Lakes and Rivers Blog

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.

Bass Lake: A pet-friendly, Yosemite-area lure

Bass Lake near Yosemite has warm water, dog-friendly resorts, and vacation rentals surrounded by Sierra National Forest. Rent a pontoon boat, hike to a fire lookout, or relax at a nearby winery while your pup enjoys the mountain air.

Around Clear Lake we go

Nearly a dozen communities ring Clear Lake in Lake County, each with its own dog-friendly appeal. From Lakeport's dog parks and boat rentals to Kelseyville's wineries and Clearlake's waterfront cabins, there's plenty for you and your pup to explore.

Yosemite and Mariposa County: Awesome dog-friendly guide

Mariposa County near Yosemite is packed with dog-friendly adventures, from the Wawona Meadow Loop and South Fork Trail to pet-welcoming restaurants, historic lodges and even a ghost town tour you can enjoy with your pup.

Apple Hill is a short drive from downtown Sacramento.

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.

Water fun and wineries in Lake County

Lake County, two hours north of San Francisco, blends water fun, wine tasting and small-town charm around Clear Lake. Bring your dog to paddle, hike, visit dog-friendly wineries and stay at lakeside lodges.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.