National parks in California offer amazing adventures for you and your furry friend. With towering trees, roaring waterfalls, desert landscapes, and pristine beaches, these dog-friendly national parks in California showcase stunning scenery.
Take your pup on hikes and get close to nature, see ancient giant sequoias, or stroll through the salty sea air.
Whether majestic mountain vistas, winding trails, or echoes of crashing surf, the beautiful National Parks in California promise unforgettable outdoor experiences with your canine companion.
1. Yosemite National Park
Towering granite cliffs, rushing waterfalls, and ancient giant sequoias await you and your pup at Yosemite National Park.
Located in central California, Yosemite offers easy hikes for dogs to Lower Yosemite Falls where you’ll be sprayed by the mist, to Mirror Lake reflecting Half Dome’s beauty, and through lush meadows filled with wildflowers.
With so much natural splendor, it’s no wonder people and pets flock to Yosemite to marvel at its iconic scenery and reconnect with nature.
Early morning and late afternoon hikes are your best bet for avoiding the masses.
Make sure to bring plenty of water for both you and your pup, as it gets hot in Yosemite during the summer.
2. Redwood National and State Parks
Heading north, Redwood National and State Parks offer a totally different landscape to explore with your dog. And, it is one of the second most famous national parks in California to visit with your dog.
It is home to the tallest trees on Earth, the coast redwoods, and this park system protects over 100,000 acres of forest along the Northern California coast.
Several trails allow leashed dogs, taking you through the shady redwood groves and along the scenic coastline.
Don’t miss the Lady Bird Johnson Grove, which has a 1-mile loop trail that will give you a taste of these towering giants.
Just watch out for your pup around the huge fallen trees – it’s easy to lose sight of a small dog in the dense forest!
Read More – 5 Must-Visit National Parks in Hawaii for Outdoor Adventure Lovers
3. Joshua Tree National Park
If desert hiking is more your speed, Joshua Tree National Park makes for an amazing dog-friendly escape.
Located about 2.5 hours east of L.A., Joshua Tree is a diverse landscape of rugged granite formations, extinct volcanoes, and of course, the park’s namesake Joshua trees.
Pups are allowed on most trails, but be extremely cautious hiking with dogs in the summer when temperatures routinely exceed 100°F.
Early spring and late fall offer much more comfortable weather for desert rambles with your dog.
Some of my favorite dog-friendly hikes include the Oasis of Mara and the Fortynine Palms Oasis trails. Make sure to bring plenty of water and watch for cacti!
4. Point Reyes National Seashore north
For a beach getaway, Point Reyes National Seashore north of San Francisco allows leashed dogs at all of its beaches.
With over 70 miles of coastline, you and your pup are sure to find the perfect stretch of sand.
Take the Kule Loklo trail down to the dramatic Point Reyes headlands, or explore the Estero de Limantour nature preserve.
Just be aware of Northern California’s chilly ocean temperatures and unpredictable surf conditions.
Always keep your dog on a leash and watch out for sneaker waves.
5. Golden Gate National Recreation Area
No dog-friendly national park list would be complete without the iconic Golden Gate National Recreation Area. It spans both sides of the Golden Gate Strait and this park protects a variety of landscapes around San Francisco, from windswept beaches to redwood forests.
Several trails in the Marin Headlands, including the Coastal Trail, allow leashed dogs to take in the stunning views of the Pacific and the Golden Gate Bridge.
Within the city, spots like Crissy Field and Baker Beach welcome pups to play in the sand and soak up some of that signature San Fran fog.
Moreover, this is one of the best California national parks to visit with your dog. So, definitely this make you a memorable visit.
