Author: Phoebe Cooper
Are you seeking pawsome getaways to enjoy with your furry companions? Below you will find some of our favorite suggestions for destinations offering year-round adventures that will leave you and your pups howling with excitement and begging to come back for more!
1. The Blue Ridge Mountains
Immerse yourself in the spirit of Appalachia as you discover the Blue Ridge Mountains! Located in the eastern United States, this mountain range provides the perfect retreat for pet lovers who are interested in a destination offering a wealth of social and outdoor activities alike. Amongst the numerous enticing locations to visit here, you will find the small, yet vibrant city of Asheville, NC nestled at the heart of it all. Aptly referred to as “Beer City USA,” Asheville is full of dog-friendly bars, restaurants, and shops. Here you’ll happen upon lively music at every turn, from bluegrass to drum circles.
Spend the day with your pups browsing artsy boutiques in Asheville and then head to the Pisgah National Forest to swim, hike, and view waterfalls, or opt for a more secluded option and rent a cabin in the woods! The Blue Ridge Parkway sprawls over 469 miles from southern Pennsylvania to Georgia, providing access to two national parks as well as eight national forests. Entrenched in natural wonders and dotted with lots of interesting towns, you will find no shortage of activities to enjoy with your dogs here!
Pro tip: Plan your visit for autumn when the leaves are due to change hues to find your surroundings ablaze with the most satisfying fall colors you could imagine!
2. Austin, TX
Buzzing with positive energy and teeming with options for dog-friendly activities, this music mecca is a fantastic place to get away with your furry companions! If you are interested in water activities, Austin is ripe with dog-friendly lakes, creeks, and springs. Visit Red Bud Isle and take your pups on a swim, let them splash around, or get them out on your paddle board or canoe if that’s something they’re into! If you’re unable to fully disconnect from work while you’re away, Austin is also home to a few establishments where you can work with Wi-Fi and keep your dogs by your side, or you might opt to visit Neighbors Dog Park & Café to let your pups play at a fully staffed dog park while you enjoy a cup of coffee on your own. Indulge in yoga with your pups at Austin Doga and then swing by one of the several dog-friendly breweries to immerse yourself entirely in the exuberant Austin atmosphere!
3. Central Oregon
If outdoor activities with your furry companions are what you’re after, look no further than Central Oregon where countless adventure opportunities are bound to get tails wagging! Here you will find part of the Cascade Mountain Range, the Deschutes National Forest, the Ochoco Mountains, Smith Rock, waterfalls galore, and abundant opportunities for camping, backpacking, biking, kayaking, white water rafting, hiking, rock climbing, and skiing with your pups!
Central Oregon is also home to several alluring towns filled with dog-friendly businesses, food trucks, and breweries. Allow your pups to get their paws wet in the Deschutes River and then take them on a hike to Tumalo Falls to admire the stunning waterfall there. Want to plan a winter trip? Central Oregon has you covered! Take your pups to Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort just outside of Bend to enjoy a fun-filled day of skiing and tailgating with many other dog owners and their frolicking fidos! Stop by the towns of Sisters and Redmond to experience more lovely locales and don’t forget to plan a weekend camping trip to the Ochocos located just outside of Prineville!
Pro tip: Since the coast is only a couple of hours away, you could pencil in a day or a weekend trip to the beach while you’re visiting Central Oregon as well!
4. Chicago, IL
Are you seeking a metropolitan getaway to enjoy with your best friends? It might come as no surprise to find Chicago, IL on our list of top dog-friendly destinations! Bring your dogs along on Mercury’s Canine Cruise to view the city from a unique perspective and learn about its rich cultural history, or swing by the Midwest Coast Brewing Company for great beer and bountiful doggone good times! Take your pups on a walk along the riverfront and pop into several dog-friendly establishments along the way. While the city may be sprawling, there are still options to engage in outdoor activities here! If you’re looking to make a splash, take your dogs to Montrose Beach which is fenced in on Lake Michigan.
5. San Diego, CA
Say sayonara to the dog days of summer by visiting San Diego! Known for possessing the best climate year-round in the United States, San Diego offers up a plethora of options for individuals seeking a relaxing escape with their dogs. Home to numerous dog-friendly beaches and attractions such as Ocean Beach, Fiesta Island, Sunset Cliffs, and Coronado Beach, San Diego is the perfect location for beach-loving canines and humans alike. Leave your stresses behind by taking a dip in the cool Pacific Ocean and then head into the mountains for some crisp, refreshing air. Take a weekend camping trip to Palomar Mountain or Mount Laguna where you can hit the trails with your pups and clear your mind. In Palomar Mountain, stay at the Fry Creek or Observatory campgrounds to bask in the breathtaking scenery. You may also opt to stop by a few dog-friendly wineries in nearby Temecula, CA. Back in San Diego, you can bike, skate, or stroll with your dogs along the boardwalk that spans all the way from Pacific Beach to Mission Beach. Later, hop into town and enjoy lots of dog-friendly establishments for an exciting taste of the salty city life.
Pack your bags & enjoy the Summer
Whether you and your puppy pals are city slickers or off-griders, if you choose your vacations based on offerings of jam-packed itineraries or those where you can simply kick back and put your feet and paws up, these destination recommendations provide options for just about everyone!
From all of us at Natural Farm, we wish you and your dogs endless safe and joy-filled experiences, and we would love to see where your journeys take you! Snap some pictures of your pups and be sure to tag #LetsChewNatural so that we may come along with you on your travel adventures!
