Planning a trip with your dog can be a very fun and adventurous experience. Enjoy the company of your pup on your next summer vacation with these top destinations in mind.
Summer is here and that means one thing… Vacation time. As dog owners, one of the biggest challenges we face prior to trips is figuring out what to do with our dogs. Can we find a dog sitter? Should we leave them with a friend? Should we board them? Unless you’re headed to the parents’ house for the weekend, bringing a dog with you never seems to be a good option thanks to all the logistics involved with traveling with a dog.
Yes, there are times when getting away from that slobbering, sometimes annoying, mess is a good thing. However, planning a trip with a dog can be a very fun and adventurous experience. Enjoy the company of your pup on your next summer vacation with these top destinations in mind.
1. Austin, TX
Austin makes our list for it’s dog friendly restaurants (including a food truck specifically for dogs), dog friendly shopping, and numerous outdoor opportunities. The city has been repeatedly ranked as one of America’s dog friendliest places to live. There are close to 20 off leash dog parks in town for you to visit, including the new boardwalk trail at Lady Bird Lake. Afterwards, check out a kayak/paddle board touring and rental company. Most will allow you to bring dogs as long as they are well behaved and are equipped with a pfd.
Unique Dog Attractions
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Bow Wow Bones – Austin’s first mobile food truck for dogs
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Austin Doga – The name says it all. It’s Yoga with your best friend.
2. San Francisco
It should be no surprise that the City by the Bay made our list. With over 25 dog parks, this city is ranked 3rd for number of dog parks and 2nd nationally for walkability with your pet. On top of this, the city has the most pet friendly restaurants per capita and close to 70 dog friendly hotels. If beaches are your thing, consider stopping by Baker Beach, a dog friendly spot with an incredible view of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Unique Dog Attractions
- World’s Ugliest Dog Competition in nearby Petaluma, CA
3. San Diego
California is one of the most dog friendly states in the US, so it has made our list twice. San Diego has some of the best weather in the country and touts 8 dog friendly beaches. If you get tired of the beach, head over to one of San Diego’s 16 off-leash dog parks.
Unique Dog Attractions
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Surf Dog Surfathon – A dog surfing contest
- Lighthouse Ice Cream and Yogurt – This ice cream shop has a sugar free ice cream made specifically for dogs
4. Chicago
Treat your dog and yourself to the big city life in Chicago. This city has over 50 dog friendly hotels and numerous activities to enjoy outdoors. Hop on a boat cruise or stroll down Lake Michigan’s shoreline and hit the dog beach. A walk down Navy Pier makes for a great afternoon of sightseeing with your pup.
What’s more American than going to a major league baseball game?.. Going to one with your dog. The MLB has several Bark in the Park games around the country and the White Sox are on the list for 2015. On good weather days it is very easy to find a restaurant with a patio for you and your dog to grub at.
Unique Dog Attractions
5. Charleston, SC
Want to spend a weekend in the South? Head on to Charleston, SC. Known for it’s rich history, beautiful cobblestone streets, and pre-Civil-War houses this is the perfect location if you love to walk with your dog. Take a trip to the French Quarter and down Waterfront Park. You and your dog can also take a walking ghost tour, shop around the city market, or head to one of Charleston’s dog friendly beaches. Sullivan’s Island allows off leash from 5am until 10am, but be sure to pick up a permit from town hall when you get there.
Nothing spoils the excitement of a trip more than finding out your desired activity or location isn’t dog friendly. In order to avoid this, do some destination research. Bring Fido is an awesome resource for finding dog-friendly activities, restaurants, and hotels in a specific city. If you want to get away for a few hours, consider finding a local dog sitter. Summer vacations are for sharing experiences with the ones you love, so why not share them with your best friend. Traveling with a dog can be very easy if you simply choose the right destinations and plan far enough in advance.
