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.

Cooper loved to travel

Cooper the Lab mix lived ten adventure-packed years as an avid DogTrekker, from winery visits in Sonoma to Shirley Canyon hikes at Palisades Tahoe. His owner Niki shares how DogTrekker shaped their travels together.

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.

Happy New Year from DogTrekker!

DogTrekker kicks off 2026 with a look ahead at the coastal walks, mountain trails and welcoming patios waiting for you and your dog across California.

Dog-friendly wineries: Just a click away

DogTrekker.com highlights the best dog-friendly wine regions across California, from Mendocino and Sonoma to Napa, Gold Country, and the Central Coast, with an interactive map to help you plan your next tasting adventure with your pup.

Maya (RIP), DogTrekkerr.com's Barketing Director, walking near the Sacramento River Trail in Redding.

DogTrekker® 15th anniversary

DogTrekker.com celebrates 15 years of helping California dog lovers travel together, supporting animal welfare groups and inspiring millions of readers since launching in June 2011. DogTrekker.com launched 15 years ago, guided by a mission to leave no dog behind -- whether at.

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,.

Lower Glen Alpine Falls in Eldorado County, California USA, near Lake Tahoe.

Wandering El Dorado County

El Dorado County offers everything from Echo Lake hikes along the Pacific Crest Trail to five sparkling lakes in the Crystal Basin Recreation Area. With over 700 dog-friendly campsites and trails into Desolation Wilderness, summer adventures abound.

Auto Camp. Photo by Autocamp Russian River.

California glamping your dog will dig

From coastal safari tents and redwood Airstreams to vineyard cabins and desert retreats, California's dog-friendly glamping scene offers the best of outdoor adventure without sacrificing creature comforts. Pack the treats and let the tail-wagging begin.

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.

Linger longer at a patio table with your pup

Santa Cruz serves up dog-friendly patio dining with ocean views and cozy outdoor heaters. Try the Crow's Nest Beach Market on the harbor, grab a Spicy Cowboy at colorful Snap Taco downtown, or find your own favorite along the coast.

Pleasant surprises in Pleasant Hill

Pleasant Hill in the East Bay offers affordable dog-friendly hotels, patio restaurants like Wence's Oyster Bar, and the 63-acre Paso Nogal Open Space with fenced dog parks. A solid base for exploring the Bay Area with your pup.

Eat, drink, be merry with your dog by your side

Sacramento's Midtown neighborhood is a walkable paradise of dog-friendly patio dining, craft breweries, beer gardens, and coffee shops. From stylish Mexican at Zocalo to communal tables at Golden Road Brewing, the options are almost endless.

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.

Mother and daughter with a dog resting on a pier — Adobe Images

Gotta lake it

Gold Country lakes offer cool relief for dogs and their people all summer long. From Folsom Lake's miles of shoreline to hidden Long Lake near Soda Springs and Bass Lake's pontoon boat rentals, there's a splash spot for every 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.

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