Dog's Life

Cruisin' Coast To Coast

By Paula Felps

Ready for fun in the sun? Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a full-blown vacation, today there are plenty of places that will welcome you and your dog. From outdoor adventures to relaxing retreats, here are 10 great dog-friendly cities worth visiting:

• Los Angeles, California: With nearly perfect weather, L.A. is a great year-round escape for you and your pal. The area offers more than 40 dog parks and plenty of beachfront vistas, but one must-visit spot is Runyon Canyon, where you’ll find 90 acres of both on- and off-leash fun. Take delight in the trails, which lead to three different observation points with great views of Hollywood and the canyon basin.
• New York, New York: New York is home to a diverse array of dog-friendly businesses and destinations, which is why it has so many great places for the two of you to enjoy. Stroll the streets (and even the Brooklyn Bridge!), then escape the concrete with a visit to Central Park for green spaces to roam, romp, and play. If you’re up for a bigger adventure, a quick commute will land the two of you on the dog beach at Prospect Park, near Brooklyn, where both of you can enjoy plenty of wide open spaces to run and play—and even take a cooling dip in the water.
• Miami, Florida: Warm weather and lots of beaches are a strong draw for tourists, and it doesn’t matter whether they have two legs or four! Enjoy playtime on the dog-friendly beaches, such as the gorgeous Rickenbacker Causeway Beach, which stretches from downtown Miami all the way to Key Biscayne. There, you’ll have your choice of tree-lined areas with standard soil for frolicking together, or the famous sandy beaches that are perfect for tossing a flying disc or enjoying a run.
• San Francisco, California: Trails that run along the ocean, stores and restaurants that welcome you and your furry friend, and tons of off-leash dog parks are part of the appeal of this great city. Don’t miss the Presidio, a completely dog-friendly national park inside the city limits that offers 28.5 miles of trails. Surprisingly serene in the midst of this bustling city, the park offers lush green areas sheltered by a dense canopy of mature trees. It’s perfect for hiking and playtime with your dog, or for enjoying a picnic.
• Chicago, Illinois: The Windy City is known as a great tourist destination, but did you know that your dog can share the fun? One of Chi-town’s most popular hangouts for hounds and people is Montrose Dog Beach, which has a special dog-friendly section where you can enjoy sun, sand, and water together.
• Austin, Texas: With no less than a dozen off-leash dog parks, this hotspot of music, arts, and culture in the Texas Hill Country is also a veritable pooch paradise. Although there are plenty of parks to choose from, one of the hottest spots is Red Bud Isle, which boasts beautiful wooded areas with wide, open spaces for dogs to run and play, as well as several spots for them to take a dip in the water. Dogs who love a good hike will be happy too, because there are plenty of secluded trails to choose from.
• Boston, Massachusetts: This great historic city is filled with surprises you can both enjoy. You can hike the historic two-mile Freedom Trail together, or if you just need some playtime, hit one of the 20 or so parks that welcome both you and your pet. For some great off-leash romping, the spacious fenced-in Dog Run at the south end of Peters Park is designed specifically for pets. With amenities like benches, a low-dust play area and doggie water fountains, this park is perfect for playing hard or making new friends.
• San Diego, California: A favorite destination in San Diego is Dog Beach, one of the country’s favorite off-leash beaches. Sprawling across 38 acres, this spacious and beautiful play area draws more than 10,000 canine visitors each week. After some playtime in the sand, hit the streets of San Diego and enjoy dining at one of the city’s many dog-friendly outdoor cafés, or even spend some time on the water together.
• Colorado Springs, Colorado: This great outdoor town is home to countless hiking trails and nature preserves that all welcome furry friends. Pike’s Peak, the Garden of the Gods, Cave of the Winds, and Seven Falls are just a few of the breathtaking natural attractions you two can explore together. Many of the area’s hotels welcome dogs, so after a hard day of hitting the trails, both of you can hit the hay in air-conditioned comfort.
• Phoenix, Arizona: Home to more than 20 dog parks (including two at Sky Harbor International Airport), the greater Phoenix area makes you and your dog’s stay in the desert a comfortable one. For a unique hiking experience, hit the trail at Deer Valley Rock Art Center, a 47-acre attraction where both you and your pooch are welcome to enjoy a self-guided walking tour of an ancient archeological site. While you check out the petroglyphs, both you and your pet will enjoy an invigorating hike through this unusual area.