If you’ve followed my blog for any length of time, you will know that I’m a ‘Dog Person’. At the present time, I’m a ‘Dog Dad’ to two labs, 3-year-old black lab, ‘Bentley’, and 2-year-old yellow lab, Madison. Most of the time when I travel with my RV, at least one of them goes along for the ride.
Many of the destinations are somewhat ‘Dog Friendly’, although there are exceptions. I’ve done enough research over the years to discover some places that have been described as the ‘Best Dog-Friendly Towns’ including their attractions. It is by no means a comprehensive list, and I’m sure there are many others that could be part of this list.
So, for those who can’t imagine hitting the road without their four-legged companions, here are some where both you and your furry friend can create unforgettable memories. So, fasten your seatbelts, get your furry copilots ready, and let’s embark so you can check them out.
Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville, North Carolina, is a pet paradise. Known for its vibrant arts scene, stunning natural beauty, and dog-friendly culture, this town is a must-visit for RV travelers with pets.
Dog-Friendly Attractions:
Biltmore Estate: Explore the breathtaking Biltmore Estate, America’s largest home, with your leashed dog. You can wander the beautiful gardens, and even dine on the outdoor patios of several restaurants with your furry companion.
Blue Ridge Parkway: Enjoy scenic drives along the Blue Ridge Parkway and go for hikes with your pup in this pet-friendly national treasure.
French Broad River Park: Take your dog for a walk in the French Broad River Park, complete with trails, picnic areas, and a designated off-leash area for some unleashed fun.
Downtown Asheville: Enjoy shopping and dining in the dog-friendly downtown area, where many shops and restaurants welcome well-behaved pets.
Sedona, Arizona, is known for its stunning red rock formations, and it’s not just a treat for the eyes but also for your furry friend’s senses. The town boasts a variety of dog-friendly outdoor adventures.
Dog-Friendly Attractions:
-
Sedona Dog Park: Let your dog socialize and run off-leash at the Sedona Dog Park. It’s a fantastic place to meet local pet enthusiasts.
-
Sedona Red Rock Adventures: Many tour companies offer dog-friendly jeep tours through the beautiful red rock landscape. Your pup can join in the fun, and you’ll have a blast exploring the rugged terrain together.
-
Oak Creek Canyon: Hike along the trails in Oak Creek Canyon, offering both picturesque views and opportunities for your dog to dip into the creek.
-
Dog-Friendly Restaurants: Numerous eateries in Sedona welcome dogs on their patios, including the popular Coffee Pot Restaurant and the Indian Gardens Café & Market.
If you’re looking for a sunny, tropical destination with your furry friend, Key West, Florida, should be on your list. This small island paradise is famous for its laid-back atmosphere and endless water adventures.
Dog-Friendly Attractions:
-
Higgs Beach Dog Park: Let your dog frolic off-leash at the Higgs Beach Dog Park, which includes a separate area for small dogs, water fountains, and shaded pavilions.
-
Key West Dog Beach: Enjoy some sand and surf at Key West Dog Beach, where dogs can play off-leash in the shallow waters. And The Newest.
-
Sunset Celebration: Join the Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square, where you can watch street performers and catch a beautiful sunset while strolling with your dog.
-
Dog-Friendly Restaurants: Many restaurants in Key West are dog-friendly, including Louie’s Backyard and the Half Shell Raw Bar, where your pet can enjoy a meal with a view.
Durango, nestled in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado, is a charming and pet-friendly town that offers a mix of outdoor adventures and cultural experiences.
Dog-Friendly Attractions:
-
Durango Dog Park: Durango Dog Park provides a spacious area for dogs to run off-leash and make new friends. The park is equipped with water stations and shaded seating for pet parents.
-
Animas River Trail: Enjoy scenic walks with your dog along the Animas River Trail, which extends for several miles through town, offering stunning river and mountain views.
-
Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad: Take a ride on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, where well-behaved dogs are welcome to join you on the open-air cars.
-
Historic Downtown Durango: Stroll through historic downtown Durango with your pup, and visit the many pet-friendly shops and cafes.
Bar Harbor, Maine, located on Mount Desert Island, is a quaint coastal town known for its stunning natural beauty and outdoor activities. It’s an ideal destination for travelers exploring the northeastern United States with their dogs.
Dog-Friendly Attractions:
-
Acadia National Park: Explore the breathtaking Acadia National Park, which offers a variety of pet-friendly hiking trails and carriage roads.
-
Village Green: Take a leisurely walk with your dog at the Village Green, a central park in the heart of Bar Harbor.
-
Pet-Friendly Tours: Join pet-friendly boat tours, like the Acadian Boat Tours, which allow dogs to come along and enjoy the views.
-
Dog-Friendly Accommodations: Many accommodations in Bar Harbor, such as the Bar Harbor Inn and Atlantic Oceanside Hotel & Event Center, are pet-friendly, so you and your dog can relax in comfort.
Moab is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts and their furry friends. Nestled in southeastern Utah, this town is surrounded by stunning red rock formations, canyons, and arches.
Dog-Friendly Attractions:
-
Slickrock Trail: Hike or bike with your dog on the famous Slickrock Trail. The trail offers challenging terrain and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
-
Arches National Park: While dogs aren’t allowed on most trails in Arches National Park, you can still enjoy the views with your pup from designated overlooks and pull-off areas.
-
Canyonlands National Park: Similarly, Canyonlands National Park also restricts dogs from hiking trails but welcomes them at certain viewpoints and campgrounds.
-
Dog-Friendly Lodging: Many RV parks and campgrounds in the area are pet-friendly, including Arch View RV Resort and Portal RV Resort.
Carmel-by-the-Sea in California is a picturesque coastal town known for its stunning beaches, artistic atmosphere, and European charm. It’s an ideal destination for travelers looking for a relaxing beach getaway with their dogs.
Dog-Friendly Attractions:
-
Carmel Beach: Enjoy long walks on the dog-friendly Carmel Beach, where dogs can run off-leash and play in the surf. It’s a true canine paradise.
-
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve: Take your dog on a leash to explore Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, a protected area that features scenic trails along the rugged coastline.
-
Shopping in Carmel: Many boutique shops in Carmel are dog-friendly and even offer water bowls for your pets as you browse the stores.
-
Dog-Friendly Dining: Carmel boasts numerous pet-friendly restaurants, like Forge in the Forest and Bruno’s Market & Deli, where you can dine with your dog on the patio.
Nestled in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado, Telluride is a charming and pet-friendly mountain town known for its beautiful scenery and outdoor recreational opportunities.
Dog-Friendly Attractions:
-
Telluride Town Park: Telluride Town Park has an off-leash area where dogs can play and socialize with other dogs.
-
Bridal Veil Falls: Hike with your dog to Bridal Veil Falls, Colorado’s tallest free-falling waterfall, and enjoy the natural beauty together.
-
Gondola Rides: Dogs are welcome on the Telluride Gondola, so you can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains with your furry companion.
-
Dog-Friendly Accommodations: Many hotels, vacation rentals, and RV parks in Telluride are pet-friendly, so you and your dog can stay comfortably.
Lake Placid, New York, nestled in the Adirondack Mountains, is a perfect destination for those seeking outdoor adventures in a charming small town setting.
Dog-Friendly Attractions:
Mirror Lake: Take your dog for a walk along the beautiful Mirror Lake, where you can enjoy scenic views of the surrounding mountains.
High Falls Gorge: Leash up your pup and explore the High Falls Gorge, a stunning natural attraction with hiking trails and waterfalls.
Pet-Friendly Activities: Lake Placid offers various pet-friendly activities, such as dog sledding in the winter and boat tours on Lake Placid in the summer.
Dog-Friendly Dining: Many restaurants in Lake Placid have pet-friendly outdoor seating, including Lake Placid Pub & Brewery and The Cottage Café.
Taos, New Mexico, is a unique and culturally rich town surrounded by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. It’s a wonderful place for RV travelers to explore with their dogs.
Dog-Friendly Attractions:
-
Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway: Take a drive along the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway, which offers stunning mountain and valley views, and stop at dog-friendly points of interest along the way.
-
Rio Grande Gorge Bridge: Walk across the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge and enjoy panoramic views with your leashed dog. Just be mindful of the wind on this high bridge.
-
Historic Taos Pueblo: While dogs aren’t allowed inside the Taos Pueblo, you can explore the historic area outside with your pet.
-
Dog-Friendly Accommodations: Numerous RV parks and campgrounds in the area are pet-friendly, including Taos Valley RV Park and Taos Monte Bello RV Park.
Traveling in an RV with your dog is an adventure of a lifetime, and the United States offers a multitude of dog-friendly small towns and attractions for you to explore. From the stunning natural beauty of Sedona, Arizona, to the charming coastal vibes of Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, and the outdoor adventures of Moab, Utah, you and your furry friend can create unforgettable memories on the road.
Remember to check local regulations and guidelines for traveling with pets, keep your dog on a leash in areas that require it, and always clean up after your pet to ensure that these wonderful destinations remain pet-friendly for years to come. So, pack your bags, load up your RV, and hit the open road with your loyal companion, as countless pet-friendly adventures await you in the small towns of the United States. Happy travels!
