Dog-Friendly Ideas for Vacations and Weekend Getaways
If you’re considering taking your dog on vacation, you probably already know that there are a lot of locations that either don’t allow dogs or just aren’t ideal for them. However, there are still tons of beautiful vacation spots that both you and your dog will love.
Here’s our top 5 ideas to get you started:
5 Ideas for Dog-Friendly Vacations in the U.S.
Soak Up the Sun
If the fog and chilly beaches of San Francisco have got you down, maybe it’s time to visit somewhere warmer. Beaches across the southern coast of America will be able to provide you with some sunshine at any time of the year. Most beaches will either be dog-friendly or have specified “dog beach” areas where you can relax and let them off-leash for a while. A beach vacation is a classic that you, your family, and your dog will remember for years to come.
Protip: Make sure to brush up on the common hazardous wildlife in the area that you’ll be visiting. Some beaches may have animals like jellyfish that can be dangerous for dogs. You’ll also need to abide by any on or off-leash rules in these locations.
Visit the Great Outdoors
The U.S. has some of the most diverse public parks in the world, and they can be a great way to provide your dog with unique experiences. If you’re planning on visiting a state or national park, monument, or battlefield, there’s a good chance that your dog will be able to come along. However, this isn’t always the case, so check beforehand. The BARK Ranger program is a great way to stay informed on the leash-only and off-leash permitted areas for your dog and how to keep them safe while in the park.
Protip: If you’re staying in a cabin or campground, try to find one with a walk-in shower. That way, if your dog finds anything smelly to roll in, clean-up is much easier.
Play in the Snow
If your dog has lived in San Francisco their whole life, taking them to experience heavy snowfall can make for a memorable vacation for both of you. Look for dog-friendly accommodations in towns with ski lodges and other winter activities; they’ll be able to let you know what the best dates to book are if you’re trying to be there when snow’s on the ground.
Protip: Think ahead when it comes to winter gear for your dog. Make sure your dog has time to get used to wearing a jacket and boots before you leave. The last thing you need on vacation is a trip to the vet for damaged paw pads from “snow melt” or salt on icy pathways.
Road Trips to Family
Sometimes, the most dog-friendly accommodations are with family, and even dogs love visiting grandma. Flying can be especially stressful for dogs, so try to make a fun road trip that ends with a family visit. If you’re lucky, you may even be able to stop at a state park or beach along the way, and your dog can get two vacations in one.
Protip: Keep an eye on your dog’s behavior in the car. Even dogs who are used to car rides in the city can feel restless on longer rides. Behavior that can be mistaken for hyperactivity or wanting to be held can actually be fear or car sickness. Make sure to take frequent stops for them to stretch and relieve themselves.
Doggy Summer Camp
If you’re really looking for an unforgettable vacation for you and your dog, you can’t beat a doggy summer camp. Across the U.S., in scenic locations like the forests of northern Wisconsin, the sunny Texas deserts, and high in the mountains of Colorado, there are summer camps that offer programs catered to you and your dog. Depending on what you both need, you can find a camp that allows you to relax in nature or challenges you with agility and obedience tests.
Protip: This option is usually only good for dogs that enjoy being around other dogs. Most of the time, the activities provided by these camps will be in a group setting.
Ideas for Dog-Friendly Weekend Getaways from San Francisco
If you’re wanting to stay a little closer to home, there are still plenty of great options for you and your dog to get out of the city. Within the state of California, you can access any of the sea, sand, snow, or scenic views that we’ve already talked about — so let’s look at some of the unique destinations that are just outside your door:
Just down the coast is the town that’s been voted the most dog-friendly in the U.S. You and your dogs will have your choice of great hotels, world-class restaurants, and treat-filled shopping trips in this picturesque little town. Learn more.
Calistoga Motor Lodge and Spa
This unique lodge has a variety of dog-friendly rooms for one or multiple dogs. They also connect you to dog-friendly dining and hiking options in the surrounding town of Calistoga. Learn more.
The Skunk Train
In Fort Bragg, you’ll find the Skunk Train along with other historic tourist activities. The Skunk Train goes through some of the most beautiful country in the world, and some of the trips are dog-friendly, so you can both take in the sights in style. Learn more.
The Ritz-Carlton of Halfmoon Bay
This first-class hotel will make your dog feel like a celebrity for the weekend. They have dog-friendly amenities like play parks and a room service menu for your dog as well. Learn more.
Boozehounds
In Palm Springs, you can grab a dinner and cocktail, and not only can your dog join you, but they can have dinner too! Treat them to delicacies like teriyaki salmon, loaded sweet potato, or even a chicken broth “martini”. Learn more.
If you’re planning a stay-cation, you don’t even have to leave San Francisco to have a memorable day with your dog. Like many sports stadiums around the U.S., the Giants have special “Dog Days” at Oracle Park so you can catch a fly ball with your pup. You could also try to visit all of our amazing dog parks in town, how many have you been to?
Should I Bring My Dog On Vacation?
This is a great question to ask early on in your vacation planning. If you’re not sure how your travel plans will affect your dog, check out our article on how stressful plane and car travel can be for some dogs.
But ultimately, you just need to take a hard look at how your dog handles new and unexpected situations. We’re able to plan ahead for the challenges of a new environment when it comes to a vacation, but they’re not. If they get stressed out on a trip to an outdoor festival, an entire vacation may be difficult for them.
It’s also important to keep their safety a priority. For example, even if the ferry you’re taking is dog-friendly, it may not be dog-safe for you if your dog doesn’t swim well. Or if your dog is prone to running off to explore, camping in a state park could prove dangerous for them.
If you’re not certain if taking your dog on vacation is what’s best for them, you may be in need of a reliable in-home pet sitter. At Grand and Graham Pets, our sitters learn your dog's routine so they can stick to it while you’re away. We even send you daily photo updates so you can see the fun we’re having, too. Reach out today if you’re planning a vacation; we can book up to a year in advance.
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