Our Bark and Bottle writers know dog-friendly California like your pup knows the treat jar—intimately and enthusiastically. Whether sniffing out beaches in San Diego, dog-friendly wineries in Sonoma, hiking trails in the Sierra, or cozy mountain cabins near Big Bear Lake, we're your trusted guides for dog travel. From bustling cities to hidden wilderness gems, we fetch reliable tips, insights, and local secrets to make traveling with your four-legged friend effortless. Trust Bark and Bottle to lead you and your pup to tail-wagging dog travel adventures across dog-friendly California.

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.

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Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite opens Explorer Cabins

Tenaya Lodge near Yosemite has opened 50 new dog-friendly Explorer Cabins with fireplaces, covered porches, and communal fire pits in a mountain forest setting. Combined with the lodge's dog-sitting services and patio dining, it is a top-tier retreat for traveling pups.

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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.

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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.

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Top destination stories of 2023

DogTrekker's most popular 2023 destination stories span the Golden State, from Sacramento's walkable dog scene to Placer County's mountain trails and beyond. These paw-tested reader favorites are packed with ideas to inspire your next California road trip.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Lake Tahoe is a winter wonderland

Lake Tahoe in winter means cross-country skiing, lakeside walks, and cozy fireplaces shared with your dog. Dog-friendly lodges like the Beach Retreat, Fireside Lodge, and Desolation Hotel make South Shore an ideal cold-weather escape.

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Ten of our favorite dog-friendly hotels and resorts in California

From rooftop dog runs in San Francisco to waterfront cottages on Tomales Bay, these ten California hotels truly welcome four-legged guests. Expect welcome kits, dedicated dog menus, private dog parks and staff who treat your pup like a VIP.

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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.

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Eat and drink like a local in dog-friendly Placer County

Placer County's farm-to-table food scene welcomes dogs at breweries, restaurants, and wine trail stops. Highlights include Dueling Dogs Brewing Co. on a 10-acre Lincoln ranch, The Monk's Cellar in Roseville, and lakeside barbecue in Tahoe City.

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Favorite California campgrounds for dog lovers

From Woods Lake Campground near Carson Pass to Nevada Beach on Lake Tahoe's shore, California has paw-tested campgrounds worth returning to year after year. Pfeiffer Big Sur offers magical redwood settings, while Bothe-Napa Valley puts you minutes from wine country.

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