Dog-Friendly Activities in California

Don’t leave Fido in the hotel room when you’re on vacation. Get out and play! No matter where you’re headed in California, we can point you towards the nearest off-leash dog park, the most popular dog beach, a really great hiking trail, and lots of other places to play with Fido.

Pet Friendly Roaring Camp Railroads
Roaring Camp Railroads Roaring Camp Railroads offers dog-friendly train rides in Felton, CA, through the California Redwoods. Located just a few miles from Santa Cruz, you and Fido can climb aboard an authentic 19th century steam train for a trip through the magnificent redwood forest. As you travel along the historic, winding narrow-gauge track to the summit of Bear Mountain, the conductor will entertain you with the history of the railroad and its locomotives, which were once used to haul giant redwood logs out of the forest. Tours are offered daily and departure times vary by season. See Details
Pet Friendly Rosie's Dog Beach
Rosie's Dog Beach Bring Fido to splash in the water at Rosie's Dog Beach in Long Beach, CA! This area is not fenced in and is not a dedicated "dog beach", but pups are permitted to visit with their owners during the daily Dog Zone hours, 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM. Ensure Fido is on a leash while heading to the beach, but he can roam free once inside the designated space! Visit their website for a complete list of rules. See Details
Coronado Dog Beach Coronado's Dog Beach is a dog-friendly, leash-free area on the western part of the shore in Coronado, CA. Parking is available along Ocean Boulevard, but it can be a rather long walk to the beach, so be sure to keep your pup leashed until you reach the sand, as there is a strict zero-tolerance policy for unleashed dogs. Owners are asked to monitor their dogs at all times, clean up any messes and ensure that Fido has all current licenses before visiting. Make sure to bring a camera and snap some photos of Fido with the stunning scenery! The Point Loma headland and iconic Hotel del Coronado are visible from the shore. See Details
Huntington Dog Beach Huntington Dog Beach in Huntington Beach, CA is considered a dog-friendly heaven by most visitors. Dogs come from all over the world to play in the sand and splash in the surf. Visitors are asked to abide by good doggy etiquette which includes properly disposing of pet waste and ensuring that your dog is non-aggressive and under control at all times. Dog Beach amenities include public restrooms, grassy area with picnic tables, and drinking fountains for dogs and humans. See Details
Carmel Beach Carmel Beach in California is a beautiful beach with the happiest dogs on the planet! You'll see every shape, size, and age, running in the dog-friendly sugar sand and splashing in the aquamarine surf. Public restrooms and a public telephone are available at the Ocean Avenue end of Carmel Beach. See Details
Garland Ranch Regional Park Dog-friendly Garland Ranch Regional Park is a gorgeous park in Carmel, CA, with the Carmel River running through it. Dogs are allowed off-leash in certain areas, including in the river and on selected trails (not the horse trails). Atop the northern crest of the Santa Lucia Mountains, the trails encounter open oak savannas and spectacular vistas. Along the way, you will travel through maple-filled canyons, dense oak woodlands, and thick stands of chaparral. There are trails for nearly all abilities, from beginner to advanced hiker. Trail maps can be found at the park's visitor center. The park is open dawn until dusk. See Details
Monterey Bay Whale Watch Share a one-of-a-kind whale watching experience with your canine companion aboard one of the dog-friendly Monterey Bay Whale Watch boats. Open year-round, this tour company has the area's highest success rate for whale and dolphin sightings. Piloted by captains with over 20 years of experience, each boat trip is led by knowledgeable and experienced marine biologists. Sightings are dependent on the season but include Gray, Humpback, Killer and Blue Whales, dolphins, porpoises, sea otters, seals, and sea lions. See Details
Trees of Mystery and SkyTrail Trees of Mystery in Klamath, CA, is a fun, dog-friendly tourist stop with a giant Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox statue, gift shop, Native American Museum, and trails through the redwoods with redwood "oddities and examples of growing patterns." They also have a SkyTrail - a sky tram that takes you and Fido up through the redwoods to a lookout with views of the ocean from the top. Dogs are welcome in all areas except for The Redwood Canopy Trail. Please note that there is an admission fee to enjoy the park. See Details
Skunk Train Bring Fido aboard the Skunk Train which begins its route in Fort Bragg, CA. This world-famous, dog-friendly attraction will appeal to railroad and history buffs, nature lovers and anyone else who would enjoy a ride through old-growth redwood groves. Dogs are welcome throughout the train, both in the open and closed carriages. The Pudding Creek Express can be enjoyed year-round, whereas the Wolf Tree Turn route is available seasonally. A canine ticket is necessary for four-legged passengers, and reservations are recommended. See Details
Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens Take in the beauty of the pet-friendly Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens in Fort Bragg, CA, where your leashed dog is welcome to join you. Savor the breathtaking botanical bliss of formal gardens, coastal bluffs, pine forests and fern-covered canyons. The mild coastal climate ensures that something is always in bloom. Rhododendrons, magnolias, heritage roses, lilies, and succulents are just some of the flora you will see as you wander along the trails with Fido. Please note that dogs are not permitted during certain events, including Festival of Lights, and checking event dates and guidelines is recommended prior to bringing your pup. See Details
Fiesta Island Park Most of Fiesta Island Park, a large sandy island in San Diego, CA is designated leash-free for dogs. It has lots of sandy dunes to romp in, and the calm bay waters allow the more adventurous dogs to take a quick dip. There's a designated off-leash location on the backside of the island. Bring water for your dogs. See Details
Arroyo Burro Beach (Hendry's Beach) Arroyo Burro Beach, also known as Hendry's Beach, is a dog-friendly, off-leash beach in Santa Barbara, CA, located below the Douglas Family Preserve. The area begins east of the slough and stretches almost to the steps at Mesa Lane. The fallen eucalyptus trees are considered the eastern boundary. From the parking lot at Arroyo Burro Beach Park, walk to the beach, turn left, and cross the slough - this will bring you to the legal off-leash area, which conveniently features self-serve dog wash stations for a fee. Please be sure your dog is leashed in the parking lot and on the beach until you cross the slough. See Details
Ocean Beach Ocean Beach in San Francisco, CA is pet friendly. From the north end to stairwell 21, dogs are allowed on-leash or voice control. From stairwell 21 to Sloat Boulevard, dogs are required to be on-leash all year except from May 15th to July 1st when dogs can be under voice control. Dog owners are reminded to clean up after their pups and to keep an eye on them while playing in the sand. See Details
Seaport Village Seaport Village in San Diego, CA, is a 14-acre waterfront shopping, dining and entertainment complex recreating a harborside setting of a century ago. This vast property includes one-of-a-kind shops, casual dining eateries, and fine dining waterfront restaurants. If you need a bite to eat, there are numerous pet-friendly restaurants with harbor views! There's also a large park with lots of grass and room for dogs to run if Fido needs to stretch his legs. See Details
Fiscalini Ranch Preserve Leashed dogs are welcome to join you at Fiscalini Ranch Preserve in Cambria, CA, a beautiful 440-acre sanctuary featuring remarkable biological diversity and home to 150 different native plants and 430 species of birds. Accessed by miles of dog-friendly trails, visitors can admire expansive coastal views along a scenic forested ridge. A popular trail for hikers and their leashed companions is Ridge, Bluff, Arch and Dolphin Trail. See Details
Donner Memorial State Park Donner Memorial State Park is one of the most pet-friendly state parks in California. Located in Sierra Nevada in Truckee, CA, you and Fido will discover camping, picnicking, boating, fishing, water-skiing, and hiking at this state park. Although pets aren't allowed on all of the trails, like most state parks in California, they are permitted to join you in the water, on paved roads, and in camping and picnic areas. Keep an eye out for the dog entrance signs for an easy access to the lake for you and Fido. Dogs are allowed on the Lakeside Interpretive Trail, Zig Zag Trail, fire roads, and along the shore of Donner Lake except for China Cove Beach. Dogs are not allowed in the visitor center, on the half-mile Nature Trail, or China Cove Beach, nor can they be on designated ski trails when snow is present. See Details
OstrichLand USA OstrichLand USA is a pet-friendly attraction in Solvang, CA. This popular destination is a great first stop when you’re headed to the quaint Danish themed town of Solvang, the Chumash Casino, or Santa Ynez Valley wineries. You and your leashed dog can hang out with 50 ostriches and emus, feed them from a bowl, and watch them go about their days. The ostriches actually feature in the cult classic movie, Sideways. Check out the gift shop before you leave, too. See Details
Truckee River Rafting Truckee River Rafting in Tahoe City, CA, offers dog-friendly, self-guided rafting trips along a peaceful 5-mile stretch of the Truckee River for you and your pup. The scenic rafting trips are appropriate for nearly all ages and athletic abilities. The rafting trip takes 2-4 hours to complete. You are welcome to bring a small cooler with snacks and beverages to enjoy on your trip. Leashed dogs up to 50 lbs are permitted. See Details
Olde Port Beach Olde Port Beach is a dog-friendly beach in San Luis Obispo, CA. This popular spot is the first beach you will find after crossing the bridge out of Avila and into Port San Luis. It welcomes dogs to play off leash. This stretch of sand is enclosed on each end by a cliff, so pups can’t get too far. It has parking along the road and a ramp down to the sand along with one pet waste station. The beach is accessible all the time, but lifeguards are seasonal. See Details
Golden Gate Park Golden Gate Park is one of San Francisco's most popular pet-friendly parks. There are four separate off-leash areas: the southeast section between Lincoln Way, King Drive and 2nd and 7th Avenues; the Northeast section at Stanyan and Grove Streets; the Southcentral area between King Drive, Middle Drive, and 34th and 38th Avenues; and the Golden Gate Park Dog Training Area. Bring Fido to explore one or all four parks for a day of fun and exercise. See Details
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