🚗 From Tahoe to the Coast: Our Favorite Dog-Friendly Road Trips
There’s nothing quite like rolling the windows down, cueing up the playlist, and hitting the open road with your best co-pilot in the backseat. From alpine lakes to coastal breezes, here are some of our favorite dog-friendly getaways that start in Tahoe and end with happy, tired pups.
🌲 1. Tahoe ➜ Mendocino
Trade pines for redwoods and turquoise water for sea cliffs. Mendocino is a perfect long-weekend escape — quiet trails, dog-friendly beaches, and cozy inns that welcome wet noses. Don’t miss Big River Beach, where your Tahoe Dog can chase sticks into gentle surf (and probably roll in some sand for good measure).
🐚 2. Tahoe ➜ Carmel-by-the-Sea
Carmel is basically heaven for dogs. Leash-free beach? Check. Patio dining everywhere? Check. Boutique hotels that hand out biscuits at check-in? Double check. It’s the perfect blend of luxury and off-leash joy. Grab lunch at The Forge in the Forest, then head to Carmel Beach for an afternoon splash.
🏖 3. Tahoe ➜ Point Reyes
If your pup loves the ocean but you prefer fewer crowds, head to Point Reyes National Seashore. Stop in Petaluma for coffee, then explore the coastal trails (dogs allowed on select beaches like Limantour). The rolling dunes and golden grass feel like Tahoe’s cousin — just with a sea breeze.
🌼 4. Tahoe ➜ Winters / Woodland / Capay Valley
For a quieter weekend close to home, follow Highway 16 through Capay Valley — a stunning pocket of farmland, lavender fields, and local vineyards just west of Woodland. Visit Capay Valley Lavender for an easy stroll among the blooms (and plenty of dog-friendly photo ops), then stop by Taber Ranch Vineyard & Event Center for a glass of rosé with panoramic views.
Nearby Winters offers charming small-town patios and farm-to-table dining that happily welcomes pups. It’s the perfect lowkey “Tahoe Dog meets wine country” escape.
💧 5. Tahoe ➜ Nevada City / Grass Valley / Yuba River
A local favorite for day trips or short overnights. The South Yuba River sparkles like Tahoe in miniature, with granite boulders, swimming holes, and shady trails for cooling off. Wander through Nevada City and Grass Valley for dog-friendly coffee shops, art galleries, and patios — then hit the river for a splash before heading home.
🏔 6. Tahoe ➜ Eastern Sierra (June Lake Loop & Mammoth Lakes)
For mountain lovers, this route is pure gold. The drive down Highway 395 passes through Bridgeport, Mono Lake, and June Lake Loop — each stop packed with hiking, swimming, and photo ops. End in Mammoth Lakes, where you can hike Convict Lake Trail or unwind at a dog-friendly brewery.
🍇 7. Tahoe ➜ Sonoma Valley / Glen Ellen
Perfect for fall or spring when the vineyards glow and the patios are full. The Sonoma Valley region (especially Glen Ellen) is relaxed, scenic, and welcoming to dogs at many wineries (our favorite is Imagery Estate Winery) and tasting patios. Stop for lunch at Glen Ellen Inn or take a walk through the Jack London Historic Park — both great spots to stretch paws and legs.
🌉 8. Tahoe ➜ Tiburon / Sausalito / North Bay
For an easy-breezy Bay escape, head toward Tiburon or Sausalito. Walk the Old Rail Trail, take in Golden Gate views, and enjoy dog-friendly dining with a waterfront breeze. The Blackie’s Pasture path is a local favorite for a gentle sunset stroll. A night at a North Bay boutique inn (like those in Mill Valley) makes for the perfect end to a lakes-to-bay adventure.
🌅 9. Tahoe ➜ The Lost Coast
This one’s for the true adventurers. The Lost Coast is rugged, remote, and totally worth it. Drive through Humboldt Redwoods State Park and explore quiet black-sand beaches near Shelter Cove. Just pack extra water, food, and a towel — this is “wild dog” country in the best possible way.
❤️ Road Trip Tips for Tahoe Dogs
- Bring a towel and blanket — lakes, creeks, and beaches happen.
- Keep a stash of treats, water, and a collapsible bowl handy.
- Use your e-collar or long line for safe freedom in new spots.
- Check local leash laws — they vary by county and park.
- Snap a photo and tag us @tahoedogco so we can see where your Tahoe Dog’s next adventure takes you!
Whether you’re heading for salty air, lavender fields, or mountain trails, remember: being a Tahoe Dog isn’t about where you go — it’s how you go. Windows down, tail wagging, and adventure always on the horizon. 🐾💛
🐾 Join the Pack
Shop Tahoe Dog Co. hats, stickers, and bandannas at tahoedogco.com — your badge of adventure, wherever the road leads.
