Many people say variety is the spice of life, and I know my dogs agree. Nothing excites my canine companions more than a chance to explore a new place and make new friends. Whether you live in Sonoma County or are visiting, I’m sure your dog will also enjoy seeing (and smelling) all that the area has to offer. Unless otherwise noted, all dog parks listed are fully fenced. All of the public parks listed do require dogs to be on leash, but they still offer opportunities for boundless fun.

A day at the lake

Lake Sonoma promises more fun than you can fit into a single day. With over 40 miles of hiking trails, picnic areas, fishing, and dog-friendly boat rentals, your dog will beg you to stay. Did I mention there are great campsites available here? The main entrance is located at 3333 Skaggs Springs Road In Geyserville. For more information on boat rentals, call 707-433-2200. For camping reservations, call 877-444-6777.

Healdsburg and Windsor

The dog park at Villa Chanticleer in Healdsburg is 1 1/2 acres of doggy heaven.The wood chip surface drains well in winter, and baby pools are available in summer for a little extra fun in the sun. Oak and madrone trees, along with several canopy-covered picnic tables, provide plenty of shade. Located at 1248 North Fitch Mountain Road, the park is down the second road to the left as you enter the complex.

Foothill Regional Park, located at 1351 Arata Lane in Windsor, has miles of trails that meander through oak woodlands and past several small lakes. There are some beautiful scenic vistas.

How about taking your dog out for a day of canoeing on the Russian River? Your dog will be paddling in his sleep for weeks as he relives his river adventure! Russian River Adventures in Healdsburg can be reached at 800-280-7627.

Both Healdsburg and Windsor have cute downtowns that are great for window shopping. Most importantly, both contain several pet boutiques where your dog can pick out her own souvenir.

Santa Rosa

Rincon Valley Community Park includes separate fenced runs for large and small dogs and even boasts a third area with a shallow pond for dog paddling.

A day of serious hiking at Hood Mountain Regional Park will reward you with amazing views, beautiful wildflowers in the spring, and a deliriously happy pup. Located at 3000 Los Alamos Road, this underutilized park is accessed by a narrow, winding road.

For a more leisurely stroll, check out Spring Lake Regional Park at 391 Violetti Drive. You can take a walk around the 72-acre lake or explore the easy hiking trails if you prefer more solitude.

Rohnert Park and Cotati

Robert’s Lake Dog Park, located along Roberts Lake Road in Rohnert Park, has separate areas for small and large dogs. The large dog area is fairly narrow, but provides a long runway for games of fetch and chase.

Crane Creek Regional Park has miles of trails that follow a seasonal creek through rolling grasslands. You can enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding foothills while your dog admires the sheep flock on the neighboring property.

Petaluma

Rocky Memorial Dog Park, located at the end of Casa Grande Road just off Lakeville Highway, is the largest in the county at nine acres. The rolling dirt and weed-covered land isn’t much to look at, but the dogs have a great time playing here. This park’s entry is open to the road, and the parking area is not fenced off from the play area, so dogs should be under good voice control.

Helen Putnam Regional Park offers plenty of hiking trails and great views. Most of the trails are through open grasslands, but there are a few shadier trails. The park is located at 411 Chileno Valley Road.

Sebastopol

Ragle Ranch Regional Park has a dog park as well as walking trails. The dog park currently offers small dog-only hours from 3-4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Dogs of all sizes are welcome at all other times. You can find the park at 500 Ragle Road.

Sonoma

Sonoma Valley Regional Park and the Elizabeth Perrone Dog Park are located at 13630 Sonoma Highway in Glen Ellen. The one-acre dog run offers your pooch a chance to romp and play, while the 162-acre park provides miles of trails for both of you to explore.

A day on the coast

Although it is located just over the Marin County line, I would be remiss if I failed to mention Dillon Beach. This privately owned beach provides dogs with the only off-leash coastal access in the area. Words cannot begin to describe the joy I feel while watching my dogs bounding across the sand. Dillon Beach is located off Dillon Beach Road in the town of Dillon Beach.

From Bodega Bay to Gualala, there are numerous county beaches that welcome leashed dogs. My dogs love them all, including the steep hike to a secluded beach at Pinnacle Gulch and the easy walk through the dunes to the driftwood-covered beach where the river meets the ocean in Gualala. Check out the Regional Parks website at www.sonoma-county.org/parks for more information.

Begging for more?

This is just a sample of the fun available to you and your dog in beautiful Sonoma County. I’m sure you will meet new friends along the way who can point you towards even more fun activities to share with your canine pal. Happy hunting!