Traveling with a pet isn’t always easy, and some destinations are easier to navigate with a dog than others. Whether it’s dog friendly accommodations and restaurants, or space for dogs and their owners to explore, here are some of the best dog friendly destinations in the United states that we’ve found so far.
Great Sand Dunes National Park And Preserve
Located in southern Colorado, Great Sand Dunes National Park offers a diverse landscape of grasslands, wetlands, forests and alpine lakes. Not to mention the highest sand dunes in North America.
With a seasonal creek for your dog to cool off in, forested trails to hike, a dog friendly campground steps away from the dunes, and massive dunefields to freely roam with your pup, Great Sand Dunes is one of the most dog friendly national parks to visit.
Can’t get a spot at the on-site campground? A number of dog friendly campgrounds and resorts are located within a 30 minute drive.
Moab, Utah
Located in southeastern Utah, Moab offers breathtaking red rock formations and rich archeological history. Its rivers and rocks offer a number of activities for the adventure seeker.
Moab and its immediate surrounding area offers a number of dog-friendly campgrounds, hotels and restaurant patios. Not to mention a one-acre, off-leash dog park for your pet to let loose.
Most people visit Moab to see Arches National Park, which is not very dog friendly and only allows pets at paved scenic pullouts. But right outside Moab are a number of beautiful dog friendly trails to arches and overlooks without the crowds of the park.
Moab is also a great home base for nearby dog friendly state parks. Dead Horse Point State Park is only a 30 minute drive from Moab, offering spectacular views and miles of pet-friendly hiking trails. Goblin Valley State Park, 1.5 hours from Moab, is open to free wandering hiking with your dog among the hoodoos.
The Adirondacks
Located in upstate New York just a few hours north of New York City, the Adirondacks is a large region of protected land consisting of wetlands, forests and high peaks. Nothing quite beats the colors of fall in the Adirondacks.
We love the Adirondacks for its vast system of dog friendly hiking trails offering beautiful views. And most of its mountain towns are incredibly dog friendly. Lake Placid is a popular destination for dog owners, offering pet friendly accommodations and restaurants/bars.
Acadia National Park
Located on Maine’s coastline, Acadia offers 47,000 acres of woodland, rocky beaches, and diverse wildlife. Its breathtaking views make it one of the most visited national parks in the United States.
Acadia is one of the most dog friendly national parks in the US. It even has a Bark Ranger program! Leashed dogs are allowed on more than 100 miles of trails and 45 miles of carriage roads within the park. Dogs are also allowed at most campgrounds and picnic areas, along with the outdoor patio and lawn at the Jordan Pond House restaurant.
Nearby Bar Harbor also offers a large number of dog friendly restaurants and accommodations after a day of hitting the trails with your pup.
Asheville, North Carolina
Located in western North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, the mountain town offers a lively arts and music scene, historic architecture, and a plethora of restaurants and craft beer spots. The scenic Blue Ridge Parkway runs right through Asheville, and breathtaking views of waterfalls and the mountains are just minutes away.
Dogs are very welcome in downtown Asheville. In fact, Asheville even has its own Dog Welcome Center. Stop there for tips on places to visit before hitting the town. Leashed, well-behaved dogs are welcome at a number of restaurants and breweries downtown, while Wag Bar in nearby Weaverville houses an off-leash dog park and bar. Dogs are also allowed on the grounds of the beautiful Biltmore Estate and nearby hiking trails.
What’s Your Favorite Dog Friendly Vacation Spot?
We’d love to hear about your own experience vacationing with your dog. Let us know about your favorite dog friendly destinations in the comments!