Travel brings us face to face with destinations and cultures we might not have otherwise experienced. It calms the mind, inspires creativity, and boosts our mood. If you’re a dog owner, bringing your four-legged family members along for the journey can enrich the experience in a number of ways.
Beaches offer a variety of fun activities to try with your dog. From paddle boarding to surfing, there are many ways you can enjoy the ocean air while also building the trusting bond between yourself and your beloved pet. A trip to the beach can actually be good for your dog. Activities like swimming and playing fetch provide aerobic exercise in a way that is fun for you both. Meanwhile, dog trainers say water sports, such as surfing and stand-up paddle boarding (SUP), stimulate your dog’s mind and enrich his life. Best of all, any of these activities can be taught to just about any dog.
If you’re looking to spend some time traveling to beaches with your dog, it’s important to consider which ones allow them and which ones are the highest rated. In no particular order, here are some of the best dog-friendly beaches in America:
South Florida
Florida is home to some of the most dog-friendly beaches in the United States. From Miami to Jupiter Beach to Fort Lauderdale to Key West, you have a wide variety of excellent options. All you’ll need to decide is which location you like the most. Even better: make it a road trip and tour each dog-friendly beach throughout the state for a truly memorable experience.
Gulf Shores, AL
The Alabama coast is known for its blue waters and white-sand beaches. Gulf Shores can also be a great place to vacation with your pet. Many beachfront properties, including cottages and condominiums, accept dogs. Although beaches restrict pets, Gulf Shores Dog Park is an excellent alternative. It’s also a short drive to Fort Morgan, which allows dogs nearly everywhere, the only exception being just one state historic site.
Santa Cruz, CA
Most people associate California with large, touristy cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco. When it comes to vacationing with your dog, however, Santa Cruz deserves a top spot on our list. This town of just 65,000 people is home to DogJam!, a dog-friendly SUP event that benefits animal shelters. If you’re looking for the best of both worlds, Mitchell’s Cove Beach offers you and your dog a chance to romp in the sand while still being in close proximity to urban amenities and dog-friendly diners.
Orange Beach, AL
Just a 15-minute drive from Gulf Shores, Orange Beach is a Gulf Coast gem nestled in the Alabama coastline. Orange Beach offers a shaded dog park where Fido can roam without a leash. Not to mention, the area has several pet-friendly attractions, parks and activities and is just a short drive from Fort Morgan and other dog-friendly beaches.
Huntington Beach, CA
Huntington Dog Beach is an awesome destination for active owners and their dogs, where your furry friend can run through the sand and splash in the water leash-free. They even provide disposable cleanup bags for you. How thoughtful!
Safety Considerations:
Before leaving, properly train your dog so his first-ever experience on a surfboard doesn’t occur in the middle of the ocean. Your dog should already be comfortable with the board and with swimming prior to leaving.
You should also consider whether driving or flying is best. It’s unsafe for some dogs, including short-nosed breeds like pugs, to fly at high altitudes. Finding a beach that’s driving distance might be a safer option. Your pet’s health should always be your number-one priority, so get your vet’s approval before leaving.
Finally, have a contact list for whichever destination you choose. Contact a local dog walking or dog boarding pro in case you want to enjoy a dog-free afternoon. A dog walker or pet sitter is also good to have on reserve in case your furry friend is worn out and wants a lazy afternoon away from the sunny shore. Find out where the nearest vet office is located in case your companion gets ill or injured. You should also have contact information for the nearest animal shelter. Should your pup wander away from you during one of your adventures, contacting the local shelter is a good place to start when tracking him down.
America is home to many amazing beachside destinations that you can visit with your pup. By carefully choosing a vacation destination and taking a few safety precautions before you leave, you can plan the perfect bonding experience with your pet. Just bring some extra water and a small life vest for your canine companion, and you’ll be ready to soak up the sun together during your trip. Safe travels!