at Nick's Cove in Marin, these California hotels genuinely love dogs. Expect welcome treats, dedicated pet menus, adventure packages and luxury bedding designed for four-legged guests.
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Paws-itively welcoming hotel properties
Mendocino County's coastal hotels go above and beyond for dogs. From Rendezvous Mendocino's peaceful B&B setting to the Stanford Inn's dog-friendly canoe rentals and the Little River Inn's fireside cottages, these properties make four-legged guests feel right at home.
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Unleash the fun at Muir Beach
Muir Beach is a dog-friendly Marin County cove just 12 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge. Pups can play off-leash or under voice control on the beach, and nearby hotels in Mill Valley and Sausalito welcome pets.
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Culinary gems for people and pups
HarborView Bistro at Noyo Harbor Inn has added an impressive whiskey menu, a cigar lounge and a winemaker dinner series. These dog-friendly culinary events pair great food and drink with Mendocino Coast views and gracious hospitality.
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