Dog Friendly Beach Vacation
A dog friendly beach vacation usually requires more planning than a traditional trip. What to pack, where to stay, and where to eat are on you must think about before booking a hotel and plane ticket. This article contains a list of items you will need for your next trip as well as several popular dog friendly beaches.Dog Friendly Beach Vacation is a online travel blog featuring the best beaches for dogs, helpful articles, and advice for travelers with dogs.
If you love playing in the sand and surf with your pup, planning a beach vacation for the family dog might just be in your future. There are many destinations where it’s possible to share pawsome fun with your four-legged friend. Deciding which beach is best for your dog will depend on many factors, but finding a place that welcomes pets is a great place to start.More and more people are making the switch from traditional vacations to “dog friendly” ones. After all, who needs an exotic location when you can take your dog along with you? Many people travel with their dogs out of necessity. Your dog is your best friend and you need to bring them with you wherever you go, even if it means traveling far away. However, traveling with a dog can be challenging. Pets require not just space when it’s time to rest, but also comfort while they move around as they please as well. A comfortable trip for your pet also means a relaxing vacation for you and your family.
Dog Friendly Beach Vacation
Dog-friendly vacations are a great alternative for the tail wagging dog lover that wants to bring their furry friend with them while they enjoy their vacation. Whether you want a fun family vacation or romantic getaway, there’s something for dog lovers of all kinds.
Vacation destinations in the USA with dog-friendly beaches
When it comes to dog-friendly beaches in the USA, you’ve got a wealth of choices, from the calm waters of the Florida Keys and exclusive stretches of white sand on Seabrook Island to off-leash seaside spaces in San Diego and great spots for splashing near Seattle. From the East Coast to the West, opportunities abound for Fido to get some sand between his paws and sea spray on his coat. Choose from among the hundreds of pet-friendly vacation rentals across the country and you’ll be all set for an enjoyable beach escape with your furry friend.
Winter vacations at dog-friendly beaches in the Florida Keys
When the winter chill starts to nip, an escape to the balmy Florida Keys might be in order. Bring Fido along; there’s a good number of beaches on this string of tropical islands in southern Florida that welcome dogs. In Key West, your pooch can expend pent-up energy at Higgs Beach Dog Park, which has segregated areas for small and large dogs. Marathon is home to Sombrero Beach and Coco Plum Beach, clean stretches of sand where dogs can run leash-free. Dog-friendly digs in the Keys range from cozy cottage rentals and modern condos to luxury yachts and mansions for rent.
Pet-friendly beaches in the Brunswick Islands, North Carolina
Beachgoers and their canine chums can expect laid-back getaways in North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands. At Caswell Beach on Oak Island, leashed dogs are welcome, though they are permitted to go off-leash at certain times of the year. Dogs can likewise run to their heart’s content on Bald Head Island, except during turtle season from May through November, when they must be kept on leash. At Sunset Beach, you can walk your leashed pup on wide swathes of sand at the end of the day and see the breathtaking spectacle that gave this island its name. Pet-friendly vacation rentals here are centrally located, offering easy access to shopping, dining, and the beach.
Dog-friendly beach vacations on Seabrook Island, South Carolina
If a vacation on a private barrier island sounds appealing, head over to gorgeous Seabrook Island in South Carolina. Located a mere half-hour from historic Charleston, it’s home to beaches where dogs are welcome. From May through October, leashed dogs are permitted before 10 AM and after 5 PM in a large section of North Beach; from November through April, dogs can run off-leash the entire day. At Pelican Watch Beach, you and Fido can go on sunset strolls and watch for dolphins. There are plenty of pet-friendly vacation rentals in this exclusive island community, many of them close to golf courses and award-winning restaurants.
Beach vacations with dogs in San Diego, California
Many cities in California boast dog-friendly beaches, and San Diego is no exception. Pack your sunscreen and sunglasses—and your furry friend—and head to the Original Dog Beach, where pups can cavort sans leash all day. On Fiesta Island in Mission Bay, a large off-leash area features sandy dunes as well as calm waters where Fido can splash around. Close to downtown San Diego, Coronado Dog Beach also allows leash-free exploration and provides litter bags to make it easy for you to clean up after your pet. Book a dog-friendly condo rental or townhome downtown, just a few miles from the beaches, for easy access to shops and restaurants that welcome dogs.
Cool beach getaways in dog-friendly Cannon Beach, Oregon
The charming coastal city of Cannon Beach in northwestern Oregon is a popular getaway destination for dogs and their humans. Provided that they are well-behaved and respond to “voice control,” so to speak, dogs are permitted to roam free on the long, sandy beach. Plan an October getaway and you can watch fun competitions during the annual Dog Show on the Beach. Afterwards, head to town and browse art galleries and stores that welcome dogs, grab a bite at a restaurant that allows pets, and call it a day with a drink on the patio of your dog-friendly cottage rental.
Outstanding dog-friendly beaches on the Olympic Peninsula
Encompassing a large part of western Washington, the Olympic Peninsula offers plenty of options when it comes to dog-friendly beach vacations. Keep in mind, though, that you’ll usually need to keep Fido restrained on a leash no longer than 6 ft, and of course, to scoop up after him. Within the Olympic National Park, ruggedly spectacular and dog-friendly spots such as Rialto Beach and Ruby Beach draw outdoor adventurers, while Twanoh State Park on the southern tip of Hood Canal is famous for its warm saltwater beaches. Some pet-friendly vacation rentals in the region sit right by the water, with decks or balconies that are ideal for unwinding.
10 Dog-Friendly Vacation Destinations on the East Coast
Don’t want to leave your fur kid behind on your next vacation? Don’t fret—whether you’re looking for a cozy log cabin or stretches of sandy beach, there are plenty of dog-friendly vacation spots on the East Coast for you and your furry friend to enjoy together.
These 10 destinations along the Atlantic are just a car ride away for Vermonters, Floridians, and everyone in between.
#1: Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
Delaware’s stretch of natural beaches is greatly underrated. If you’re near southern New Jersey, hop on the Cape May Lewes Ferry to cross the Delaware Bay. Pets ride for free!
When finding a place to stay, there are several house rentals and even some hotels that allow dogs, such as the Atlantis Inn, which is two blocks away from the beach.
Does your dog love surf and sand? Delaware beaches offer many options for you to visit with your pooch. In neighboring town Dewey Beach, dogs are allowed on beaches before 9:30 a.m. and after 5:30 p.m. in the summer, or any time during the rest of the year.
After a long day in the sun, take your dog to the movies at the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand and enjoy “Cinema by the Surf,” which hosts a free outdoor movie showing at dusk. If you’re interested in finding pet-friendly restaurants, visit The Big Chill Surf Cantina. This surf bar has an outdoor area where you and your best four-legged friend can enjoy some food, drinks, and live music. When you’re ready to get your legs moving, The Junction and Breakwater Trail—which used to function as a railroad—is a nearby path that’s great for dog walking.
#2: Sanibel Island, Florida
Sanibel Island, famous for its variety of seashells and breathtaking Gulf Coast sunsets, has several dog-friendly beach house rentals and hotels to stay in, such as the Tropical Winds Motel & Cottages, which is located right on the Gulf.
Lounge with your pup at Bowman’s Beach, Lighthouse Park Beach, or Tarpon Bay Road Beach at any time. Explore nature at JN “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge—you can even take your dog on the Wildlife Drive tour through this mangrove forest!
Head out for brunch to the Over Easy Café (try their cinnamon buns) or the Island Cow. At neighboring Captiva Island, you can also enjoy food, drinks, and the beautiful sunset while dining with your dog at the Mucky Duck’s outdoor picnic tables.
#3: Golden Isles, Georgia
The Golden Isles include the islands along Georgia’s Atlantic Coast: Jekyll, St. Simons, and other smaller islands. About 65 percent of Jekyll Island is natural and untouched, so you and your dog have access to most of its beaches at any time. Plus, there are many dog-friendly lodging options throughout the islands.
Enjoy a sunset and seafood at Latitude 31’s “Rah Bar” patio, a waterfront spot that welcomes friendly dogs. Head to St. Simons Island’s East Beach and Massengale Park, which are great for dogs to run along the shore and swim in the ocean. Is your dog craving some socialization with fellow pups? Visit Frederica Park on the north end of St. Simons Island. This dog park is the perfect place for your dog to let loose and meet some new furry friends—just be sure to follow dog park etiquette for a safe and fun visit!
#4: Nantucket, Massachusetts
Nantucket is sprinkled with historic lighthouses, museums, a bustling downtown, and a ton of dog-friendly beaches.
If you and your pup would rather avoid the seasonal beach crowds, check out Steps Beach and Nobadeer Beach, where you’ll have plenty of room for shore-side shenanigans. Dogs are also permitted at Francis Street Beach, which is known for its more tranquil waters. The Wave shuttle can take you and your furry friend to these beaches for free as long as your dog is in a carrier. You can also take this shuttle to the airport, ferries, and downtown Nantucket!
Cisco Brewers is a brewery, distillery, and vineyard that offers tours and has outdoor seating—both of which are open to dogs. Don’t forget to check out the Milestone Cranberry Bogs, where you and your dog can walk alongside acres of rich red cranberries.
#5: Bar Harbor, Maine
Bar Harbor offers something for everyone: the mountains, the sea, and an action-packed downtown. This New England town is perfect for dog-friendly vacations because it’s surrounded by Acadia National Park, which encompasses more than 50 square miles of mountains, lakes, hiking and biking trails, and picturesque views of the coastline. Not to mention, the park is open to dogs!
Make your way around Bar Harbor on the Island Explorer, which is a free, pet-friendly shuttle that you can take to Acadia National Park and many other popular sites. Be sure to stop in the downtown’s pet-friendly shops, especially local pet shop Bark Harbor for a unique treat from the “barkery.”
You can also find a great dog park between Seal Harbor and Northeast Harbor, which has a pond for the “sea dogs” and trails for the land lovers.
If you’re looking to explore by water, leashed pets can join you on the Acadian’s boat tours. Treat your furry companion to a two-hour cruise along Frenchman Bay.
#6: Outer Banks, North Carolina
The Outer Banks is a 130-mile stretch of barrier islands off the North Carolina coast. Popular for family vacations, these islands are home to many quaint beach towns, each with their own character. Best of all, most of the beaches are dog friendly all year long!
If you find yourself in Kill Devil Hills, take your dog to Bonzer Shack. This little surf shack offers great food and live music, plus you can play cornhole and nosh at their picnic tables in their “backyard.” Or, head to Kitty Hawk and visit John’s Drive In, a lunch spot with special ice cream “puppy cups” for your fur kids.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore is another perfect place to take your pup where you can admire the iconic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. You can even drive your car onto certain sections of this park and spend the day fishing with your dog. The Duck Trail is a seven-mile long, multi-use path that traverses the entire length of the town.
#7: Asbury Park, New Jersey
Asbury Park has quickly become one of the most popular destinations at the Jersey Shore. With a wide selection of trendy restaurants and shops on the boardwalk and downtown, there’s something for everyone.
If you’re planning an overnight stay, the Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel accommodates pets up to 30 lbs. and there are plenty of dog-friendly house rentals. Although the beaches are packed during the summer, dogs are welcome between 6 p.m. and 8:30 a.m. In the off-season (October 1st through May 15th), dogs are welcome on the boardwalk and on the 8th Avenue Dog Beach all day long.
If you’re in town during the afternoon, attending “Yappy Hour” at the famous Wonder Bar is a must! There’s a fenced-in outdoor area so dogs are free to socialize while their humans enjoy some drinks and mingling of their own. Don’t forget to pack some dog treats to reward your pup for playing nice with their buddies!
Grab brunch the next morning at Toast, Johnny Mac’s, Cross and Orange, or one of the many restaurants with outdoor seating for you and your dog.
The Asbury Park Convention Hall also hosts many dog-friendly events such as flea markets and craft fairs all year round. They hand-pick awesome vendors—many of which sell doggy products!
#8: Lake Placid, New York
Lake Placid’s setting in the Adirondack Mountains is perfect for outdoorsy dog-and-pet-parent duos in any season—you can go skiing, biking, fishing, and hiking all in one trip.
Stay at the Lake Placid Lodge, which welcomes well-mannered dogs and has beautiful waterfront and mountain views, porches to enjoy your morning coffee, and wood-burning fireplaces for cold nights. They even provide your pup their own bed and homemade treats. Is camping with your dog more your speed? There are dozens of cabins and campsites for RVs, tents, and trailers to accommodate you and your fur buddy.
You will also find several dog-friendly lakes and trails nearby where you and your four-legged friend can explore the great outdoors side by side. Visit Mirror Lake, where you and your fur kid can admire the lake on a 2.7-mile paved trail. Afterwards, take a stroll on the west side of the lake, where several shops will welcome your dog inside while you browse.