USA TODAY International Edition
Em-bark on a road trip aimed at pets
Travel with pets is a growing trend. Our four-legged pals provide emotional support as well as friendship when we’re away from home.
Many hotels and resorts are petfriendly and some even offer welcome amenities, dog-sitting services and gourmet canine cuisine.
Some properties have a nightly or one-time charge, but such chains as Kimpton Hotels welcome travel with pets and host furry friends for no extra fee.
Some restaurants and bars also cater specifically to pups, and there are other attractions you both can enjoy.
These road trips explore some of the most pet-friendly destinations in the USA. So, pack up your BFF (Best Furry Friend) and hit the road for a howling good time you’ll both remember.
The Jersey Shore and Philadelphia
Asbury Park, New Jersey, is the new cultural hub of the Jersey Shore with its eclectic arts and music scene. You and your pup will enjoy the hip vibe at The Asbury Hotel, burgeoning restaurant scene and playtime at Asbury Park Dog Beach. Don’t miss Yappy Hour at the Wonder Bar. Dogs run the show at this rowdy nightly event.
Next, head west and splurge on a stay at Philadelphia’s iconic property, The Rittenhouse. In the city, free walking tours; the Magic Gardens, a mosaic art environment and public murals; and the Philadelphia Art Museum also welcome four-legged friends. After a walk through Rittenhouse Square, savor French fare with your pal at Rouge.
California Coast
Take in spectacular views walking along the Scenic Road path in Carmelby-the-Sea. In the afternoon, book massages or surf lessons followed by Yappy Hour in town. Plan to stay at Carmel Valley Ranch, a 500-acre playground, where you and your pet can sniff, hike and experience the great outdoors.
Afterward, drive south to Santa Monica. Stroll on the boardwalk, enjoy VIP pampering at the best spas and run off-leash at Herb Katz Dog Park. The new Santa Monica Proper Hotel will be happy to host you and your pet. The hotel will donate 10% of your pet fees to the Best Friends Animal Society.
Then, bring your surfer dog to Huntington Beach’s McKenna Subaru Surf City Surf Dog event. This pawsitively riveting experience occurs in September at Surf City USA. Following the big event, pamper your pup with the Pawséa Pet Package at Paséa Hotel & Spa.
Florida beaches and theme parks
Kick off your Florida adventure with sunrises on the East Coast at the Kimpton Vero Beach Hotel & Spa. Pets are welcomed with amenities and invited to socialize with other pups at the nightly wine reception. After a day at Vero Beach Dog Park, treat your BFF to dinner on the beach at Mulligan’s Beach House.
Take time out for adult thrills at Universal Orlando Resort. Loews hotels and the Hard Rock Hotel welcome your furry friends with bowls, beds and treats or even gourmet meals, upon request. While you’re hitting the rides, your pup can spend the days playing with his pals at Universal’s on-site kennel.
End your vacation with pristine beaches and sunsets at St. Pete Beach at the TradeWinds Island Resorts. Play all day at the Paw Playground at Fort De Soto and surf the waves on Dog Beach. At the sun sets, head to The Dog Bar for cocktails in downtown St. Petersburg.
The Lone Star State
Grab a burger and a brew at Austin’s Yard Bar while your pup plays at their off-leash dog park monitored by Bark Rangers. Then, treat your pal to a shopping spree at Hill Country Galleria or take a hike on the Barton Creek Greenbelt. In the evening, escape to The Hotel San José, a quiet oasis with gardens and courtyards in the city.
Afterward, bring your furry pal to the Big D for a doggone great time. Restaurants including MUTTS Canine Cantina have literally gone to the dogs. There also are plenty of pet-friendly green spaces and trails to explore and you can both ride the vintage McKinney Avenue Trolley for free.
Pamper your pooch with a stay downtown at The Joule, a beautiful historic property.