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.
Best water activities for senior dogs in California
From gentle beach outings and pond-side cottage stays to houseboat adventures on Lake Shasta, California offers plenty of water-friendly activities suited to senior dogs who still love a good splash.
Read more
Pet-friendly Mendocino county
Mendocino County rolls out the red carpet for dogs, with dozens of pet-welcoming hotels, winery tasting rooms that offer treats and water bowls, botanical gardens open to leashed pups, and gorgeous beaches along the coast.
Read more
Folsom: Gateway to Gold Country
Folsom offers 56 miles of paved trails, an off-leash dog park and easy access to Gold Country wine tasting and Apple Hill farms. Dog-friendly hotels, sidewalk dining on Sutter Street and Folsom Lake make it an ideal weekend base.
Read more
Paws to the (nice, flat) path
Not every dog needs a mountain summit. Flat, paved paths like the Iron Horse Regional Trail in the East Bay and the Whoop De Dogs trail in Angwin offer easy walks with great scenery and plenty of sniffing opportunities.
Read more
Napa Humane 2017
Napa Humane supports local pets through low-cost spay and neuter clinics, vaccination services and humane education for kids. Their annual Pawsport Napa Valley event pairs dog-friendly wine tasting with fundraising for animal welfare programs.
Read more
Weatherproof wine tasting with your dog
Rain or shine, dozens of Napa Valley wineries welcome dogs right into their tasting rooms. From Calistoga to Carneros, you'll find treat jars on counters, water bowls at the ready, and even a dog suite at Frenchie Winery.
Read more
All paws welcome on the Napa Valley Vine Trail
The Napa Valley Vine Trail offers a paved 12.5-mile path from Kennedy Park to Yountville, passing dog-friendly wineries like Laird Family Estate and Domaine Chandon. Combine a morning walk with wine tasting and a patio lunch in restaurant-rich Yountville.
Read more
Gourmet chow-downs with your pup
Napa Valley's dog-friendly dining scene goes well beyond picnic tables. Michelin-starred Bouchon, farm-to-fork Farmstead and Japanese-inspired Morimoto all welcome diners with leashed companions at their outdoor patios.
Read more
Leash up for a fall trip to Mendocino
Mendocino County in fall means warm days, quiet trails and your pick of dog-friendly lodgings. From blufftop cottages and lighthouse vacation rentals to secluded Anderson Valley hideaways, the options are as varied as the scenery.
Read more
Dog-friendly dining and events in Pleasanton and Danville
Pleasanton and Danville in the East Bay welcome dogs at street fairs, pooch parades and dozens of patio restaurants. From wine tasting at Garre Winery to browsing pet boutiques, these towns know how to treat four-legged visitors.
Read more
East Bay SPCA 2015
The East Bay SPCA gained fame with its viral Oaktown Pup video and continues its mission of matching dogs like Juno, a spirited husky mix, with forever families while offering community programs and upcoming fundraising events.
Read more
Gold country wine trail
The Placer Wine Trail features 20 boutique wineries in the Sierra Foothills near Auburn. Most are family owned and dog-friendly, including Vina Castellano, where pups are welcome in the tasting room, on the patio, and out by the pond.
Read more
Jameson Animal Rescue Ranch
Gunner, a friendly pit mix who lost his home in the Napa earthquake, is ready for a new family. Jameson Animal Rescue Ranch in St. Helena pairs adoptions with community programs that help people and pets stay together.
Read more
HB Collection: Dog-passionate hotels
The HB Collection brings together four premier oceanfront resorts in Huntington Beach, and all of them welcome dogs. From the Shorebreak's nightly wine reception to the Waterfront's doggie reader board, these hotels go above and beyond for pups.
Read more
Lake county hideaway
Bed and Barrel at Stonehouse Cellars in Lake County Clearlake Oaks is a winery, tasting room, and B&B where dogs roam free. Nearby, Clear Lake and Blue Lakes offer swimming, fishing, and boat rentals for the whole family.
Read more
Dogs welcome at Yountville tasting rooms
Yountville in Napa Valley is a strollable, dog-friendly culinary destination with luxury lodging at North Block Hotel and Bardessono, plus dozens of tasting rooms and acclaimed restaurants with outdoor seating for you and your pup.
Read more
North Coast winery ramble
Mendocino County's North Coast tasting rooms roll out a warm welcome for dogs. The Anderson Valley alone has dozens of dog-friendly wineries, plus cozy inns and farm-to-table restaurants that make it easy to settle in for the weekend.
Read more
Cruise control in Santa Cruz wine country
The Santa Cruz Mountains wine region welcomes dogs at tasting rooms tucked among redwoods and ocean views. Follow a dog-friendly wine trail from Davenport to Soquel to Aptos, with stops for picnics and vineyard strolls along the way.
Read more