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As the leaves start changing colors and the weather gets cooler, fall is a wonderful time to travel and explore new destinations with your furry companion by your side. Here are 10 pet-friendly places around the United States that are great to visit during the autumn months:
Asheville, North Carolina
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is a dog-loving town filled with pet-friendly shops, restaurants, breweries and accommodations. The fall foliage is spectacular, and there are plenty of hiking trails to explore where dogs are welcome, like the Blue Ridge Parkway and parts of the Appalachian Trail.
San Diego, California
San Diego enjoys warm, sunny weather well into the fall, making it ideal for outdoor adventures with pets. Dogs are allowed on most beaches and there are several off-leash dog parks to play in. Check out La Jolla Cove, Coronado Beach or Fiesta Island. The Elizabethan Dessert Botanical Gardens allow dogs along on their trails to see the fall flowers.
Burlington, Vermont
This New England town on the shores of Lake Champlain has beautiful autumn scenery of red and orange leaves contrasting with the blue waters. Hike with your leashed dog in Rock Point State Park or hit the Burlington Farmers Market. On the Burlington Waterfront Park, there’s an eight-acre off-leash dog beach along the lakefront promenade.
Charlottesville, Virginia
The Blue Ridge Mountains provide a picturesque backdrop to Charlottesville’s historic downtown mall and the surrounding vineyards, orchards, hiking trails and rivers. Dogs have plenty of outdoor spaces to enjoy here like the trails around the University of Virginia’s gardens or adjacent to Monticello.
Portland, Oregon
Known for its dog-friendly attitude, Portland has over a dozen off-leash dog parks throughout the city and surrounding areas to choose from. The weather is crisp but mild into fall, perfect for strolling the city’s neighborhoods abundant with breweries, cafes and boutiques that cater to pets.
Wilmington, Vermont
Nestled in the mountains of southern Vermont, Wilmington provides peak New England autumn views and small-town charm. Hike and swim with your dog at Lake Whitingham or explore wilderness trails throughout Green Mountain National Forest. The town hosts festivals and events all season long for visitors and residents to enjoy together.
Las Vegas, Nevada
While Las Vegas may be an unexpected choice, its hotel pools are open later into the fall months for dogs to enjoy. There are also several dog parks for playtime and scenic areas nearby like Red Rock Canyon or Mount Charleston to hike with pets by your side. And dogs are always welcome on the Las Vegas Strip!
Traverse City, Michigan
Traverse City has miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, beaches and dog-friendly parks perfect for fall exploring. Hike with your dog in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore to see the vibrant autumn foliage over lush sand dunes leading down to the freshwater beaches and crystal blue waters.
Boston, Massachusetts
Boston dazzles in the fall with golden tree-lined streets, historic buildings, and crisp autumn air. The Emerald Necklace parks wind through the city with walking trails allowing leashed dogs. Or head to the Boston Common, a central public park founded in 1634 where pets have always been allowed.
Sevierville, Tennessee
The foothills of eastern Tennessee's Smoky Mountains display brilliant fall foliage every year. In addition to scenic views, Sevierville offers pet-friendly cabin rentals, hiking trails, waterfalls and vibrant small mountain towns nearby like Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Dogs are welcome throughout this area and even allowed in guest rooms at Dollywood for visitors wanting to enjoy the Smoky Mountain theme park.
Wherever you and your furry friend decide to go this fall, call ahead to verify the pet policies. There are so many spectacular destinations across the country to explore with your dog by your side during the autumn months. So, get out and make some unforgettable memories together!
