Discover a world of unique and pet-friendly experiences. For those of us who love to explore new explore new places with our four-legged companions, finding activities that both humans and pets can enjoy can be a delightful challenge. In this article, we're unveiling hidden gems that not only welcome your pets but also offer one-of-a-kind adventures. From surfing with your furry friend to wandering through ancient ruins, these unexplored treasures promise memorable moments for you and your pets. So, leash up, grab your travel gear, and let's embark on an exciting journey to these fantastic places!
A Day in the West
Sedona, AZ
A Day in the West, a Sedona family-owned business offers Jeep and horseback tours across Sedona’s ruggedly beautiful mountain and desert landscape, complete with colorful local tour guides and a range of different tour options. Dogs are welcome on all of the Jeep tours, so you can get the amazing photo ops and the Old West experience, while he can sniff the air and take in the scenery to his heart’s content. Lap dogs ride free, while large dogs are charged a child’s fare.
Old Charleston Walking Tours
Charleston, SC
If you’re looking to experience Charleston, learn some great history, and be scared silly, the Old Charleston Ghost Walk is a unique and truly fun option for you and your furry friend. This 90 minute walking tour begins at 7:30 and 9:30 each night from Tuesday through Sunday, and visits the cities most haunted graveyards and alleyways. Your dog will love all the new sights and smells of a nighttime tour, and you’ll have him there for comfort and protection . . . you know, just in case!
3B's Inn Bed, Breakfast, and Biscuits
Gurton, NC
Nestled off the beaten trail in the lush and lovely mountains of western North Carolina in near Asheville, get ready for a unique experience at 3B's Inn Bed, Breakfast, and Biscuits – the only Inn where it's a must to have a dog to stay! They're not kidding; no dogs, no admittance, no exceptions. With a growing group of repeat guests, they've earned accolades as THE Playcation Destination for People and Their Pups. This gated property is exclusively for dog travelers, offering dog beds, bowls, private cabins, a spring-fed swimming pond, and a fenced dog park play area on 5+ scenic acres with wooded trails and a creek. It's more than pet-friendly; it's dog-ready!
Chicago Seadog Cruises
Chicago, IL
If your dog is the seaworthy sort, she’ll love feeling the wind on her face on a Chicago Seadog Cruises or speedboat tour. This Chicago company offers several different tour options, including an architectural tour which is the most popular tour. Leashed, friendly dogs are welcome on all tours at no charge, so you can both enjoy a thrilling or enlightening ride across Lake Michigan.
Good Kharma Surf
Huntington Beach, CA
Embrace the coastal charm of Huntington Beach, CA with Good Kharma Surf Instruction, where even furry companions can catch the wave of excitement! Good Kharma extends an open invitation to all dogs, welcoming them to share the stoke of surfing with their owners, provided they're comfortable in the water. They lead clients and their pups through a delightful journey, starting with strength and balance training on the sandy shores and culminating in thrilling rides on the open waves. What's included in these unforgettable lessons, one might wonder? Well, clients have access to top-notch surfboards designed for both them and their dogs' comfort, and ensure that every pup is snug and secure in a life vest.
Ready to make a splash?
Dog Mountain
Saint Johnsbury, VT
If you’re both a dog lover and a supporter of the arts, there’s a quiet getaway waiting for you in the mountains of Saint Johnsbury, Vermont. The brain-child of visionary sculptor and dog lover Stephen Huneck, Dog Mountain is set on 150 acres of private land, and acts as a place of recreation and rest for people and their dogs. There are no leash laws on Dog Mountain; dogs are free to roam and play with one another on the grounds at all times, 24/7. A gallery of Huneck’s work is on display, and the chapel he built as a spiritual respite for both people and dogs stands tall and welcoming to those who visit. There are hiking trails and ponds where dogs can swim, and the gallery hosts multiple “dog parties” each year, where canines and their human friend can enjoy a barbecue together.
Seashore Trolley Museum
Kennebunkport, ME
Founded in 1939 with just one trolley car, the Seashore Trolley Museum Museumfeatures 250 historic transit vehicles, including trolleys from around the world. Previously, this Kennebunkport landmarked allowed dogs on the grounds of the museum. However, thanks to the huge success of the Museum’s first-ever Seashore Trolley Dog Day back in June, dogs are now allowed in the buildings and on designated vehicles.
Amazing pet-friendly spots are tucked away all around us; sometimes, it just requires a bit of exploration to uncover them. As we continue our adventures with our furry companions, we're always eager to discover more hidden gems. If you have a cherished, lesser-known spot where you love to bring your pet, we're all ears and wagging tails! Share your recommendations with us, and in the meantime, may your travels with your pet be happy and safe.
Photo credit: istock/Ирина Мещерякова