7 Pet-Friendly Destinations

Our dogs are a part of our family, and when we’d otherwise travel solo, they make great road trip buddies. When it comes time to plan your next vacation, why not bring your pup with you? Pet friendly destinations encourage us to seek out and experience the fuzzy side of these destinations. Rather than throw a dart at a map to pick your next vacation town, why not follow your nose?

Portland, Oregon

Portland, Oregon is a great base for exploring the Columbia River Gorge and the dramatically-beautiful Oregon coast. Among the city’s best dog parks is Sellwood Riverfront Park, where your pup can play on the grass field or fetch sticks on the Willamette River. Many of Portland’s pubs and restaurants have pet-friendly patio seating, including four Lucky Lab locations. If you’re looking to explore Oregon’s rugged shoreline, Oswald West State Park in Cannon Beach is a favorite. It has a mix of scenic trails and spectacular surf.

Traverse City, Michigan

Check into one of the many pet-friendly hotels in Traverse City and explore one of an endless selection of blue-water beaches with your pet. Give “doggy paddling” a new name by renting kayaks or paddleboards from The River Outfitters, and letting your small dog come along for the ride. (You might want to invest in a canine life jacket … and call ahead to confirm their policies.)

Sedona, Arizona

Take your dog on a Jeep tour and get out of town for a spectacular view Sedona’s famous red rocks. Let her run in the highly-rated dog park before spending an afternoon sipping wine and nibbling on cheese at the Oak Creek Vineyards & Winery patio. If you want a little more heat, you can swing down to Phoenix to enjoy various pet friendly hikes and trails. When your finished, you can grab a cool drink on one of the many patios with your pal.

Boulder, Colorado

You can’t swing a rope toy without hitting an opportunity to spend downtime with your dog in Boulder. This mountain town has several popular dog parks, a ton of trails for overnight treks or afternoon hikes, dog-friendly shops, and microbreweries with patio seating. If you’re passing through, cool off at Boulder Reservoir’s North Shore for a quick swim. Boulder has special off-leash obedience requirements that help reduce the number of poorly-trained and aggressive dogs at large.

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San Diego, California

If you haven’t been to San Diego with your pooch, you haven’t been there at all. Check in to one of many pet-friendly hotels, or experience urban camping with the wildly popular and pet-friendly Campland on the Bay, where you can catch a concert, romp in the dog park, or launch your boat for a day at sea. When you’re actually ready to leave the resort and check out the town, you’ll find many open-air dining establishments and shops that welcome polite pets.

Chittenden, Vermont

Vermont is a great place to vacation any time of the year… especially if you visit Mountain Top Inn & Resort. Formerly known as The Nordic Ski Touring Center, this is one of the oldest continuously-operating cross-country skiing facilities in North America and offers year-round outdoor activities.

Pet-walkers are available with advance arrangements so you can leave your pup in your room or cabin on days when it’s too warm to leave him in the car, or you can take your dog with you to enjoy the brilliant fall foliage for which Vermont is known.

Atlanta, Georgia

Who’d have thought that this major metropolitan area would be a mecca for canine travelers? Trips With Pets raves about several day trips within close reach of Atlanta. With opportunities for deep sea fishing, beachcombing, kayaking, wine tasting, fruit picking, and hiking, there’s enough for you and your pet to keep busy. Visit Centennial Olympic Park for on-leash exploration in the heart of the city. You can pick any one of dozens of restaurants welcoming well-behaved dogs.

Welcome Mats for Well-Mannered Pets

Always double-check a hotel, restaurant, or attraction’s pet policies before confirming your plans. Also, make sure your pet is travel ready with the right vaccinations, travel crates, toys, and accessories. Brush up on his obedience training, and be sure to find out where you can find the best local vets in case of emergency. Don’t forget your first aid kit!. Then hit the open road, create some memories and make all the dogs back home envious with all your social media travel selfies!

Do you travel with your dog? Share some other recommendations in the comments!