10 Dog-friendly Cities for Summer Vacations
Block Island, Rhode Island istockphoto.com/kschulze
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People who want to travel with their pets will find a variety of fun options, from beaches and mountains, across the country, according to one travel planning website.
Many dog owners enjoy taking their pups on road trips near and far. More cities are becoming dog-friendly destinations, according to TripAdvisor, offering plenty of activities for people and pets, including scenic outdoor recreation, and restaurants, hotels and vacation rentals that allow furry friends.
Here are 10 dog-friendly summer destinations selected by the travel planning website.
Albuquerque, New Mexico
TripAdvisor says that Albuquerque boasts many attractions for humans and pets. There is the La Luz Trail, which features beautiful views of the Sandia Mountain Range. And the Albuquerque International Balloon Festival in October offers a unique experience for dogs and their owners.
Fort Myers, Florida
Fort Myers offers sand and surf for vacationers and their four-legged friends at Bonita Beach Dog Park and there are scenic walks to be had on trails, near lakes and in gardens at Lakes Regional Park. There also is the historic and lively Fort Myers River District to explore.
Winter Park, Colorado
In the sunny summer or the snowy season, Winter Park is one of the pet-friendliest destinations in Colorado, according to TripAdvisor. Vasquez Peak Wilderness Park has gorgeous views of the Arapaho National Forest and features 17 pristine miles of hiking trails for humans and their furry friends to explore.
South Lake Tahoe, California
Dog-friendly beaches can be found in South Lake Tahoe, and visitors with dogs can take a splash at Kiva Beach, which has views of the mountains across the lake. Vacationers with pets also can hike Rubicon Trail, which has stunning views.
Austin, Texas Austin is a getaway that has endless pet-friendly activities. Red Bud Isle Park is an off-leash island park where dogs can splash in the water and their owners can take in the beautiful views on foot or in a kayak. The Domain is a downtown shopping neighborhood that is dog-friendly too.
Key West, Florida
Key West is a vacation option for beach-loving people and their canine companions. Pups can run free at the no-leash-required Key West Dog Beach, and visitors can bring Fido to see undersea life at the expansive Key West Aquarium.
Huntington Beach, California
Huntington Beach offers many pooch-friendly beaches, including the large Huntington Dog Beach and the smaller Rosie’s Dog Beach. In addition, concerts and community events are held throughout the year at dog-friendly Huntington Central Park.
Block Island, Rhode Island
People and dogs can enjoy the salty air on Block Island. There are scenic walks and bike rides at Mohegan Bluffs with views of the ocean and the island’s rocky cliffs and windmills. Block Island also offers dog-friendly beaches, including the quiet Mansion Beach.
Edisto Island, South Carolina
Edisto Island is an unspoiled island off the coast of Charleston. At Edisto Beach, pets and people can splash and soak up the sun. Botany Bay Ecotours allows dogs on guided tours through Edisto Island’s waterways, where guests can spot dolphins and other wildlife.
Seattle
Those seeking a pet-friendly vacation on the West Coast will find lots of outdoor activities in Seattle. The Washington Park Arboretum is a nice spot for a stroll or canoe ride with a dog. Magnuson Park, located on Lake Washington, is another park people can enjoy with their pets.
To read about other dog-friendly destinations click here.
Jean Dimeo is the managing editor of Route Fifty.
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