Food and Wine Blog
Looking for some food and wine? DogTrekker has sussed out the stories of many dog-friendly restaurants, wineries, breweries and more for you here. Whether you want to take a tour of the vineyards, sip some ciders in a cozy spot, or just enjoy a dog-friendly patio dining experience—we have it all! So whether you’re looking for something close by or somewhere new and exciting, DogTrekker’s got you covered.
California’s best coastal dog-friendly towns
From Mendocino's Victorian headlands to Laguna Beach's gallery-lined streets, California's best coastal towns have quietly reshaped themselves around four-legged visitors. Expect water bowls at storefronts, treats at hotel check-in and patios where dogs are the guests of honor.
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Surf and sand in Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz pairs legendary surf breaks with towering redwoods and 17 dog-friendly beaches along its 29-mile coastline. Add wineries, breweries and a walkable downtown, and you have the perfect pup-friendly getaway.
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Canines reign supreme in Carmel
Carmel-by-the-Sea is one of America's most dog-friendly towns, with loose leash laws, an off-leash beach, pet boutiques and patio dining galore. More than half of the village's 40-plus hotels welcome four-legged guests.
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Slowdown in SLO CAL
San Luis Obispo County stretches 100 miles along Highway 1, with off-leash beaches, dog-friendly wineries and charming towns from Cambria to Pismo Beach. Stay at coastal lodges or the Michelin Key-awarded San Luis Creek Lodge.
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Say “bone-appetit” to Big Bear
Big Bear's restaurant scene warmly welcomes dogs on patios throughout the village. Try dog-safe donuts at Dank Donuts, burgers and brews at The Bone Yard, wine and bites at Barrel 33, or Mexican fare at Azteca Grill.
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Plan your perfect Sacramento daycation
Sacramento is a dog-travel powerhouse with 32 miles of river parkway trails, farm-to-fork dining on spacious patios and craft breweries that welcome pups. These one-day itineraries pair top dog-friendly hotels with the best the capital city has to offer.
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Day tripping through Gold Country
Gold Country towns east of Sacramento roll out the welcome mat for dogs. Hike wildflower-lined trails at Auburn State Recreation Area, walk through history at Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park and stroll the 35-mile El Dorado Trail.
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Santa Barbara County calls
Santa Barbara offers a stunning coastal escape for dogs and their people, with off-leash beaches like Arroyo Burro, dog-friendly wine tasting rooms, waterfront hotels and the open spaces of Douglas Family Preserve.
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Sustainability star, The Stanford Inn by the Sea
The Stanford Inn by the Sea on the Mendocino coast has welcomed pets for over 45 years. Nearly all rooms are dog-friendly, and the inn serves organic treats made in-house alongside its acclaimed plant-based cuisine.
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Wag, Wine & Dine 2025
Waggin' Trails Rescue Foundation hosts Wag, Wine and Dine on August 24 at the Meritage Resort in Napa. Enjoy wine from 20-plus wineries, gourmet bites, live music and a pooch pageant while supporting dogs in need of forever homes.
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Bark and Meow Around the Block
Berkeley Humane's Bark and Meow Around the Block street fair returns August 23 with hundreds of adoptable dogs, live music, food trucks and a beer garden.
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Condé Nast Traveler readers’ top Northern California hotel picks
Four Northern California hotels from the Conde Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards stand out for dog lovers. The Stanford Inn, Harbor Court, Stanford Court and Inn at the Presidio all warmly welcome pups.
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Affordable hotels near wine country? We’re all ears.
Vacaville offers affordable pet-friendly hotels with easy access to Napa, Sonoma and Suisun Valley wineries. Stay for less, sip world-class wines, and enjoy dog parks, patio dining and public art with your pup along the way.
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Make Noyo Harbor Inn your ulti-mutt fall getaway
Noyo Harbor Inn in Fort Bragg pairs Mendocino Coast beauty with genuine dog-friendly hospitality. Leashed dogs join guests at HarborView Bistro, and the inn's grounds and nearby coastal trails make it easy to keep your pup happy all weekend.
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Dog-friendly dining on a riverfront patio
Noyo Harbor Inn's HarborView Bistro & Bar in Fort Bragg serves fresh seafood and California wines on a riverfront patio where dogs are welcome.
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Paws-itively impressive green practices
The Stanford Inn earned a spot on USA Today's top 10 eco-friendly hotels for the second consecutive year, recognized for its lasting commitment to sustainability and positive environmental impact.
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Four-paw fun, from harvest into the holidays
Fall on California's North Coast shines at the Stanford Inn and throughout Mendocino County, with Harvest Mendocino events, seasonal celebrations, and holiday sparkle into the new year.
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On the go in pup-centric Sacramento
Sacramento's parks and multi-use trails are a dog lover's paradise, from the 32-mile American River Parkway to downtown paths just blocks from pup-friendly restaurants.
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Sacramento DIY tasting tours with an artsy twist
Sacramento's thriving craft beer scene and easy access to top wine producers make it a tasting tour hotspot, with dog-friendly taprooms and Instagram-worthy murals along the way.
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Paw-some road trips from Sacramento
Sacramento's big backyard delivers dog-friendly road trips to Placer County waterfalls, Gold Country mining trails, and small-batch wineries in the Sacramento River Delta.
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Little River Inn redefines dog-friendly dining
Little River Inn's tented dining cabanas let guests enjoy California-inspired meals alongside their dogs. Each heated hideaway overlooks the garden terrace, and the menu features local wines, seasonal dishes and weekend brunch favorites served directly to your table.
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Pup Palooza is back and better than ever
Little River Inn proudly hosts Pup Palooza, a lively spring celebration that supports the Mendocino Coast Humane Society. From dog painting to wine tasting to training workshops and contests, this family-friendly event delights dogs and the humans who follow. With the Inn’s special lodging deals, you can make it a full weekend on the coast.
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