Best Cities to Vacation With Your Dog. Dog Training Elite in Howard County
If you’re like us, you’re dreaming about the warm, summer days ahead and starting to plan your next great vacation. This year, why not include your dog in the planning? There are hundreds of fantastic, dog-friendly vacations you can take, and with a well-trained dog, you can enjoy a truly unique and memorable trip that you’ll never forget.
To help get you started, here are some of the most dog-friendly cities out there you can consider for your next adventure.
Exploring the Great Outdoors
San Diego, California: San Diego is the ideal destination for pet owners looking to take advantage of relaxing beach days and vibrant city experiences. Home to a large number of dog-friendly beaches (including the aptly named Dog Beach!), you can visit a different beach every day of your trip if you like! When you’re done soaking in the sun, enjoy roaming Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, the Westfield UTC Center — both of which are pet friendly. You can even catch a Padres game at Petco Park’s Barkyard, a special area for pet-owners within the stadium.
Sedona, Arizona: Unlike nearby Mesa and Phoenix, the mountain retreat of Sedona has (relatively) cooler temperatures outside during the summer months, and is mild most of the year. This popular hiking destination is home to several pet-friendly tours in addition to hiking trails, allowing for a multicultural experience for the whole family. The gorgeous red rocks of the mountains contain more than four hundred miles of trails, and the city contains a wide range of pet-friendly resorts and spas, creating the perfect mix of fun and relaxation.
Asheville, North Carolina: It’s hard to match the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and there may be no better place to begin your exploration of these incredible views than Asheville. Asheville provides a wide range of options for you and your pet. In addition to the abundant trails and outdoor experiences in the National Parks, you can enjoy the North Carolina Arboretum, French Broad River Park, and the Biltmore Estate for a bit of arts and culture in your time. The Biltmore even provides kennels for your dog so that you can explore the interior of the house before roaming the extensive grounds.
Fun in the City
San Diego, California: San Diego is the ideal destination for pet owners looking to take advantage of relaxing beach days and vibrant city experiences. Home to a large number of dog-friendly beaches (including the aptly named Dog Beach!), you can visit a different beach every day of your trip if you like! When you’re done soaking in the sun, enjoy roaming Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, the Westfield UTC Center — both of which are pet friendly. You can even catch a Padres game at Petco Park’s Barkyard, a special area for pet-owners within the stadium.
Charleston, South Carolina: Want to treat your dog like royalty? Take them on a carriage ride through historic Charleston and treat them to a night out in the city! Home to gorgeous, dog-friendly beaches and loads of pet-friendly restaurants (check out the Brown Dog Deli or Poogan’s Porch!), you’ll have a wonderful, memorable vacation in this one-of-a-kind city. Get caught in bad weather? No worries. Charleston has a fantastic indoor water park for your dog to enjoy called Wag-n-Splash.
Austin, Texas: Austin may have the most diverse range of experiences yet for you to enjoy with your dog on vacation! You can start your day with Austin Doga, a yoga studio for pets and their humans. Next, head to Austin Terrier for a great meal, and play fetch on the lawn outside the State Capitol. After that, you can enjoy a gorgeous walk along the Barton Creek Greenbelt Preserve and check out the Barton Creek Farmers Market to support local businesses (and get some great local gear for your dog as a souvenir!). End the day at one of the many dog-friendly bars in town.
Get Going!
Wherever you travel, it’s a good idea to do some research on what you’ll need to do to ensure a safe trip without delays. This includes checking in with your vet, your airline and your destination(s) to make sure your pet will be safe and healthy throughout your trip. It may also be the perfect time to take advantage of some of the Dog Training Elite in Howard County training offerings to help your dog brush up on skills they’ll need to travel well. Our greatest reward is seeing our owners create incredible memories with their pets. If you have any questions about bringing your dog with you on your next trip, let us know. We’d love to help you make this next trip truly special!