California road trips are iconic on their own, but toss a dog in the passenger seat, and the adventure instantly levels up.
From salty breezes along the Pacific to crisp mountain air in the Sierras, the Golden State offers unforgettable routes where four-legged companions are just as welcome as humans.
With scenic trails, dog-welcoming stays, and pit stops that promise tail wags, these drives turn every mile into a memory worth barking about. Just don’t forget the treats.
1. Pacific Coast Highway (Carmel to Santa Barbara)
Salty sea air and tail-wagging beach stops make this coastal drive a canine paradise! Your pup will love the numerous dog-friendly beaches along the way, including Carmel Beach where dogs can frolic off-leash.
Stop at Morro Bay’s dog-welcoming patios for lunch with a view. Many PCH hotels offer special pet amenities, from plush beds to welcome treats.
This stunning 123-mile stretch delivers unforgettable ocean vistas for both two-legged and four-legged travelers.
2. Yosemite to Mammoth Lakes
Mountain magic awaits on this alpine adventure! While dogs have limited access in Yosemite National Park, the surrounding areas offer fantastic pet-friendly trails and lakes where your furry friend can splash around.
Heading east to Mammoth Lakes reveals a doggy wonderland of hiking paths, outdoor dining, and accommodations that welcome pups.
The crisp mountain air and pine-scented forests will have your dog’s nose working overtime. Don’t miss the dog-friendly gondola ride at Mammoth for breathtaking Sierra views!
3. Jenner to Leggett via Highway 1
Rugged coastline meets redwood majesty on this northern stretch of Highway 1! Begin in Jenner where your pup can watch harbor seals from dog-friendly lookouts before heading north through charming coastal towns with pooch-welcoming patios.
Salt Point State Park offers leashed adventures along bluffs and beaches. As you continue north, the landscape transforms into towering redwoods where dappled sunlight creates magical forest walks.
Fort Bragg’s Noyo Harbor dog-friendly restaurants serve fresh seafood with water bowls for thirsty companions.
4. Redding to Mount Shasta
Volcanic wonders and crystal-clear waters make this northern California route a puppy playground!
Kick off your journey at Redding’s famous Sundial Bridge where leashed dogs are welcome before heading to Whiskeytown Lake’s dog-friendly beaches for a refreshing swim.
As majestic Mount Shasta looms larger, you’ll find numerous forest trails where your furry friend can explore pine-scented paths.
The small towns along the way boast pet-friendly cafes with outdoor seating. Castle Lake and Lake Siskiyou offer stunning mountain backdrops for doggy paddling adventures.
5. Lake Tahoe to Yosemite via Highway 50
Alpine splendor awaits on this Sierra Nevada journey! Start at Lake Tahoe’s dog-friendly beaches where your pup can splash in crystal-clear waters.
Many lakeside restaurants welcome four-legged patrons on their patios with water bowls and treats. Winding through the mountains, you’ll discover hidden gems like dog-friendly Hope Valley and Caples Lake.
While Yosemite limits canine access, the surrounding national forests offer miles of pet-welcoming trails.
Cozy mountain cabins along the route provide perfect overnight stays where dogs can stretch their paws after a day’s adventure.
6. San Francisco to Big Sur
Golden Gate views kick off this iconic coastal adventure! Begin at Fort Funston where dogs can run off-leash on sandy dunes before cruising through Half Moon Bay’s dog-friendly beaches and seafood spots with outdoor seating.
Carmel-by-the-Sea might be the most dog-loving town in America, with canines welcome in shops, hotels, and their famous white-sand beach.
As you wind down to Big Sur, numerous vista points welcome leashed pets for breathtaking ocean views. Pfeiffer Beach’s purple sand and crashing waves create perfect photo ops with your furry co-pilot.
7. San Diego to Santa Barbara via Highway 101
Beach paradise beckons on this sun-soaked southern route! Launch your journey at San Diego’s Dog Beach where pups frolic freely in the surf before cruising north to Oceanside’s harbor restaurants with dog-friendly patios.
Huntington Beach’s aptly named Dog Beach provides another off-leash playground. Santa Monica offers the famous Annenberg Community Beach House with dedicated dog areas.
Cap your coastal crawl in Santa Barbara where pups are welcome at select beaches during morning and evening hours. Wine country adjacent to the route features numerous pet-friendly vineyards for tastings.
8. Santa Cruz to Monterey Peninsula
Boardwalk vibes and bay views define this coastal cruise! Kick off your adventure at Santa Cruz’s dog-friendly beaches where surfers and canines share the waves.
The wharf area offers numerous restaurants with pet-welcoming outdoor seating overlooking the water. Moss Landing’s harbor seals will fascinate your furry friend from a distance.
The highlight awaits in Carmel where the entire beach is off-leash dog heaven!
Don’t miss the legendary 17-Mile Drive where leashed pets can join you at most viewpoints. Asilomar State Beach provides the perfect sunset stroll with your four-legged companion.
9. Los Angeles to Sequoia National Park
Urban escape meets ancient forest on this diverse adventure! Begin in dog-friendly Griffith Park where city views and hiking trails welcome leashed pets before heading north through the Angeles National Forest’s shaded creekside paths.
While dogs have limited access inside Sequoia National Park, the surrounding national forests offer pet-friendly trails among towering trees.
The journey itself provides scenic stops at Lake Isabella where dogs can cool off in the water. Cozy mountain cabins in Three Rivers welcome four-legged guests after days of exploration.
10. San Francisco to Russian River
Golden Gate views give way to vineyard vistas on this northern getaway!
Start at San Francisco’s Crissy Field where dogs can romp with the iconic bridge as backdrop before crossing into Marin County’s numerous pet-friendly hiking trails.
Sonoma County’s dog-welcoming wineries provide perfect pit stops with water bowls alongside wine glasses.
The journey’s crown jewel is the Russian River area where canine companions can splash in gentle currents at Monte Rio Beach.