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Dog Friendly Activities for your Pet in Portland, Oregon

Posted on by Your Pal Cal
butterfly on dogs nose in portland rose test garden

Dog Friendly Places in Portland: Is Portland Really That Pet Friendly? (YES)

From Portland Dog Friendly Bars to Off Leash Dog Hikes – The Pacific Northwest is a must visit with your dog. There are so many dog friendly activities throughout Portland that we have visited multiple times.
Portland is a tried and true favorite – we keep coming back for more. Every time we visit, we are welcomed with great vibes from the locals and days full of activity.  We’ve been to Portland 3 times with Calvin and still haven’t even scratched the surface of what the city has to offer. We know we will be back but for now, we would like to share the highlights from our recent trips.

Pet friendly hotels Portland – Where to stay and when to visit Portland with your Dog

When to visit Portland with your Dog
Wet until the summer sun comes around

Our favorite time to visit Portland is after the rainy season – during our summer visits we have been graced with sunshine and good weather.

Where to stay in Portland with your Dog
Boutique Hotel or Budget Friendly AirBnb

Oregon is one of the more pet friendly places that we have visited and you’ll never have trouble finding lodging with fido in the city.
When we travel, we always check for a nearby Kimpton Hotel.  Kimpton Hotels are pet friendly at no extra charge. The rooms are always quirky and unique, and your pet will always be welcomed in a friendly manner. We have previously stayed at the Kimpton Monaco in downtown Portland but have also tried a pet friendly AirBnb when we were on more of a budget. AirBnb on a budget means no frills, but when we are out exploring all day, we are less inclined to spend a premium for a bed and a pillow. Fun fact:  On our first visit to Portland, we actually stayed at an AirBnb that didn’t even have a restroom (at least it was cheap).
dog under covers
dog in bed

Portland Map of Dog Friendly Activities:

Explore Portland with your Dog: Pet Friendly Things to Do

The Pearl District & Downtown Portland
Mingle with the locals and enjoy the river

A bite to eat in the Pearl: The Pearl District and Downtown Portland are walkable parts of the city that can easily be explored together. Gone are the Pearl’s days of warehouses and manufacturing – the neighborhood has now evolved as the host of modern, upscale eateries, luxury condos, and art galleries. For those who have visited New York City, this area reminded us of the trendy Chelsea neighborhood of NYC. The Pearl District has a great ambience and lots of options to grab a bite to eat. You’ll find ample outdoor seating for dining with fido and establishments are always welcoming. Check out the top ten places to eat in the Pearl here.
a labradoodle, golden retriever, boxer and labrador in the grass

golden retriever puppy and maltese sitting at a table

Tom McCall Waterfront Park: We visit the Waterfront Park each time we find ourselves in Oregon.  The riverfront park is always bustling with activity – Strolling along the park is a great way to enjoy the Willamette River as you walk towards downtown. We got the feeling that this area is a popular place for locals to meet up and relax.  On the weekends, the park becomes even more exciting with all the booths from the local farmer’s market.  One thing to note is that although this part of the city is safe and bustling with activity, it is also home to those who unfortunately struggle with drugs & addiction. We did not feel unsafe but did notice the high presence of individuals struggling on the street or doing drugs.
 
Downtown & Ira Keller Fountain Park: We came across this park while walking around downtown Portland. The park was nondescript at first but we soon realized that is is actually a work of architectural splendor.  This manmade “fountain” is more like a set of cascading waterfalls in the midst of concrete. Sit down for a moment and enjoy the sound of the falling water.  Stretch your legs, have a picnic, or just snap a few photos and be on your way.
 

Northwest District “Nob Hill”
Old fashioned fancy vibes in Portland

The Northwest District is lined with colorful Victorian homes and store fronts most frequently compared to the ones in San Francisco. This part of town has an old fashioned but fancy vibe to it – you’ll find lots of overpriced shops and boutiques.  Compared to some of the other neighborhoods in Portland, Northwest District has more of the Martha’s Vineyard, Cape Cod upscale feeling. We have heard from locals that this neighborhood isn’t really their “vibe” but regardless, we found the main street is great for grazing on snacks and window shopping. The area is clean, well manicured and home to many pet friendly restaurants.

Washington Park
Stop and smell the roses then enjoy the trees

International Rose Test Garden: The Rose Test Garden is a #1 must visit in Portland during the summer months….and it’s entirely FREE. The pet friendly international rose test garden is home to over 8,000 types of roses and is currently the oldest public rose test garden in the United States. Unfortunately, if you visit before June you’ll be disappointed that the flowers are still dormant. During bloom, you can wander through the rows of flowers enjoying all the different colors and smells. To avoid crowds, stop and smell the roses first thing in the early morning or during sunset.
 dog with roses

 
Pittock Mansion: We’d consider this stop optional…we visited because we were in the area to see the Rose Test Garden – the Pittock Mansion is beautiful but not worth the visit on a cloudy day. Pets are not allowed inside the mansion so you’ll want to check the weather to make sure you can enjoy the grounds and views.  The mansion is at the top of a hill and the gardens surrounding it are well manicured and pleasant for a stroll. If you visit on a sunny day you can see all of Portland from the lookout point.
Hoyt Arboretum: From the Hoyt Arboretum you can enjoy an endless combination of trails and a breath of fresh air in the city – grab a map and explore.

Alberta Art District
Hipsters & art

We’d best describe this part of Portland as the art district and home to our favorite Portland brunch spot.  We brunch at the Tin Shed Garden Cafe (top 25 places to eat in Portland) each time we are in the area. Don’t feed your pup breakfast that morning because the Tin Shed has a special menu just for dogs! Check the website before you visit to see if there are any special dog days where your pup can eat for free! These days change based on the season. After filling up, we like to walk down Alberta Street and stop into all the quirky shops along the way. On a warm day, grab an ice cream at the famous Salt & Straw. The more popular dining options have a long wait, so put your name down and then explore the art district in the meantime.
 

East Portland
Stroll on the floating walkway

Eastbank Esplanade: If you are staying on the East side of the Willamette, you can enjoy the river from the floating walkway known as the Eastbank Esplanade.  This is a great way to take in the views and get a walk in. You can follow the Esplanade along the river for 1.5 miles.

South East Portland
Quiet hideaway on the outskirts of Portland

Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden: This park is a hidden gem on the outskirts of Portland.  We visited for sunset right before closing and were shocked at how few people we saw as we strolled through the gardens. The staff recommended coming back in May as the Rhododendrons go into bloom (we visited in July). Calvin enjoyed watching the ducks from afar and joining us for a peaceful stroll. Afterwards, you can find some great food in the nearby Sellwood district.

Off Leash Dog Hiking & Swimming in Portland

Pet Friendly Portland: Run wild & free
Portland has a lot of open spaces for the dogs to run and play – we have narrowed it down to our top 3 favorite places to bring the dogs when we visit Portland.
 
Sandy River Delta Park (East)
The Sandy River Delta Park is a favorite among the locals and pet friendly.  The park provides endless trails for dogs to run off leash including a flowing river for them to swim in. The park used to be a cattle ranch but has now gone to the dogs – choose between several trails and open fields.
 
Tryon Creek State National Area (South-West)
Tryon Creek offers the more classic PNW trail experience – forests and greenery.  We visited during a rain storm but were very well covered by the trees.
 
Sellwood Riverfront Park (South-East)
Sellwood Riverfront Park provides all the freedom of a dog beach without the long drive to the coast.  There is an elevated path along the water with a large open field, but we went right for the beach. Definitely a must visit for dog lovers looking for a peaceful stroll along the water.
 
Forest Park
The park is made up of multiple trails and we only ran into a few people on our walk. Regarding leash rules for the trails – the rule of thumb for Forest Park is that dogs must be under full voice control and remain close to their handlers for off leash fun. It’s definitely not the kind of “free for all” dog park that you will find at Sellwood or Sandy River. With Calvin at a heel, we still got to have lots of fun.

Pet Friendly Activities: The Water Falls

The Waterfalls in Portland are Dog Friendly: Lots of pretty water, lots of loud crowds
The (consistent) rainy season in Portland makes for beautiful natural waterfalls.  If you are not a fan of crowds, I would keep away the falls below and search for a more quiet water fall experience.  Both of our visits were chaotic, with lots of lines and swarms of tourists.  These vibes definitely put a damper on our visit but the falls are still quite pretty. Multnomah Falls and Latourell Falls are two popular waterfalls to check out.
The PNW is calling, 
Your Pal Cal
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Bringing Your Dog to Canada. Pet Friendly Activities in Banff National Park – Alberta, Canada

Posted on by Your Pal Cal
banff national park moraine lake. lake moraine is a very blue lake. dog standing in front of lake moraine

Dog Friendly Things to Do in Banff National Park

There are so many dog friendly activities in Banff National Park – In September, we visited what has got to be one of the most beautiful places in North America. We made our way up North to Alberta, Canada to visit Banff National Park. Even in person, the turquoise lakes seem unreal, and the surrounding mountains of the Canadian Rockies are breathtaking. Compared to the National Parks in the United States, Banff was entirely dog friendly. Calvin was allowed on all trails, campgrounds, and most hotels. Additionally we loved that most lakes had access to both easy and more intense hikes.
But First…Why is the water in Banff SO blue?
Banff is so breathtaking that most people think that these shots were taken in front of a green screen with Calvin dropped in. Truth is, Banff is even more beautiful in person.
Banff National Park is known for its unbelievable blue/turquoise colored water.  The color most closely resembles the Glacier Freeze Gatorade flavor. Based on the surroundings, time of year and time of day, the lakes take on a different shade of blue.  So why does the water look so blue? During winter, rock flour/silt is created when glaciers grind against the underlying rock. Come spring, the glaciers melt and bring the silt into the lakes. When sunlight meets the silt, the lake appears to reflect a blue color. The lake’s color can change by the hour as the sun moves across the sky.
 snow in moraine lake. lake moraine snow. blue glacial lake

How to bring your dog into Canada

It is relatively easy to travel to Canada with your dog. From the United States it is super easy to bring your pet through the border. You have two options for crossing the Canadian border with a dog: either drive across the border or fly. If you are driving across the border, you must carry a valid rabies certificate.  For flying, the dog goes through the formal custom process so it is important to look up all relevant rules to make sure you have proper documentation. We had to submit a lot of information regarding Calvin’s vaccines, health information, and additional doctor’s notes. Customs also asked for proof that he had been trained (we showed his CGC paperwork). We would not recommend flying to an international destination unless your dog is objectively very well trained – the rules are stricter and customs does not fool around. For people traveling with Service Dogs there is less documentation required but it is important to note that the ADA is technically only covered in the United States so the Border Officers are allowed to ask additional questions and are not as familiar with US laws (although American based Airlines traveling to Canada do recognize ADA laws).  As always, make sure that you check all airline rules when traveling to international destinations because they can get confusing.

When to visit Banff with your dog 

We’ve heard that it is best to visit Banff in every season to get the full scope of its beauty.  While we were there, we got a glimpse of fall and winter.  September is generally considered a good time to visit because many of the crowds are gone and the weather is still good. Additionally, the lakes haven’t frozen over for the winter yet. We ended up in a full blizzard so we weren’t able to do most of the hikes we initially planned – the locals assured us that this type of weather is not typical for September. In the spring time, the lakes are especially blue as the glaciers melt. Don’t expect to hike if you visit in the winter, the lakes freeze over and the snow is deep.
It’s best to research seasonal pet restrictions when you plan to visit Banff. Many trails are in “core” grizzly bear areas and therefore have additional hiking rules and do not allow pets during cub rearing season.
 

Dog & pet friendly places to stay in Banff National Park

If you are into camping, the Lake Louise campground is the cheapest place to stay given its proximity to Lake Louise (about 1 mile away). The campground is surrounded by bear fences so you do not have to worry about unwanted furry friends. Additionally, the campground is lined with a flowing river which makes a great swimming hole for pups. Be WARNED…the cold can start in September and we got stuck camping in freezing rain and snow.  We made it 1 night before we had to look for lodging in the town of Banff. During the summer months, camping is definitely the most affordable (and pleasant) option if you want to be close to the lakes. Book about 4-6 months in advance.
There are only a few hotels in close proximity to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake and they come with a hefty price tag. Your options are slim since the one of the only pet friendly hotels is the Fairmont Hotel. This hotel overlooks the lake for a whopping $800 per night. The other hotel near the lake is not pet friendly.  For affordable pet friendly hotels you will have to look into the town of Banff which is about 40 minutes away – after freezing in a tent for a night, we stayed in the town of Banff for the remainder of our trip.  There were so many pet friendly options to choose from and the town is great to explore in the evenings. We booked last minute so we stayed at the Red Carpet Inn (no frills) and the Banff Rocky Mountain Resort (full kitchen, fireplace, cozy living room). Luckily, it isn’t too difficult to find pet friendly hotels in the area.  Many hotels in Banff allow dogs.

How much does it cost to get into Banff National Park?

Banff National Park has a per car entrance fee. When you enter Banff, you will have to pay a per vehicle fee of C$19.60 per day.

Get to the Banff lakes early

This pointer gets its own section because it was our biggest takeaway from the trip and something we were prepared for. The parking lots at Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are small and fill up quickly. Shuttle buses are available but we have heard horror stories from friends who waited hours in the summer time. In peak tourist season, expect the parking lots to be full by sunrise (6/7am).  During our stay (September) we visited Louise and Moraine on different days so we could be there in the early morning (7am) before the crowds arrived – by 9am the lots were full.  We also had no trouble parking at Louise in the afternoon (after 4pm) when crowds had left.  Parking lots at the remaining lakes were busy but we managed to find a spot.  We presume that parking is an issue at all the lakes during the summer.
 

Don’t sweat the photos

At first we were disappointed that the weather did not prove to give us the best visibility for photos. Many of the lakes we visited were total white outs or too foggy to make out any mountains. The weather in Banff is very unpredictable so don’t let “failed” photos impact your admiration of the beauty. I’ve included the lakes that were on our bucket list. We didn’t get to see all of them but be sure to try to check em out if you are visiting for a few days.

Do you need Bear Spray in Banff? 

For peace of mind, we recommend picking up some bear spray especially if you are visiting during cub rearing season. Bears generally do not want any trouble but Grizzlies are generally considered more aggressive and will certainly charge when threatened. Be sure to keep your dogs on leash in bear territory for safety. There are many dog friendly trails throughout Banff – you are going to be hiking through Banff with your dog bear spray could come in handy.   See this great article from Orvis about what to do if you encounter a bear while hiking with your dog.

Map of Places to Visit in Banff

The Lakes in Banff, Jasper, and Yoho National Parks

Visiting Banff means hopping from lake to lake.  All of the lakes have both easy and hard trails.  The harder trails are steeper inclines that lead to a birds eye view of the lake.  These are less crowded.
Pet Friendly Lake Louise
Lake Louise is dog friendly! Lake Louise is probably the most famous destination in Banff National Park. It is known for its picture perfect blue water and mountain reflections. We visited Lake Louise multiple times during our stay since we fell in love with the Deli inside the Fairmont Hotel. The Fairmont overlooks the lake and is definitely worth a visit – check out the 24hr deli on the first floor for some great snacks.
There are quite a few trails that leave from Lake Louise. We were snowed in but would have loved to make the hike Lake Agnes Teahouse (closes at 5pm). This is a half day hike (1.5-2 hours each way). Once at Lake Agnes, you can walk about 500m to the lookout at the back of the lake. There are additional hikes including the Little Beehive (1km), Big Beehive (1.6km) or the High Line Trail (5km) that goes to an additional tea house.
Pet Friendly Moraine Lake
Moraine Lake is another one of the most famous lakes in Banff – rivaled only by Lake Louise. There are a few ways to enjoy Moraine Lake without breaking sweat (arduous hikes are available for those who want them). The best way to enjoy the lakeshore is to take the 1.5km out and back Moraine Lakeshore trail.  This trail has no elevation but has lots of great lookout points along the way.
For an elevated view of the lake, there is .3km trail that starts right at the parking lot and leads to the Moraine Lake Viewpoint. From there, you’ll get one of the most famous views of Banff.
Dogs welcome at Emerald Lake
Emerald Lake is about a 20 minute drive from Lake Louise and is technically in what is known as Yoho National Park. Like other lakes in the area, a lot of tour buses come through but you’ll find that they do not venture to the lakeshore trail.  To best enjoy the lake in peace and quiet, you’ll want to walk around the lake’s perimeter. There is a 5.2km mostly paved trail with minimal elevation. We got caught in a downpour but still had a fabulous time.
Bringing your dog to Lake Minnewanka
Lake Minnewanka is close to the town of Banff so be sure to check it out after you visit the town center. If you want more, the Lake Minnewanka trail follows the lakeshore but has multiple restrictions that must be followed due to the high concentration of momma bear activity in the area.  If you are planning to hike, be advised that dogs are not permitted past the Stewart Canyon bridge and you MUST travel in groups of at least 4. See additional seasonal restrictions here.
Dog shaped Peyto Lake
Peyto Lake is famously known for looking like a dog. Unfortunately we were unable to see it as we went by during a snowstorm. There is a 2.6km trail to the lake lookout point which is quite easy when it’s not icy.
Swimming in Bow Lake 
Bow Lake was one of our unexpected finds that we came across while looking for a restroom.  We are so glad we got to stop by – Calvin was able to swim in the water and the lake was looking amazing from the Bow Glacier runoff. If you have time, you can take the ~5km Bow Glacier Falls Trail for some extra views.

Visiting the Town of Banff with your Dog

En route to the lakes, be sure to stop in the town of Banff! Banff is located about 45 minutes from Lake Louise. It is also where you will find the most reasonably priced pet friendly accommodations. The Main Street, Banff Avenue is where you will find lots of cute boutiques. Most non-food establishments are pet friendly. The town gets very crowded so we found that the best time to stroll around was the early morning.

Renting Canoes in Banff

Banff is very dog friendly, including the canoe rentals on the lakes. The Lake Louise & Moraine canoes start at about $100-$115 per hour…Eek! The Emerald Lake canoes are cheaper to rent, at around $70 per hour. If you have your own canoe, you are allowed to self launch it on the lakes but there is no public boat launch. We did not take a canoe out onto the lakes but it is surely a unique experience.

Pet Friendly Jasper & Yoho: Other Pet Friendly Sights to See in the Banff area….

Johnston Canyon – Lower Falls, Upper Falls, Ink Pots
Takakkaw Falls
Other Lakes to check out: Vermilion Lakes, Hector Lake, Cascade Ponds, Johnson Lake, Two Jack Lake, Grassi Lakes, Lake Agnes, Twin Lakes
Have a great time, 
Your Pal Cal
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Pet Friendly Activities with your dog in Mammoth Lakes, CA

Posted on by Your Pal Cal
dog friendly activities in mammoth

Pet Friendly Places in Mammoth Lakes, CA

There are so many dog friendly activities in Mammoth Lakes! We love visiting Mammoth Lakes with the dogs and are always blown away by how pet friendly the entire area of Mammoth is. Many hotels in Mammoth are dog friendly and so are the hikes and trails. Be sure to check out all the mammoth hiking trails with your dogs! Mammoth Lakes is a small town along California’s Eastern Sierra mountains. Mammoth is part of the Inyo National Forest, not the National Park system like Yosemite is. Being part of the National Forest makes the area a lot more dog friendly than its nearby neighbor Yosemite. Mammoth is a fun year round destination for the whole family. The area is home to over 100 crystal clear lakes and known for its story-book backdrops.
dog friendly mono lake

When to Visit Mammoth with your Dogs

Mammoth has done a great job staying relevant year round. We aren’t into winter sports so we visited in September. Nighttime temperatures were chilly but we were comfortable in shorts during the day. During the summer, winter sports are replaced by world class mountain biking, hiking, and swimming.

Mammoth Hotels are Dog Friendly! (mostly)

Camping is always pet friendly but sites need to be booked a few months in advance. We camped at Oh Ridge campground right on June Lake. Then, we stayed at Edelweiss Lodge in town. Overall, we found that most lodges in mammoth were pet friendly.

How Dog Friendly is Mammoth Lakes?

Mammoth Lakes gets our top pet friendly rating! Not only were most accodmations open to pets, but every dog we ran into was friendly and well socialized. There were few leash rules and dogs were able to swim freely in all the lakes. For pets who are reactive or not friendly with children, the pet friendly environment may be an issue. Expect many children and on leash greetings. This is something to keep in mind for more sensitive dogs.

The Town of Mammoth Lakes

Mammoth Lakes has a town center with a ski village, great food, and cute shops. The town is more touristy than the lake campsites. We have many favorite places to eat in the area. For a brewery/community style experience with outdoor seating and lawn games, The Eatery is a great choice – Pet and kid friendly, plus great food with fast service. For dessert, HUGS ice cream will satisfy your sweet tooth. Our favorite breakfast stop is The Warming Hut which also offers ample outdoor seating for dogs. Black Velvet Coffee is the best coffee you’ll find in Mammoth and great for a quick caffeine boost. For a more unique set of food choices, Toomey’s is a good option (but more pricey). For lunch items like artisanal sandwiches, check out Bleu Handcrafted Foods.
the warming hut in mammoth lakes, california hugs ice cream at the village in mammoth lakes bleu handcrafted foods sign in mammoth lakes

Map of Pet Friendly Mammoth Lakes & Trails

Mammoth Adventure Center. Is Devil’s Postpile Dog Friendly?

The center of Mammoth Lakes boasts one of North America’s best recreation centers. We visited in the summer, when Mammoth Mountain is converted into a mountain bike path – the path is clearly carved out and we saw many children biking down from 11,000 feet. The base of the recreation center has children’s activities, a gift shop, access to the Mammoth Mountain trailhead, the gondola, and shuttles to the Devil’s Postpile trailhead to Rainbow Falls. This area IS a tourist attraction so prepare for crowds – the rest of the Mammoth area is quieter.

Devils Postpile to Rainbow Falls – Devils Postpile National Monument is a unique basalt rock formation in the Red Meadows Valley. From the monument you can hike to Rainbow Falls on the San Joaquin River Valley. The mist from the falls turn rainbow in the afternoon sun. The hike is 4.5 miles, with slight elevation and will take a few hours to complete. To get to the Devils Postpile Monument during the summer months you must take a shuttle bus from the Mammoth Mountain Adventure Center (you can drive up yourself if you arrive before 7am). This creates a few complications:
The crowds
From Noom – 3 PM the wait for the shuttle bus was about 1 hour. By 3pm you could just walk up to the bus. The bus comes by every 15-20 minutes.
Pets on the Mammoth Shuttle Bus
The monument and the trail are pet friendly. HOWEVER the bus system has a rule that ALL dogs must be muzzled while on the bus no matter how friendly they are. They have muzzles for sale at the shop for 10 dollars and they enforce this rule very strictly. Once off the bus, the muzzle can be removed. Our bus tickets were $8 each.

The Mammoth Mountain Gondola is Dog Friendly – Dogs can go on the Gondola to the top of Mammoth Mountain. Gondola tickets cost  $35 each but are free on the way down if you hike to the top (11,053 ft). This is a tourist trap for sure, although the view is great and we fell for it.

Minaret Vista – Before heading out of the recreation center, you can check out the Minaret Vista for a scenic lookout over the Sierra Nevada valley.

Other Dog Friendly Activities in Mammoth

Wild Willy’s Hot Springs – The Mammoth Area has an abundance of natural hot springs and most of them are pet friendly. The dogs are not allowed IN the hot springs but this is unlikely to be an issue. Calvin wouldn’t even get close to the steaming water. Wild Willy’s offers exceptional views while sitting in a natural hot tub. We arrived at 7am after watching sunrise at Convict Lake – by the time we left at 8am, the crowds were arriving. From the parking lot, follow the wooden path to the springs about 1/4 miles away. If you are interested in camping, you can have an entirely no frills (no bathroom or shower) camping experience around the parking lot. If you are camping, make sure to check regulations as the parking lot land and hot spring land are each owned by different entities – you cannot camp on the hot spring land. We met many friendly off leash dogs and Calvin enjoyed running freely through the fields while we enjoyed the water. There are roaming cattle so make sure your dog is ok with farm animals before unleashing him. The cattle keep to themselves so it shouldn’t be an issue.

Inyo Craters – The Inyo Craters (AKA 200 foot holes in the ground) were created as a result of underground steam blasts. At the bottom each crater, turquoise lakes have formed. The hike to the craters from the parking lot is about 1 mile with moderate incline.

dog at wild willy's hot springs in mammoth lakes

Dog Friendly Lakes & Hiking Trails in Mammoth

We spent most of our days hiking and checking out the lakes that Mammoth has to offer. We highly recommend the early wake up call to see the lakes at sunrise – The silence and serenity is magical. For sunrise lakes, we recommend looking into lakes with parking lots right at the lake. Mammoth county has an unlimited number of lakes to explore – some require hiking and others are adjacent to parking lots.
Try to avoid hiking in the dark as Mammoth is bear country. On the subject of bears – the most aggressive subspecies of Brown Bear, the Grizzly has been extinct in California since the 1920s. This is not well known since there’s a Grizzly on the California Flag! You’ll only find Black Bears in California which tend to be small (3 feet on all fours, females weighing only 200 pounds) and non aggressive. We did not carry bear spray. Regardless, even the nicest bear will attack if threatened so read up here on what to do if you run into a bear with your dog.

Drive right up to these lakes:

In this section you will find a variety of lakes that don’t require hiking. These lakes are located right off of parking lots and easy to access.

Mono Lake is Dog Friendly! – The BEST time to visit Mono Lake is at sunrise but we have visited at others times as well. For sunrise, we arrived at 5:50am and watched the sunrise until 7am. Mono Lake has no natural outlet and so water only escapes through evaporation leaving behind a high salt content. The salt content makes for picturesque mirror reflections on the water. The 760,000 year old lake is surrounded by beautiful Tufa (limestone) towers. Dogs must remain on leash at this one – if your dog likes to swim this is especially important since such high salt content is poisonous to dogs. During the day, the clouds in the sky reflect perfectly off the water.dog friendly mono lake in mammoth lakes

dog at dog friendly mono lake at mammoth lakes

dog and cat standing at mono lake in mammoth lakes

June Lake – We camped right on June Lake at the Oh Ridge campground. June Lake is located right in between the famous Mono Lake and the town of Mammoth. The lake is great for kayaking, fishing, swimming, or just basking in the sun. The main beach requires dogs to be on leash but if you walk a little further around the lake they are allowed to be off leash.

Convict Lake – Convict Lake was another one of our dog friendly sunrise lakes. It is surrounded by mountains and desert foliage. We arrived at 6am as the fishermen were getting their boats onto the water. We found a quiet outlet for Calvin to splash and he happily ran around the lake – we only ran into one fisherman during our entire walk. The walk around Convict Lake is an easy 2.5 miles.

dog at convict lake in mammoth lakes

Gull Lake – The town of June Lake can be found right in between June & Gull Lake. The main reason to visit town is in conjunction with the 2 mile walk around Gull Lake. The lake is quieter than June Lake, and has a campground with direct lake access.  After our stroll around the lake, we headed into town for a walk down main street and enjoyed sandwiches on the patio of the Alpine Deli & Pizza Co.

Hike up to these alpine lakes:

In this section you will find a variety of dog friendly lakes In Mammoth that can be accessed by a hike. The hikes range from easy to moderate. We found that the lakes in Mammoth which are accessed by hiking are less crowded and so the dogs were able to have more freedom to swim.

Start at Lake George and hike to Crystal Lake –The Crystal Lake trailhead starts at the Lake George Campground. The hike to Crystal Lake is about 1-1.5 hours with moderate incline. As you ascend towards Crystal Lake you can enjoy an aerial view of Lake George. The timing for this hike is important if you are trying to see it for sunset. We made the mistake of setting out too late and by the time we reached the lake, the sun had set and we hiked back in the dark. Hiking in the dark in bear country (granted it’s just black bears) was definitely not ideal.

dog standing on a rock in front of lake george in mammoth lakes
Start at Horseshoe Lake and hike to McCleod Lake –The 1.8 mile trail to McCleod Lake starts at the Horseshoe Lake parking lot. We started by letting Samson splash in Horseshoe lake – the lake is surrounded by beach so there is plenty of room for the dogs to run around. We saw many friendly off leash dogs cooling off in the water. The trail to McCleod lake was one of the more crowded ones – the small incline makes it ideal for children or people looking for more of a stroll rather than a hike. Once at the lake, the trail continues all the way around allowing for multiple lookout points and opportunities to let the dogs splash around.
dog in the lake at horseshoe lake mammoth lakes
dog swimming in mccleod lake in mammoth lakes
Hike to Parker Lake – The hike to Parker lake is a 3.8 mile out and back moderate incline. Navigate to the Parker Lake Trailhead to start your 2.5 hour trek. The trail starts off challenging with most of the elevation gain in the first half mile. Don’t get discouraged as the trail eventually levels out once the initial climb is out of the way. The trail eventually follows a stream which makes its way to Parker Lake.
the dog friendly trail to parker lake in mammoth lakes
parker lake in mammoth lakes
Hike to Sherwin Lakes – The Sherwin Lakes trail is a pleasant 3 mile out and back with very gradual elevation gain. The trail is sandy and rocky most of the way and relatively easy compared to other Mammoth Hikes. The Sherwin Lakes trail is great for dogs and the lake is a refreshing destination at the top of the climb.
Hike to Emerald Lake – The hike to Emerald Lake is one of the shorter lake hikes – only about 1.7 miles out and back to the small but picturesque lake.  This was a nice quick walk but nothing special compared to all the other lakes that Mammoth has to offer.
For Next Time….
Next time, we’d love to mountain bike down Mammoth mountain and take a boat out onto one of the lakes.
Mammoth is up there in most picturesque places we have visited. The area is more pet friendly than Yosemite and less crowded than Tahoe. We’ll be back!

 

Catch me by the Lake(s)
-Your Pal Cal
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Dog Friendly NYC: Bring your dog to New York City

Posted on by Your Pal Cal

dog in front of a new york yellow taxi

We love visiting NYC with our dog – its not hard to find Pet Friendly Hotels in New York City and there are plenty of dog parks to play in. We’ve traveled to New York City with Calvin during every season – I (humom) grew up in Manhattan and so we head back to the Upper West Side many times a year to see grandma and grandpaw.  To be perfectly honest, NYC is tough with a dog, especially a big dog. Be ready to do a lot of walking, and bundle up if you’re visiting during winter.  All in all, NYC is magical at any time of year but can be inconvenient if your pet doesn’t fit in a bag. Before visiting NYC with your pet, make sure that they are comfortable with the crazy sounds and crowds they will experience.  It can be extremely overwhelming if they are not used to being in such an environment.

Are dogs allowed on the NYC Subway?

NYC arguably has the best public transportation system in the country…..but pets are not allowed in the Subway unless they fit in a bag (strictly enforced). Your best option is to put on your walking shoes and explore the city by foot. Yellow cabs will sometimes allow you to ride but this is at the driver’s discretion – yellow cab seats are actually covered in plastic so shedding and seat damage is not a risk and easy to clean.  We take cabs when we go to the airport and lay a towel on the floor so that Calvin’s fur does not get onto the car.  Uber/Lyft is another great way to get around NYC but be sure to call the driver before hand to make sure they are ok with a dog getting into their car. We spend most of our time in NYC walking – sometimes 15 miles a day even in the dead of winter.

Pet Friendly Hotels in New York City

We wish we had recommendations, but we stay with family so we’ve never had an issue with accommodations. Our usual favorites are pet friendly AirBnBs and one of the many NYC Kimpton Hotels. NYC has a lot of cool boutique hotels – in general, we’d recommend staying in lower Manhattan (Chelsea, West Village, Greenwich Village) if you are looking to hit the town in the evening.

dog wearing a sweater on a bench in central park

Best Times to Visit NYC with a Dog

We are lucky enough to have visited NYC in all seasons – Our favorite visits have been in the spring and early fall.  In September, the heat has started to die down but you’ll still feel comfortable in shorts. In November, the weather starts to get chilly but the parks are painted in the most beautiful fall colors. We spent the Christmas Season in NYC last year and our California was showing terribly – We were NOT prepared for the blistering cold but once we got all the gear we needed, were able to enjoy ourselves.  Visiting in the winter can be especially beautiful if you are blessed with a magical snow storm. Central Park is breathtaking the morning after a snowstorm. The air is fresh, the snow is soft, and the dogs are allowed off-leash until 9am! The biggest issue with visiting in the winter is that outdoor seating is not available and so fido has to stay home during meal times. During the summer, NYC is brutally hot.  We visited in July and temperatures hit 100 during the day. We kept our walks to the early morning and evening and came prepared with all of Calvin’s cooling gear and water bottles.

dog on the steps of the met in NYC

New York City Dog Parks

Central Park is off leash before 9AM
Our favorite spots are Cedar Hill (79th St. East) and Great Hill (106th St. West).  Dogs will congregate off leash at these hills in the early morning.

Tompkins Square Dog Park

Madison Square Dog Park

Washington Square Dog Park

105th Dog Run (Riverside Park)

72nd Dog Run (Riverside Park)

Prospect Park in Brooklyn is off leash before 9AM

dog with bagels and mug in new york city. dog is wearing a red checkered bandana

Pet Friendly Restaurants in NYC

During the spring, fall, and summer you can certainly enjoy your time in NYC with fido by taking advantage of the outdoor patios.  You may melt outside during the midday summer heat, but at least the seating is available.  You’ll find that many parks have great outdoor food options available.

landscape view of NYC skyline from the great lawn of central park

Where to walk your dog in NYC

When we visit NYC, we walk all day. Please note that most of the indoor places are not pet friendly, so you will just have to enjoy them from the outside.  To be honest, the top of the Empire State Building is overrated anyway (coming from a native New Yorker). Here are some walks to check out:

Lower Manhattan – East Village, West Village, Greenwich Village, Soho, Chelsea, Union Square, Madison Square Park.
The lower part of Manhattan is home to some of the trendiest spots.  You can start down at the East or West village and make your way up to Madison Square Park. Most of the cute restaurants and cafés have outdoor seating available. Madison Square Park has a great dog park (and an outdoor Shake Shack!).  If you want to get some food from the famous Eataly across the street, you can enjoy the food with your pup at the picnic tables in Madison Square Park.

Tribeca & Brooklyn Bridge – Ground Zero, City Hall Park, Rockefeller Park, Brooklyn Bridge Promenade. 
Pets ARE allowed at Ground Zero but not inside the museum or inside the Freedom Tower. From Tribeca, you can walk to the Brooklyn Bridge.  Start on the Manhattan Side and make your way over to Brooklyn.  When you get there, you can walk along the East River, get some food, and check out the Hillside Dog Park.

dog sitting in front of New York hot dog stand

Midtown – Bryant Park, Empire State Building, Radio City Music Hall, Rockefeller Center Times Square, Grand Central Terminal.
Although hectic, the famous Grand Central Terminal is pet friendly. Check out the huge clock and look up to see the decorated ceiling. Times Square and Rockefeller Center are crazy but part of the NYC experience.  Overall, Midtown has a more hectic vibe to it so if you want to get a feel of what it’s like to be a New Yorker, spend some time there but don’t drive yourself crazy.

Central Park South – Columbus Circle, The Plaza Hotel, The Apple Store.
Columbus Circle Shops AND the Apple Store are Pet Friendly! You will find Columbus Circle at the West side, and then can walk along the park to get to the Apple Store and the Plaza Hotel. Bouchon Bakery in Columbus Circle even has Foie Gras Dog Biscuits. You can even find dog accessories at all the high end shops (for a price).

dog sitting on a bench in pet friendly central park. dog is wearing a pin bandana and the sun is starting to set

Central Park – Loeb Boathouse, Bethesda Fountain, Bow Bridge, Balto Statue, Strawberry Fields, Gapstow Bridge, Central Park Carousel, Belvedere Castle, Alice and Wonderland Statues, Model Boat Sailing Lake.
A Central Park tour can easily take up an entire day.  Luckily there are lots of outdoor eateries, classic NYC hot dog carts, and water sources to stay comfortable. Central park is located right in the center of Manhattan so you can access it from almost anywhere between 59th-110th st. Check out all the spots from your favorite movie scenes and wander around until you get lost.  Dogs are allowed off leash before 9am, but watch for cyclists.

dog sitting on the street on riverside driver in new york city. dog is a labrador retriever wearing a pink bandana

Upper West Side – Family Friendly Neighborhood, Lincoln Center, Riverside Park, Columbia University.
This is the neighborhood where I (humom) grew up but also went to College. It is a very family friendly neighborhood but also has a college town feel as you get uptown towards Columbia University.  Start at 66th st and Broadway to check out Lincoln Center – home to the Opera, Ballet, and Philharmonic.  Walk uptown along Broadway to fully experience the UWS. Towards the West, you’ll find Riverside Park and the Hudson river.  The UWS is very diverse so you will find a wide range of ethnic cuisine – the UWS local favorite is Zabar’s (79th St. and Broadway), home to the best pastrami and more cheese than you could ever imagine. At the tip of the Upper West Side (technically called Morningside Heights), you’ll find NYC’s oldest University & Ivy League Columbia University.  Snap a pic in front of the famous Alma Mater Status and enjoy the massive library from Low Library Steps.

dog sitting on the steps of the metropolitan museum of art

Upper East Side – The Met Steps, Madison Avenue, Park Avenue.
Channel your inner Gossip Girl on the Met Steps and stroll down Madison Avenue to plan what you’ll be spending your cash on when you win the lottery.  Park Avenue is residential, but worth a stroll since most of the buildings are beautiful and well maintained.

Need more ideas? The New York Times has a great article about visiting New York with your pet.

City so nice, they named it twice!
-Your Pal Cal

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Summer Activities in Pet Friendly Lake Tahoe

Posted on by Your Pal Cal

 

dog on a dog friendly part of Lake Tahoe dock. The dog is wearing a blue bandana

Dog Friendly Places in Lake Tahoe (Summer Edition)

Lake Tahoe is so Pet Friendly that it is definitely one of the most heavily visited places from San Francisco in both summer and winter. Tahoe boasts unlimited pet friendly off leash hiking trails and dog friendly beaches for a cold swim. Lake Tahoe is a crystal clear alpine lake nestled in the Sierra Nevada Mountains – the largest lake by volume in all of North America.  Bring your dog and enjoy the panoramic mountain views of the Tahoe basin.

How to Get To Lake Tahoe

There are two ways to get to Tahoe – Drive or Fly.  If you live in Northern California, we recommend driving but don’t get trapped in the winter snow! You will need all-wheel-drive, snow chains, and snow tires to get up the mountain during winter.  We’ve had friends try to make it up without enough gear, and the story did not end well. Our Mini Cooper would certainly not survive the trip in the depth of winter.  During high ski season it can take over 6 hours to get to Tahoe from San Francisco.  The icy winding roads are also prone to accidents which makes the travel time longer (we’ve heard of 12 hour trips).  In the summer, we left on a Friday afternoon and with San Francisco and Sacramento traffic, made it in 5 hours.  Without traffic, you’re looking at a 3 hour trip from San Francisco.

There are some small regional airports in the area, but unless you have a private jet you’ll want to go to the Reno-Tahoe International Airport.  This is about a 45 minute drive to North Lake Tahoe.  See more about flying to Lake Tahoe here.

view of the blue lake tahoe from the dock. mountains are visible in the distance. The sky is blue over the lake

When to Visit Lake Tahoe with your Dog

Tahoe is a great destination year round but unless you want to hike in the cold, it is best to bring your dog to Tahoe in the warmer months. If you visit Lake Tahoe with your dog after the snow has melted, you will get to enjoy all the Tahoe off leash dog trails and hikes.  We visited in early summer just as the weather was getting warm.  July/August are warmest months to visit Tahoe, with highs of around 80 degrees. In the winter, expect temperatures in the 40s and snow.  We visited before peak tourist season and the trails were just finishing to thaw.  We hit some snow on our hike up Squaw Valley and the lake still felt glacial. Expect a lot of tourists from June to August as trails finally thaw and summer activities are in full swing. For the least busy time to visit, check out Tahoe from March to May or in September at the end of summer vacation. Winters in Tahoe, although snowy, are not actually as blistering cold as other winter destinations. Check out the region from December – February for great winter sports.

pet friendly hotels and accomodations are very common in tahoe. in this photo, the dog is sitting in front of the pet friendly airbnb

the dog is running through the backyard of the pet friendly airbnb in carnelian bay (lake tahoe)

Pet Friendly Hotels in Lake Tahoe

We found it easy to find pet friendly accommodations in Lake Tahoe. The lake is HUGE, so your biggest decision will be where to stay.   All parts of Lake Tahoe are pet friendly, so regardless of your decision, you will not have trouble finding pet friendly accommodations.  You’ll have to choose between North (Nevada Side) or South Lake Tahoe (California Side). We stayed in North Lake Tahoe’s Carnelian Bay. So…North vs. South? You can’t go wrong.

All parts of Lake Tahoe have great beach access for your dogs. North Lake Tahoe is known for being sleepier than its southern counterpart – and more “family friendly”.  For winter sports, North Lake Tahoe is home to 8 ski resorts and a variety of challenging hikes.  We also found that North Lake Tahoe has more dog beaches. South Lake Tahoe is where you’ll find all the “action” if you are looking to hit the town. It is home to a variety of bars and clubs that are open late and definitely the place to be if you’re looking to party.

yellow lab is panting during the hike up to squaw valley in tahoe

Lake Tahoe Pet Friendly Summer Activities

Kayaking, SUP board, rafting, hikes, and swimming are all available for a pet friendly Tahoe experience.  You’ll have to be cognizant of dog rules on certain beaches, but lakeside trails are all open for Fido.

Tahoe Dog Beaches

Dog beaches do exist in Tahoe, but make sure to look into where fido is officially allowed off leash before letting him loose. There are fewer pet friendly beaches than we would have liked but we still found areas for Calvin to take a dip into the water. Pups are allowed IN the lake, but just often not on the public sandy areas – this means they can be with you on paddle boards, kayaking ect but can’t frolic along the beach.  To find the best dog beach near where you are staying, check out the list here.

dog looking out at the pet friendly beach in north lake tahoe

Water Sports with Your Dog in Tahoe

Raft down the Truckee River with your furry friend, or take a Tahoe City Kayak onto the lake.

Tahoe City Kayak has a variety of rentals available, including kayaks with larger cockpits to accommodate a dog.  We rented a Kayak at Commons Beach.  Pets are not allowed onto the beach so please ask the associates where the dog pickup point is.  One person will wait with fido at the pickup point and kayak over from Commons Beach (about 1 minute away).

Truckee River Rafting is another very pet friendly activity – raft 5 miles down the Truckee River and bring fido along. You are even allowed to bring coolers along to enjoy some food along the way.

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Pet Friendly Trails in Squaw Valley: Hike to High Camp

Tahoe has an unlimited amount of pet friendly hikes. We recommend checking out the trails in Squaw Valley and choosing your best fit from this list. The main decision you will have to make is deciding whether you want to start at High Camp or if you want to start at the Base Camp and make your way up to High Camp. We did the Shirley Canyon Trail hike from the Base of Squaw Valley up to High Camp.  We stopped at Shirley Lake on the way up (about 2/3 of the way up) and finally took the pet friendly Aerial Tram down free of charge for views of the entire valley. The Shirley Canyon trail is a great half-day hike that runs about 3.6 miles and considered one of the area’s best hikes. For a better understanding of the elevation: we visited in June and had to hike through snow by the end of the trail.  Wear layers for the changing temperatures, and sneakers or boots with good traction.  The trail was not always clearly marked, but there are enough hikers passing by to keep from getting lost.  As another rule of thumb, online guides suggest making sure to always keep the flowing creek to your right to eventually find your way to Shirley Lake.  When you reach areas of steep slabs of rocks, you know that Shirley Lake is right over the top of the hill.

the view near the top of the hike to high camp at squaw valley

snow at the top of squaw valley in the summer

Swim in Shirley Lake

About 2/3 up the Shirley Canyon Trail, you will come upon Shirley Lake.  You can also get to this lake by taking the Aerial Tram up to High Camp and then hiking down the last part of the trail to the lake. We came upon families having picnics on the rocks overlooking the lake, and lots of dogs taking a refreshing swim.  Locals told us that by the end of the summer the lake heats up enough for a more enjoyable swim.  In early June, the water was glacial. Calvin didn’t mind one bit.

yellow lab swimming in shirley lake during a hike up squaw valley

The Squaw Valley Aerial Tram is Pet Friendly!

The pet friendly Aerial tram leaves from the base of Squaw Valley and drops off at High Camp.  The tram allows for a breathtaking view over the valley and you can catch trails from the top. Here’s the catch – the tram costs $40 a person to ride up, but is free on the way down.  If you complete the long hike up to High Camp, you can save a lot of money and still get to experience the Aerial Tram on your way back down to the base of Squaw Valley. You’ll be so tired that you may even enjoy it even more! view from the squaw valley pet friendly gondala

 

Walk Through the Village at Squaw Valley

During summer months, you’ll find various pet friendly outdoor activities at the Base Camp of Squaw Valley. Walk through and pop into the cute shops, enjoy live music, lawn games, and refreshing summer energy from fellow visitors. You’ll run into many friendly pups – grab your pup his own Pupacino from the Starbucks and enjoy strolling through.

dog sitting on a wood chair at the squaw valley village

Check out Tahoe City

Tahoe City has a walkable main street lined with shops, food, and activity.  It’s worth strolling down main street for the summer energy. Poppy’s Frozen Yogurt offers many refreshing flavors. If you visit during the Tahoe City Wine Walk you’ll be able to walk around town sipping wine and checking out fun booths.

Pet Friendly Restaurants in Lake Tahoe

We ate lunch at Mo’s Original BBQ in Tahoe City.  The restaurant is pet friendly, lakefront, and out of the hot sun. Portions are generous, affordable, and lip smacking delicious. After lunch, we walked off lunch on the lakeside trail.

We also ate a meal at Moody’s in Truckee, but would NOT recommend it – overpriced and mediocre food. Thank you, NEXT.

Tahoe was a great weekend trip for early summer – the air is fresh, the views are amazing, and Tahoe accommodations are very pet friendly. We’ll be sure to come back next year!

Enjoy!
-Your Pal Cal

 

 

 

 

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Pet Friendly Boston Massachusetts: Dog Friendly Activities in New England

Posted on by Your Pal Cal

 Dog sitting in front of a blue and red door in marblehead massachusetts

Dog Friendly Places Massachusetts

There are many fun things to do with your dog In Boston and New England.  We visited multiple Pet Friendly towns throughout Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Even though there are many dog friendly activities in Boston, we focused on the small towns along the coast. Rent a car and check out all the dog friendly spots in the Boston area.

We recently visited Massachusetts and New Hampshire – the variety one can find in New England is awe inspiring.  From rural farmland, coastal towns, to big cities – New England seems to have it all. Although having a pet excludes you from visiting the museums in New England, all of the towns we visited were overall pet friendly – outdoor patios, water bowls for Fido, and lots of fun pet shops. If visiting with your pet, try to avoid the rainy seasons since pet friendly activities and patios are exclusively outdoors.

sunrise photo of a pet friendly beach in Massachusetts

When to visit Massachusetts with your Dog

Our favorite times to visit New England with the dogs are during the fall, and early summer.  During the fall, the whole family can enjoy all of fall’s best activities; apple picking, hot cider, leaves changing color. The winter is great for those who find peace and serenity in cuddling up in front of the fire place while snow falls outside.  As Californians, we are intimidated by the winter frost but love admiring its beauty from afar.  The early summer is great for visiting before the area fills up with tourists.  By early summer the rain has hopefully stopped and New England is left green and luscious.

dog standing on a rock at a pet friendly farm in massachusetts

Pet Friendly Hotels in Massachusetts

There are many pet friendly hotels in Massachusetts. For a more standard hotel experience, the Hampton Inn hotels allow pets for an extra fee ($50). We stayed at the Hampton Inn in Exeter, NH and had a great time.  We felt comfortable leaving Calvin alone while we attended a wedding and the front desk was very welcoming.

For a more pet friendly hotel experience, Kimpton Hotels are our favorite choice.  Check out their locations to see if they have one near your destination.  We will be staying at the Kimpton Hotel Marlowe in Cambridge, MA when we visit again next year. They provide water bowls and even a bed for your pup with no extra charge!

This trip, we stayed in a hotel during out time in New Hampshire and an Airbnb during out quick stop through Boston, MA. We only book Airbnbs when we know Calvin will not be left alone since we feel uncomfortable leaving him alone in a house that is not his.  We know that in a hotel room he would not be able to escape even if he wanted to, but in a house he may be able to get creative (he’s never tried this but you never know).  It’s hard to predict what the security situation will be like in a house that you are unfamiliar with. Plus, hotels have constant staff to alert you of any types of issues that may come up with the dog if you step out. Ultimately, this decision is up to whatever feels most comfortable to you and Airbnbs tend to be more affordable.

dog laying on a king sized bed in a pet friendly hotel in Massachusetts

Are Massachusetts beaches dog friendly?

Many of the Massachusetts beaches are not pet friendly in the summer months. The Massachusetts beaches are refreshing and relaxing, especially in the early morning before the crowds come in.  Depending on when you visit, pets may not be allowed on some beaches especially during summer months.  Look for signs or designated pet friendly beaches – some cutoffs are April, May, or others are open to pets year round.  Even if the beach itself is not pet friendly, most beaches have a concrete walkway along the sand that you are welcome to walk on with Fido. In Nahant, MA we stayed off the main beach but were able to walk along the concrete path.  We then found a designated dog beach nearby that we could enjoy.

dog wearing a red and white striped polo in massachusetts beach

Map of places to visit in Massachusetts with your dog 

New England towns are known for their picturesque cobblestone paths, colorful houses, and water views. We checked out the following towns and farms along the way:

Pet Friendly Marblehead, MA – A quiet coastal town

Fresh off the cross country flight, we stopped by Nahant, MA to check out the Doggie Beach before heading to Marblehead, MA located about 45 minutes out of Boston.  We wandered through the cobble stone paths of Marblehead and found this town to be the quietest of all that we visited.  We enjoyed the peacefulness and small town vibes without feeling like we had fallen into a tourist trap.  We were able to take a moment to stock up on coffee after our red-eye and take in a breath of fresh air after our trip.

We parked on Atlantic Ave in front of Seaside Park and walked through the town.  This appeared to be the main street with all the cutest shops – check out the boutique pet shop “Pawsitively Marblehead.” We ate at Java Sun Coffee Roasters.  After walking through the small town, we realized this was one of the only places to get an early breakfast.

We took our coffees with us as we meandered through the quiet streets.  We found a lot of quaint, colorful houses and followed the Marblehead Rail Trail for a few miles before looping back into town.

Our last stop in Marblehead was to the Fort Sewall – a landmark built back in the 1600s.  We saw dogs wading in the water before the fort, but the fort itself is an on leash area.  Have a seat along the water and enjoy the sailboats coming in and out of the bay. Take a moment to relax and reflect.

labrador retriever sitting next to a stuffed dog in marblehead Massachusetts

pet store in marblehead Massachusetts
Salem, MA – Rich history and cobblestone paths

Salem Massachusetts its great for walking around with your dog. Salem, MA is most famous for the 1692 Witch Trials and gives you the opportunity to enjoy the town with your dogs. The town is appropriately adorned in spooky decor and most shops and bars reference witchcraft.  The creepy but playful vibe is perfect for a fun stroll through the town.

A great first stop is the Visitor’s center to use the restroom and get a map of the town.  The visitor’s center offers many souvenirs but you will find prices are better in town.

We walked to Salem Common, the town park on our way to the House of the Seven Gables.  Even though most activities in Salem are indoors and thus not pet friendly, the area around the landmarks are fair game and are fun to walk around.  We did not enter the House of the Seven Gables but our path there took us through the spooky Salem streets and shops and we admired the house from the outdoors.

Loop over to the Salem Maritime Park where you can wade in the water and walk out to the lighthouse. From there, make your way to the Salem Witch Village where you can enjoy more witchcraft imagery.  We finished our Salem visit by walking through the main street (Essex Street) up to the Bewitched Sculpture.

a view of the pet friendly maritime park in salem

Exeter, NH – Picturesque shops and trails

We traveled to New England to attend a wedding in Exeter, NH and we are so glad we got to stop by.  Exeter is a small town and home to Philips Exeter Academy, an elite boarding school.  The school was founded in the late 1700s and resembles a stereotypical ivy covered university.  The town is clean, quiet, and quintessentially New England with a river flowing through.  It takes less than an hour to walk through so have activities lined up nearby. For an additional activity, you can walk the Exeter trail along the river.


Hampton Falls, NH – Walk through Applecrest Farm Orchards and dine on the patio

After checking out Exeter, we drove to a nearby pet friendly farm. Applecrest Farm allows you to walk through the grounds and offers apple picking in the fall.  You can grab brunch on their patio overlooking the farm. We picked up some apple cider before heading to our next destination. Sometimes, their farm animals are out for petting.

Salisbury, MA – Check out the dog friendly beach!

The only stop we made in Salisbury was to the dog friendly beach at Salisbury Beach State Reservation.  There is a caveat though – the “ocean” side beach is NOT dog friendly, only the “river” side beach.  The beaches are connected but dogs are only allowed off leash on the part that is in front of the campgrounds, not the main parking lot.  Both beaches are great but the “river” beach is the one that feeds into the ocean so you see land in front of you rather than never ending water. It costs $14 to get into the beach and we waited about 10 minutes in line.  The beach was crowded likely because of the long weekend and good weather.


Newburyport, MA – A smaller version of Rockport.  Grab some clam chowder.

After the beach, we drove up the road to Newburyport. Newburyport was very busy on the Saturday afternoon we visited.  We put our names down at the Sea Level Oyster Bar (great outdoor seating and clam seafood) and walked through the Waterfront Park while we waited.  The wait was about 30 minutes so we also explored the town.  In typical New England style – the cobblestone streets are lined with cute nautical themed shops.  Stop by Dolce Freddo Gelato across the street from the Oyster Bar to satisfy your sweet tooth. We wanted to explore the entire town so we meandered through the streets and made our way to Frog Pond before turning back. We didn’t see any frogs, but Calvin was mesmerized by the turtles.

Peabody, MA – Stop by Brooksby farm if you are driving through

We love visiting local farms so we made a pit stop in Brooksby farm.  The farm shop had all sorts of delicious freshly baked farm goodies (and homemade dog treats!). Pets cannot enter the farm shop but they are welcome anywhere else on the grounds. We spent a long time watching the animals and made some new friends. Check their website to see what types of crops are available for picking when you visit.

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Concord, MA – Check out the historic revolutionary trail

Concord, MA is home to the Minute Man National Historical Park where you can follow the Battle Road Trail for as long as you want to walk.  The battles of Lexington and Concord were the first of the American Revolutionary War – the trail acts as an outdoor museum with information scattered along the walk.

labrador retriever sitting on the minute man trail
Rockport, MA – Iconic New England Town

Another iconic New England town, but a little out of the way if you are headed to Boston. Check out Rockport Harbor and stroll down Mt. Pleasant St. for the New England feel and great views of Rockport Harbor.  There are many cute shops and a lot of food options to choose from.


Cambridge, MA – Historical ivy covered college town

We headed over to Alma Mater in Cambridge for a night to catch up with friends and walk around campus.  Cambridge is a cute college town that is home to Harvard and MIT.  For off leash dog park options, we recommend Fresh Pond Reservation Dog Park.  In terms of food options, we stopped at the college favorites that offered outdoor seating – Felipe’s Taqueria in Harvard Square may be the best bang for your buck burritos you’ll ever find.  L.A Burdick’s is a great stop for grabbing drinking chocolate for the rest of your walk (pets not allowed inside so lead fido outside and get an order to go). Take a walk around the Harvard Square for more cute shops and Harvard Yard for some classic campus shots.  Calvin was very popular in his polo and got a lot of belly rubs. Cambridge is connected to Boston via bridges along the Charles River.  If you are staying in Cambridge, it’s a nice walk over to Boston….

dog wearing a harvard polo sitting in front of the harvard library

dog wearing a harvard polo sitting in front of a brick building

Boston, MA – Is Boston a Dog Friendly City?

Founded in 1630, Boston is one of the oldest cities in the United States.  We like to think of Boston as a mini version of NYC or SF (but cleaner).  Boston is pet friendly, walkable, in general pristinely clean, and has a lot of cool neighborhoods to check out.  We walked down Commonwealth Avenue to get a feel for the old cobblestoned Boston homes.  Parallel to Commonwealth Avenue you will find Newbury Street – lined with cute shops that get progressively more upscale, ending at the Public Gardens (also known as Boston Common).  Boston Common is essentially the Boston version of NYC’s Central Park.  From Boston Common, you can walk the Freedom Trail through all the remaining monuments (about 2.5 miles).  We stopped by Quincy Market and finally made our way to the North End for some Italian food.  On a nice day, walking along the Charles River Esplanade is a relaxing dog friendly stroll.

dog wearing a harvard polo

 Happy traveling, 
Your Pal Cal

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Bring your dog to pet friendly Salt Lake City, Utah

Posted on by Your Pal Cal

things to do with your dog in salt lake city

Dog Friendly Places to Visit in Salt Lake City, UT

Salt Lake City has plenty of dog friendly hiking trails for you and Fido to explore.  Additionally, there are many dog friendly hotels near Salt Lake City. Even if you aren’t visiting Salt Lake City with a dog, be sure to check out all the great Utah hiking trails.  If you have extra time, Park City is also pet friendly and a fun ski town to explore.

We recently took the dog to Salt Lake City & Park City in Utah.  We had a great time exploring the great outdoors and met lots of friendly people and dogs throughout the weekend.  Although the outdoors are extremely dog friendly, there are some extra regulations for bringing dogs to certain parts of the city that are important to keep in mind. Overall, we definitely recommend visiting Salt Lake with your Dog, especially in the spring time when the tulips are blooming throughout the city.  The city is pristinely clean and well maintained and the people are very friendly!

When to visit Salt Lake City with your Dog

We visited Salt Lake City in May unknowing to the fact that the entire city is blooming with tulips! We hear the tulips start wilting by the second week of may so we would recommend visiting in April or early May. The sun was shining all weekend and shorts were a must! The last snow had been a few weeks before we arrived so definitely wait until April if you want to enjoy your time outdoors!

Pet Friendly Hotels in Salt Lake City

Many hotels in salt lake city allow pets so there are lots of options when traveling with your pet.

Pet Friendly Kimpton Hotel in Salt Lake City – 10 minutes from Temple Square and right in the center of downtown.  Higher price point than an Airbnb, but great service. Check it out here

Pet Friendly Sheraton Salt Lake City – Walk to temple square and stay in downtown! Check it out here

Pet Friendly Airbnb- We stayed at an Airbnb because we just wanted a place to sleep at a very cheap price. Our host had the cutest collie named Violet who was very friendly with Calvin. To search pet friendly Airbnb, add “pets allowed” as an additional filter. You can get $40 off your first booking if you book through this link.

things to do with your dog in salt lake city

Dog Regulations and Patio Laws in Salt Lake City

The law requires restaurants in Utah to receive special “Paws on the Patio” permits to allow pets onto their outdoor patios and they do officially enforce this. Most restaurants do not have this permit.  As of 2017, only 12 eating establishments in the city had successfully filed for the permit.  Once on the patio, the restaurants do not allow dogs to sit on chairs (obviously duh!), to eat any food from the table, or to be touched by restaurant staff.  For patios that are not pet friendly, you are always welcome to sit on the patio and keep your dog away from the “general vicinity” of the restaurant.  We successfully used this method for a few meals and kept Calvin about 10 feet away from the restaurant – people are very nice there so no one bothered him!  Additionally, restaurants ask for proof of rabies vaccinations (a photo will do) before entering the patio.  Of course, trained Service Dogs (ESAs are not trained service dogs) are allowed access. There are a yummy variety of pet friendly establishments to choose from! Here they are….

things to do with your dog in salt lake city

“Paws on the Patio” Establishments in Salt Lake City

Here are some restaurants with pet friendly patios.

Pet Friendly Breweries in Salt Lake City
Campfire Lounge – lots of friendly dogs, they check vaccine records at the door. Game day type food.
Fisher Brewing Company
Uinta Brewing Company
Wasatch Brew Pub Sugar House
Collie’s Sports Bar (in Park City) – very dog friendly and amazing cheeseburgers! Their mascot is a Border Collie.
Wasatch Brew Pub (in Park City) – call in advance to make sure the patio is open.  The patio was closed when we visited.

Pet Friendly Breakfast/Lunch in Salt Lake City
Eggs in the City – get your egg fixing.
Alchemy Coffee – get your caffeine boost before starting the day.
The Park Café – 45 minute wait but put your name down and then walk through the park across the street.  Sip coffee while you wait. Service is extremely fast and friendly once you are seated.
Pig and a Jelly Jar – good quality southern style breakfast (biscuits, chicken & waffles ect).

Pet Friendly Restaurants in Salt Lake City
Flatbread
Log Haven
Taqueria 27
The Copper Onion (No dog permit, but Fido can wait beyond the patio fence) – totally worth it for the amazing dinner food!

Map of Dog Friendly Activities in Salt Lake City

Hiking near Salt Lake City: Dog Friendly Hiking Trails in Salt Lake City

If you visit Salt Lake City with your dog in the spring or summer, there are unlimited trails for you and Fido to explore.  Salt Lake City hikes are easy to find on All Trails but we will include some of our favorites below.

Millcreek Canyon – $3 fee to enter (cash or card). Dogs are allowed off leash on certain days and we ran into lots of friendly pups.  We took the Pipeline Trail which leads to a scenic view of the entire city if you head to the “Overlook.”  To get to the overlook, turn left when you get to the fork in the road on the Pipeline Trail.  If there is any confusion, ask around for where the Pipeline Overlook is. The trail seems intimidating at first but after about a 15 minute uphill struggle, the trail plateaus around the mountain to the overlook.

Although we did not check this out, The Big Water Trail is a 2.5 mile hike to a dog Lake!  Check out all the trails to see which would be best for you. See more about the trails here

salt lake city per friendly hiking trails
Freedom Trail & Memory Grove Park – Check out the pet friendly park near the State Capitol Building! Check out the Capitol and then walk down to the off-leash Memory Grove Park and Freedom Trail.  The park has a small pond, beautiful flowers, and historic landmarks.


Tanner Park – This park is not officially off leash even though you will see many dogs romping off leash when you get to the trails.  Although this is a park, it is more like a hike to a creek. The water access is refreshing after the walk. 


Horsetail Falls – This trail is a little more difficult and can get quite steep.  It does lead to a beautiful waterfall over the valley.  Check out more information about the trails here.

The Living Room Trail – this trailhead is right off the University of Utah.  The walk is about 2.5 miles that leads up to a great view over Salt Lake City.  The trail is rather rocky and steep but has beautiful foliage and wildflowers. At the top of the hike you will find fun Flintstone like living room furniture overlooking the city.

Salt Lake City Activities with your Dog

City Creek Mall – City Creek Mall is across the street Temple Square. Because the mall is outdoors, you can walk through with Fido.  A creek flows through the mall and there are a lot of beautiful fountains sprinkled throughout the mall.
The Temple Square – Temple Square was one of the most breathtaking parts of our visit.  We walked through a few times over the weekend because we couldn’t get enough.  The temple square is a complex owned by the LDS church and is the most popular tourist attraction in Utah.  We visited a few times and found that the best time for a “peaceful” stroll is around 8-9am.  The square fills up with tourists groups throughout the day.  During April and May, the square is decorated with beautiful tulips.  Check out the temple square blog post on what to expect in every season. Please note, you do not have to be a part of the LDS church to visit (we are not), and the members of the community are very welcoming and respectful.


Capitol Hill – Another pristine part of Salt Lake City.  Park near the Capitol, check it out, and then take a 5 minute walk to the off-leash Memory Grove Park and Trails. The best time to visit Capitol Hill is first thing in the morning. We visited around 8am and tour groups were already beginning to arrive.  By the time we left the area, the plaza was crowded.

pet friendly salt lake city
Brigham Young Historic Park – This well maintained park offers a peaceful stroll through flowers, historical statues, and a flowing stream.  It is a quiet park around the corner from Temple Square.  We found that it was less touristy than the square. This is a historical site run by the LDS church so it is important to keep pets on leash.

Gilgal Sculpture Garden – This is a hidden gem of Salt Lake City.  It is off-the-beaten-path and therefore very quiet.  We went on a Saturday and only one other person (with two doxies) was in the entire park. We kept Calvin on leash while walking through the park but did not see any signs indicating otherwise, and the other pups were off leash.

Liberty Park – Liberty park is across the street from The Park Café.  Put your name down for breakfast and then take a walk around the Lake at Liberty Park.  This park is on leash but very friendly.

The Great Salt Lake – We accessed the Great Salt Lake through the State Park.  Your navigation tools will likely want you to navigate to the “Great Salt Lake Marina” but there is a small CASH ONLY entry fee here and not much to see except to use the restroom.  We found that the best way to take a walk on the Salt Lake shore was to navigate to “The Great Saltair.”  This appeared to be an abandoned concert venue with free access to walking along the sandy shores of the Lake.  No restrooms so head to the marina for that. The photos below are from this location:

pet friendly activities in salt lake city

salt lake city pet friendly

Tanger Outlets – half way between Park City and Salt Lake.  You’ll get a great deal without having to battle through crowds.  The outlet plaza is very pet friendly and so are most of the clothing stores. We didn’t intend to stop here but are glad we did.  A restroom break turned into a shopping spree.

Park City – Park City is only about 45 minutes from downtown Salt Lake.  It is a quaint ski town with an old western feel.  It is worth a visit for strolling through the main street and popping into cute shops.

Happy Travels,
Your Pal Cal

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