Most of us, including our dogs, have been stuck inside during the harsh, cold, winter months. Warmer, spring weather and dog-friendly spring break destinations are a perfect combination for shaking off the winter blues. Check out this list of spring break spots worth barking about!
1. Bodega Bay, California
Bodega Bay, California is full of dog-friendly restaurants, beaches and hiking trails. Follow the Pacific Coast to Bodega Bay and start your day off with a walk on the dog-friendly beach of Doran Regional Park. Refuel with some homemade doggie travel snacks, then embark on a scenic hike on the Bird Coastal Trail. Take a break nearby at The Dog House restaurant and sit outside enjoying Sonoma County fare with a view that can’t be beat. When it’s time to hunker down for the night, head over to Porto Bodega RV Park to watch a sunset you’ll never forget. If you prefer not to camp, the Bodega Harbor Inn offers pet-friendly relaxed luxury. Wake up refreshed and head out to explore the nearby, dog-friendly wineries of Sonoma County.
2. Amelia Island, Florida
Oh, to feel the sand between your paws! Leashed pets are welcome on Amelia Island beaches with the exception of state parks. With gorgeous sunsets and endless photo opportunities, Amelia Island is the perfect way to enjoy some of Florida’s most unspoiled beaches. Feel the need for some retail therapy? Head to the Historic Downtown Fernandina Beach. Here, you can do some window shopping with your pooch, listen to outdoor music, and catch the Farmer’s Market on Saturday! Don’t leave without seeing one of the top 12 dog parks in the USA – at Nassau County Humane Society! Here, your dog will have the opportunity to run, sniff, play, socialize, and even swim!
3. Galveston, Texas
Fifty miles southeast of Houston, Galveston, Texas offers its visitors a step back in time. The heart of Galveston is known as “The Strand,” and it’s recognized as a National Historic Landmark. With quaint shops, historical buildings and plenty of food, this is the perfect place to enjoy the day with your leashed dog. When you are ready for the beach, it doesn’t get much better than Galveston Island State Park. Encompassing approximately 2,000 acres, this park stretches from beach to bay. Voted “One of the Best Dog Friendly Beaches” by Town & Country in 2016, the island welcomes thousands of dogs and their parents every year.
4. Jamestown and Historic Williamsburg, Virginia
These historic sites in Virginia offer many culturally-rich activities – but it won’t feel like school! To fully experience both areas, plan two days to take it all in. Dogs are allowed in all outdoor areas where they’ll experience no shortage of sights, smells and people in period costumes! First, explore the grounds of Jamestown. On day two, head to Historic Colonial Williamsburg with your canine companion. Peruse pathways leading to the city along a creek and fields of livestock. You’ll feel as though you’ve stepped back in time – and your dog will have the time of his life!
5. Tombstone, Arizona
Have you ever thought about visiting a ghost town with your dog? Why not? Head to Tombstone, Arizona where the streets call to you and your dog, offering a taste of the Old West. Spring is the perfect time to visit before the weather gets too hot. Watch reenactments outside or hop aboard the trolley for a fun tour! Visit dog-friendly Bird Cage Theatre, explore the underground mines, sample a special doggie ice cream cone from the folks at T.Miller’s Tombstone Mercantile, and take an obligatory picture outside of the O.K. Corral!
Spring break is not just for humans. Your dog works hard every day to make you happy, and just like you, he deserves a vacation! So stop reading, and start planning your spring break adventure!
AUTHOR PROFILE
Rachael Johnson is owner of 2 Traveling Dogs, or just Girl Person as known to fans. Her dogs Peanut Butter Brickle and Digby Pancake were made Facebook famous by their daily dog blog and travels across the United States advocating animal rescue in a fun way. Rachael has been featured on Daytime NBC regularly as a chef for dogs and encourages dog parents to get healthy with their dogs by hiking, positive diet changes and travel. As advocates for animal adoption, Rachael and her husband Nathan dedicate their social media platforms to end animal homelessness while letting their rescue dogs Brickle and Digby do all the talking on their dog blog, www.2travelingdogs.com.
