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.

Five great California destinations for you and your dog
From the off-leash beaches of Carmel-by-the-Sea to the trails of Yosemite and Big Bear Lake, California is packed with dog-welcoming destinations. Here are five top spots where your pup will feel right at home.
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Tehama County: Fresh fun in California
Tehama County rolls out the red carpet for dogs just 90 miles north of Sacramento. Hike forest trails along Mill Creek, stroll Sacramento River paths in Red Bluff, and taste wines at Burnsini Vineyards.
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How to pick a dog-friendly motel: Are they really dog-friendly?
Not all pet-friendly motels truly welcome dogs. Learn how to spot the real deal by checking reviews, comparing fees, assessing on-site amenities and evaluating staff attitudes before booking your next trip with your pup.
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Happy New Year
Ring in the new year with fresh dog-friendly travel plans across California. DogTrekker.com has been revamped to help you find hikes, beaches, wineries, hotels, and more to enjoy with your furry family members throughout the state.
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Pawsport 2024: Sip some wine, support Napa Humane
Napa Humane's Pawsport returns in 2024 as a month-long wine tasting event. For $60, enjoy 2-for-1 tastings at participating wineries, dog treats, retail discounts and more while supporting life-saving programs for Napa Valley companion animals.
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Terrific tree-hugging retreats
Wake up beneath towering trees at these dog-friendly forest glamping spots. From AutoCamp's Airstreams near the Russian River to KOA Ventura Ranch's tricked-out teepees, each property offers trails, fire pits and plenty of room for pups to roam.
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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.
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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.
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This spring, have fun while benefitting furry friends
Team DogTrekker spotlights two spring fundraisers that support California animal welfare. Napa Humane's Pawsport unlocks wine, dining and hotel deals from 30-plus businesses, while Pasadena Humane's Wiggle Waggle Walk and Run raises funds for Southern California wildfire relief.
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Napa Humane’s Pawsport: Fetch great deals and fun
Napa Humane's annual Pawsport offers more than $1,100 in perks for just $75 during March. Two-for-one wine tastings, restaurant discounts, and lodging deals make it a great value supporting Napa Humane's programs.
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Wine country within easy reach
From Vacaville, three renowned wine regions are within easy reach. Sample Suisun Valley's undiscovered gems, visit dog-welcoming Sonoma wineries like Mutt Lynch and Cline Cellars, or sip sparkling wine at Napa's Domaine Chandon.
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Stanford Inn: #1 for health and happiness
Happiness and health are woven into every stay at the Stanford Inn on the Mendocino coast. Expect plant-based dining at Ravens Restaurant, wellness workshops, ocean views and four state parks within two miles.
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Stanford Inn: #1 for the environment
The Stanford Inn on the Mendocino coast has championed sustainability since the 1980s with organic gardens, plant-based cuisine, biodiesel vehicles and free EV charging. It proves that eco-friendly travel can also be luxurious.
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Patios, playtime and pup-friendly businesses
Vacaville's dog-friendly culture shines through its renovated dog parks, pet-welcoming breweries and charming downtown shopping. Sip craft beers at The Brass Tap's yappy hour and browse pet boutiques like Sweet Pea's.
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Sample fresh flavors in Sacramento
Sacramento, America's Farm-to-Fork Capital, is a standout dog-friendly destination with miles of trails, dozens of parks and patio restaurants serving field-fresh cuisine. Nearby Apple Hill wineries welcome pups too.
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California hotels that don’t just tolerate dogs—they adore them
From Cypress Inn's Yappy Hours in Carmel to canine massages at Nick's Cove in Marin, these California hotels genuinely love dogs. Expect welcome treats, dedicated pet menus, adventure packages and luxury bedding designed for four-legged guests.
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Paws-itively welcoming hotel properties
Mendocino County's coastal hotels go above and beyond for dogs. From Rendezvous Mendocino's peaceful B&B setting to the Stanford Inn's dog-friendly canoe rentals and the Little River Inn's fireside cottages, these properties make four-legged guests feel right at home.
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Unleash the fun at Muir Beach
Muir Beach is a dog-friendly Marin County cove just 12 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge. Pups can play off-leash or under voice control on the beach, and nearby hotels in Mill Valley and Sausalito welcome pets.
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