If you’re anything like me, your dogs are members of your family and you want to bring them with you when you explore. Loki and Freya keep me endlessly entertained with their crazy husky antics and personalities. This list is perfect if you are new to traveling with dogs or a seasoned pro. One thing is for sure, you will remember a trip with your dogs forever! Check out these top 10 dog friendly destinations in the U.S. as you start making your travel plans for 2022!
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Safety Tips For Traveling With Dogs:
- Never leave your dog unattended in a car (heat stroke and freezing to death are not worth it) or at a campsite
- While driving, it’s safest for your dogs to be crated. But if you can’t fit a crate then seatbelts are a great alternative. I generally use seatbelts for the huskies.
- Do not try to feed a dog while driving. It will end badly for everyone.
- Take plenty of water, potty, and walk breaks during long drives.
Dog Friendly Activities:
- Hiking
- Scenic Drives (hello, Skyline Drive at Shenandoah National Park)
- Beach (check for restrictions)
- Kayaking
- Walking Tours
- Breweries
Packing List For Dogs:
- Extra Tags (in case you lose yours)
- Copy of Rabies Vaccines and Health Records
- Leashes
- Harnesses
- Hammock Seat Cover
- Dog Seat Belts
- Crate/Kennel
- Dog Bed (I usually bring one for the car)
- Food & Water Bowls
- Food & Extra Water
- Care Products – I always bring Benadryl, Famotidine, Nose & Paw Ointment
- Dog First Aid Kit
- Poop Bag Holder
- Biodegradable Poop Bags And THIS handy little thing
- Cleaning Supplies (at the very least carpet cleaner)
- Toys/Kong/Bones/Treats (Freya needs distractions on long road trips)
- Ball (its always a good idea to have at least a ball)
- 50 ft leashes for Airbnb yards
- Towels (esp if you have messy dogs like mine)
- A Current Photo (in case they get lost)
- Backpack
- Collapsible Water Bowl
Need a free pet packing checklist?
Top 10 Dog Friendly Destinations In The US For 2022
1. Acadia National Park – Maine
If you follow me on Instagram, it will come as no surprise that Acadia tops this list. As one of the most dog friendly National Parks in the US you just can’t beat it. Loki and Freya love hiking trails like Ship Harbor and seeing sunrise on top of Cadillac Mountain. Bonus: Bar Harbor is a very dog friendly town as well. Check for paw stickers in the windows of shops to be able to tell which are dog friendly. Grab your morning coffee at Coffee Hound and head to Shore Path to stroll with your pups, but make sure to keep them leashed at all times.
Check Out: One Day At Acadia National Park With Dogs, 10 Can’t Miss Dog Friendly Hikes At Acadia, Is Acadia National Park Dog Friendly?
2. Colorado Springs – Colorado
Colorado Springs has some insanely cool sights and gorgeous scenery. Your dogs can join you on most trails at Garden Of The Gods and Seven Falls. Both offer stunning Colorado nature, I even saw a black bear at Garden Of The Gods. Dogs can also join their humans on Pikes Peak Toll Road but keep in mind that the altitude is over 14,000 feet. While this shouldn’t affect your dogs it’s a possibility. Dogs are not permitted on the Pikes Peak cog railroad.
3. Asheville – North Carolina
For an active and picturesque pet friendly trip, Asheville is perfect. Take a long drive on one of America’s more scenic roads, the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visit the dogs friendly North Carolina Arboretum or take your pups for a walk through the beautiful gardens of the Biltmore Estate. Check out Asheville Pizza & Brewing if you want your dogs to join you for lunch or dinner. If breweries are your things then you’ve got tons of options to enjoy a brew with your dog including: Catawba Brewing Co, Highland Brewing Co, and Wicked Weed Brewing.
4. Key West, Florida
This dog friendly destination is perfect for dogs and their beach loving humans. You can let your dogs go off leash on Key West Dog Beach or bring them with you to the Key West Aquarium. For more dog friendly fun vibes visit Island Dog Bar where they have delicious food, live music, and of course tons of dogs! For some delicious dog friendly dining options check out Blue Haven, Hogfish Bar And Grill, or Schooner Wharf Bar.
5. Seattle – Washington
If you want hipster vibes with mountain hikes (and who doesn’t?) then Seattle is perfect for you and your pups. Dogs are welcome at the Washington Park Arboretum, where you can stroll or canoe. And there are plenty of delicious pet friendly restaurants to choose from with great options like Norm’s Eatery And Ale House. There are 14 off-leash dog parks within the city, and they’ve even got an indoor canine social club, House Of Ruff. Head to Bark Espresso to curb your caffeine cravings and grab a Pooch Late for your dogs.
6. Sedona – Arizona
The vortexes in Sedona make this place magical! The vortexes here are believed to have healing and calming energies and that works for pups as well. Take a Jeep Tour with your dogs in tow and explore the rugged terrain and gorgeous scenery. Or hike to a vortex, like the Bell Rock Vortex. If your dog loves water check out Slide Rock State Park. There are plenty of places to dine al fresco with your dogs in Sedona including pet-friendly patio seating like Dahl & Diluca, Cucina Rustica, Rene, Secret Garden Cafe, and Euro Deli.
7. Albuquerque – New Mexico
There are so many things to do with your dogs in Albuquerque. From enjoying outdoor patios to brewpub favs like Boxing Bear Brewing Co. Take a trolley tour with your furry best friend or hike along with Petroglyph National Monument. Or take in one of the city’s most famous events, the Albuquerque International Balloon Festival. Where you can marvel at the hot air balloons floating through the beautiful Albuquerque skies. The city has 14 off-leash dog parks and upwards of 10 on-leash parks and National Monuments. Check out 5 Star Burgers for a quick yummy bite or the Blackbird Coffee House with your dogs.
8. Grand Canyon National Park – Arizona
Grand Canyon National Park is one of the most dog friendly National Parks, find out more about that here. It’s a great park to explore with your dogs. There are 12 miles of trails where dog are allowed inside the park. Walk the South Rim Trail and take in the stunning beauty of Yavapai, Hopi, Mojave, and Mather Points. Afterward, grab a drink and some lunch at Yavapai Tavern. Or enjoy some ice cream, I always get my babies a small dish of vanilla, at Desert View.
9. Moab – Utah
Perched about 4,000 feet above sea level on the Colorado Plateau, where the Colorado River tumbles by towering red cliffs, you’ll find pet friendly Moab, Utah. It’s the perfect base for your Utah adventure with the pups. Enjoy stunning hikes such as the famous Corona Arch or hike the Rim Trail at Deadhorse Point State Park. Take an epically beautiful scenic drive into Canyonland National Park (the park itself isn’t dog friendly). There are tons of dog friendly hotel and rental options in Moab. Grab coffee and a doughnut at Doughbird Doughnuts or a yummy lunch with the pups at Moab Food Truck Park.
10. Shenandoah National Park – Virginia
Loki, Freya and I love exploring Shenandoah National Park together. Dogs are permitted everywhere but 12 hiking trails within the park, and that’s pretty remarkable! Shenandoah has so many great waterfall hikes that you can explore with your dogs, check out Lewis Springs Falls or Doyles River Falls. Take in the amazing views on Skyline Drive, the main artery that runs through the park. Or visit one of the many dog friendly wineries in the area such as Three Fox Vineyard and Barrel Oaks Winery. If wine isn’t your thing check out Hawksbill Brewing or Bold Rock Cidery.
Check Out: 11 Dog Friendly Adventures At Shenandoah, The Most & Least Dog Friendly National Parks
Traveling with my pups is such an important part of my life, and if you are like me, taking them only enhances the experience. These 10 great dog friendly destinations in the US are perfect for your 2022 adventures. Have you been to any of these places? Which is your favorite?
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