Looking to see exotic wildlife or colorful flowers in full bloom? At these dog-friendly places, you can enjoy nature with your favorite tail-wagging pal! Before planning your trip, call ahead to find out what each place allows you to bring (lead, dog food, etc.).
Mendocino Coast Botanical Garden
When it comes to land and sea, the Mendocino Coast Botanical Garden in Fort Bragg, California, has you covered. Founded in 1961, with gorgeous views of the Pacific ocean, the garden boasts not only fragrant blossoms—including Fort Bragg’s official flower, the “Noyo Chief”—but it is also the perfect place to spot more than 150 species of birds, from hawks and ospreys to black oystercatchers and Canada geese. Come whale-watching season, you’ll also have the chance to see these majestic creatures in action as they migrate during the winter and spring months. Bring your buddy (lead required) along to stop and smell the roses and even savor a scrumptious picnic on the grounds.
18220 N. Highway One, Fort Bragg, CA, 707-964-4352
www.gardenbythesea.org
The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University
Harvard may be known for distinguished alumni, but its arboretum is equally impressive. With 265 acres filled with trees, shrubs, and a myriad of flora and fauna that date back to the 1700s, Arnold Arboretum is a soothing respite for anyone on two or four legs! Paths, both paved and unpaved, are begging to be explored and guided tours are also available. The arboretum absolutely welcomes dogs—just make sure to keep them on a leash and pick up after them so their lush gardens continue to stay beautiful. In addition to its on-site views, hike up to Peters Hill—the highest point of the arboretum—and get a superb view of the Boston skyline.
125 Arborway, Boston, MA, 617-524-1718
http://arboretum.harvard.edu
Olympic Sculpture Park
Another kind of park awaits in the Pacific Northwest. Part of the Seattle Art Museum, Olympic Sculpture Park is a nine-acre waterfront site filled with unique, larger-than-life works of art and one-of-a-kind installations. Its doors opened to the public back in 2007 and welcomes visitors and dogs 365 days a year. Aside from its stunning sculptures, the park also boasts several “precincts” containing landscapes found in the coastal region. And did we mention views of the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound?
2901 Western Ave., Seattle, WA, 206-654-3100
www.seattleartmuseum.org/visit/osp/AboutOSP/default.asp
Hoyt Arboretum
Just two miles from the hustle and bustle of downtown Portland lies a place certainly worth barking about! Portland’s wet climate allows a diverse selection of botanicals to thrive, so the Hoyt Arboretum is a forest lover’s paradise, filled with more than 1,000 different species of trees from the world over. From North American maples to the monkey puzzle trees of Chile in South America, There’s no better way to spend some one-on-one time with your favorite pooch than walking and playing together in open meadows and grassy hilltops. At Hoyt’s highest points, you can even see Mount St. Helens, Mount Rainier, and Mount Hood looming in the distance. An urban oasis indeed, its winding, tree-lined trails are ideal for taking your adventurous pal on brisk jaunts. This is one “living museum” worth visiting.
4000 S.W. Fairview Blvd., Portland, OR 97221, 503-865-8733
www.hoytarboretum.org
