Dog stories
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.

Lots to see and do in downtown Napa
Downtown Napa has transformed into a walkable, dog-friendly destination packed with riverside restaurants, tasting rooms and craft breweries. From the Oxbow Public Market to the Napa River Walk, there's plenty to keep both you and your pup entertained.
Read more
Tri-Valley – open space and wine country for your dog
The Tri-Valley east of San Francisco combines dog-friendly wine country, craft beer trails, and tens of thousands of acres of open space where dogs can roam off-leash. Pleasanton Ridge, Dublin Hills, and Del Valle Regional Park are standout picks.
Read more
Like art? Leash up and feast your eyes
Napa Valley's art scene pairs well with a dog walk. Stroll past sculptures on the Napa Art Walk, check out murals along the Vine Trail's Rail Arts District, then visit Castello di Amorosa or the photography gallery at Mumm Napa.
Read more
Rev up in Redding
Redding is your gateway to the Shasta Cascade region, starting with a stroll across the stunning Sundial Bridge and 19 miles of Sacramento River trails. Walk across Shasta Dam, enjoy dog-friendly patio dining, and stay at welcoming local hotels.
Read more
Paws for a Napa Valley overnight
Napa Valley's dog-friendly lodging runs from Motel 6 to five-star resorts like Bardessono and Calistoga Ranch. Downtown Napa's walkable B&Bs, boutique hotels on the river and secluded countryside retreats with leash-optional grounds give you plenty of choices.
Read more
Kimpton Sawyer Hotel, Sacramento
The Kimpton Sawyer in downtown Sacramento welcomes pets of all sizes at no extra charge, with loaner beds, bowls and a nightly wine reception. Dog-friendly patios, Old Sacramento's riverfront and a 32-mile bike trail are all just steps away.
Read more
Hop on over to Hopland
Mendocino County's Hopland Wine Road features 18 tasting rooms, most of them dog-friendly, along Highway 101. Stop at McFadden Farm Stand for organic wines, enjoy the firepit patio at McNab Ridge, and sample history at Milano Family Winery.
Read more
Carneros, here we come
Carneros, the wine region spanning southern Napa and Sonoma counties, is the closest wine country to the Bay Area. Dog-friendly tasting rooms at Cuvaison, Starmont, Cline Cellars, and Cornerstone Sonoma make for a great outing.
Read more
Sunny Tri-Valley wineries welcome dogs
The Tri-Valley region east of San Francisco is home to more than 50 wineries in the historic Livermore Valley, with two dozen welcoming dogs. Sip zins at Chouinard's barn tasting room, enjoy bocce at Garre, and take in vineyard views.
Read more
There are many ways to camp
Not a tent person? California glamping has you covered, from safari-style canvas tents at Inn Town Campground in Nevada City to Airstreams at AutoCamp near Yosemite, the Russian River, and Santa Barbara. Many welcome dogs.
Read more
Jameson Animal Rescue Ranch 2017
Jameson Animal Rescue Ranch in Napa Valley refuses to give up on dogs others have written off. Through specialized training, medical care, and community support, JARR gives animals like Annie the deaf pit-mix a real chance at finding forever homes.
Read more
Raise a toast to Oaktown beer and wine
Oakland's urban wineries and craft breweries warmly welcome dogs. Sip small-lot wines at Brooklyn West or Rosenblum Cellars, then head to Drakes Dealership's fire-pit beer garden or Oakland United Beerworks for craft brews and a dog-friendly patio.
Read more
Make time for wine in Lake County
Lake County's fast-growing wine region offers laid-back, dog-friendly tasting with more than two dozen wineries to visit. Sample standout sauvignon blancs and bold reds at spots like Six Sigma Ranch, Thorn Hill Vineyards, and historic Langtry Farms.
Read more
Unplug and explore with Concord as a dog-friendly base
Concord in the East Bay blends a thriving craft beer scene, dog-friendly patio dining at spots like Tower Grille and Lazy Dog, fenced dog parks, and affordable lodging into a surprisingly fun getaway with your four-legged friend.
Read more
There’s always something dog-centric going on in Oakland
Oakland's Jack London Square is a dog-friendly hub of shops, restaurants, and events on the waterfront. Add in a packed calendar of dog-centric happenings, from Bark at the Park with the A's to adoption fairs and street festivals.
Read more
Urban rambles in Sonoma County
Petaluma, Santa Rosa, and Sebastopol each bring their own dog-friendly charm to a Sonoma County visit. Petaluma boasts one of the state's largest dog parks, while Santa Rosa celebrates Snoopy and Sebastopol's Barlow district pairs craft beer with artisan shopping.
Read more
Go boho on the Bohemian Highway
The 10-mile Bohemian Highway in Sonoma County winds through artist-filled communities, organic farms, and one-of-a-kind shops. Stay at the Creekside Inn in Guerneville, explore funky Occidental, stock up on sourdough in Freestone, and finish with coastal views at Goat Rock.
Read more
Tri-Valley: Eat, drink and chill after the hike
After a hike in the East Bay Regional Parks, the Tri-Valley region is the perfect place to refuel. Three dozen dog-friendly wineries, 14 craft breweries and two dozen pet-welcoming hotels make it easy to extend your adventure.
Read more