When most dog owners plan a trip, they begin looking for boarding services or a friend or family member to look after their pet while they are gone. Isn’t it a shame, though, to leave your dog behind and deny him access to all the fun?
Fortunately, there are several dog-friendly vacation spots where you and your four-legged companion can have fun together. You can find dog-friendly hotels, dog-friendly restaurants and pubs, and plenty of parks for playtime and exercise with a little advanced research. Outdoor retail plazas, pet bakeries, ice cream shops, campgrounds, hiking trails, and athletic events are all popular destinations for well-behaved dogs.
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Colorado Springs, Colorado
Both humans and their canine partners benefit from mountain views and fresh air. Bring your dog to Colorado Springs to enjoy some hiking trails and take in the atmosphere. Garden of the Gods, the Manitou Cliff Dwelling, and the Cripple Creek District Museum are all pet-friendly attractions in the area. Hiking the Flatirons Vista Loop, Royal Arch Trail, or South Boulder Peak Trail with your dog is also a terrific way to spend time in Boulder, Colorado.
Key West, Florida
The beach towns of Waddell and Vernon, as well as the eclectic, laid-back and secluded beach resort of Key West, are dog-friendly. Louie’s Backyard, for example, is a dog-friendly bar. When you rent a kayak to paddle around the shore, you can even bring your dog along! A local outfitter, Lazy Dog rentals, will assist you take your dog on a paddling experience, and there’s also a dog-friendly sandbar nearby. Mallory Square is a popular gathering spot for local musicians, artists, and sellers, and your dog is welcome as well.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
The Smoky Mountains provide a beautiful backdrop in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, which is a beloved central location for fun family vacations. You can find affordable vacation rental properties and mountain cabins here, many of which are pet-friendly. You can even bring your dog with you on the Gatlinburg SkyLift to get to the top of the mountain and hike on hundreds of trails that stretch through the forests and streams.
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Albuquerque is a unique vacation spot for you and your dog, with plenty of sunshine and a pleasant year-round environment. In October, you can attend the International Hot Air Balloon Festival or visit some of the “Breaking Bad” TV program filming locations. There are many dog parks as well as pet-friendly hotels and restaurants in this area. The dog-friendly White Sands National Park in Alamogordo is a wonderful southwestern destination for hiking among the sand dunes.
Austin, Texas
Austin is a terrific destination to visit with your pet because it has so many parks and dog-friendly bars. It’s a budget-friendly place where you may frequently discover free or low-cost festivals, concerts, and other forms of entertainment. The Barton Creek Greenbelt and Zilker Metropolitan Park are two great spots to take your dog for a walk.
Cannon Beach, Oregon
Cannon Beach is a great weekend vacation from Portland, and there are many of pet-friendly hotels to pick from. There are miles of beach for you and your dog to walk and run on. Bring a sweater with you because the Oregon Coast may get chilly at any time of year. Return to Portland for a pint at the dog-friendly Lucky Labrador Brewing Company to introduce your pet to a little city life.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Dogs are allowed on the beaches in the early morning and late evening in Myrtle Beach, which is another dog-friendly resort. Just keep kids away from the beaches during the day’s peak hours. At Grand Strand, there’s also Barc Park and the North End Dog Park.
Acadia National Park, Maine
Dogs who enjoy hiking and being outside all day will enjoy a trip to Acadia National Park on Maine’s coast with you. Whether your dog is an expert hiker or a novice hiker, there are several routes to explore here that are ideal for a wide range of ability levels. In the park, leashes are required, so keep an eye on your dog for everyone’s safety. After that, visit Hadley Point Beach or one of the other dog-friendly beaches in the area in the town of Bar Harbor.
