Things to Do Blog

Over the past 10 years, DogTrekker’s team of veteran writers and editors have crafted more than 2,500 stories about all of the things you can do with your dog in California. Happy DogTrekking! Remember to travel lightly and always Leave Only Paw Prints®!

Fifth stop: Mammoth Lakes back to Sac via Yosemite

The drive from Mammoth Lakes back to Sacramento crosses Tioga Pass through Yosemite National Park at nearly ten thousand feet. Pack a lunch for a stop at Tenaya Lake and soak in 59 miles of jaw-dropping Sierra scenery before descending to the valley.

Explorer cabins at Yosemite’s Tenaya Lodge

The Explorer Cabins at Tenaya Lodge near Yosemite are dog-friendly two-bedroom retreats in a mountain forest setting. Guests enjoy a communal clubhouse with daily breakfast and evening wine receptions, plus a dedicated Camp Host ready with adventure tips.

The Fido friendly Yosemite vacation

Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite welcomes dogs with pet-friendly rooms, standalone Explorer Cabins with bunk beds for families, house-made doggie treats, a pampered pet package, and even dog massages at their Ascent Spa. It is the ultimate four-legged retreat.

Dog-friendly California destination, photo courtesy of Sniff & Sniff

Dog-Friendly wine tasting in Napa and Sonoma: A spring guide

Spring is the best time to take your dog wine tasting in Napa and Sonoma. Cooler temps, thinner crowds and dozens of dog-friendly patios make it easy to sip, stroll and explore together.

DogTrekker’s official spring/summer event guide is live!

DogTrekker's spring and summer 2025 event guide highlights pup-friendly fundraisers across California. From Pasadena Humane's Wiggle Waggle Walk to the Sacramento SPCA Doggy Dash and Woofstock Chico, your participation supports rescue efforts that change animal lives.

DogTrekker’s official spring/summer event guide is live!

DogTrekker's spring and summer 2025 event guide spotlights pup-friendly fundraisers supporting California animal welfare groups. Join walks, costume contests and festivals from Pasadena to Sacramento to Chico, and help fund rescue efforts and medical care that save lives.

Ruffin’ it in snowy Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe rolls out the red carpet for dogs in winter, with plowed walking trails, cross-country ski centers that welcome pups, pet-friendly hotels and restaurants, and wide-open wilderness to explore together.

Dogs, costumes, kids and fun at DogFest Northwest, Jack London Square, Oakland.

You’ll fall for this season’s dog-friendly events

From adoptathons and wine festivals to corgi getaways and fundraiser galas, these fall dog-friendly events across California promise food, fun and heartwarming moments for pups and the people who love them.

Black Labrador Retriever dog wearing a life jacket in a boat — Adobe Images

Dog-friendly lakes not named “Tahoe”

Skip the Tahoe crowds and explore California's quieter dog-friendly lakes instead. From Clear Lake in Lake County to Big Bear, Shasta Lake and more, these alternatives offer great swimming, boating and shoreline fun with your pup.

Dog-friendly California destination, photo courtesy of Tahoe Keys Resort

Dog-friendly Lake Tahoe: Why your dog will thank you

Lake Tahoe is a dream for dogs and their people, with pristine beaches, mountain trails and pet-friendly lodging from South Lake to quieter spots like Tahoma. Here's how to plan the perfect Tahoe trip with your pup.

Big dogs love the Sacramento SPCA Doggy Dash.

Welcome to spring – and the 2024 event season!

Spring kicks off a packed calendar of dog-friendly events across California, from the Sacramento SPCA Doggy Dash to adoption fundraisers, costume contests, and tasting tours. Here are our top picks through mid-summer.

California dreamin’ with your dog: Top eleven favorite pet-friendly vacation destinations

California is packed with dog-friendly vacation spots, from Marin County's beaches and hiking trails just across the Golden Gate Bridge to Santa Cruz's surf-friendly shores. Here are some of the best pet-welcoming destinations across the Golden State. California is a top destination.

Dog hike in the lake tahoe woods in fall --ar 169

Lake Tahoe fall fun

Fall in Tahoe means golden aspens, glassy lake mornings and thinning crowds. Base yourself in Truckee for the best leaf color and trail access before the short window of peak color fades.

Three real dogs strapped into three airplace seats

Hop on, paws up: JSX makes dog travel easy for California adventurers

JSX lets dogs fly in the cabin on 30-seat jets with no security lines and no cargo holds. Pups up to 79 pounds ride beside you on routes connecting Burbank, Oakland, Napa and other California cities, making weekend getaways stress-free.

Image from Puptopia Festival returns to Big Bear Lake on DogTrekker

Paw-some events for the dog days of summer

Pup-friendly festivals are popping up across California this summer and fall. From Puptopia in Big Bear to Bark & Meow in Berkeley and winery fundraisers in Napa, these events bring dog lovers together while supporting rescue and animal welfare groups.

California’s best dog-friendly sports bars

Catch the big game with your dog at these 10 California sports bars, from Riddick's in Redding to spots in Big Bear, Fort Bragg and South Lake Tahoe. Few things are better than catching the big game with good friends, cold beer,.

On the road to Yosemite

The Yosemite Region spans four gateway counties, each with its own dog-friendly highlights. From Merced River hikes in Mariposa County to Gold Rush history in Tuolumne County, the journey can be as rewarding as the destination.

Finding gold in El Dorado County

El Dorado County's Apple Hill region comes alive in fall with 50-plus farms and ranches welcoming visitors. Load up on fresh apples, sample wines at Boeger Winery, and grab a bite in downtown Placerville with your pup.

Go with the rivers’ flow

Grab a paddle and bring your dog along for a float on California's best rivers. From canoe trips on the Russian River near Healdsburg to outrigger canoes on Mendocino's Big River and rafting the Truckee at Tahoe, wet fun awaits.

Romantic retreats worth woofing about

February calls for a romantic alpine getaway for three. Lake Tahoe offers dog-friendly luxury at the Ritz-Carlton Northstar, cozy charm at Fireside Lodge, and stunning cabin retreats in Mammoth Lakes and June Lake.

Tails from Tahoe: The Tunnel Creek Cafe

DogTrekker Laura M. shares her experience at the Tunnel Creek Cafe near Lake Tahoe, where the staff welcomed her two dogs like family. After hiking up the hill, they enjoyed lunch at this genuinely dog-loving spot.

5 little-known travel hacks for dog-friendly California adventures

Five insider tips for smoother California road trips with your dog, including pet-friendly rest stops with fenced play areas, hidden beaches away from crowds, no-fee hotel chains, dog-welcome ferries and trains, and local visitor centers with canine-specific recommendations.

California glampsites your dog will dig

A curated guide to California's top dog-friendly glamping escapes, from Mendocino Grove's safari tents under the redwoods to desert retreats and vineyard stays. Each property blends wilderness access with comfortable amenities for you and your pup. Glamping by the sea Terrific tree-hugging retreats Vineyard.

Award-winning California hotels that welcome four-legged guests

From Palm Springs resorts to Bay Area landmarks, California's best dog-friendly hotels earned major accolades in 2024. Here are award-winning properties that treat your pup like a VIP guest. California is home to some of the finest dog-friendly hotels in the country,.

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Things to Do Blog