Traveling with your pet can challenging. From finding fido-friendly restaurants to figuring out how to entertain their boundless energy, dog-sitting while on a vacation isn't for the faint of heart.
But if you're set on bringing your pupperino on a grand adventure, we're totally in support! There are so many ways to make sure your furry friend can have fun too, and we've compiled a few of our favorite dog-friendly activities so you'll have a good place to start.
So grab your best friend, cuddle up on the couch, and look through these activities, restaurants, parks and trails as you plan your next trip to the waterside!
Washington’s oldest public golf course welcomes doggos too! With 18 holes and panoramic views of the Olympic and Cascade mountains, a snack shop and beer & wine selections, you’re sure to enjoy the day just as much as your pup.
Visit one of Port Townsend’s most popular attractions with your leashed furry friend in tow. The 19th-century military fort is set on 400 acres and features a variety of natural sights and sounds as well as historic structures. Make the most of your visit with a stroll along the 2-mile stretch of saltwater shoreline or a trek through the forests and meadows of this expansive property.
Enjoy one of San Juan Island’s most colorful attractions with your pet by your side. Pelindaba Lavender is located in Friday Harbor and features rows of purple blooms from July to August. Admission to the farm is free, and visitors can harvest their own bouquet with their leashed pup before browsing more than 200 of the farm’s products — including lavender dog bones!
Explore San Juan Island in style with a Scoot Coupe from Susie’s Mopeds. With room for two (or three if you have a lap dog), this three-wheeled vehicle can take you all over the island, from shore to shore, so you can take full advantage of your trip. And, we bet your dog will enjoy the ride too!
With 40+ acres of partially-enclosed meadows, Patmore Pit is a dog haven. Located in central Whidbey Island, this park is maintained by volunteers and features a water spigot, widely-dispersed bag dispensers. Let your pooch run free as you explore the property on foot or try your luck at the pup agility course. With tall trees, rolling hills and even a small dog area, this park has something for everyone.
Just southeast of central Bellingham, Lake Padden Park is the perfect place for a family picnic. With mountain biking trails, water access and pavilions, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities — as can their furry friends. Take your pup for a leashed walk around the lake, or head into the surrounding hills, where dogs are permitted to run off-leash. The park also offers a fenced off-leash dog area, which includes a small dog area, play pools and creek access. Just make sure to bring your own poop bags!
Home to the Anacortes Dog, this beloved local spot is conveniently located across from a dog park and the water. Their minimalist menu offers all-American options (hot dogs, veggie dogs, chowder, chili, etc) to enjoy while exploring the waterside or watching your pup play.
At Bellingham’s first dog bar, it’s all about the dogs. Owners Rylan & Amy Schoen created this business to blend their love of craft beer with their dog Crosby’s need to play. At Paws for a Beer, dogs with a membership (daily options available) can enjoy the company of other pups off-leash while their parents enjoy a pint.
This gorgeous loop features stunning views of Deception Pass and the historic bridge. Labeled as moderate, this 2.4-mile loop is perfect for kids and pets alike. Between August and December is the best time to hike, though the trail is maintained year-round. Keep an eye out for the area’s beautiful Madrona trees and, in the summer, colorful wildflowers.
Hovander Homestead is an expansive park in Ferndale with activities and sights for the whole family. The entire park is pet-friendly, with some off-leash trails and meadows. Sidewalks guide visitors past a playground, historic buildings and structures, restrooms and farm animals. Visit in the summer to experience the lush, vibrant gardens on-site and enjoy the river access at the northwest end of the park.
Located on the south shore of Whidbey Island, Double Bluff Beach and Off-Leash Area offers breathtaking views of the Puget Sound — and on clear days, Mount Baker, Mount Ranier and numerous mountain ranges. Let your pups enjoy 2 miles of sandy beaches and gentle waves. If you time it right, the beach extends at low tide to rippling mudflats, perfect for playing frisbee and staying relatively dry!
