10 Great Places to Travel With Your Outdoor Dog

Crystal Crane Hot Springs in Oregon

We've got a New Year's Resolution that we think is one RAD idea: travel more with our dogs this year!

Our products are all about getting out without the fuss, which got us thinking, "How can we get out more often, see more places, and do more things with our dog?" The answer: take a look at some of the best travel adventures for dog owners and the canine companions.

So, here is the list of dog-friendly hot-spots we'd like to check out this year! Where's your favorite dog spot? Tell us, so we can share with our fellow Rad Pack! 

Top Ten Rad Spots for Dogs

Paw Playground in St. Petersburg, Florida

California: Pismo Beach
What goes better than dogs, salt water, and sand? Pismo Beach is one of California's only dog-friendly beaches. You can spend the day playing frisbee in the sand with Fido, and enjoy the comforts of four pet-friendly hotels at night.

Colorado: Colorado Springs
Colorado is known for the dog-hospitality, and Colorado Springs is not exception. There are an unbelievable 51 dog-friendly hotels, dog-friendly restaurants and breweries, fantastic trails, and Bear Creek Dog Park which is a favorite watering hole amongst the four-leggers.

Florida: Saint Petersburg
Saint Petersburg is home to Ft. De Soto Paw Playground, THE ONLY part of the beach area reserved for dogs to run and have fun on a hot day. There are a variety of dog-friendly hotels to choose from, and a nice selection of restaurants with dog-friendly patios to dine on tapas with your Rad Pack by your side.

Illinois: Chicago
Chicago is home to many pet boutiques, dog-friendly hotels, and dog-tolerant businesses, but perhaps the best kept secret in Chicago is the Montrose Dog Beach, where dogs can frolic amongst themselves in the water and off-leash.

Casco Bay Mailboar in Maine

Maine: Portland (Casco Bay)
Maine is home to an absurd number of dog-friendly beaches, harbors, and watering holes. But maybe the most unique dog-friendly spot in Maine is aboard a real working mailboat! You and Rad Dogcan tour the islands of Casco Bay, including Little Diamond, Great Diamond, Long, Cliff, and Chebeague aboard a boat bringing mail and freight to the islands.

Massachusetts: Boston
You can tour around Boston via dog-friendly water taxi! Curl up at night in one of the many dog-friendly hotels downtown with no pet fee, then catch a treat at the dog-friendly "Blunch" restaurant. There is also Castle Island Beach which allows dogs on-leash during the off-season.

New Mexico: Santa Fe
Santa Fe has an astonishing 33 pet-friendly hotels, dog-friendly trails, and even a dog-friendly gallery (Andrew Smith). There is also a dog-friendly spa/resort and many dog-friendly restaurants like the Cowgirl BBQ which features a dog-friendly patio and nightly music.

North Caroline: Charlotte
Charlotte has 67 pet friendly hotels, including Aloft Charlotte Uptown At the Epicentre, and a dog-friendly Whitewater Rafting Center. It is also home to The Dog Bar, located in the NoDa Arts District, the bar serves beer, wine and liquor and allows dogs of all sizes INSIDE or outside!

Oregon: Crystal Crane Hot Springs in Burns, Oregon
Crystal Crane Hot Springs between Burns, Oregon and Crane, Oregon, have dog-friendly cabins, teepees, tent spaces, and RV accommodations.  Enjoy a walk around the high desert wilderness during the day, and soak under the stars or in the private bathhouses in this dog-friendly, no-frills soaking experience. Rates start at just over $50/night.

Washington: Leavenworth
The German-inspired town of Leavenworth, Washington has four pet friendly hotels, including the Bavarian Ritz Hotel. The dog-friendly "Let's Go Tubing" adventure is popular amongst dog owners, and there are also a variety of dog-friendly trails and outdoor activities.

Trail Tips and Winter Trail Etiquette for Dog Owners

One of the best benefits to winter activities with your dog is that most places have looser leash laws during the winter season, which means more unrestrained running, jumping, and snow dancing for your dog.

 If you are new taking your canine on these cold-weather adventures, there are few trail courtesies you should know about.  Whether you are snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or just enjoying a cold-weather hike, keep in mind that the same courtesies exist on trails and outdoor spaces during the winter months, even if they are covered up with snow.

Winter Trail Etiquette and Tips for Dog Owners:

1. Leash Laws Don't Trump the Golden Rule. If even local leash laws do not require the use of a leash, if you have an excitable, boisterous, or space-invading dog, keep them on-leash when other trail-goers and dogs are present. A good rule of thumb is to leash up any dog not trained on voice command, no matter what time of year, or how empty the trails.  For dogs on voice command that like to wander off-leash on busy trails, consider a collar and leash in one, such as the Rad Dog Release N Run, which allows your dog to be "on leash" at a moment's notice, without forcing you to hold the leash when they are frolicking about.

2. "Leave No Trace" Goes Double for Dog Poop.  Have you ever seen a dog-friendly trail after the first snow melt?  It's not pretty! As tempting as it may be to kick the poo to the side of the trail or ignore the incident (rather than gallivanting through the snow in search of the stinky pile), leaving dog poop behind is just not cool. And Rad Dogs must be cool. So don't forget the dog poo bags...it's your doggy doodie duty!

3. Don't Leave Your Dog Behind. Dogs were meant to enjoy the trail with us, so don't leave them behind in the car.  They could be disruptive to others at the trail head or get too cold/hot in the car, so if you don't want them to come along for the hike, snowshoe, or ski, don't bring them at all.

4. Bring Lots of Water.  Even in the cold weather, dogs can become dehydrated, so make sure to bring plenty of water and keep your dog hydrated.  We recommend "traveling light" with the Rad Dog Pocket Dog Bowl.

5. Think Like a Dog. There are so many distractions on the trail--other dogs, small children, pedestrians, horses, and wildlife--it is important that you keep your dog in control at all times.  Even the best behaved dogs can act out of character if they encounter something new. Don't neglect bringing a leash just because the trail does not require one, and keep in mind that most trails require leashes be no longer than 6 feet long.

6. Know Your Dog's Limits. Just like humans, dogs need to build up stamina and endurance. Be sure you are aware of your dog's physical abilities before attempting a new trail. Check to make sure their paws, pads, and nails are in good shape before heading outdoors.

7. Be aware of How Your Dog's Presence Affects Others.  Did you know that a long leash can "close-line" a mountain biker? Or that a dog can spook a horse, causing injury to its rider?  As a responsible dog owner, it is important to understand the consequences of your decisions when handling your dog.  Stay alert, maintain control, and keep your dog on the trail and within your eye line at all times.