Do you love to bring your dog everywhere with you? Of course you do! Your dog is an adorable part of the family! If you love man’s best friend as much as we do, check out our list of the Best Cities for Dog Lovers:
San Diego, California
You and your pooch will love San Diego not just for its great weather, but also because it has plenty of pet-friendly accommodations. Go shopping with your canine, play at the park, walk the hiking trails or head to the beach. There are 16 off-leash dog parks where man’s best friend can stretch his legs, play and run around. Lighthouse Ice Cream & Yogurt even offers Frosty Paws–a sugar-free, soy-based ice cream for your dog.
Portland, Oregon
Portland is the 12th most walkable large city in the US and home to 32 off-leash dog parks. On Saturdays, get out of your Portland apartment and head over to the Portland Market. You and your canine can enjoy the outdoors while picking up some fresh produce. Get some exercise with Fido by taking him to the Powell Butte Trail–an easy four-mile hike that takes about an hour and a half to complete.
Seattle, Washington
Walk the city of Seattle with your furry friend to any of its 11 off-leash dog parks. If you need to get some shopping done, the University Village Shopping Center has many outdoor stores in a relaxing, dog-friendly environment. You can even add some fun into your day by visiting the Fremont Sunday Ice Cream Cruise. Well-behaved, leashed pets are welcome aboard to enjoy some sweets on the water.
Chicago, Illinois
Have some fun in the sun by taking a walk to one of the three dog-friendly beaches in Chicago. You can take off your dog’s leash at Montrose Dog beach and splash around in the water–or choose one of the 18 off-leash dog parks. Get out of your apartment and check out one of Chicago’s biggest attractions with Fido: Navy Pier. Dogs are welcome in the outdoor common areas and some merchants and tours permit dogs to join their humans.
Orlando, Florida
You and your pooch can travel to seven different off-leash dog parks to enjoy the fresh air and exercise in Orlando. There are also nine veterinary clinics, 13 pet stores and nine grooming facilities, ensuring that your pup looks and feels happy and healthy. Hit the trails with Fido or go camping at Turkey Lake Park. You both can hike, play games or visit the butterfly garden. At the Downtown Orlando Farmers Market, you can shop for farm-fresh produce, listen to live music and enjoy a drink in the beer and wine garden. Don’t leave without purchasing something for man’s best friend–vendors sell homemade pet treats, supplies, clothing and travel accessories.
Austin, Texas
Southern hospitality doesn’t just apply to humans in the Lone Star state. Want to do your morning yoga? Visit Austin Doga–that’s right, yoga for dogs. Both you and Fido can feel refreshed and reset in this yoga class for humans and canines. You can also visit one of Austin’s 18 off-leash dog parks, which are great social scenes for dogs and humans alike. If you’re new to the city, go on one of Austin’s guided walking tours, where leashed dogs are welcome.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas has 25 off-leash dog parks for your and your pooch to choose from. You can also head over to the Las Vegas DockDogs–a beach where you and your pet can cool off, get some exercise and play fun games. There are 12 veterinary clinics in the area, so you can always stay up-to-date on your canine’s health. Explore the great outdoors by heading to the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, which is less than a half-hour drive from the Strip.
San Francisco, California
There are endless amenities for you and your pup in San Francisco, whether it’s hiking a trail, shopping, checking out attractions or enjoying the park–all 56 of them. Give Fido a view of the water with Blue and Gold Fleet Bay Cruises. Your on-leash pet is welcome to join you for this one-hour cruise, which offers gorgeous views of the bridges, piers and more.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Ever thought you could go paddleboarding with your pup? Well, in Milwaukee you can. Juneau Park Paddleboats allows you and your leashed pets to tour the waters on Veterans Park Lagoon. Once you’re done, grab some coffee at the Community Bark Dog Wash & Coffee Bar. You can hang with your furry friend inside while grabbing some coffee, surfing the web or just relaxing. You can also visit any one of Milwaukee’s five off-leash dog parks.
Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota
Bring your pup into Birchbark Books, where you can search for the latest and greatest novel. Then, head to the Lake Harriet Rose Garden, where you can relax and read while your dog keeps you company. Get some exercise at any of the seven dog parks in the Twin Cities–one of which winds along gorgeous waterfalls in the Minnehaha Park.
Forbes Magazine
