Animal lovers can now travel with their pets and not have to leave them at home. You can find a variety of places that welcome pets, including amazing weekend trips in Florida specifically designed for dog lovers, pet-friendly cruises, and beautiful walks in cities that are tolerant of dogs. More and more spots are starting to enjoy letting pets come along, so there’s always new vacation spots appearing for people and their pets to look at.
The guide tells you about amazing places you can go with your pets in 2024, such as marvelous beaches, mountains, and city spots where both you and your animal friends will have fun. It discusses where you can stay with pets, places they can roam without a leash, and enjoyable activities you both can do; this article points out 10 spots that are extremely welcoming to pets. In addition, it gives advice on how to make your trip with pets amazing and worry-free for all.
Top Beach Destinations for Pet Lovers
If you’re looking to relax at the beach and have fun with your furry friends, there are several spectacular places by the coast that are wonderful for both you and your pets; these spots have everything you need to relax and have fun with your animal friends.
San Diego, California
In San Diego, people who own pets and their dogs are in for a treat because of the constant nice weather. It’s the ideal location for walking in place outdoors with your dog; there’s an inordinate percentage of dog-friendly beaches to look at, such as Ocean Beach Dog Beach, which is very great. Owing to the fact that since 1972, it’s been one of the very first beaches in the U.S. where dogs can run around without a leash, this beach is large and sandy, giving dogs a large amount of room to run free and swim whenever they want.
If you want a wonderful spot, Fiesta Island in Mission Bay is the location to go, especially if you have a dog. It’s very welcoming to pets and even was chosen as the best dog park in the country by USA TODAY 10Best. Dogs can run around without a leash in most parts of the beach because there are special off-leash areas. In addition, the bay waters are calm, making it a wonderful spot for dogs to get in some swimming practice with their doggy paddle.
Key West, Florida
Key West is famous for being a wonderful location where even pets receive a warm welcome. They really look out for dogs, giving them and their humans a significant amount of really wonderful things to do. There’s Key West Dog Beach, where dogs can play in the water and beat the Florida heat. It’s not the prettiest beach around—but it’s amazing for dogs to stay and play.
For more adventurous duos, Lazy Dog Adventures provides pet-friendly kayak and paddleboard tours, allowing dogs to join their owners on water excursions. After a day of fun in the sun, many restaurants welcome dogs, such as Louie’s Backyard, an oceanfront establishment with Caribbean cuisine and a pet-friendly patio.
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
From October 1 to February 28, Hilton Head Island turns into the perfect spot for bringing your pet, especially when it’s fall or winter. Dogs can dwell in place on the beaches whenever, so it’s exceptionally wonderful for trips with your animal buddies when schools’ out. But, even in the busy times, from March 1 to September 30, your pets aren’t left out. They can still participate in enjoyable walks on the beach if you go early, before 10:00 a.m. or later, after 5:00 p.m. Hilton Head Island is amazing for vacations with your dog, essentially any time of the year.
Coligny Beach Park is a marvelous location to dwell in if you have pets. It has a large, sandy beach that’s excellent for walking your dogs, especially when the tide is low, because there’s so much space for them to run around; the island has a substantial amount of bike paths too, which is wonderful for people who enjoy biking with their active pets.
Mountain Getaways with Your Furry Friend
If you want to take your pet to the mountains without any hassle, there are some exceptionally wonderful places perfect for you and your animal companion; these spots are fantastic because they have a large amount of activities to do outdoors. And they’re also really welcoming to pets.
Asheville, North Carolina
Right in the middle of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is a heaven for dogs and those who love them; thanks to the always excellent weather, it sets up the best scene for outdoor fun with your pup. Dog owners have several trails where pets are welcome, one of them being the famous Max Patch. It’s a major mountain spot that demonstrates views of all the mountain peaks around, and it’s really amazing because it’s short and has plenty of space up top—which is great for dogs.
The Black Balsam Trail is an excellent choice because it’s simple to get to from the Blue Ridge Parkway and it does not take much time to walk to the top. Before you have the clear intention to hit all three spots, note to carry water. When you reach the top, you and your pet can look around or continue on hikes to nearby spots, such as Sam Knob and Tennent Mountain.
In Asheville, hiking and spending important time with your dog is terrific, owing to there’s a big amount of enjoyment for being outside and doing activities; the wonderful part is, it’s not only about the trails. You can bring your dog to several places to eat and drink, where they’re very happily invited to relax with you on the outside seats.
Bend, Oregon
In Bend, they’ve mastered it for dogs and their humans; there are wonderful places where you can eat with your pup at more than 40 restaurants because they have places to sit outside. And if you’re staying over, finding a wonderful location where your pet is welcome won’t be hard. In addition, imagine walking or running through more than 50 miles of trails around the city. It’s basically a place where dogs are really happy with everything your pet could wish for.
For dogs that love water, Riverbend Park is wonderful because it has access to the Deschutes River, where dogs can relax on warm days. Bend is ideal for dog owners because it has so many places where dogs can run free; there are approximately nine really amazing off-leash parks in the city. Pine Nursery Park is one of them, and it’s very big, with 18 acres fenced off just for dogs, nature trails to look into, and even a special area for the tiny dogs.
Bend’s pet-friendly atmosphere extends to its thriving craft beer scene. Many breweries, such as 10 Barrel Brewing Company and GoodLife Brewing, welcome dogs on their patios. After a day of adventure, pet owners can find numerous pet stores in town to spoil their furry friends with treats and toys.
Colorado Springs, Colorado
If you’re traveling with your pets, Colorado Springs is the best place. With its exceptionally wonderful mix of places that are accommodating to pets and amazing outdoor fun, it’s got what you need; the city’s got the country’s top hiking trails that are perfect for you and your animal friends to explore as a pair.
The Garden of the Gods is a spot you really should see. It’s a national landmark that is free to visit and has hiking trails all around these amazing red rock formations; there are many trails to walk with your dog, and the views will surprise you.
What sets Colorado Springs apart is its unique dining options for pet owners. The city is home to the only restaurant in the state that allows dogs to dine inside with their owners. This establishment even offers separate menus for dogs and humans, providing a truly inclusive dining experience.
Urban Adventures for You and Your Pet
If you have a pet and want to have fun in the city with them, there are some amazing urban places where people can go; they have really awesome activities to do, places outside to relax, and they’re quite accepting of pets.
Portland, Oregon
In the U.S., Portland is exceptionally wonderful for dogs and ranks as the fourth most dog-friendly location. It’s packed with more than 400 places to eat where dogs are welcome, has 94 vet offices for when your pet dog needs a check-up, and a significant amount of dog parks. Everywhere you look in the city, people are spending important time with their dogs, whether they’re out for a walk, getting something to eat, or shopping; this location really makes your pet feel at home.
When you visit Portland with your pet, seeing the city together is astounding. You all can visit the Portland Saturday Market, where they let pets come along if they have ropes on them. It’s an amazing location where people come to buy art, food, and clothes, and it’s a location where pets and their owners really get to completely have fun together. It’s a favorite place for the people there, bringing vendors and the local area close.
If you’re into nature and have a dog, you can relax at the International Rose Test Garden or Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden; they let you bring dogs on leashes, and it’s an excellent spot to escape from all the city sounds and simply be with your pet; these places are very beautiful outdoor areas.
Boston, Massachusetts
Boston is extremely welcoming to pets, and there are a large amount of fun things for pet owners to do around town. A substantial portion of restaurants let dogs stay on their patios when you’re eating outside. LUCIE Drink + Dine at The Colonnade Hotel even has a large 40-seat patio that’s open all year where you can have breakfast or dinner with your dog.
One unique experience in Boston is the “Yappier Hour” at The Liberty Hotel, which kicks off in May on Mondays. This event allows pet owners to socialize with their dogs in a fun, urban setting.
If you’re someone who loves being outside and you have a dog, the Boston Common and Public Garden are spectacular places to go. They’re fine with dogs as long as they’re on a leash. The Boston Common is the oldest park in America, and there are special areas where dogs can move freely without a leash. But you need to be vigilant for signs that tell you where these spots are.
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago is now extremely welcoming to pets, which is excellent if you are going on a trip with your dog. During weekends from mid-July to early October, you can look at something spectacular called Mercury’s Canine Cruises; this tells you that if you have a dog, they can come with you on a boat tour around the city’s waterways. And don’t worry regarding bathroom breaks—they’ve got a special area with newspapers for dogs to use.
Chicago is exceptionally wonderful for people who love shopping because it has three places where you can bring your pets when you buy things: Nordstrom, The Shops at North Bridge, and The Magnificent Mile. After shopping, take your pets to Montrose Dog Beach to play in the water and relax in the sand.
A significant amount of hotels in Chicago are quite accepting of pets coming along. Virgin Hotels Chicago is one of those places; they let any size pet stay without charging extra; these pets get snacks, a bed they can borrow, and even obtain a red Virgin Hotels bandana. And outside your room, there’s a ceramic dog statue watching.
These urban destinations showcase how cities are adapting to accommodate pet-friendly travel, offering a wide range of activities and amenities for both pets and their owners to enjoy together.
Planning Your Pet-Friendly Vacation
When you’re thinking about going on a vacation with your pet, you must really carefully plan to ensure it is enjoyable for you and your pet. By following some tips, you can take a trip that’s amazing for you and your pet while exploring new places.
Choosing pet-friendly accommodations
Before you take off for a trip with your animal buddy, make sure to double-check the hotel’s rules for pets by giving them a call. Several hotels reserve special rooms for pets that usually have tile floors and are close to the doors, making it easier for you and your pet. It is crucial to understand the hotel’s pet policy in advance to avoid any last-minute complications, such as considering the complexities of whether they have weight or breed limits for pets or how much they are going to charge. Some places charge per night for your pet, while others charge once.
Look at if there are places for your pet to use the bathroom or parks close by. You can use Google Earth to look at what’s around and see if these spots are simple to get to. Also, ask the hotel if there are spots where pets aren’t allowed and if it’s okay to leave your pet alone in the room.
Packing essentials for your pet
Before you travel, make sure to pack everything your pet needs to feel comfortable. If you’re flying, get a carrier or crate that the airline is quite accepting of; things to pack include their usual food, bowls that can be bent, and the medications they need to take. Always remember to bring their favorite toys, blankets, or beds so they can feel warm and peaceful, even when they’re somewhere new.
You should bring your pet’s health records and ID tags when entering other countries. If you have a dog, remember to pack a leash, harness, and bags for picking up waste, or if you have a cat, bring a portable litter box. The reader is encouraged to contemplate bringing items that calm your pet down, such as pheromones or herbal material; just be sure to speak to your vet first.
Finding pet-friendly activities and restaurants
First, think through which spots let pets join in the fun, such as parks, beaches, or trails where you can take wonderful walks and look at the views. A lot of places have special areas for dogs, and some spots to eat even let you bring your pet to sit outside with you; to really wholly enjoy your trip, find out which attractions, eateries, and open areas are quite accepting of pets coming with you.
Look at apps such as BringFido or DogPack to find dog parks and places that welcome pets near you. This allows you to plan activities with your pet and prevent them from being left alone in a new place.
To have a great trip with your pet and actually really like it, the reader is encouraged to contemplate what your pet needs and plan it all out ahead of time. You must be potentially amenable to reconfiguring things and staying acquiescent, because taking pets along can mean you have to do procedures differently than you usually do. By doing this, both you and your pet can enjoy being with each other.
Pets and their owners have a lot of wonderful places to visit together now. You can visit the sunny beaches, relax in the mountains, or explore busy cities with your four-legged friend; these spots are packed with fun activities and items to do for both you and your pet, making those memorable experiences easy to come by. Animal lovers are happy because traveling with pets is now significantly better, with a significant amount of options out there.
Get ready to start an amazing adventure with your pet! Making fully sure you have everything your pet needs packed, finding a location to stay where your pet will be welcome, and looking up fun things you can do with your pet at the spot you’re heading to are crucial steps for a great trip. If you keep your pet’s comfort and needs in mind the entire time, you’re going to not only have a delightful pet but also make your relationship with your pet friend even stronger. Hold your things, take your pet, and let’s travel somewhere together!
FAQs
What are some top destinations for traveling with dogs?
If you desire to bring your dog along on your trip, you should really, the reader is encouraged to contemplate, going to places such as Huntington Beach, San Diego, Napa in California, Colorado Springs in Colorado, Kanab in Utah, Boise in Idaho, Seattle in Washington, and Bend in Oregon. Many spots are very welcoming to dogs and have great things and activities for your pet to fully like.
Which cities in the US are known for being particularly dog-friendly?
New York City, Seattle, Denver, Chicago, Portland, San Diego, Boston, and Nashville are exceptionally wonderful for dog lovers because they’ve got an inordinate percentage of off-leash parks, which is very good for pets. If you’re traveling with your dog, these places are the best choices.
Can you recommend some dog-friendly beaches for a holiday?
Robin Hood’s Bay in Yorkshire, Holkham Beach in Norfolk, Fistral Beach in Cornwall, Saunton Sands in Devon, and Marloes Sands in Pembrokeshire are marvelous places to look at if you desire to stay with your dog on the beach. People say they’re excellent for pets.
What is the safest way to travel with a pet?
If you have a pet and are on the road, halting them from distracting you involves holding them in kennels because it’s extremely secure. But, if that doesn’t make you happy, grasping a harness or a pet car seat that can attach to the car’s seatbelt could be your next safe bet.
What are some ideal travel destinations for a dog that enjoys the outdoors but tires after a few miles?
If your dog wholly enjoys being outside but gets tired easily, the reader is encouraged to contemplate going places where there are both enjoyable things to do outside and calm spots to take a break. In spots such as Asheville and Bend, you can find shorter trails and parks that are simple for your dog, plus there are comfortable places where both of you can rest.
If you want to know how to have an enjoyable and safe adventure by yourself, you should read our guide called Essential Travel Safety Tips for Women Traveling Alone. It’s very important to know how to stay comfortable, safe, and be ready for anything when you travel alone as a woman because it can make you feel strong. Our article discusses all the important steps, from getting ready before you leave to keeping an eye out while you’re on your trip, to help you travel without stress.
