The Best Dog-Friendly Vacation Ideas

Dogs are part of the family, so it’s only natural that you’d want to share some of your travel adventures with your four-legged companions. Wondering what kind of vacation is best for the good boy or girl in your life? Read on to discover some dog-friendly vacation ideas for every canine, from pampered pooches to wild dogs yearning to be free.

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Road Tripping

If you dream of belting out Tom Petty’s “Free Fallin’” with your dog gazing at you adoringly from the passenger seat, a road trip is probably right for you. More realistically, your canine traveler needs to be the type who loves car rides. When road tripping with your pup, safety is paramount, so use a seatbelt restraint or have them secured safely in the back seat. Don’t forget lots of water, pit stops to stretch legs (you), and sniff grass (them).

It can be hard to find pet-friendly accommodations on the fly, so ensuring you have your lodging booked in advance is a must.

Pet-Friendly Road Trip: The famous Route 66, stretching from Chicago to Los Angeles, offers ample pet-friendly attractions and accommodation options. Start (or finish) anywhere along the route, customizing your road trip’s length and region.

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Camping

Both you and Skip can find serenity (and silence) as you stare up at the starry skies, while a campfire crackles on. Adventurous dogs will rejoice with the countless new smells to be found, the endless trails to explore, and the bond that will be forged getting back to nature together.

Since unforeseen accidents can occur in nature (and everywhere else), be mindful to bring a pet-included first-aid kit with you, and consider everything from bee stings and splinters (for both you and your cuddly companion) to scuffles with wildlife.

Pet-Friendly Camping Experience: For a camping experience that leans heavily towards glamping, consider Under Canvas, a collection of pet-friendly tent camps that offer king-sized beds, Wifi, dining options, and optional ensuite bathrooms.

With locations in Moab, Lake Powell – Grand Staircase, Zion, Great Smoky Mountains, Acadia, Grand Canyon, Mt. Rushmore, Yellowstone, Glacier, and the Grand Canyon – there’s a location for just about everyone and provides easy access to some of America’s best National Parks.

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Urban Escapes

From blowouts to bark-offs, some dogs are just born to stroll the city streets. With pampering options on every corner, major metropolitan cities can offer ample fun for dogs and owners alike. From cozy doggy beds to in-room dining options for your canine, hotels are stepping up their game to attract stylish and devoted guests and their VIPs (Very Important Pets).

Stroll the city streets, leash in hand. Spend your days visiting parks, pet boutiques, dog-friendly human boutiques (you’d be surprised how many of them are!), and patio-hopping with your favorite companion by your side.

Pet-Friendly Urban Escapes: It’s impossible to pick just one! At The Liberty in Boston, furry guests are treated to personalized bones and are welcomed at “Yappier Hour” in the on-site restaurant. If you plan on visiting the St. Regis Aspen Resort, your beloved pup can blow off some steam through a playdate with Kitty, the hotel’s own Bernese mountain dog, and canine social coordinator.

At the Bobby Hotel in Nashville, your pet is greeted by Hairy, the hotel’s ambassador and newest rescue dog. Your four-legged family member is welcome nearly everywhere on the property, including the swanky rooftop lounge and the patio at Café at Bobby.

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Beach Bums

With the wind blowing through their fur and the sand under their paws, countless canines call the beach their favorite place to visit. Spend some quality coastal time with your pup, and get back to the simpler things in life.

While beach days are a blast, wet sandy dogs are not. Equip yourself with towels, wet wipes for thoroughly cleaning paws and faces, and some water to refresh you both after a dip in the ocean. Be careful with your pup and saltwater, as many like to bite at the waves or frolic in the ocean, and saltwater is known to upset dog’s sensitive stomachs.

Pet-Friendly Beach Getaways: For canines who are California dreaming, there’s the Cyprus Inn in Carmel, California. All rooms are pet-friendly, and the hotel welcomes all domesticated creatures! Given that, enjoy “muttinis” in the lounge during “Yappy Hour”, or frolic leash-free on the adjacent Carmel beach.

Ultimately, no matter what you choose, you and your beloved pooch will have a blast!