Summer in the Bay Area is practically made for dogs. Within a few hours in almost any direction, you can be hiking through old-growth redwoods, paddling a glassy lake, lounging in a lavender field, or watching your dog go absolutely wild on a Pacific Coast beach. The list below covers all of our favorite things to do with your dog in the summer — from quick day trips to longer weekend adventures — with the best spots to cross each activity off the list.

A quick note on drive times: the Bay Area location is a bit loose in this guide. We’ve included everything within about 3–5 hours, and flagged drive times so you can plan accordingly.

Hike Through the Redwoods

Summer heat is no match for a redwood forest, where the canopy keeps temperatures cool and the trails stay shaded even on the warmest days. It’s one of those experiences that feels magical every single time — ancient trees, soft light filtering through the ferns, and a dog who has absolutely no idea how lucky they are. The Bay Area is surrounded by incredible redwood options at every drive distance.

Best spots:

• Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park, Oakland — The closest option, just 30 minutes from San Francisco. Wide, shaded trails and minimal crowds on weekday mornings. Dogs welcome on leash with some designated off-leash areas.
• Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Santa Cruz — About 1.5 hours south. Dogs are allowed on select trails including the Meadow Trail, which passes through impressive old-growth groves.
• Occidental, Sonoma County (~1.5 hours north) — The Grove of the Old Trees is a hidden gem in west Sonoma County — a quiet, old-growth redwood grove with a well-maintained loop trail that feels worlds away from the more crowded parks. Dogs are welcome on leash, the trail is relatively flat and easy, and the canopy is genuinely impressive. The charming village of Occidental is just minutes away for a post-hike bite at one of the dog-friendly spots on Main Street.
• Humboldt Redwoods / Arcata — A full commitment at 4.5–5 hours north, but the Avenue of the Giants is one of the most breathtaking drives in the state. Worth building into a longer NorCal road trip and you can enjoy hiking amongst the redwoods at Arcata Community Forest.

Go Glamping

If camping sounds appealing but sleeping on the ground does not, glamping is your answer — and California has some of the best options in the country. Think canvas tents with real beds, fire pits, and enough creature comforts that you actually wake up rested. California is full of properties that make the experience genuinely easy for dogs too, not just tolerated.

We’ve rounded up all the best dog-friendly glamping spots across the state — from safari tents in the coastal redwoods to Airstreams in the desert — in our complete guide to dog-friendly glamping in California. It covers pet fees, policies, and what to do nearby at every property.

Get Out on the Water

There is no better way to spend a summer afternoon with your dog than on the water, and the Bay Area gives you options ranging from a glassy alpine lake to a tidal bay with city skyline views. Most dogs take to paddling surprisingly well, especially if you ease them into it with a stable kayak or canoe. Here are the spots worth planning a trip around.

Best spots:

• Lake Tahoe (~3 hours) — The gold standard. Rent kayaks through Clearly Tahoe or Wild Society, both of which are dog-friendly (with weight restrictions). Clear alpine water, mountain views, and plenty of dog-friendly beaches for a mid-paddle break. See our first-timer’s guide to Lake Tahoe with a dog and best dog-friendly beaches in Lake Tahoe before you go.
• Sausalito (~30 minutes from SF) — Kayak Richardson Bay with your dog alongside you. City Kayak offers dog-friendly rentals and even dog life jackets. Full Sausalito details in our best Bay Area getaways guide.
• Half Moon Bay (~45 minutes) — Paddleboard rentals and calm bay conditions. Great for a mellow morning on the water before exploring the coast. See our dog-friendly guide to Half Moon Bay for other things to do in the area. 
• Russian River (~1.5 hours) — Canoe or kayak the river through the redwoods. Several outfitters along the river welcome dogs or if you stay at Dawn Ranch their property has private access and free rentals for guests. 
• Monterey Bay (~2 hours) — Kayak the bay with your dog or book a whale watching tour with Monterey Bay Whale Watch, one of the few operators that welcomes leashed dogs aboard. See our dog-friendly guide to Monterey for outfitter details.
• June Lake / Mammoth Lakes (~4.5–5 hours) — A longer haul, but June Lake is one of the most scenic paddling spots in the Eastern Sierra. Dogs are welcome on the shoreline and in non-motorized watercraft.

Explore a Coastal Town

Some of the best summer days with a dog are the unstructured ones — a slow walk through a coastal town, a coffee on a dog-friendly patio, and nowhere to be in a hurry. The California coast between Half Moon Bay and Monterey is lined with towns that welcome dogs not just in theory but in practice. These are our favorites for a laid-back summer afternoon.

Best spots:

• Pacifica (~30 minutes south of SF) — Underrated and dog-adored. Linda Mar Beach allows leashed dogs, and the town has a laid-back, surf-town energy. See our dog-friendly guide to Pacifica for what to do in the area. 
• Half Moon Bay (~45 minutes) — Walkable Main Street with dog-friendly shops and restaurants, plus easy beach access. See our dog-friendly Half Moon Bay guide for the full rundown.
• Sausalito (~30 minutes north of SF) — Bridgeway is lined with galleries, dog-welcoming patios, and waterfront views. One of the easiest and most rewarding day trips from the city. See our dog-friendly guide to Sausalito for the highlights.
• Point Reyes Station (~1.5 hours) — The gateway town to Point Reyes National Seashore. Grab a pastry from Bovine Bakery and browse the shops with your dog in tow. This is a great first stop for a longer coastal road trip too. 
• Dillon Beach (~1.5 hours) — A tiny, low-key coastal village with a dog-friendly beach that’s a gem once you know about it. You can rent an AirBnB in the area or stay at the coastal Dillon Beach Resort.
• Carmel-by-the-Sea (~2 hours) — One of the most dog-friendly towns in California. Dogs are allowed on Carmel Beach off-leash year-round, and the village is welcoming of well-behaved pups. See our dog-friendly Carmel guide for the full breakdown.
• Monterey (~2 hours) — Cannery Row, the waterfront, and several dog-friendly patios make this an easy half-day or full-day stop. See our dog-friendly Monterey guide.
• Mendocino (~3 hours north) — One of the most strikingly beautiful towns on the California coast, perched on a headland above the Pacific with Victorian architecture, art galleries, and dog-friendly shops lining the main street. The Mendocino Headlands State Park trails wrap around the bluffs and are open to leashed dogs, giving you sweeping ocean views right from town. Downtown has several dog-welcoming restaurant patios, and the surrounding area has some of the best hiking, kayaking, and glamping in Northern California. See our dog-friendly guide to Mendocino for the full trip.

Take Photos in a Lavender Field

Peak lavender season in Northern California runs roughly from late June through early July, which means summer is exactly the right time to plan this one. The combination of purple rows, buzzing bees, and a photogenic dog makes for some of the best content you’ll capture all year. A few practical tips before you go: visit in the morning before the heat peaks, pack booties in case of burs, and bring plenty of water for both of you.

Best spots:

• Araceli Farms, Dixon (~1.5 hours) — One of the most accessible lavender farms in the region, located in the Sacramento Valley. Dog-friendly and visually stunning.
• Capay Valley Lavender Farm (~2 hours) — Nestled in a scenic valley north of Sacramento. Dogs on leash are welcome, and the setting is quieter than some of the more popular spots. Pack booties — the fields can have burs.
• Pageo Lavender Farm (~2.5 hours) — A bit further but worth it for the row-upon-row views and the farm shop.
• Bees N Bloom — A charming farm experience with lavender fields and the bonus of farm animals nearby. Call ahead to confirm current dog policy and bloom status before visiting.

For the full breakdown of all four — including bloom timing and tips for visiting with your dog — see our guide to dog-friendly lavender fields in Northern California.

Take a Road Trip

One of the best things about living in the Bay Area is how quickly the scenery changes once you get on the highway — coastal cliffs, wine country, mountain lakes, and old-growth forest are all within a few hours in different directions. Summer is the ideal season to finally tackle that trip you’ve been putting off, with longer days giving you more time to explore once you arrive. We’ve done the research on the best destinations and organized everything by drive time so you can find the right fit for your schedule.

See our complete guide to the best dog-friendly weekend getaways from the Bay Area for the full list, with destination guides linked throughout.

Chase Waterfalls

Summer isn’t peak waterfall season in California, but the falls don’t stop and we have two tiers of recommendations depending on how far you want to go.

Close to home: For dog-friendly waterfall hikes within about an hour of San Francisco — including Cataract Falls, Uvas Canyon, and more — see our complete guide to dog-friendly Bay Area waterfall hikes. Note: These falls are rain dependent so the flow isn’t as strong in the winter or could non-existant in some locations. 

For a bigger adventure: The Shasta Cascade region packs more dramatic waterfalls into one drivable loop than almost anywhere else in the state. Hedge Creek Falls, McCloud River Falls, McArthur-Burney Falls, and Mossbrae Falls are all dog-friendly. Read our dog-friendly Northern California Waterfall Loop guide for the full breakdown, and our dog-friendly guide to Redding for where to stay and what to do on the way up.

Bark at the Park

Taking your dog to a Major League Baseball game is one of those bucket list experiences that sounds chaotic in theory and turns out to be one of the most fun afternoons you’ll have all summer. The SF Giants host two Dog Days games in 2026 — July 11 and September 12 — and the atmosphere at Oracle Park is something you have to experience in person. Tickets go fast, so don’t wait on this one.

Our SF Giants Dog Days guide covers everything you need to know — dates, what to bring, what to expect, and how to make a full San Francisco weekend out of it. The affiliate link in that post auto-applies a discount at checkout.

Beach Getaway

A proper beach getaway with your dog means more than just finding a pet-friendly hotel — it means a property that actually makes the experience easy, with outdoor space, direct beach access, and staff who don’t make you feel like an inconvenience for bringing your dog. These properties set the bar for what a dog-friendly coastal stay should look like.

Best spots:

• Sanctuary Beach Resort, Marina (~2 hours) — Bungalow-style suites right on the Monterey Bay coast with direct beach access, a dog welcome bag, stick library, and an on-site restaurant with a dedicated dog menu. One of the most dog-thoughtful properties in the state. $50/night pet fee, up to two dogs, no weight limit. See our full Sanctuary Beach Resort review and pair it with our dog-friendly guide to Monterey for the full trip.
• Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay (~45 minutes) — Perched on a dramatic bluff above the Pacific, with a coastal trail, dog-friendly beach access, and an in-room pet menu that includes filet mignon, salmon, and chicken bowls. $150/stay pet fee, up to two dogs, 40 lb maximum. The most luxurious dog-friendly coastal stay near San Francisco. See our full Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay review and our dog-friendly Half Moon Bay guide for what to do nearby.

Discover a New Hike

Summer opens up trails that are snowed out, muddy, or inaccessible the rest of the year — which means it’s the perfect time to branch out and explore somewhere new. Whether you’re looking for a quick hour-long loop close to home or a full-day mountain adventure, the goal is to find a trail that neither of you has done before. Our Northern California hikes guide is the best place to start.

Our guide to dog-friendly hikes in Northern California covers 35+ trails organized by region — from the Marin Headlands to the Sierra and Shasta Cascades — with difficulty, distance, and leash notes for each.

Rent a Duffy Boat

Duffy boats are slow, electric, and absolutely perfect for a summer afternoon on the water for a dog that loves the breeze in their ears. You bring the snacks and the dog, the boat handles the rest — no experience required, no waves, just a gentle cruise around a marina with some of the best views in the Bay. It’s one of those activities that feels more luxurious than it actually is, which is exactly the point. And the views are always worth it!

Best spots:

• Bae Boats, Sausalito — Dog-friendly Duffy rentals right in Sausalito with gorgeous views of the bay and the SF skyline. Use code RUBYDOODLE10 for a discount when booking. Book in advance — weekends fill fast in summer.
• Bae Boats, Alameda — The East Bay option, cruising the Oakland Estuary and the marina. A great add-on to an Alameda afternoon.

If you know of other dog-friendly Duffy or electric boat rental spots in the Bay Area, drop them in the comments — we’re always updating this list.

Take a Scenic Train Ride

There’s something about a historic train ride that makes even the most familiar landscape feel worth seeing again — and when your dog is along for the ride, it becomes a full adventure. Several options within a few hours of the Bay Area welcome dogs on board, ranging from a redwood canyon narrow-gauge to a scenic coastal excursion. These are the ones worth building a trip around.

Best options:

• Skunk Train, Fort Bragg (~3 hours north) — The classic. Dogs are welcome on select excursions with a ticket (~$10.95). The Pudding Creek Express is a relaxed 7-mile round-trip through old-growth redwoods and over trestle bridges. Pairs perfectly with a Mendocino weekend — see our Mendocino guide for the full trip.
• Roaring Camp Railroads, Felton (~1.5 hours south, near Santa Cruz) — Narrow-gauge steam train through the Santa Cruz redwoods. Dogs are allowed on the outdoor platform cars. A great add-on to a Santa Cruz day trip.
• Redwood Valley Railway, Tilden Regional Park, Berkeley (~30 minutes) — The closest option to the Bay Area and a genuinely charming one. This miniature steam train winds through the eucalyptus and redwood groves of Tilden Park, and leashed dogs are welcome to ride along. A low-key, low-cost afternoon that hits differently than you’d expect.
• River Fox Train (~1.5 hours from the Bay Area) — A sister train to the Skunk Train, The River Fox travels a 10-mile route along the Sacramento River and through the Yolo County countryside, with ivy-covered woodlands, sunflower fields, and riverfront views rolling past at a leisurely pace. Dogs are welcome on select excursions in the open-air cars and require their own ticket — bring a leash, water, and whatever else your dog needs for a couple of hours on the rails. 
• Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad, Fish Camp (~3.5 hours from the Bay Area) — One of the most dog-friendly train experiences in California, and one of the few where dogs ride completely free. This historic narrow-gauge steam railroad sits just 4 miles from Yosemite’s south entrance in Fish Camp and runs one-hour narrated excursions through the Sierra National Forest along the historic Madera Sugar Pine Railroad right-of-way. About halfway through the ride the train pauses for a 10–15 minute stopover in Lewis Creek Canyon where you and your dog can stretch your legs and explore before heading back. Dogs are welcome on leash on daytime excursions — note that dogs are not permitted on the evening dinner or moonlight rides. Season runs April through November with multiple daily departures. A natural add-on to a Yosemite trip, particularly if you’re staying at AutoCamp Yosemite or Wildhaven Yosemite nearby.
  

  

  
  
  

  Enjoy a Pool Day

  Dogs and pools are an underrated combination, especially during a Bay Area heat wave when the usual hike feels like more than either of you signed up for. A proper pool day — whether at a resort property or a rented backyard setup — is one of the most relaxing things you can do together in summer. Here are the best ways to make it happen.

  Best spots:

  • Carneros Resort & Spa, Napa (~1.5 hours) — Dog-friendly cottages with fenced private patios and one of the best on-site dog parks in Northern California, complete with agility equipment. Dogs are welcome in the pool area behind the first row of chairs, though not on the immediate deck or in the water — so it’s more of a beautiful resort day with pool access nearby than a true poolside lounging situation. Still one of the most special properties in Wine Country for dogs. See our full review of a dog-friendly stay at Carneros Resort.
  • Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn (~1 hour) — One of Wine Country’s most iconic properties with a stunning pool setting. Dogs are welcome on property; call ahead to confirm current pool proximity policies as they vary by room type.
  • Swimply — The Airbnb of pools, and the most straightforward option if you want your dog actually in and around the water. Search for dog-friendly backyard pools near you, filter by pet policy, and confirm with the host before booking. A low-key afternoon that often surprises people with how fun it is.

  

  Visit a Winery With Your Dog

  Wine country and summer afternoons were made for each other, and a growing number of Napa and Sonoma wineries welcome leashed dogs on their terraces and vineyard grounds. It’s one of the most quintessentially Bay Area summer experiences you can have — a glass of wine, a dog at your feet, and a vineyard view in every direction. Call ahead or check the winery’s current policy before visiting, as dog-welcoming patios don’t always mean dogs are permitted inside (and you’ll definitely want that as an option if it’s a hot day in the valley). 

  Best spots:

  • Napa Valley (~1.5 hours) — HALL Wines, Alpha Omega, Mumm Napa, Domaine Chandon, V. Sattui, Black Stallion Estate, and Trefethen Family Vineyards are among the most dog-welcoming options in the valley. See our dog-friendly guide to Napa Valley for the full breakdown of where to sip, stay, and explore with your dog.
  • Sonoma Valley (~1 hour) — The Sonoma Plaza is completely walkable with a leashed dog, and the surrounding valley has a more laid-back energy than Napa with plenty of dog-welcoming tasting rooms. See our best Bay Area getaways guide for top Sonoma picks.

  

  Catch a Sunset

  Summer evenings in the Bay Area are some of the most beautiful anywhere — and sharing one with your dog at the right spot is the kind of simple thing that ends up being the highlight of the whole season. The fog rolls in dramatically, the light turns golden, and your dog has absolutely no idea how cinematic they look right now. These are the spots worth getting there early for.

  Best spots:

  • Marin Headlands — Battery Spencer overlook above the Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most iconic sunset viewpoints in the Bay Area. Dogs on leash are welcome throughout the headlands trail network. See our dog-friendly hikes in Northern California for the best trails to pair with a sunset visit.
  • Baker Beach, San Francisco — Direct view of the Golden Gate Bridge from the beach, with dogs allowed off-leash at the northern end. One of the easiest and most rewarding sunset spots in the city. See our dog-friendly San Francisco weekend guide for the full city rundown.
  • Mount Tamalpais, Marin (~45 minutes north) — The views from the upper reaches of Mt. Tam at golden hour are extraordinary — sweeping panoramas of the Bay, the Pacific, and the entire Marin landscape turning warm in the last light. Note that dogs are not permitted on most Mt. Tamalpais State Park trails, but the surrounding watershed lands and fire roads do allow leashed dogs. Check current access before heading up. Bonus: Chase the Cloud Inversion at Mt. Tam — On the right morning, usually in late summer and early fall when marine layer conditions are perfect, you can drive or hike above the fog line at Mt. Tam and look down on a sea of clouds blanketing the Bay while you stand in full sunshine. It’s one of the most surreal and beautiful things you can experience in the Bay Area, and completely free. Check the Marine Layer Forecast and look for conditions where fog is forecast below 1,500–2,000 feet. East Peak is the most accessible viewpoint for this — arrive early, bring layers, and bring your dog.
  • Carmel Beach (~2 hours) — Dogs are welcome off-leash year-round, and the sunsets over the Pacific from Carmel Beach are spectacular. A natural add-on to a Carmel weekend. See our dog-friendly Carmel guide for the full trip.

  Hit an Off-Leash Beach

  There is nothing quite like watching your dog sprint full speed toward the ocean for the first time — or the fiftieth time. Off-leash beach access is rarer than people expect in California, which makes finding the right spot worth a little planning. The Bay Area has several excellent options within easy reach, from dramatic Marin Headlands coves to wide open stretches of Pacific coastline.

  For the full guide to the best off-leash beaches in and around San Francisco — including Crissy Field, Baker Beach, Fort Funston, Rodeo Beach, and Ocean Beach — see our off-leash dog beaches in Northern California guide. Early mornings are almost always the best time to visit in summer — cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and better light for photos.

  

  Grab a Pint at a Dog-Friendly Brewery

  Bay Area brewery culture is thriving, and the best outdoor taprooms are some of the most dog-welcoming spots in the region — wide open patios, water bowls at the door, and the kind of laid-back afternoon energy that’s hard to find anywhere else. This one requires almost no planning, which after a summer full of adventures is exactly the point.

  Best spots:

  • Barebottle Brewing, San Francisco — A beloved SF neighborhood brewery with a spacious dog-friendly patio in Bernal Heights. One of the most consistently welcoming spots in the city for dogs and they can even hang inside. 
  • Headlands Brewing, Multiple locations — The Walnut Creek location has my favorite outdoor patio and a pretty decent black bean burger. The location in Lafayette is a close second. 
  • San Francisco Brewing Co., San Francisco — Dog-friendly taproom in the heart of the city, easy to fold into a broader SF afternoon.
  • Fieldwork Brewing, Berkeley / multiple Bay Area locations — One of the best-regarded craft breweries in Northern California with several dog-welcoming outdoor taproom locations around the Bay and some great food too. The Berkeley location is a local favorite.

  

  Planning a longer Northern California adventure this summer? Our 10-Day Dog-Friendly NorCal Road Trip strings many of these destinations together into one epic loop. And for even more inspiration, our Ultimate Dog-Friendly California Bucket List is always a good place to keep exploring.