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.
What and where is Tri-Valley?
Straddling Alameda and Contra Costa counties, the Tri-Valley region offers dog-friendly wineries, craft breweries, restaurants and miles of trails just an hour from San Francisco. The Iron Horse Trail alone stretches 32 miles through charming towns.
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Tri-Valley’s no-whine wineries
The Livermore Valley is home to more than 50 wineries, with 23 proudly welcoming dogs. Tasting fees and attitudes are relaxed at boutique operations where you and your pup can sample small-lot wines and picnic among the vines.
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Chow down in a Valley town
The Tri-Valley region serves up an impressive spread of dog-friendly dining across Pleasanton, Danville, Livermore and Dublin. From Mediterranean fare and craft beer gardens to farm-to-fork bistros and winery cafes, outdoor tables welcome pups everywhere.
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One dog-friendly Mendocino drive: Highway 128
Highway 128 winds from Cloverdale through the Anderson Valley wine country to the Mendocino Coast. Along the way, dog-friendly wineries like Navarro, Toulouse, and Husch welcome pups with treats, water bowls, and shaded picnic spots.
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Arch in from the west (Mariposa County, west entrance)
Highway 140 through Mariposa County leads to Yosemite's west entrance with plenty of dog-friendly fun along the way. Wineries, bakeries, riverside trails and lodging from rustic Yosemite Bug to the riverside View Lodge make this route worth savoring.
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Journey to Wawona (Madera County, south entrance)
The Highway 41 corridor from Oakhurst to Yosemite's south entrance is full of dog-friendly stops. Bass Lake resorts, the quirky town of Coarsegold, a steam train in Fish Camp and the luxury Tenaya Lodge all welcome four-legged travelers.
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A big bark for Sonoma’s bark park
Bartholomew Park Winery near Sonoma Plaza sits within a 400-acre preserve locals call Bart Park. Hike the 3-mile loop through oak hills and redwood groves, then spread a picnic overlooking the vineyards at this little-known Sonoma gem.
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Jameson Animal Rescue Ranch 2018
Jameson Animal Rescue Ranch in Napa Valley cares for dogs, cats, horses and other animals in need. With a new vineyard-surrounded property in the works, JARR continues to find forever homes for lovable pups like Bart, a mellow senior guy.
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All wine, no whine at these Lake County wineries
Lake County is one of California's fastest-growing wine regions, with over 30 wineries welcoming dogs at their tasting rooms and picnic areas. Sample sauvignon blancs, petit sirahs and big reds while your pup relaxes beside you.
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Discover Mendocino’s inland empire
Skip the crowded coast and head inland through Mendocino County, where redwood groves, family-owned wineries, and quirky roadside stops like the Chandelier Drive-Thru Tree await. Small towns along Highway 101 warmly welcome travelers with pets.
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A big bark for Sebastopol’s Barlow
A short walk on the Laguna de Santa Rosa Trail near Sebastopol leads to The Barlow, a lively complex of food producers, breweries, and artist studios where dogs are welcome at outdoor tables.
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Lots to do on dog-friendly Cannery Row
Monterey's Cannery Row is a dog-friendly destination packed with waterfront restaurants, wine tasting rooms, shops, and pet-welcoming hotels. Stroll the historic mile of coastline and soak in the seaside atmosphere with your pup.
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Woofin’ it up in Tuolumne County
Tuolumne County blends Gold Rush history with outdoor fun. Visit Indigeny Reserve for cider tasting and orchard walks, explore Columbia State Historic Park, and ride a steam train at Railtown 1897, all with your dog in tow.
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What’s cookin’ in Calaveras County
Calaveras County's hip town of Murphys draws wine lovers and their dogs to 25-plus tasting rooms along Main Street. Beyond the annual Grape Stomp, the stunning Ebbetts Pass Scenic Byway offers dramatic High Sierra views and great hiking.
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Where to Cruz with your pup
Santa Cruz County pairs gorgeous coastline with a growing wine scene, and many tasting rooms welcome dogs. Follow the Corralitos Wine Trail for organic pinots, visit MJA Vineyard, or stop at Bonny Doon on a scenic Highway 1 cruise.
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Historic Folsom: Gateway to the Gold Country
Historic Folsom offers far more than its famous song. The Johnny Cash Trail, Folsom Lake shoreline, miles of paved paths and patio dining on Sutter Street make this Gold Country gateway city a prime destination for dog-loving travelers.
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Sip and stroll in Santa Barbara County
Santa Barbara County offers dog-friendly wine tasting from the Danish village of Solvang to the Urban Wine Trail downtown. Let your pup run free at Arroyo Burro Beach and sip local Rhone varietals at pet-welcoming tasting rooms.
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Big reds and good times in Amador County
Amador County is wine country heaven for dog owners, with more than 20 wineries welcoming four-legged visitors. Beyond the annual Barbera Festival, Sutter Creek and Jackson offer charming B&Bs, dog-friendly vacation rentals and Main Street tasting rooms to explore.
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