Thinking about where to go on your spring break? Why not pick a destination that your dog will enjoy just as much as the rest of the family? These 15 vacation destinations are known for spoiling pets and their people. Warning: Your bucket list is about to get a whole lot longer.
#1 – Mendocino Coast, California
Located on 250 off-leash acres, the Little River Inn is definitely heaven for the city dog. They are also walking distance from a nice, calm beach (if your dog enjoys swimming). Featuring pet-friendly dining at dinner and breakfast with advance reservations, a doggy welcome packet, and new this year, a two-day package called “River Dog” that includes a custom canoe trip with your pet on board, among other things, at a special price.
#2 – San Juan Islands
These islands have long been rated one of the top tourist destinations for people and it should be for dogs too. Leashed dogs have miles of trails to take their owners hiking, while several off-leash dog parks and beaches allow them some freedom. Doggy water fountains, dog friendly dining, a wellness center and over 50 dog-friendly lodging choices are just some of the reasons the islands are a dog haven. Small dogs are allowed into the Whale Museum, and many of the shops are dog-friendly and have water bowls outside for your thirty hound. Be sure to go so the Pelindaba Lavender farm or town store to get some homemade lavender dog biscuits.
#3 – Telluride, Colorado
This town is truly for the dogs – they have more dogs than people per capita! Visitors can take advantage of all kinds of activities that are dog friendly – from hiking to dog-friendly gondolas to get around town in. Dogs are welcome at more than half of the inns and hotels and on the local shuttle bus, The Galloping Goose. They not only have dog-friendly restaurants, but they have convenient, two-house puppy parking spots located in front of the town’s restaurants and shops.
#4 – Sedona, Arizona
If the dessert is more your style, try Sedona Arizona. Sedona is renowned for its stunning red rocks and outdoor adventures for those on two and four legs. Surrounded by 1.8 million acres of national forest land, Sedona offers endless opportunities for hiking for all skill levels with dogs allowed on most all trails. You have plenty of choices of restaurants, more than a dozen, are pet friendly, and the Hilton Sedona Resort & Spa allows dogs up to 75lbs to stay in their two-room suites.
#5 – San Francisco, California
San Francisco is a big tourist spot, so if your dog love city life, than this is the vacation for him! The famous W Hotel welcomes dogs (and cats) to the property through its P.A.W. program- PETS ARE WELCOME. The hotel will enhance animals’ stay with Dog-Walking, Grooming Services, and Specialty Pet Stores. Your pet will get a special gift basket upon check-in and will be met with pet bed, food/water bowls with mat, a door sign and even a treat at turn-down.
#6 – Smoky Mountains, Bryson, North Carolina
If you want to visit the smoky mountains, this is the way to go – Hidden Creek Cabins has over fifty dog-friendly mountain cabins. Even better, they have no weight limit or dog limit, so it’s perfect for the large family that has trouble finding a place to vacation. You can enjoy all the mountain trails you can squeeze into your vacation, as well as a cozy fire in the evenings.
#7 – Finger Lakes, New York
Encompassing 9,000 plus square miles of outdoor adventures and bucolic scenery – including eleven pristine lakes – there is plenty of space for four-legged pals to run through. Travelers and pets alike will enjoy an abundance of Thoreau-esque lakeside retreats, over 70 diverse hiking/biking paths, a myriad of culinary trails (Cheese Trail, Sweet Treats Trail, Beer Trail and Wine Trail!), more than 100 world-class vineyards, farm-to-table culinary delights, and internationally acclaimed annual festivals. Even better – most of these offerings are pet-friendly!
#8 – Shandalee Mountain, New York
The Arnold House is the ultimate country escape for guests and their pets, especially those who enjoy outdoor activities! Specific pet amenities include house-made dog treats, customized dog tags with Arnold House contact information, dog beds and more. With hundreds of nearby hiking trails, swimming, boating, fishing, and more, human and furry four-legged guests can explore during the day and return to the comfort of the inn at night.
#9 – Willamette Valley, Oregon
The Willamette valley offers many dog-friendly activities, from hiking to boating and of course, antique shopping the in many quaint towns like Aurora, Dundee and historic McMinnville. Looking for something unique? Stay at The Vintages! Built in late 2014, The Vintages – in the heart of Oregon’s Willamette Valley – is the most unique trailer park you’ll find. They’ve retrofit eight campers – built between 1947 and 1965 – in complete luxury. True glamping at it’s finest. There is a nearby dog park, berry picking and a few dog-friendly vineyards. The park also offers cruiser bikes for rent.
#10- Dana Point, California
If you are looking for more glamour than dirt on your spring break (we know the woods isn’t for everyone!) than how about Dana Point? The seaside community boosts 23 parks that amounts to 82 acres and includes 5 dog “fun zones.” There are local Yappy hours to attend, many dog-friendly shopping areas and restaurants and deluxe accommodations at some of the poshest hotels. For example, The Ritz-Carlton in Laguna Niguel has handmade dog biscuits and bacon, chicken, cheese, beef or liver-flavored water.
#11 – Miami, Florida
If your dog wants to know what it feels like to be a celebrity, take them to Miami and stay at the Trump National Doral Miami. Their dog package includes too many amenities to list – snacks, chew toy, dog tag, pet blanket (that you can have embroidered with your pet’s name), plush Crypton dog bed and more. You can even ride in the house Caddy to the Trails & Tails Park, where you and your dog can explore.
#12 – Essex, Vermont
Vermont is an exquisite vacation destination any time of the year. In spring, with all those tress in bloom, however, it truly is breathtaking. If you go, The Essex Resort & Spa is the best place to stay to pamper your dog. Known for its culinary-infused hospitality, has a pet-friendly “R & Arf” package that includes an interactive doggy treat cooking class for owners. The ultimate lodging package for guests and their number one travel companions, “R & Arf” features a two-night stay, the cooking class, a two-course room service dinner for two adults and one pet, passes to the 575-acre community park at Indian Brook Reservoir for a self-guided hike, and a keepsake collapsible water bowl and toy. Available through April 30, 2015.
#13 – Breckenridge, Colorado
If you haven’t had enough snow for the year (or maybe you are one of the lucky people that live somewhere that doesn’t see snow), your dog will love frolicking in this winter wonderland. Nestled at 12,000 feet, there is plenty of pet friendly activities and lodging for people to enjoy a great vacation with their dogs. From snowshoeing, walking, sledding and skijoring to relaxing on the restaurant decks, – there are many activities your dog will love to do.
#14 – Victoria, British Columbia
Victoria, B.C. offers amazing off-leash green spaces and pet-friendly accommodations that will surely satisfy all of your pooch’s needs. The city’s Paws in Parks program sees twelve beautiful parks in the area dedicated to off-leash activity. Just blocks away from Victoria’s downtown core, Dallas Road offers a trail and beach paradise for your pup with the backdrop of stunning ocean and mountain views. Another local hot spot, Clover Point is a great place to walk. On clear days along this scenic marine drive you can catch spectacular views of Mount Baker while your dog navigates the rocky side terrain and you’re bound to meet many other four-legged friends in this puppy playground. In Victoria West, just blocks away from the downtown core, visit the Songhees Hilltop and watch the float planes come and go in Victoria’s picturesque Inner Harbour.
#15 – Blue Ridge Mountains, Georgia
If you are looking for a southern getaway, try the Barnsley Resort. They don’t consider themselves pet-friendly, they are pet welcoming, with more than 3,300 acres of natural beauty to enjoy, your dog will be in heaven. With more than 10 miles of hiking trails and beautiful gardens to explore highlighted by architectural ruins and landscaped gardens, outdoor sitting areas with fire pits, lawn games and outdoor dining venues such as the Beer Garden and Rice House Herb Garden, your four-legged friend is certain to feel like a pampered pooch.
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