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I Wanna Bring Fido!
Pets are beloved members of our families, and we want to bring them with us everywhere we go, including vacations. Some destinations are more pet-friendly than others, which can make travel planning challenging. Fortunately, there are plenty of pet-friendly destinations that you and your furry friend can enjoy together. In this blog, we will highlight some of the best pet-friendly destinations for your next vacation.
Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville, North Carolina is a beautiful, scenic city located in the Blue Ridge
Mountains of North Carolina. It's a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hiking and camping, and also happens to be very pet friendly. Asheville has a variety of pet-friendly hotels such as The Grand Bohemian Hotel where treats and dog bowls are given at check in, and offers lots of grassy areas around the perimeter of the property. With miles of mountain trails to explore, watering holes for splashing, and plenty of delicious things to sniff, you and your pet will be living the dream! One of the most iconic places to visit is the Biltmore Estate, a historic mansion with lush gardens, and is a popular attraction that welcomes leashed dogs on its grounds. Ready to relax, sit outside, and enjoy a craft beer? Head over to Foggy Mountain Brewery to enjoy excellent brews and grub.
San Diego, California
San Diego is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches, sunny weather, and numerous attractions. The city is also pet-friendly and has many pet-friendly hotels, restaurants, and beaches. Dog Beach at Ocean Beach is a popular spot where dogs can run and play off-leash in the sand and surf. Balboa Park is one of the largest parks in the country and is also a great place to bring your dog! There are lots of open space gardens and walking paths, or you can sit and enjoy the lush landscape. Getting hungry? Head over to Fred's Mexican Cafe in Old Town, and Fido is welcome to sit with you at your outdoor table. Plus chips and salsa? Yummy!!
Austin, Texas
Austin is such a vibrant city known for its live music, food, and culture. It's also a pet-friendly city that welcomes dogs and their owners with open arms! Water loving pups can visit Barking Springs which is slightly east of Barton Springs. Dogs love to splash in the water, and you can splash in the water right alongside of them. If you prefer to go for a nice hike and take in the sights, then go to Onion Creek Metropolitan Park which sprawls over 390 acres, and 106 acres of the park is an off-leash park! After your nice long hike, take your dog to Dog House Drinkery for a brew while your dog runs about off-leash at the 1/2 acre dog park.
Bar Harbor, Maine
Bar Harbor is a charming seaside town located on Mount Desert Island in Maine. It's a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hiking, kayaking, and exploring. And don't miss visiting Acadia National Park which is one of the top 10 most visited national park in the United States. You can bring your furry friend to most parts of the park as long as they are well behaved and on leash. Bar Harbor's pet-friendly Shore Path is a popular spot where dogs and their owners can enjoy a scenic walk along the coast. You can then take your fur baby out for a bite to eat at Paddy's Irish Pub and enjoy a water view on the outdoor patio.
Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston is a charming southern city known for its historic architecture, delicious food, and beautiful beaches. If you like to get your spooky on, Charleston is one of the most haunted cities in the US. And, on most of the ghost tours, you can bring your canine companion! Old Charleston Ghost Tours is a dog friendly walking tour that last about 90 minutes, and you may get to hear a story about a ghost dog that wanders the streets. And don't forget to visit King Street, a street dotted with stores which will allow you to shop with your well-behaved dog in-store. Worked up an appetite? Head over to Dog & Duck Pub specializing in unique sandwiches and dog friendly outdoor patios.
Sedona, Arizona
Sedona is a picturesque desert town located in the awe-inspiring red rocks of Arizona. It's a popular destination for hiking, yoga and spiritual retreats. The town's many hiking trails offer plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation with your furry friend, and an additional bonus is that many of the trails offer stunning views of the red rocks. Chimney Rock is an easy, scenic trail, and for a little more of a challenge, try Cathedral Rock. You won't regret the work out because the scenery is stunning! You and your pooch deserve to treat yourself to a nice meal, so you can sit outside on the patio at Sedona Beer Company and enjoy some great food and a brew. Or two.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Santa Fe is a historic city known for its adobe architecture, art galleries, and Southwestern cuisine. It's also a pet-friendly city that welcomes dogs and their owners. Get acquainted with pet friendly Plaza Park, where you can usually come upon a street fair, a performer or a Farmers Market. Just a short walk away is Santa Fe's premier pet hotel La Fonda on the Plaza, which was constructed in 1922 and is considered a historical site. For a unique afternoon snack, have some tea and scones at The Teahouse which has a pet friendly patio, and isn't just for dogs but for cats too! Bonus!(call ahead for details)
Telluride, Colorado
Telluride is a quaint little town located in the southwestern part of Colorado. The town boasts many outdoor activities such as river rafting, skiing, mountain biking and hiking. One of the highlights of Telluride is the Telluride Gondola which is pet friendly! You and your dog can enjoy a front seat window view while being taken up to the top of the mountain. Need to get around town but have your dog with you? Well then, you can take The Galloping Goose which is a pet friendly, public bus system that runs every twenty minutes, seven days a week. And don't forget to visit the spectacular Bridal Veil Falls where you and your pup can hike up to the top of the falls and enjoy the gorgeous views!
Tampa, Florida
Tampa is regularly touted as the #1 pet friendly city and is filled with 100's of pet friendly hotels, restaurants and beaches. A wonderful place to visit is USF Botanical Gardens to see what's in bloom and stroll with your furry friend through vast collections of plants and natural habitats. Working up an appetite? Head over to Sail Plaza which is one of downtown Tampa’s most popular outdoor dining options. With 360-degree waterfront views, its a great spot to bring your dog along. If you're ready to cool off, go visit Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park where there are two interactive fountains, a dog run, and you might be lucky enough to catch an entertaining band performance.
There are so many great options available to you if you travel with your pet. A great resource to plan ahead your adventure with your dog is Bring Fido. All you do is type in your travel destination, and all sorts of options for pet friendly hotels, restaurants and activities are listed. While you are visiting these great places with your fur baby, remember to take lots of pictures so that you can always remember the great times that you and your best friend got to experience together.
Article written by Mary Augustine
Owner and founder of Pets & Plants