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Hiking Parks Gardens

Hiking Parks Gardens

Hiking Parks Gardens Blog

Hiking, Parks and Gardens – can you say happy dog? DogTrekker has you covered with some great stories about the best hikes, parks and gardens for you. Whether you are looking for a quiet stroll through the park or an adventurous hike to a remote location, we have something for everyone. From the great outdoors to urban adventures, we’ve got it all covered. So don’t forget your pup when planning your next adventure – DogTrekker is here to help! Happy trails!

A group of people and a dog enjoying wine on a patio in Napa.

Pawsport 2024: Sip some wine, support Napa Humane

Napa Humane's Pawsport returns in 2024 as a month-long wine tasting event. For $60, enjoy 2-for-1 tastings at participating wineries, dog treats, retail discounts and more while supporting life-saving programs for Napa Valley companion animals.

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AutoCamp Russian River dog in wagon. Photo by @nowservingboba

Terrific tree-hugging retreats

Wake up beneath towering trees at these dog-friendly forest glamping spots. From AutoCamp's Airstreams near the Russian River to KOA Ventura Ranch's tricked-out teepees, each property offers trails, fire pits and plenty of room for pups to roam.

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Wildhaven Sonoma A+-Wildhaven+-+Tent+Photo-737w

Vineyard views & wine-loving woofs

Glamping in California wine country means safari tents along the Russian River, luxury cottages in Paso Robles and campgrounds in the Santa Ynez Valley. Many nearby wineries welcome leashed dogs for tastings, treats and vineyard strolls.

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Image from Paws-itively perfect resort packages on DogTrekker

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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Dogs welcome on-ultra stable redwood outriggers.

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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Image from Wine country within easy reach on DogTrekker

Wine country within easy reach

From Vacaville, three renowned wine regions are within easy reach. Sample Suisun Valley's undiscovered gems, visit dog-welcoming Sonoma wineries like Mutt Lynch and Cline Cellars, or sip sparkling wine at Napa's Domaine Chandon.

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French bulldog on a leash looking up in a lively urban street sc

Patios, playtime and pup-friendly businesses

Vacaville's dog-friendly culture shines through its renovated dog parks, pet-welcoming breweries and charming downtown shopping. Sip craft beers at The Brass Tap's yappy hour and browse pet boutiques like Sweet Pea's.

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Young people toasting red wine on dinner party mood - Multiracia

Sample fresh flavors in Sacramento

Sacramento, America's Farm-to-Fork Capital, is a standout dog-friendly destination with miles of trails, dozens of parks and patio restaurants serving field-fresh cuisine. Nearby Apple Hill wineries welcome pups too.

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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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Dog at Rendevous Mendocino. Photo by @pnw_captain_jack.

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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Kayla’s big beach ball at Muir Beach.

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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Photo by Stay Healdsburg

Condé Nast and Sunset agree on Healdsburg

Both Conde Nast Traveler and Sunset named Healdsburg a top wine destination in 2024. This Sonoma County town offers dog-friendly tasting rooms, fenced parks, pet boutiques and hotels that roll out the red carpet for pups.

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Image from Eight dog‑friendly stays between Mendocino and the Oregon border on DogTrekker

Eight dog‑friendly stays between Mendocino and the Oregon border

Eight small lodges between Mendocino and the Oregon border treat dogs like honored guests. From Little River Inn's cliff-top rooms to Requa Inn's salmon scraps at breakfast, each property sits near trails through ancient redwood groves.

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Dog sitting on a scenic coastal cliff, enjoying panoramic ocean views, perfect for outdoor dog trekking adventures and pet-friendly travel enthusiasts exploring nature's beauty.

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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Photo by Visit Santa Cruz, two dogs playing on beach.

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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Kayla loves the Cypress Inn, Carmel.

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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Walk along Moonstone Beach Boardwalk, Cambria.

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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Image from Say “bone-appetit” to Big Bear on DogTrekker

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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Jagger DWagger at the Capitol.

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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Image from These 7 California beaches let your dog run completely free on DogTrekker

These 7 California beaches let your dog run completely free

California offers seven world-class off-leash dog beaches, from Huntington Dog Beach's golden sands to Carmel Beach's iconic shoreline. This field-tested guide covers the best times to visit, parking tips and insider knowledge for each location.

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Image from Top tips for safe Earth Day adventures on DogTrekker

Top tips for safe Earth Day adventures

This Earth Day and every day, follow these five tips for keeping your dog safe on the trail. Plan ahead, respect wildlife, practice good trail etiquette, pack out all waste and support businesses that champion environmental stewardship across California.

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Beautiful yellow dog at Hidden Falls.

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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Kaya at the top of Seven Falls Trail overlooking Santa Barbara.

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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Maya waits to check in at the Stanford Inn.

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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