7 Dog Friendly Spring Break Getaways

by Olivia Wickstrom March 15, 2021

7 Dog Friendly Spring Break Getaways

The sun is shining, the flowers are blooming, and the Sam & Nala team is ready to explore. Whether you’re an avid hiker, a beachgoer, or a city slicker, you’re guaranteed to find adventure in this roundup of pet friendly getaways. Pack your suitcase, grab your matching mask & bandana set, and hit the open road. 

San Luis Obispo, California 

Otherwise known as Sam & Nala’s home town, San Luis Obispo is a dog lover’s paradise. Spend the day hiking one of the Nine Sisters, a chain of inactive volcanic peaks with winding trails and ocean views. When the sun goes down head to Sunset Drive-In, one of the few remaining drive-in theaters in California, to catch a feature flick alongside your furry friend. Between the beaches, greenspace, and dog friendly dining options, you and your pooch will be in spring break heaven.  

Valley of Fire State Park

In the mood for a desert excursion? Look no further than Valley of Fire. This state park is known for its red sandstone outcrops and is home to 2,000 year old petroglyphs and petrified trees. With tent and RV camping available, Valley of Fire is ideal for those looking to unplug and unwind with hiking boots, campfire dinners, and evenings spent under the stars.

Nashville, Tennessee

IPA anyone? Nashville’s 50 plus dog friendly patios are the perfect place to sit back and relax alongside your furry friend. Whether you’re sipping Belgian ales at Black Abbey or sitting under the twinkle lights at East Nashville Beer Works, you’re guaranteed to have a good time. Plus, this is Nashville, which means live music every night of the week. What could be better than craft beer, live tunes, and happy pups?

Atlanta, Georgia 

Though the city itself has plenty of dog friendly parks, restaurants, and shops to explore, we’re drawn to Atlanta for its surrounding hiking and greenspace. Winter, pictured above, is exploring Arabia Mountain, a national heritage area boasting hiking trails, rivers for paddling and fishing, and a 60 foot tree climb. The heritage site even hosts an event called “ZZZ’s in the Trees” where brave adventurers can spend the night sleeping in the mountain’s treetops among the stars.  

Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

Grab your camera, lace up your hiking boots, and prepare for the outdoor adventure of a lifetime. This national forest covers over 140 miles from Canada to central Washington. Among its sought after sights are Franklin Falls, Snow Lake, and Mount Baker itself. From family friendly trail walks, to advanced climbing routes, this wooded wonderland has something for every outdoor enthusiast to explore.

Boston, Massachusetts

The ultimate getaway for pups who love long, explorative strolls. Roam around Beacon Hill’s historic cobblestone streets, or take a walk along the Rose Kennedy Greenway, a 1.5 mile park that’s home to artwork, gardens, and food trucks in the city’s center. Grab your pup’s leash, clip on a Sam & Nala waste bag holder, and set out to see the sights. Between urban landscapes, public gardens, and sandy beaches, Boston’s got it all. 

Washington, D.C.

Though the museums may not be dog friendly, Washington, D.C. has plenty of restaurants, parks, and shops to explore alongside your pooch. The National Mall, Smithsonian Gardens, and Rock Creek Park are frequented by local dog lovers with nearby cafes, restaurants, and breweries catering to human and canine customers alike. Bonus, a number of the city’s pedicab tours are dog friendly and visit D.C.’s monuments, the perfect way to rest your legs and see the sights with your furry friend in tow. 





Olivia Wickstrom
Olivia Wickstrom

Author