Find California dog-friendly beaches, rivers and lakes blog stories.

DogTrekker dogs LOVE going to the beach! Check out our stories about dog-friendly beaches, rivers and lakes in California. We also have tips and tricks for staying safe while enjoying the salty air and surf! So go ahead, plan that trip – your pup will thank you! Happy trekking! 🐾🐕

Off-leash Romp at Rodeo Beach

DogTrekker.com reader Linda Cox shared this picture with us of her dog Zeke enjoying some off leash time at Rodeo Beach in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area in Marin County. Read more.

Madera County: South Entrance (Hwy 41)

Dog and person at the Madera County south entrance to Yosemite

The town Oakhurst in Madera County is the main gateway to Yosemite’s south (Wawona) entrance on the Highway 41 corridor winding through the Sierra Nevada foothills from Fresno. A great stop in Oakhurst is Queen’s Inn by the River, a dog-friendly establishment boasting an adjacent winery, the Idle Hour, and a beer garden where, Wednesdays through Sundays, almost Read more.

Tuolumne County: North Entrance (Hwy 120)

Dog with Yosemite hat on at the Tuolumne County north entrance

The 19th-century miners who swarmed California’s Gold Country made an indelible mark on Tuolumne County, dotting the map with a string of settlements that still have a boomtown feel. There is plenty to see and do as you and your four-legged companion wander through rugged scenery toward the Big Oak Flat entrance to Yosemite National Park. Read more.

Bay Area German Shepherd Rescue 2017

German Shepherd from the BayArea German Shepherd Rescue group

Meet the lovely Rex, the perfect companion for your DogTreks and family outings. He's a big, happy guy, who gets along great with people, dogs…and cats too! He's your guy for fetch, hikes, beach trips, and beyond. When it's time to chill at home, his house manners are excellent, and he sleeps all night in his crate. This three-year-old German shepherd dog is currently enjoying Read more.

Tick-Borne Disease

By Dr. Shannon Leggieri, DVM of Claremont Veterinary Hospital, Oakland. As rain and floods sweep across the state it seems appropriate to discuss tick-borne diseases. Ticks thrive in moist, humid, lush environments, particularly following periods of rainfall. In winter and spring especially, dogs are at greater risk of becoming exposed to ticks during walks, hikes or even in their own backyards. Read more.

Liquid treasure in Gold Country

Hidden Falls Regional Park. Photo by City of Auburn.

You’ll hear the furious, highway-like roar long before you catch sight of Hidden Falls, a wide wall of water that explodes into a 50-foot ravine at the center of Hidden Falls Regional Park, a 1,200-acre preserve with 30 miles of trails in Placer County Gold Country. Read more.

Cataract Falls: A California classic

Photo by Anastase Maragos.

Despite its strenuous nature, the 2.5-mile round trip to Cataract Falls on the north slope of Mount Tamalpais in Marin County is definitely not the road less traveled. Read more.

Pawesome Places to Spoil Your Pup

Huntington Beach has incredible pet-friendly hotels, scenic places to take your pooch and a host of great restaurants for you and your beloved four-legged friends to eat. But what about spoiling your pup even more? Huntington Beach boasts many special places for treats, toys and grooming — everything your dog deserves, especially on vacation. These are four of Marilyn’s favorite places Read more.

Waggin’ Trails 2017

Landing in a shelter is rarely a good thing if you're a dog. If you're in an overcrowded California rural shelter with no resources and less foot traffic, your prospects are pretty bleak. Luckily, though, there's help on the way from Waggin' Trails Rescue, which works with many partner rescues to get these overlooked dogs safely into foster care and address any medical issues that Read more.

Every walk in Surf City is special

Photo by Visit Huntington Beach.

The Dog Beach here in Surf City has become famous throughout Southern California. More than a mile of undeveloped beach along one of the prettiest stretches of the coast Read more.

Central Coasting In Winter

Two dogs on a beach in the Central Coast

The California coast is nothing if not moody in late winter and early spring. Calm, crystal-clear days are interspersed with blustery gray ones, so it’s best to prepare for all possibilities. DogTrekkers who prefer cabin or cottage accommodations to standard hotels and motels will find a staggering selection of dog-friendly options along the Central Coast. Read more.

Dog-friendly Deals on the Mendocino Coast

Winter in Northern California brings rain – but it also brings low, off-season hotel deals at some of Mendocino County’s top dog-friendly hotels. For example: Read more.

Beach Day for Wilbur and Walter

Photo Credit: Gwen Khoury Wilbur and Walter recently visited Cayucos State Beach, known for its fishing pier, beautiful beach and historical buildings. Read more.

Coasting Oregon With Your Tail-Wagger

We Californians think our Highway 1 and Big Sur coastline are scenic, and they certainly are. But Highway 101, which runs a bit inland along California’s North Coast and continues over the state line into Oregon, gives it a run for the money. The road hugs 363 miles of Oregon shoreline, much of it given over to beaches. Almost all those strands are open to leashed pets, and many (outside state p Read more.

Little River With My Little Buddy

Buddy's adventure to Little River. Photo Credit Kristina B. Kristina B. remembers a wonderful stay at the Cottages at Little River Cove with her best buddy. Read more.

Bruno’s First Trip to Carmel Beach

Bruno at Carmel Beach. Photo Credit: Paula B. DogTrekker.com reader Paula B. sent in this great photo of her dog Bruno enjoying his first trip to Carmel Beach. Read more.

Download Our Free DogTrekker App!

DogTrekker.com’s free mobile app is your guide to California’s Endless Summer. As you plan your trip south this fall and winter, the app covers everything warm, from coastal beaches to inland road trips to our spectacular deserts. Read more.

Pet Sounds of the OC

Even in November and December, you’ll find yourself humming a Beach Boys tune as you stroll the sands of aptly named Dog Beach, a leash-free segment of a longer strand in Huntington Beach, aka “Surf City USA.” You’ll find a flip-flop casual welcome almost anywhere you go in this quintessential Orange County beach town just 35 miles south of Los Angeles on the Pacific C Read more.