When you bring your dogs along on vacation, it will be even better, and there are lots of dog-friendly sites to visit in the United States. Your dogs will have boundless pleasure on the road with you, from frolicking on the golden beaches of San Diego and Florida to trekking the mountains of Oregon, Maine, and North Carolina. Cities love dogs, providing doggie spas and off-leash areas, as well as welcoming them into stores and outdoor dining establishments.
If you’re driving, use a harness seatbelt to secure your dog (driving with an unrestrained dog is illegal in several areas). Check airline laws and purchase the appropriate carrier, as well as a comfortable mat and adequate water for the duration of the flight. Read our list of the best dog-friendly vacations in the United States for suggestions on where to go with your four-legged buddy.
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Bend, Oregon
Bend, Oregon, on the Deschutes River, is surrounded by National Forests, alpine lakes, and extinct volcanoes, making it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Bend is said to have the world’s biggest per capita dog population, with over 49 percent of people keeping dogs. Within the city borders, there are 51 miles of trails, 13 off-leash places for your best buddy to run about in, and hiking paths through the lush forests.
Take your dog for a walk along the Deschutes River Trail or the walkway in Farewell Bend Park. There are plenty of possibilities for Fido to go for a swim if he needs to cool off. Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe may also hire you a canoe.
Deschutes National Forest contains various trails along Douglas firs for serious hikers, including the popular North Fork Trail. In the winter, the Wanoga, Edison, and Kapka Sno-Parks include cross-country ski and snowshoe trails where you may make snow angels with your dog.
Sedona, Arizona
In Sedona, Arizona, take some stunning photos of your four-legged pal against the backdrop of red rock country. Slide Rock State Park, a 43-acre park in Oak Creek Canyon just outside of town, or Coconino National Forest, famed for iconic red rocks, Ponderosa Pine Forests, and alpine tundra, are also great places for active dogs. Dogs are welcome on several of Sedona’s top hiking routes.
Pet-friendly tours, such as backpacking, camping outings, and visits to Indian ruin sites, are also available. Boynton Canyon Tour and Bell Rock Tour are two of the dog-friendly tours offered by Red Rock Magic Trolley Tours. After all of your adventures, reward your dog to a tasty treat at the Whiskers Barkery at Sinagua Plaza.
Bar Harbor, Maine
Acadia National Park, a 47,000-acre wilderness region on Mount Desert Island with 120 miles of dog-friendly hiking trails along the picturesque glacier-sculpted shoreline, is just a short drive from Bar Harbor, Maine.
Acadia is one of the country’s most pet-friendly national parks, with most of its hiking paths (save those with ladders) and carriage roads open to four-legged visitors. Drive the Scenic Park Loop Road to the peak of Cadillac Mountain, stopping at viewpoint locations for photos and bathroom breaks for your dogs along the way. Pets are also permitted on the park’s buses that take visitors to breathtaking viewpoints.
Lake Placid, New York
Lake Placid is a quintessential romantic getaway, located five hours from New York City in the Adirondack Mountains. Make memories with your four-legged buddy on the lake’s beaches and in luxury lodges like the Lake Placid Lodge.
Lake Placid is a multi-sport resort where you may do skiing, hiking, bicycling, and fishing all in the same day. A stroll along Mirror Lake on a 2.7-mile paved trail is a must-do for beautiful vistas and fresh air. The route, which runs along the west side of the lake, features a few dog-friendly stores.
Sanibel Island, Florida
If you have a beach bum on your hands, head to Sanibel Island on Florida’s Gulf Coast. This Southwest Florida region is a great place to visit because of its sun-kissed beaches and warm weather all year.
In this barrier island where virtually all of the beaches are pet-friendly, take in spectacular sunsets, seek for seashells, or jog on the beach with your four-legged partner. The Gulfside Beach (also known as Algiers Beach) is one of the most popular beaches, including picnic spaces, BBQ grills, outdoor showers, and restrooms.
