These tourist regions go the extra step to welcome your family and dogs. From budget to luxury, they are great choices for this summer’s getaway. In DogFriendly.com’s top 10 dog-friendly resort regions in the United States for 2009, the rankings are determined by the DogFriendly.com staff and take into account the quality of dog-friendly accommodations, things to do with your dog, beaches, parks, and dog-friendly patio dining.
1. Carmel / Monterey, CA
Many pet-friendly accommodations. Off-leash Carmel City Beach. Many walking and hiking options. Shop and dine in luxury.
2. Bar Harbor / Acadia, ME
Pet-friendly Acadia National Park. Shop in the historic downtown. Take a ferry or boat cruise.
3. Black Hills, SD
Lots of dog-friendly attractions and campgrounds. Mt. Rushmore worth visiting with a dog. See Badlands National Park.
4. St Augustine, FL
See the historic downtown. Lots of dog-friendly shopping and dining. Take a harbor boat cruise and a ghost tour.
5. Cape Cod, MA
Visit Cape Cod National Seashore. Many cruises and ferries. Also take in Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard.
6. Key West, FL
Quaint B&Bs and outdoor dining. Dog-friendly attractions, boating, and stores. See the Southernmost Point Monument.
7. Charlottesville, VA
Visit estates of Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry. Shop at the downtown mall. Visit dog-friendly Shenandoah Park nearby.
8. Mendocino, CA
Stay in a pet-friendly B&B or resort. Walk the seaside town. Go to the beach and dine outdoors.
9. Asheville / Blue Ridge, NC
Tour the Blue Ridge Parkway. Visit the Biltmore Estate grounds and shop at Biltmore Village.
10. Amarillo, TX
Visit the famous Cadillac Ranch. Spend a day or camp at Palo Duro Canyon. Stay at the Big Texan Steak Ranch Motel.
Honorable Mentions:
The following five places are also excellent vacation spots to visit with your dog:
– Corpus Christi, TX
– Grand Canyon, AZ
– Lake Tahoe, CA/NV
– Mackinac Island, MI
– San Luis Obispo, CA
http://www.dogfriendly.com/