Let’s face it, leaving your dog behind to go on vacation can HURT! This travel guide is jam packed with the 5 best dog friendly summer destinations and recovering will be almost impossible!
These 5 locations can be found on the west coast and focus on dog-friendly hikes, dog-friendly restaurants, dog-friendly activities and dog-friendly accommodations.
*We travel by car, because airlines aren’t fans of dogs our size in the cabin (80 pounds).*
This coastal beach town has it all! If you’re looking for the most Instagrammable restaurants, unforgettable dog friendly activities or just relaxing on the beach San Diego is for you!
San Diego will leave you SPEECHLESS and you will quickly see why this town is one of the best dog friendly summer destinations in the US.
Did you know one of the most popular restaurants in San Diego is dog-friendly?? Morning Glory is an Instagram paradise with the cutest dog-friendly patio! And you DO NOT want to miss their souffle pancakes!
Morning Glory does not take reservations, but If you want to beat the large crowds of people I recommend getting here 30 minutes before they open so you and your pup can get the best seats in the house.
Another popular spot you aren’t going to want to miss is the Invigatorium!
I am going to let you in on a little secret. The company that owns Morning Glory also owns several other beautiful restaurants like this and MOST of them are dog friendly!
Some other popular restaurants owned by Consortium Holdings that are dog friendly include Ironside Fish & Oyster, Craft & Commerce, Underbelly (both locations) and Fortunate Son.
San Diego is the type of place dog-owners dream about, with no shortage of dog-friendly things to do here! So let’s break it down to the good stuff shall we??
Going to start with the obvious by sharing 2 dog-friendly beaches.
The Del Mar dog beach is set against the beautiful bluff in Del Mar and makes this beach the most scenic coastal place to take your dog. Please keep in mind June 16th through Labor Day dogs must be leashed.
The original dog beach can be found at Ocean Beach in San Diego! This place has been a bayside retreat for dogs since 1972 and is a place that is not to be missed.
Due to its popularity, you will find a lot of dogs here which makes for the best kind of play date! This is one of the best things you can do with your dog in San Diego.
If you are looking to get some exercise in for yourself while including your dog, rent a hydrobike! These bikes are a fun way to get some cardio in while admiring the ocean with a front-row seat. Because who really wants to make a trip to the gym while on vacation?
Best part is dogs can ride on these bikes for free!
Can you imagine a better way to end your day than watching a movie on a rooftop that overlooks the beautiful city of San Diego? Rooftop Cinema Club hosts “wooftop” movie nights for you and your dog once a month. The dates vary, so make sure to check their website.
Looking to take your dog on a walk? Go to Balboa Park! This beautiful 1,200-acre historical park is filled with things that you and your dog will enjoy including the charming Spanish Village Art Center!
For some more great dog-friendly activities make sure to check out EcoBoat Rentals, Fiesta Island, Baseball Game at Petco Park and several local dog-friendly hikes nearby.
Whether you’re going for a city chic hotel or ocean views, I have a list of the best dog friendly hotels in San Diego.
To find more to do in San Diego with your pup, you can find my full dog friendly guide to dog friendly San Diego here.
There is a reason this charming sea side town has been rated the #1 Dog Friendly Town in America, Carmel-by-the-Sea welcomes dogs with open arms and is easily one of the best dog friendly summer destinations!
This feels like the right time to share the best dog friendly things Carmel-by-the-Sea has to offer you and your cute dog(s).
There are SO many fantastic dog friendly restaurants in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Some even include menus JUST FOR DOGS! And boy did our dog get spoiled.
LUNCH: We went to Village Corner California Bistro located in the heart of downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea. No reservation needed. I ordered the classic turkey club and loved it.
DINNER: We absolutely loved dining at Sur Carmel where you can see the menu above. They went above and beyond to take care of us and our dog. I highly, highly recommend!
Here is a list of some more fantastic dog friendly restaurants in Carmel-by-the-Sea:
Most coastal towns I have visited in California often require me to go out of my way to locate a dog-friendly beach, but you won’t find that here!
The beach that borders Carmel-by-the-sea is dog-friendly, which means you can enjoy your beach time while your dog plays off-leash.
All dog owners are about to rejoice, because this bike rental shop is a dream come true! My dog is 80 pounds, so taking him on a bike ride is out of the question that is until I came upon this bike shop.
These electric bikes are the perfect way to spend your day in Carmel with your fur child!
Take some time to explore downtown Carmel. While you’re in the area drop by Diggidy Dog to snag some some toys for your pup.
We stayed at Carmel Mission Inn and loved it. The hotel was so cute and very budget friendly, the rooms were brand new and we found the hotel to be in a great, central location!
More dog-friendly hotels in Carmel-by-the-Sea can be found below:
To learn more about what to do in Carmel-by-the-Sea with your pup make sure to check out my Dog Friendly Carmel Travel Guide here!
This beautiful town can be found up in the mountains in Northern Arizona and makes for one of the best dog friendly summer destinations!
Let me show you all the dog friendly things to do in Flagstaff.
You and your dog are in for a real treat, as there is no shortage of dining options here! If you need help deciding where to eat I have some great options you and your dog are going to love!
We popped into Macy’s European Coffeehouse and Bakery and it’s easy to see why this is one of the most popular dining spots in town! You’ll want to order the delicious cinnamon roles and biscuits and gravy.
Another popular spot you don’t want to miss is Mama Burger. There burgers and shakes are SO good! You can even order a burger patty for your pup.
Here is a list of some more great dog-friendly dining options:
Northern Arizona has no shortage of activities! Let me show you the BEST dog friendly things to do in Flagstaff.
Take your dog on a walk in Buffalo Park. This 215-acre park offers a 2 mile scenic hiking trail with views of the mountains and wildlife. It also makes for the perfect picnic setting!
Take a scenic drive through San Francisco Peaks. This scenic loop is 31 miles long and includes mountain meadows and dense forest, the perfect playground for you and your pup!
The historic district in downtown Flagstaff is a treasure trove of dog friendly shops! Many of these shops even have dog treats on hand to spoil your pup.
Roam the grounds of Flagstaff Arboretum. Scenic trails covering 200 acres can be found here. And if you’re lucky you may even spot meadows of flowers in bloom! Dogs are welcome, but must be kept on a leash.
Hike the Local Favorite Abineau Bear Jaw Loop. An 8.5 mile loop trail that is filled with dense aspen groves and amazing views of Humphrey’s Peak.
High Country Motor Lodge is one of the most pet-friendly hotels in town with dog-friendly rooms and a spacious courtyard to explore.
Pet sitting, grooming and walking services can even be arranged with the hotel!
To learn more about what Flagstaff has to offer check out my dog-friendly guide to Flagstaff here.
I’m about to give you the scoop on how to show your dog a good time in one of the most beautiful places in the Western United States.
Even I am shocked at how good this place is!
If you need help deciding where to eat with your pup, let me show you some of the best dog-friendly restaurants in North Lake Tahoe.
I have to come clean and share we initially struggled to find a place to eat with our pup, because we visited in late June and most restaurants were too busy to seat us or were keeping summer hours and closing early.
To keep you from making the same mistakes we did I have listed some of the best dog friendly restaurants with hours and those that require reservations if you want to avoid a long wait.
I’ve listed a few favorites, but you’ll find most restaurants with a patio will allow dogs.
What dog doesn’t love the outdoors?? Lucky for you Lake Tahoe has a lot of great dog friendly activities outdoors!
So let’s take a peek at some of the best activities your dog is sure to enjoy.
The crown jewel of Lake Tahoe is the crystal clear water that can be found here, so it only makes sense to take your pup for a dip!
Here is a list of some of the best dog friendly beaches in North Lake Tahoe:
Learn more about dog friendly beaches in South Lake Tahoe here.
This hidden gem in Lake Tahoe was the highlight of our trip! This is the type of place that feels like it only exists in dreams. You absolutely CANNOT MISS the Secret Cove!
Secret Cove can be a little tricky to find.
Park at the Chimney Beach overlook and head in the direction of the fire road. You will want to stay on that dirt road for 3/4 of a mile. It parallels the main road. Once you reach the bathrooms you will see a sign for the secret cove. Head right and follow path downhill until you reach the cove.
Did you know you can take a scenic ride up the mountains in a gondola with your dog?? The Palisades Tahoe Aerial Tram gives just the sweetest little vibes and who can pass up on those views??
Keep in mind dogs are only allowed to ride the tram in the summer time
Hours: 10am-5pm daily. Last Tram up at 4:20pm.
Tickets: $39/adults on weekdays, $49/adults on weekends and holidays
Our time in North Lake Tahoe was short lived, but here is a list of some of the best hikes in the area you and your dog are bound to enjoy:
Enjoy your time in Lake Tahoe, you and your pup will have the best time!
Let me help you find the type of hotel that will elevate your game and score you points with your dog:
We stayed at Mother Nature’s Inn, and found the rooms to be quite small but cozy. We knew we were just going to spend one night here, so it was the perfect rest stop for us. It can also be found next to a dog park.
Want to feel like you are living in a Postcard? Look no further than Wyoming!
It’s no secret Wyoming is one of the most beautiful states in the country making it one of the best dog friendly summer destinations to visit.
During the summer months Jackson Hole is filled with some of the best dining options for you and your dog! Let me help you decide where to eat with your cute pup.
Looking for views? Good food? I am showing you some places that can do both and the best part is they love their canine customers.
Please be aware most restaurants do not lot dogs dine inside unless they are a service animal.
It’s no secret most national parks limit where our four-legged friends can join us, and Grand Teton National Park is no exception.
According to Grand Teton National Park Service it states “Pets may accompany visitors in developed campgrounds, turnouts, and picnic areas. Pets may be walked along any roads that cars are permitted on.” SSOOO I have found some great spots in the park you and your dog can enjoy.
Oxbow Bend is an overlook just a few feet from the road and this place will leave you speechless! It’s best explored at sunrise or sunset. Be aware wildlife is often spotted here, so if you do see wildlife make sure to stay in your car with your cute pup.
This roadway is tucked away and often overlooked, but Pilgrim Creek Road provides great views all year round. The best part is this place is nearly free of crowds.
Directions: It’s a little harder to find then punching into Google Maps. BELIEVE ME, I wish it has been that easy for us! But it’s just a very short distance from Oxbow Bend.
Just northwest of Oxbow Bend you will drive past Jackson Lake lodge and Emma Matilda Lake trail and you’ll come to Pilgrim Creek Road on the north side. It is an unpaved road.
I am truly surprised there aren’t more visitors that travel Two Oceans Lake Road, because it’s filled with incredible views!! We had this part of the park all to ourselves.
There are some great little turn-outs to enjoy and the lake can be found in a picnic area making it a great stop for you and your dog to enjoy.
Trust me when I say you don’t want to miss this!
The Snake River Overlook is filled with stunning views of the Grand Teton National Park. The overlook is just a few feet away from the parking lot, so your dog can take in the views too!
Good news is this scenic spot is technically outside of Grant Teton National Park, making this the perfect spot to enjoy with your dog!
Lower Slide Lake can be found in the Bridger-Teton National Forest and is just minutes from the Grand Teton National Park.
Here is a list of some great dog friendly hiking trails outside of the national parks:
If you’re looking for some of the best hidden gems make sure to check out my local guide to Wyoming here.
Sharing a round-up of some of the best dog friendly hotels in Jackson Hole.
I hope this guide helps you find the best dog friendly summer destination! Make sure to check out my other dog friendly guides below.
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