I’ve always been a fan of bucket lists. I like the idea of writing things down that I aspire to do so I don’t lose sight of them and have a reminder to work towards making them happen. I’m sure it’s my Type A personality, but I also have this fear of just letting life pass by and not making the time to do these epic things that some people only see on TV.

I also believe that pets are family and they deserve to see as much of the world as we do. That’s why when we got Ruby I started a new dog-friendly bucket list of all the travel adventures I wanted her to experience. It’s always evolving and something that I never want to be complete, but even if you don’t enjoy traveling as much as we do I hope that by sharing our adventures we do inspire you to do more with your dog. Whether it’s one family vacation a year or an epic cross-country road trip, our dogs deserve a big world filled with fun experiences just like us.

Below I’ve started documenting all our bucket list adventures that we’ve crossed off so far and that I think are list-worthy for you and your dog to experience too. Several of these experiences were planned around a trip, so we also have helpful guides linked throughout to help you make the most of your time in each of these areas. I’ve also included a list at the bottom of experiences on our bucket list that we haven’t crossed off yet.

Dog-friendly Bucket List Experiences in the United States

Play in the Snow at Tahoe

There is nothing quite like playing in the snow in Lake Tahoe. The powder just hits differently here and playing in the snow here is actually fun. It’s never as cold as you think it’s going to be and the snow is just so soft. Not to mention the scenery is epic when it’s covered in a blanket of snow. There are SNO Parks, snowshoeing trails, and plenty of sledding hills to hit with your pup for an epic day in the snow. Check out our Tahoe winter guide to plan your perfect snowy adventure.

Stay at a Clydesdale Ranch

Clydesdale Outpost is probably one of the most unique properties we’ve ever stayed at. This one-of-a-kind guest ranch is located in Whitefish, Montana. The property provides an upscale ranch experience and is home to six 800-square-foot homes. Each house features a similar 2-bed, 1-bath floor plan. The first bedroom is on the main floor near the front door while the second is on the second floor. Our cabin provided great views of the Clydesdale pasture and Rue loved sitting on our bed and watching them outside our window. Off the living room towards the back of the house is the kitchen with all the essentials you need for a weekend getaway. These vintage-inspired timber frame cabins are nestled amidst untouched fields where the Clydesdale horses roam and you can enjoy the scenic views from your deck near the fire pit or from the cedar hot tub. For a full tour of our stay watch our video on Instagram.

Visit the Dog-friendliest National Park Yosemite

Yosemite National Park is best known for its waterfalls, but within its nearly 1,200 square miles, you can find deep valleys, lush meadows, giant sequoias, historic granite rocks, and much more. Yosemite is not just a paradise for nature enthusiasts; it’s also a haven for dog lovers. With plenty of dog-friendly activities in and around the park, your four-legged companion can join in on the adventure. First and foremost, exploring the numerous dog-friendly trails is a must. Some popular options include the Bridalveil Fall Trail and the Mirror Lake Loop, offering stunning views while being accessible to dogs on leashes. Additionally, you can take your pup to the Wawona Meadow for a leisurely stroll or enjoy a family picnic at one of the designated dog-friendly picnic areas. If you’re looking for a bit more excitement, enjoy a scenic drive through the park’s beautiful roads with your pup as your co-pilot up to Tunnel View or beyond to Glacier Point. Beyond the park, nearby dog-friendly towns like Mariposa and Groveland offer pet-friendly accommodations and dining options in addition to hikes like Tuolumne Grove, Hite Cove Trail, and Hetch Hetchy to complete your unforgettable Yosemite experience with your beloved furry companion by your side. Check out our dog-friendly guide to Yosemite National Park to help plan your getaway.

Attend a Dog Day for Your Favorite Baseball Team

I love how sporting arenas are becoming more and more welcoming to dogs. I’m not really a sports fan per se where I root for a particular team, but I appreciate the athleticism and social aspects of them as I played sports the first 20 years of my life. I think the first major league sport to start embracing dogs was the MLB and their Bark in the Park program has grown quite a bit over the years. It used to be one game a year where some teams would participate and now 21 teams host dog-friendly game days and many even have multiple games throughout the year where they welcome your furry bestie. The events of the day vary by team/stadium, so I highly encourage you to check your local team’s website to learn more about their dog-friendly game(s) and what you need to do to participate. To get an idea of what a visit to the stadium could look like, here are our recaps from visits to watch the SF Giants and Oakland A’s.

Visit the Dog-friendliest Town in America Carmel-by-the-Sea

Rated one of America’s top beach towns and the #1 dog-friendliest town in America, Carmel checks all the boxes for a dog-friendly getaway. Every dog deserves to visit this fairytale town that is so welcoming of dogs. Carmel Beach is definitely a highlight of Carmel, but there are truly so many unique things you can do here with your dog from enjoying a coastal hike, biking or driving down 17-mile drive, dining on the 18th hole of Pebble Beach, shopping in some of the best dog boutiques, and getting lost down picturesque alleyways. For a full list of activities to do, visit our Dog-friendly Guide to Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Clear Kayak on Lake Tahoe

When visiting Tahoe in the summer, you have to spend a day on the water and what better way to do it than with clear kayaks! Clearly Tahoe runs one dog-friendly tour along their shoreline between Zephyr Cove and Cave Rock or you can rent through Wild Society and go out on your own. If you’re not familiar with kayaking, I would recommend the tour to start. But if you’re comfortable, go for renting a kayak on your own through Wild Society. It offers so much more flexibility for taking videos and photos and I think the rock formations in this area of Lake Tahoe are more epic. We have an entire summer guide for visiting Lake Tahoe with your dog that you can check out for more dog-friendly activities.

Chase Fall Foliage in New England

Seeing New England in the fall had been towards the top of my bucket list for awhile. We finally made it happen in 2023 and spent 15 days chasing fall foliage all over NY, VT, NH, and MA. It was of course the rainiest period the area had had in years, but we made the best of it and got to see so many amazing fall colors. My best advice for chasing fall foliage in this area is to plan from north to south vs state to state and be prepared to just pull over when you come across a pretty grove of trees. We found some of the best colors in places that weren’t on my itinerary. To help with planning, visit our dog-friendly Vermont guide.

Go On a Dog-friendly Bike Ride with Mad Dogs Bike Shop

One of the most unique and fun ways to explore Carmel is by renting a bike and sidecar for your pup from Mad Dogs & Englishment bike shop. Picture cruising along the scenic coastline with your dog happily riding shotgun, ears flapping in the breeze! Mad Dogs Bikes specializes in dog-friendly adventures, providing sidecar attachments that ensure your furry friend is safe and comfortable. Whether you’re exploring Carmel Beach or taking a leisurely ride through town, this experience adds a touch of whimsy and adventure to your visit. Plus, it’s a guaranteed head-turner – prepare for smiles, waves, and plenty of photo ops! For a full list of activities to do, visit our Dog-friendly Guide to Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Kayak Lake Powell to Explore Lower Antelope Canyon

Visiting Antelope Canyon will probably be one of the coolest and most traumatizing things that we’ve ever done. The only way you can visit Antelope Canyon with your dog is by water to the Lower Canyon. In theory this doesn’t sound too bad, but Lake Powell is an active lake with power boats and we set out on this adventure at the beginning of summer. You have to paddle for two miles to the canyon entrance and hope that you survive getting pounded by boat waves along the way. Now this is not to scare you from doing it. Anyone who is up for it should totally do this adventure, but I want to point out that it’s probably not for everyone. The reward at the end of the paddling is totally worth it though.

The most interesting slots in the lower canyon are along the first 1 to 1.5 miles of the sandy hike. There are a few instances where you may need to assist your dog along the hike, but overall it’s an easy, enjoyable, amazingly beautiful, and unique experience. I promise you’ve never seen rock formations like these before.

Pay Homage to the Dogs We’ve Lost at Dog Mountain

Just an hour and a half outside of Stowe in Johnsbury, VT is Dog Mountain. A 150-acre haven atop a mountain where dogs can be dogs and pet parents can honor their beloved fur babies that have crossed the rainbow bridge. When I discovered Dog Mountain on social media, I knew we had to visit to honor our first Goldendoodle Bama and I’m so glad we did. This property is something really special.

The grounds are made up of a network of dog-friendly trails and lakes for off-leash play and year-round scenery with wildflowers in the spring, leaf peeping in the fall, and snow in the winter. They even host dog gatherings and parties on the property and we had the honor of meeting the property dog Honey. She was just the sweetest and greeted every car that pulled up. If you plan to visit, don’t miss our dog-friendly fall guide to Vermont for other things to do, and here’s a full look at our visit to Dog Mountain.

Glamp at Mendocino Grove

Nestled amongst the redwoods right off the coast of Highway 1, you can find a peaceful campsite with luxury safari tents, fun outdoor activities, pristine bathrooms, and all the amenities you need for an enjoyable, yet unplugged weekend. This haven is called Mendocino Grove. The tents at Mendocino Grove are easy to access from your car, yet 30’ apart from other visitors so you have a sense of convenience but also privacy. Situated on a wooden platform, these large safari tents are already a big step above your usual camping tent with heated, queen-sized beds, a coat rack, table and chairs, lamps and electricity to charge your phone. If you’re traveling with a pet, your tent will also come with a dog bed, bowls, and a blanket. The property also has unique amenities like a fenced-in dog park, dog wash, and walking trail loop.

Take a Scenic ride on the Skunk Train

Step back in time for a magical ride through the redwoods on the world-famous Skunk Train. Since 1885 the historic Skunk has made its way through old-growth redwood groves, over scenic trestle bridges, through tunnels, and into the heart of the Noyo River canyon.

We took the Pudding Creek Express train ride. Tickets are 49.95/person and dogs are welcome along for the ride with a $10.95 dog ticket.

The ride is a relaxed and scenic 7-mile roundtrip journey departing the Depot in downtown Fort Bragg, traveling along the beautiful Pudding Creek Estuary and passing into primeval ancient redwoods to the tranquil setting of Glen Blair Junction.

The train stops at Glen Blair Junction for roughly 30 minutes, allowing you to get off and stretch your legs and explore. There is a pavilion for picnicking in the afternoon and if you take the Glen Blair night train on Friday and Saturday nights it turns into a bar.

Romp Under the St. Louis Arch

As St. Louis girlies, we had to include the St. Louis Arch. The Gateway Arch and surrounding grounds make up a national park, and while you and your pup can’t ride to the top of the Arch you both can enjoy the grounds around it and take in the unique monument from the ground (which I think is the better view anyways). The Arch stands 630 ft tall and is the tallest monument in the United States that once represented a gateway to the West and national expansion. It’s free to enter and parking charges vary around the city.

Hike Amongst the Redwoods

Hiking amongst the towering redwoods in Northern California with your dog is a bucket list adventure that promises serenity and unforgettable memories. There’s something magical about walking beneath these ancient giants, with sunlight filtering through the canopy and your pup trotting happily by your side. Luckily, there are several dog-friendly redwood havens to explore. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park near Santa Cruz welcomes dogs on select trails, like the Meadow Trail, offering stunning redwood views. Hendy Woods State Park in Mendocino County allows leashed dogs on paved paths and the Big Hendy Grove trail. Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park in Oakland is another gem (pictured below), featuring wide trails shaded by redwoods where leashed dogs are welcome to enjoy the cool forest air. For a quieter escape, head to Eureka’s Sequoia Park Forest where dogs can join you on peaceful, shaded walks. Whether it’s a leisurely stroll or a full-day hike, sharing the beauty of the redwoods with your four-legged friend is an experience you’ll both cherish.

Walk the Southern Rim of the Grand Canyon

The Southern Rim Trail at the Grand Canyon is the only dog-friendly trail in the national park and spans 12.7 miles of canyon viewpoints stretching from South Kaibab trailhead to Hermit’s Rest. You can easily park at the visitor center and start the trail near Mather Point. The trail is paved and can get hot in the summer. This is a perfect day trip from Sedona, AZ or Page, AZ.

Catch a Sunset at HorseShoe Bend

One of the most photographed sites in northern Arizona is Horseshoe Bend. It attracts more than 2 million visitors every year and is particularly popular for sunset. It’s definitely a crowded experience but the .4 mi path from the parking lot to the viewpoint is wide and there is plenty of space around Horseshoe Bend to enjoy the sunset. We did have to wait for the crowds to clear a bit to get this dead-on shot. There isn’t much else to do in the area, so I’d recommend visiting if you’re already visiting Sedona, AZ, the Grand Canyon, or Page, AZ.

Visit the Most Christmasy Dutch Town in California

Solvang describes itself as one of the most “Christmassy towns in America,” and if you’re a Christmas fanatic like we are it does not disappoint. The town celebrates Julefest all month and the December festival features a light show, a tree lighting, a parade, and other Christmas events throughout the month, including a scavenger hunt to look for a Danish gnome in downtown Solvang. This place is bursting with Christmas spirit and makes for the perfect hygge getaway during the winter season. We visited back in 2021 and assembled a guide of everything we did and where we stayed in Solvang.

Take in the Views of the Golden Gate Bridge

Perhaps San Francisco’s most famous landmark, the Golden Gate Bridge was once taller than any building in the city. With millions of visitors a year, you cannot come to San Francisco without visiting one of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge viewpoints. Scattered all along the peninsula on the SF and Sausalito side are amazing vantage points for the bridge. Here are some of our favorites: Crissy Field, Presidio Tunnel Tops, Fort Point, Bakers Beach, Battery East Trail (pictured below), North Vista Point, Cavallo Point, and Battery Spencer. There’s also a cafe Round House that has a prime viewing spot of the bridge that you can enjoy while sipping coffee and connects to Battery East Trail.

Stand Out on Devil’s Bridge in Sedona

This is one of the most frequented trails in Sedona, but it’s popular for a reason. The trail is 4.2 miles out-and-back and it leads to a beautiful natural sandstone arch. You can walk below it and then take the stairs to the top of it, and if you choose, you can walk right out on top of the bridge. Typically, there is a line to walk out onto the bridge, but the rule is that the person behind you in line will take your picture while you’re out on the bridge. This spot in the hike gives you breathtaking views of the valley and you’ll feel immersed amongst the red rocks. To learn more about this trail and other dog-friendly things you can do in Sedona, visit our guide for everything we did during our visit.

Drive One of the Most Scenic Stretches of Highway in the U.S.

The Pacific Coast Highway is one of the most driven stretches of highway in the U.S. Whether you choose to drive the entire 659 miles or just a fraction thereof, you’ll be rewarded with the most breathtaking views. Certain routes can be done in a day, but we recommend taking your time by starting in San Francisco and slowly making your way to Orange County. The best views are arguably in Big Sur, where you’ll find rugged cliffs against the ocean on one side and redwood forests on the other.

Be Amazed By All the Hoodoos at Bryce Canyon

Bryce Canyon has one main 18-mile road that runs north-south through the park. The first 3-miles of the road are the stretch to prioritize to stop at every viewpoint to see down into Bryce Amphitheater, a hoodoo-filled depression lying below the Rim Trail hiking path, from all angles. For more details on all the viewpoint stops and the one dog-friendly trail, check out our guide to visiting Bryce Canyon.

Enjoy Filet Mignon Off the Pup Menu at the Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay

Staying at The Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay with your dog combines luxury with coastal charm. Imagine cozying up by the fire pit on your room terrace, watching the sunset over the Pacific while your pup lounges on the Ocean Terrace, romping on the dog-friendly beach, and walking the coastal trail. Another one of the highlights? Treating your furry companion to the filet mignon or salmon bowls from the hotel’s in-room pup menu – because your dog deserves a little indulgence too!

Experience Almond Blossom Season in Modesto, CA

Visiting Modesto, CA with your dog during almond blossom season is a magical experience filled with soft pink and white blooms as far as the eye can see. The orchards burst to life in late February to early March, creating picturesque trails perfect for a leisurely stroll with your pup. Many of the country roads and walking paths are dog-friendly, allowing you to soak in the beauty of the blossoms together. Don’t forget to stop by Rodin Ranch Farmers Market in downtown Modesto for fresh, local treats – they even have dog-friendly outdoor seating. Whether you’re snapping photos or simply enjoying the peaceful countryside, almond blossom season in Modesto is a dreamy adventure to share with your dog.

Disconnect and Recharge at Postcard Cabins

Postcard Cabins are all about making more time for free time. With several locations an easy drive from major cities, Getaway’s tiny cabins are a window into nature—giving you the time and space to rest and disconnect with the whole family – even the furry ones. The cabins are dog-friendly, so your dog can join you for a relaxing retreat in the woods. With plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, such as hiking trails and nearby lakes, your dog will have a blast exploring the great outdoors and you’ll have everything you need for a disconnected trip.

Throw a Lamb Chop Themed Birthday Party

Throw your pup a Lamb Chop-themed birthday party for a celebration that’s as adorable as it is nostalgic! Inspired by the beloved plush toy that so many dogs adore, this party is all about soft, fluffy fun. Decorate with red, white, and cream tones to match Lamb Chop’s signature look, and scatter plush Lamb Chop toys around for playtime. A cake shaped like the iconic character or pupcakes with little Lamb Chop toppers will steal the show. You can even dress your dog in a Lamb Chop costume for extra cuteness or DIY a custom pinata stuffed with mini lamb chops like I did.

Take a Ride on a Historic Cable Car in San Francisco

Riding the iconic San Francisco cable cars with your dog is a must-do adventure that blends history, charm, and a little thrill! Dogs are welcome to ride as long as they’re leashed or in a carrier, making it a fun way to explore the city together. Use Muni Mobile for discounted tickets ($8 one way or $13 for a day pass) and your dog does not need a ticket. Dogs can ride during non commute hours but have to be in the enclosed cabin on your lap or at your feet. Pro tip – start your ride early to avoid crowds and give your dog a more relaxed experience.

Dine at the Dog-friendliest Restaurant Boozehounds Palm Springs

Boozehounds Palm Springs was started by three friends for one simple reason… they loved dogs and dreamed of owning a place where people could take their pups, enjoy an awesome cocktail or fab meal, and socialize in style. It’s the dog-friendliest restaurant we’ve ever been to for two reasons: 1) the dog menu is elite and offers fresh food options that accommodate common protein allergies, and 2) dogs are allowed inside in their atrium for dining, which is perfect when visiting in the winter months. We loved dining here for brunch and you can get an inside peek at our visit on Instagram.

Dog-friendly Bucket List Experiences Beyond the United States

See the Glacial Lakes of Banff

Nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park stands as an awe-inspiring, jaw-dropping scene that is quite possibly the most beautiful place I’ve ever visited. It’s no wonder that Banff has captivated the hearts of countless travelers seeking solace in the great outdoors. It sure captured ours. But I think what made it even more special was experiencing this beautiful place with Ruby. The fact that we could witness these vibrant turquoise lakes, set against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks, is a sight that will literally leave you speechless and so grateful that you get to do it all with your furry bestie. Getting to Banff can be a bit of a journey for most, so check out our dog-friendly Banff guide for planning your getaway.

Additional experiences on our bucket list

Dog-friendly Experiences

• Hike the Wave & White Pocket

• Explore Maine & Acadia National Park

• See the Northern Lights

• Explore more of Canada

• Visit all 50 states

• Visit Europe

• See NYC in the Fall

• Leaf peeping in Hope Valley and Mammoth Lakes, CA

• Walk the Freedom Trail in Boston

• Griffith Observatory in LA, CA

• Take in the colorful southern vibes in Charleston, SC

• Asheville, NC

• Crater Lake National Park, Oregon

• Visit a tulip farm in Portland

• Architecture boat tour in Chicago

• Get a pic with the Hollywood sign

• Climb around at Garden of the Gods

• Watch Old Faithful erupt at Yellowstone National Park

• Run up the “Rocky steps” in Philly

• See Cherry Blossom Season in D.C.

• Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway

• Visit White Sands National Park

• Visit Leavenworth for the holidays

• Sacramento River Fox Train

• Truckee River Rafting

• Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad

• Silver Queen Gondola Aspen

• New Orleans Ghost Tour

• Mackinac Island

• Fantastic Caverns Cave Tour in Springfield, MO

• Biltmore Gardens

• Magnolia Plantation & Gardens

• Luray Caverns

• Snoqualmie Falls

• Angel Oak, South Carolina

• Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Wisconsin

• The Berkshires in Fall, Massachusetts

• Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah

• Crater Lake, Oregon

• Hocking Hills State Park, Ohio

• Jekyll Island, Georgia

• Letchworth State Park, New York

• Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts

• Sequim-Dungeness Valley, Washington

• Shiprock, New Mexico

• Shoshone Falls, Idaho

Dog-friendly Stays

• Alila Ventana | Big Sur, CA

• Best Friends Roadhouse | Kanab, UT

• San Ysidro Ranch | Montecito, CA

• AutoCamp | Russian River, CA

• Ritz Carlton | Truckee, CA

• Ojai Valley Inn | Ojai, CA

• Carmel Valley Ranch | Carmel, CA

• Rosewood Miramar Beach | Montecito, CA

• Geneseo Inn | Paso Robles, CA

• Desolation Hotel | Hope Valley, CA

• The Plaza Hotel | NYC

• 1 Hotel | Central Park, NYC

• 1 Hotel | Brooklyn, NY

• Dawn Ranch | Guernville, CA

• Del Coronado | San Diego, CA

• Auberge Resort Bishop’s Lodge | Santa Fe, New Mexico

• The Foundry Hotel Asheville, Curio Collection by Hilton | Asheville, North Carolina

• Kona Kai Resort | San Diego, California

• Perry Lane Hotel | Savannah, Georgia

• Scribner’s Catskill Lodge | Hunter, New York

• Dog Bark Park Inn |Cottonwood, Idaho