What a better time to plot travel plans than summer? Now that the sun’s out and about, it’s the perfect time to bask in the sun and enjoy the warm weather with your family—including your tail-wagging best friend!

Our dogs become our family the moment they enter our houses. They keep us happy and entertained with their silly antics and cheer us up when we’re down in the dumps. Your four-legged best friend has stayed by your side through your ups and downs, which is why it’s only great to take him along on a great summer vacation.

Traveling with a dog can be a bit challenging, but the good news is there are numerous places in the U.S. ready to welcome you and your fur baby.

In this article, we have fetched some of the best pet-friendly vacation spots in the United States. From hiking trails to pet-friendly hotels, dog parks, and beaches, here are the best dog-friendly centers in the country:

 1. Sedona, Arizona

Go on a trip over the picturesque landscape of the red rock country in Sedona, Arizona. Active, outdoorsy dogs will surely have a fun time of their lives inside the Slide Rock State Park, a 43-acre park situated in Oak Creek Canyon just outside Coconino National Forest, widely known for iconic red rocks, alpine tundra, and Ponderosa Pine Forests.

Alternatively, you can register for pet-friendly tours that provide camping trips, backpacking, and tours to Indian ruin sites. You can also try out dog-friendly Red Rock Magic Trolley Tours such as Bell Rock Tour and Boynton Canyon Tour. And after a long, tiring trip, you can reward your pooch with a delicious treat at the Whiskers Barkery, a toy and treat store located at Sinagua Plaza.

However, if you opt for a chill, afternoon stroll, you can visit the Sedona Dog Park, the first and only dog park in the city, and enjoy the breathtaking desert landscape.

2. Lake Placid, New York

If you’re looking for the perfect vacation spot wherein you can enjoy the lush, majestic mountain views with your dog, then Lake Placid is the ideal destination. This quintessential romantic vacation getaway is an all-around destination, offering outdoor activities such as biking, fishing, and hiking all in just a single trip. You may be overwhelmed by the number of activities, but ensure to never miss out on a stroll along Mirror Lake, a 2.7-mile paved trail that provides fresh air and lush views.

Also, make sure not to miss a drive up to Whiteface Mountain along the roads of Whiteface Veterans Memorial Highway! This roadway is only open in the summer, so make sure to get the most out of the wonderous views by taking Instagram-worthy shots of your fur baby!

3. Boise, Idaho

Get ready for a fun-filled playtime and pack up your dog’s toys and accessories! Boise is an expansive travel spot that provides numerous community parks, hiking trails, and dog-friendly places where your furry friend can play freely. For starters, you can venture into their top parks, including Morris Hill Park, Pine Grove Park, and Esther Simplot Park.

Morris Hill Park is perfect for afternoon picnics with the family. It features a fenced 1-acre dog area, 2 playgrounds, and doggie drinking fountains to accommodate your pooch’s playtime.

4. Sanibel Island, Florida 

Summer vacation is not well-spent without going to the beach. Let your tail-wagging friend enjoy the sun and sand at Sanibel Island, wherein he can jog, swim, and roll over the warm sand. What’s amazing about this island is that almost all beaches are pet-friendly. Of all the dog-friendly beaches, we highly recommend going to Gulfside Beach (commonly known as Algiers Beach) wherein you can take advantage of picnic areas, outdoor showers, barbecue grills, and a whole lot more.

Also, make sure to don’t forget to bring your dog to J. N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, an underdeveloped mangrove system and one of the top attractions in Sanibel Island. Here, you and your pooch can explore the wetlands and spot manatees, herons, and other migratory birds.

Pet-friendly accommodations are also opening their doors for you and your dog to rest for the night.

So, which travel destination are you excited to go to? May you enjoy the summer with your furry best friend!

Author bio

I am Mike, a dog fanatic and writer from the beautiful city of Los Angeles, California in the United States. I’ve done my best to mix those two passions into something interesting and helpful on my website, Dog Embassy.