Dog Friendly Road Trip Destinations

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Going for a road trip is always a good idea, but adding a furry passenger to your journey makes it even better.

When planning a dog friendly road trip, your main goal should be to find stops where your pup can actually do something besides sit in a parking lot.

In this guide, we’re going to show you dog-friendly spots across California, Colorado, the West Coast, and some National Parks.

All destinations covered in this guide are dog-friendly, so you won’t be guessing on the rules when planning a trip with your furbaby.




Dog Friendly California Road Trip Destinations

California Coast and Beach Towns

1. Carmel-by-the-Sea (Carmel Beach)

Woman with her dogs by carmel beach
Image Credit: ourlovinglola from Instagram

If you are looking for a dog friendly beach where your dog isn’t just tolerated but welcomed, Carmel-by-the-Sea should be at the top of your list.

Carmel Beach offers a perfect setting for everything, including long, active walks on packed sand to quiet sunrise strolls. You can even easily loop into town to explore the outdoor patios and galleries.

Remember to keep your dog under control and respect the posted signs, particularly around the sensitive dunes and busy entryways.

It is worth noting that the sand heats up significantly by midday, and the surf can be strong. We think it is generally safer to play along the shoreline rather than going deep-water swimming.

Where to stay: Carmel Green Lantern Inn welcomes up to two dogs under 50 pounds for $35 per pet per night.

Best time to visit: September to November for cooler sand and fewer crowds.




2. Santa Bárbara (Arroyo Burro Beach)

For a relaxed, low-stress beach day, Arroyo Burro Beach in Santa Barbara is a wonderful stop that fits perfectly with a lunch break.

Known to locals as Hendry’s Beach, it offers a great mix of walking along the waterline and cooling down in the shaded grassy areas nearby.

Do pay attention to the local regulations. Dogs generally need to be on a leash, and it is important to follow the signs to keep away from sensitive habitat zones.

You’ll want to bring extra water, because the paths along the bluffs often feel significantly warmer than the breezy beach below.

Where to stay: Hotel Milo is located right across from the beach and charges a flat pet fee rather than a nightly rate. This is helpful for longer stays.

Best time to visit: Late fall through early spring gives you the most flexible off-leash hours; summer visits work best early morning or evening to comply with seasonal restrictions.




3. Pismo Beach (Dinosaur Caves Park)

Dog Friendly Road Trip Destinations
Image Credit: Dog Friendly SoCal from Instagram

Situated conveniently between Los Angeles and San Francisco, Pismo Beach is an excellent spot to break up a long drive.

Dinosaur Caves Park is an eleven-acre blufftop space that is a favorite among local dog owners in California.

While leashes are required, the walking paths offer expansive views of the ocean and sea stacks without the hassle of sandy paws. It is an ideal stop for stretching your legs and snapping a few photos.

Where to stay: SeaCrest OceanFront Hotel features direct beach access and a dedicated lawn area for pets.

Best time to visit: Year-round works well.




4. San Diego

San Diego is often seen as the gold standard for dog friendly travel destinations, and for good reason.

If you are looking for a classic beach day, Ocean Beach Dog Beach is a fantastic choice because it allows dogs off-leash 24/7. This gives them plenty of room to run on the sand and swim.

On the other hand, if your dog prefers calmer waters, Fiesta Island in Mission Bay offers a huge, fence-free area with dunes and gentle bay water.

Both spots are free, though keep in mind that parking at Ocean Beach can get a bit tight on weekends.

Where to stay: The Dana on Mission Bay is a solid choice because it is located within walking distance of the bay and offers a dedicated ‘Dana for Dogs’ package.

Best time to visit: Spring or Fall to avoid the summer tourist crowds and hot pavement.




5. Huntington Beach

Located along the Pacific Coast Highway between Seapoint Avenue and 21st Street, Huntington Dog Beach offers your pup a real Southern California surf experience.

Although the official rules state dogs should be leashed, the atmosphere is typically quite lenient, with enforcement focused primarily on safety and aggressive behavior.

Parking in the PCH lots costs around $2.50 an hour, and the area is convenient. It offers restrooms, picnic tables, and waste bags.

For caution, the sand can get very hot in the summer, and the surf can be rough, so you will want to ensure your dog has a reliable recall.

It is also the home of unique events like the famous Corgi Beach Day, which adds a fun community feel you don’t find everywhere.

Where to stay: Paséa Hotel & Spa is an oceanfront option about two miles south that welcomes pets. It gives you a base for exploring dog friendly travel along Orange County’s coast.

Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer the best combination of pleasant weather and manageable crowds. Summer mornings before 10 AM work well.




Northern California and the Bay Area

6. San Francisco (Fort Funston, Crissy Field, Golden Gate Park)

dogs at Fort Funston
Image Credit: teslatheminiaussie from Instagram

San Francisco might be a crowded city, but it actually manages to fit some of California’s best dog friendly travel destinations right into the mix.

Fort Funston is fantastic for dramatic cliffs and off-leash trails, along with beach access where your dog can tear through the sand and surf.

If you want a gentler pace, Crissy Field offers wide open spaces by the bay and incredible views of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Dogs can go off-leash in specific areas there, as long as their recall is solid.

Golden Gate Park is also a reliable option. We love that it has several off-leash zones that locals use daily.

All three spots are free, but do prepare for the weather, between the fog and the wind. It stays cool year-round, so you’ll want to dress well even if your dog doesn’t mind the chill.

Where to stay: Argonaut Hotel is not only in a prime walking area but also truly pet-welcoming. They provide beds, bowls, and treats with a pet fee of around $75 per stay.

Best time to visit: September and October typically offer the warmest, clearest weather; anytime works if you’re prepared for fog and wind, which can happen any month.




7. Sausalito (Rodeo Beach)

dog at rodeo beach
Image Credit: riocavapoo from Instagram

If you cross the Golden Gate Bridge, head to Rodeo Beach in the Marin Headlands for a wilder coastal experience.

It is part of the National Park Service, but they allow dogs off-leash on the beach itself as long as they are under voice control.

The dark volcanic sand and dramatic cliffs make it feel remote, even though you are just minutes from San Francisco.

Dogs usually have fun running through the waves and checking out the tide pools when the tide is low. Parking is free, though the lot gets full on sunny weekend afternoons.

Just keep in mind that the beach connects to Rodeo Lagoon, which is a bird sanctuary, so dogs need to stay leashed and on the trails in that area.

Also, the water is always cold, and the surf can be powerful, so be careful.

Where to stay: Cavallo Point Lodge at the base of the Golden Gate Bridge offers upscale pet-friendly rooms with bay views and direct access to trail systems around Fort Baker.

Best time to visit: Midweek visits in spring or fall balance good weather with smaller crowds.  Summer weekend visits can be heavy thanks to the Bay Area residents.




8. St. Helena / Napa Valley (V. Sattui Winery)

Couple with a dog
Image Credit: V. Sattui Winery from Instagram

Finding a Napa winery that actually welcomes dogs is harder than you’d think, which makes V. Sattui a standout dog friendly California road trip destination.

They have a massive lawn and picnic area where leashed dogs are fine, and the atmosphere feels a lot less stuffy than some of the other valley spots.

You can grab some deli food, do a tasting, and just picnic while your furry friend relaxes in the grass. Tastings run about $30 to $40, but accessing the grounds is free.

Just keep in mind this is more about hanging out than getting exercise. Also, Napa gets hot in the summer, so make sure you find some shade and keep the water flowing for your pup.

Where to stay: Napa Valley Lodge in Yountville welcomes dogs and puts you in the heart of wine country with easy access to valley floor wineries.

Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer beautiful weather and fewer crowds than peak summer. Crush season in September and October brings harvest energy but more visitors.




9. Mendocino (Mendocino Headlands State Park)

Dog with an owner
Image Credit: adventuringwithmutts from Instagram

For a rugged dog friendly west coast road trip experience, Mendocino offers dramatic cliffs and plenty of ocean air.

Mendocino Headlands State Park wraps around the town, and it provides flat trails that are perfect for walking with your dog on a leash.

These paths offer great vantage points, especially if you are hoping to spot whales during migration season.

The town itself is walkable, and many cafes are happy to let dogs join you at their outdoor tables.

Just be careful near the cliff edges since there are no rails, and keep your dog leashed to protect them and the local wildlife.

Where to stay: Stanford Inn by the Sea is one of the most pet-friendly properties on the Mendocino coast. It offers gardens where dogs can roam, an on-site organic farm, and rooms with views.

Best time to visit: May through October offers the most reliable weather. Whale watching is excellent January through April, though conditions can be wet and windy.




Sierra and Mountain Lakes

10. South Lake Tahoe (Kiva Beach, Tallac Historic Site)

woman-walking-with-dog-at-shore
Image Credit: Humphrey Muleba from Pexels

Finding a dog-friendly beach at Lake Tahoe isn’t always easy, so Kiva Beach is a valuable spot to know about.

It sits right near the Tallac Historic Site and offers free parking. You can bring your leashed dog to the stretch of shoreline east of Tallac Point.

Make sure you watch for the signs, because they aren’t allowed in the protected wetlands to the west.

The water is famously clear (and cold), so your dog can wade in or just sniff around the sand and pebbles.

We also love the shoreline trail with nice lake views and some history panels about the old resort.

You can even walk leashed dogs through the grounds of the historic site itself.

The area is generally accessible from Memorial Day through October, depending on the weather.

Just be sure to keep the leash on, because they are strict about it here. You’ll find portable toilets at the parking lot during the season.

Where to stay: Basecamp Tahoe South is a modern hotel that welcomes dogs and positions you close to Kiva Beach and other South Shore activities.

Best time to visit: July and August for the warmest water temperatures, though the lake never gets warm. September has beautiful weather with fewer crowds.




11. Mammoth Lakes Trail System

The Mammoth Lakes Trail System offers a great way for active dogs to get into some high-altitude scenery on leashed trails.

You can check out popular spots like the Lakes Basin loop, the Horseshoe Lake trail, or the paths around Twin Lakes, all of which show off the mountain peaks, meadows, and crystal-clear water.

Most trails require a $5 per day fee or an Adventure Pass for parking. Also, keep in mind that the elevation sits between 7,000 and 9,000 feet, which affects your dog just as much as you.

Where to stay: Tamarack Lodge & Resort offers rustic-luxe cabins on the edge of the Lakes Basin that welcome pets, with trails starting right from your door.

Best time to visit: July through September for snow-free trails. Wildflowers peak in July, and fall colors arrive in late September before early winter storms.




12. Big Bear Lake (Pine Knot Trail)

woman-walking-with-a-border-collie-dog-in-a-forest-in-winter
Image Credit: Elina Volkova from Instagram

Pine Knot Trail presents a solid workout by taking you through pine and fir forests all the way up to Grandview Point at 8,300 feet.

It is a 6-mile round trip that welcomes leashed dogs, and the climb pays off with panoramic views of Big Bear Lake and the San Bernardino Mountains.

You can park for free at the trailhead near the Big Bear Discovery Center. The trail gains about 1,000 feet, so expect some pet-friendly hiking ideas depending on your fitness.

Just keep in mind that summer can still get surprisingly hot despite the elevation, while winter snow transforms this into a route for snowshoes or cross-country skis.

Where to stay: Robinhood Resort offers lakefront cabins that welcome dogs, giving you easy access to the village, lake, and trail system.

Best time to visit: Late Spring through fall for hiking. Winter transforms the area into a dog-friendly winter hiking spots destinations if you’re equipped for snow.




National Parks

13. Redwood National and State Parks

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Image Credit: Laura Stanley from Pexels

Most of the trails in Redwood National and State Parks are off-limits to dogs, but Gold Bluffs Beach is a special exception.

It is a wide, remote beach where you can walk your leashed dog for miles right alongside those massive coastal bluffs.

On the downside, please note that Davison Road is rough. You’ll need a 4WD or high-clearance vehicle because a standard car risks getting damaged.

There is an $8 day-use fee to get in. If you want to see the trees, Cal Barrel Road is an unpaved route through the forest where leashed dogs are allowed.

Both spots give you a great taste of the redwoods without running into the usual restrictions.

Just remember that the coast is often foggy and cool, and since it is pretty remote, you won’t find many services out there.

Where to stay: Elk Meadow Cabins near Orick offers pet-friendly cabins close to both the redwoods and the coast, giving you a home base for exploring the region.

Best time to visit: Summer and early fall offer the most reliable weather, though fog is common any time. Springtime has wildflowers and fewer visitors.




14. Yosemite National Park

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Image Credit: cottonbro studio from Pexels

National parks may not be a walk in the park for dog owners, but Yosemite is actually workable if you stick to the paved roads.

Leashed dogs are allowed on the sidewalks and roads, so you can still catch those iconic Valley floor views.

If you want a real walk, check out the Wawona Meadow Loop. It’s a rare exception, a flat, 3.5-mile unpaved trail where dogs are actually welcome, and it’s usually quiet.

Just keep in mind that the big famous hiking trails are strictly off-limits to pets.

Entry runs $35 a car, and you should check if you need a reservation before you drive all the way out there.

Where to stay: Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite is located just outside the South Gate, and it offers dog sitting services if you want to hike human-only trails.

Best time to visit: Late Spring (May/June) when waterfalls are peaking and the Wawona Loop is green.




Dog Friendly Colorado Road Trip Destinations

15. Colorado Springs

If you are planning a dog friendly road trip through Colorado, Colorado Springs is a place to consider.

Garden of the Gods is one of the most attractive places. It is a registered National Natural Landmark that welcomes leashed dogs on all 21 trails.

You can hike right alongside those massive 300-foot red sandstone formations, often with Pikes Peak in the background.

Best of all, the park and parking are both free. If your dog still has energy to burn after the hike, there is an off-leash area just south of Gateway Road.

For even more off-leash time, Bear Creek Dog Park is massive, about 25 acres of fenced space where dogs can play along the creek.

Red Rock Canyon Open Space is another solid option. It features specific loops just for dogs that wind through some dramatic rock scenery.

If you want to see Seven Falls, you will need to take a shuttle, and there is an entrance fee for adults, but they do allow leashed dogs to come along and see the waterfalls.

Where to stay: Cheyenne Mountain Resort welcomes dogs and offers plenty of space for walking on the grounds.

Best time to visit: Late Spring or Fall to avoid the mid-day summer heat on the red rocks.




16. Denver & Front Range

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Image Credit: Shantanu Goyal from Pexels

The Denver metro area has invested in making the region accessible for dogs. Both Cherry Creek and Chatfield State Parks are standout options.

These pet friendly road trip destinations have reservoirs for swimming, plenty of trails, and designated off-leash zones.

Keep in mind that both require a vehicle entrance fee, which is usually $10 for the day unless you have an annual pass.

If swimming is the priority, Union Reservoir in Longmont features a dedicated off-leash dog beach that is perfect for water lovers.

For a spot closer to the city, Berkeley Lake Dog Park provides a fenced off-leash area with some great mountain views.

Where to stay: Hotel Born in downtown Denver welcomes dogs and puts you central to Front Range activities while offering a modern, comfortable home base.

Best time to visit: May or September for pleasant temperatures and green parks.




17. Boulder

Boulder takes its dog-friendly reputation seriously, especially with its unique ‘voice-and-sight’ program that essentially turns many trails into off-leash zones for well-trained dogs.

Chautauqua Park is the classic starting point right at the base of the Flatirons. If your dog prefers the water, Boulder Reservoir has a designated swimming area.

For a more intense workout, the Mount Sanitas Trail is a local favorite that gets steep fast but rewards you with incredible summit views.

Where to stay: St Julien Hotel & Spa is a luxury property that welcomes dogs and keeps you in downtown Boulder with easy access to trails and Pearl Street.

Best time to visit: April to June or September to October for cooler trails and clearer mornings.




Colorado Mountain Towns

18. Telluride

woman-and-a-dog
Image Credit: Pratik Raj from Pexels

Telluride stands out as a dog-friendly mountain hotel town. One of the most unique features for a dog friendly Colorado road trip is the Gondola.

This is a free public transit system connecting Telluride and Mountain Village that actually allows leashed dogs to ride along in specific pet-friendly cabins.

If you’re looking for dog-friendly hiking destinations, the Bear Creek Trail is a popular choice. It is a moderate 2.3-mile route that leads to a waterfall and welcomes leashed dogs.

The town itself has an incredibly welcoming impression, so you will likely feel right at home with your pet.

Where to stay: The Hotel Telluride welcomes pets and puts you steps from the gondola and downtown.

Best time to visit: Summer for hiking and festivals, or early Fall for the aspen gold rush.




19. Breckenridge

Carter Park has a fenced off-leash area for burning off energy, plus access to open space and trails where you can explore together on leash during your road trip to Colorado.

For a bit of adventure during your Colorado road trip with dogs, we love that the Breckenridge gondola welcomes pets during the summer season.

It whisks you up to mid-mountain for access to higher trails and great views, though keep in mind that fees usually apply for summer operations.

Down in town, Main Street is very approachable, with plenty of restaurants that have dog-friendly patios.

Where to stay: Main Street Station welcomes dogs and puts you in the heart of downtown with gondola access nearby.

Best time to visit: July to September for snow-free walking, or early fall for crisp weather




20. Aspen

Aspen manages to pull off a mix of high-end luxury and serious nature. The Maroon Bells Scenic Area is the big draw. It’s easily one of the most photographed spots in Colorado.

You do need to plan. Vehicle reservations are required, and they tend to sell out months in advance. If you miss out on a parking pass, you can take the RFTA shuttle bus.

The good news is that, unlike many public transit options, the shuttle to the Bells allows dogs as long as they are leashed.

Once you are there, be mindful of the specific trail rules. Dogs are technically not allowed on the popular Scenic Loop Trail due to wildlife concerns.

You are better off sticking to the path toward Crater Lake or walking along the road.

Back in town, the Rio Grande Trail is a fantastic, low-stress option. It is a paved, easy path that cuts right through Aspen.

Where to stay: Hotel Jerome is a historic luxury property that welcomes dogs and keeps you in the heart of Aspen.

Best time to visit: Late September for the world-famous golden aspens.




21. Durango

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Image Credit: Matheus Bertelli from Pexels

Tucked away in the southwest corner of the state, Durango serves as a perfect gateway to the San Juan Mountains.

A good highlight here is the Durango Dog Park at the base of Smelter Mountain, especially if your dog loves the water. It offers direct river access.

For a more relaxed outing during your Colorado road trip with dogs, the Animas River Trail is a great choice.

It is a paved, 7-mile path that winds right along the water through town, making it a low-stress way to see the city while stretching your legs.

Where to stay: DoubleTree by Hilton Durangois situated right on the Animas River, and it offers immediate access to the trail.

Best time to visit: Summer for river cooling or fall for pleasant hiking temperatures.




Colorado National Parks & Nearby Areas

22. Great Sand Dunes National Park

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Image Credit: Frank Schrader from Pexels

Great Sand Dunes National Park is a rare find because, unlike most national parks, they actually allow leashed dogs right out on the dunes themselves.

It gives you a unique chance to explore America’s tallest dunes, some topping 700 feet, together.

Your furry friend is also welcome in the parking lots, campgrounds, and picnic areas. Entrance is $25 per vehicle and is valid for a week.

However, you need to be careful with your timing. In the summer, the sand temperature can exceed 150 degrees, which is dangerous for your dog’s paws.

If you are there when Medano Creek is flowing at the base, it is a perfect spot for your dog to cool off.

Just keep in mind that while the main dunes are accessible, the backcountry trails and the preserve area remain off-limits.

Where to stay: Great Sand Dunes Lodge sits just outside the park entrance and welcomes pets, offering convenient access for early morning dune visits when the sand is cool.

Best time to visit: Spring, when Medano Creek flows, or fall for comfortable temperatures. Avoid mid-summer when sand becomes dangerously hot for paws.




23. Rocky Mountain National Park Area

Rocky Mountain National Park is strict with dogs. They ban dogs from all trails and limit them to just paved areas and roadside pullouts.

You are much better off focusing on the excellent alternatives right nearby in Estes Park. The Lily Mountain Trail is a fantastic option just outside the park boundary. It is a 2.6-mile round trip.

Your leashed dog can hike through the forest to reach summit views of the Continental Divide and Estes Valley.

If you want something easier, the Lake Estes Trail is a 3.75-mile paved loop that circles the water with beautiful mountain backdrops. Both options are free to access.

Where to stay: The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park welcomes dogs and offers historic ambiance with easy access to both town and nearby trails.

Best time to visit: Summer and early Fall are best for accessing high-altitude trails like Lily Mountain.




Dog Friendly West Coast Road Trip Destinations

24. Cannon Beach

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Image Credit: Aleksey Kuprikov from Pexels

Cannon Beach is great because they allow leashed dogs on the sand year-round. This gives you a chance to explore one of the most famous parts of the Oregon Coast together.

You can walk all the way out to Haystack Rock when the tide is low. Make sure your dog stays off the rock itself since it’s a protected bird sanctuary.

The town is welcoming. You’ll find lots of shops and patios that let dogs hang out. There are no beach fees, and you can find public parking.

Just be ready for the weather. The Oregon coast stays cool pretty much all year, and it rains a lot if you aren’t there in the summer. It also gets windy, and the surf can be pretty rough.

Where to stay: Ocean Lodge sits right on the beach and welcomes dogs. They have rooms with ocean views and direct beach access.

Best time to visit: Summer offers the warmest, driest weather. Winter storms create dramatic scenery if you don’t mind rain and wind.




25. Bend

selective-focus-photography-of-adult-long-coated-dog-running-on-grass
Image Credit: Lucas Pezeta from Pexels

Bend, OR, is widely known for its outdoor scene, and dogs are a big part of that culture. It is one of the most dog-loving cities in America

The Deschutes River Trail runs right through town. This gives you a mix of paved and dirt paths where you can walk your leashed dog along the river.

If you need some off-leash time, check out Good Dog! Park at Overturf Butte. It has fenced areas for different sizes and some great mountain views. Both are free.

Just remember you are in the high desert at about 3,600 feet, so it gets hot in the summer and cold in the winter.

Also, the brewery scene is huge here, and you’ll find plenty of patios that are happy to have your dog tag along.

Where to stay: McMenamins Old St. Francis School is a quirky converted schoolhouse that welcomes dogs and keeps you in the heart of downtown Bend.

Best time to visit: Summer through early fall for warm weather and mountain access. Winter for dog-friendly winter hiking spots if snow conditions permit and you’re prepared.




26. Crater Lake National Park

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Image Credit: mysurrogateband from Pexels

Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the US, but like many national parks that allow dogs, access is limited.

Dogs are allowed on the paved walkways at Rim Village, so you can get those famous lake views together, and they can hike the Lady of the Woods Trail, which is a short 0.7-mile loop.

They are also fine in the developed campgrounds. You have to keep your dog on a leash the whole time, and remember they can’t go down to the water or on most of the other trails.

It costs $30 to get into the park. Also, keep in mind the rim is over 7,000 feet, so snow blocks access for a big chunk of the year.

Where to stay: Crater Lake Resort is about 30 miles from the park in nearby Fort Klamath. It offers pet-friendly cabins as a base for day trips.

Best time to visit: July through September when the rim road is fully open. Late June and early October can still have snow, limiting access.




Washington Coast & Islands

27. Olympic National Park

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Image Credit: Tonia Shatzel from Pexels

Olympic National Park follows the usual national park rules, meaning most trails and wilderness areas are off-limits to pets, but there are a couple of great exceptions.

Kalaloch Beach and Rialto Beach both welcome leashed dogs right on the sand. These are wild, beautiful spots with huge piles of driftwood, sea stacks, and tide pools to explore.

If you want a forest walk, the Peabody Creek Trail is one of the few dog-friendly paths, though it is rather short. The entrance fee is $30 per vehicle.

Where to stay: Kalaloch Lodge sits right on the beach and offers pet-friendly cabins. This gives you and your dog immediate access to miles of coastline walking.

Best time to visit: July through September for the least rain and warmest temperatures. Winter storm watching is dramatic but very wet.




28. San Juan Islands

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Image Credit: Elina Volkova from Pexels

Taking the ferry out to the San Juan Islands is an adventure in itself. Once you land on San Juan Island, the National Historical Park is a great place to start.

Both the American and English Camps actually allow leashed dogs on the trails, which offers a nice mix of history and coastal hiking.

For a beach stop, Jackson Beach is a solid choice for swimming or searching for driftwood.

Just be sure to stay on top of the logistics: keep an eye on the ferry schedule and, most importantly, make sure you have a reservation for your vehicle before you go.

Where to stay: Snug Harbor Resort on San Juan Island offers waterfront cabins that welcome pets and put you close to the national park sites.

Best time to visit: May through September for the warmest weather and best ferry schedules. Whale watching peaks from April through September.




Dog Essentials for Car

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Image Credit: PNW Production from Instagram

Before you start your dog friendly road trip to any of these wonderful destinations, you should always ensure you have all the dog road trip essentials.

Using a proper restraint system is important to protect both of you in case of sudden stops or accidents.

You have a few good options depending on your car and the size of your dog. You can find crash-tested harnesses that attach to seat belts, secured travel crate, or vehicle barriers.

READ ALSO: 11 Best Dog Car Seats

As tempting as it looks in photos, never let your dog ride loose or with their head out the window.

Make sure you bring plenty of clean drinking water and a collapsible bowl, and refresh it often on hot days.

It is also smart to pack a cleanup kit with waste bags, paper towels, and an enzymatic cleaner just in case.

A blanket or seat cover will protect your car and give your dog a familiar-smelling spot to relax, and keeping a towel handy is a lifesaver for muddy paws or wet fur after a swim.

Your Dog Packing List Road Trip Items

  • Food & Meds: Pack food for the whole trip plus extra, along with any necessary medications.
  • Safety & ID: Bring vaccination records, a first aid kit, and a sturdy leash and collar with current ID tags.
  • Gear: A longer lead is great for rest stops, and don’t forget bowls for food and water.
  • Entertainment: Toys or chews will help keep them occupied during the quiet moments.
  • Seasonal Items: Consider a portable fan or cooling mat for summer, or a dog coat and extra blanket for winter trips.

If you want more information on how to travel with your pet, check out our guide on dog-friendly car travel tips.

We also recommend you check out our article about 11 essential dog car accessories for safe rides to make the trip more enjoyable.




Conclusion

From our guide, we hope you have noted that a dog friendly road trip through California, Colorado, and the West Coast has lots of precious gems.

Make sure to do your homework thoroughly before embarking on any journey. Have everything sorted out to make the trip comfortable for you and your furry friend. All the best! 

Written By

Laura is the founder of Furs'n'Paws. She is a also a pet writer and expert with more than 20 years of experience of working with dogs and cats. She developed a very strong love for animals at a young age. Her passion led her to establish a thriving pet sitting and dog walking business in Dubai. As an expert in pet training, behavior, and nutrition, Laura is committed to helping pet owners and pet lovers by offering high-quality information on a wide range of topics.

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