Everyone should have a summer break, even your pet! If you want to have fun with your furry friend without spending too much money, we have some ideas for you!
If you can’t afford a pricey trip, there are still many ways to have a good time. Consider taking one of these affordable summer road trips with your pets this year!
Pets enjoy going on car rides, so why not plan a vacation where they can come along? There are many great places to visit in the United States, and if you travel smartly, you can take more trips!
Camping in your car or in a tent can help you save money, and no matter where you choose to go, there are plenty of fun places to discover. Here are some of our top picks for affordable pet-friendly summer road trip destinations:
Washington’s Olympic Peninsula
Driving along the rugged coast of Washington will be amazing. From Seattle, go west around the southern part of Puget Sound to Highway 101.
Make sure to visit Ruby Beach, where pets on leashes are allowed, and Cape Flattery, the westernmost point in the contiguous United States! You can find cheap places to camp all over the Olympic Peninsula. There are also many pet-friendly hiking trails in the Olympic National Forest and at Fort Warden State Park.
Take some time to explore the charming downtown area of Port Townsend. Then, take the ferry to Whidbey Island and spend a day at Deception Pass State Park before returning to Seattle.
Route 66 – Illinois to California
Traveling on historic Route 66 is great because you can make your trip as long or short as you like. It goes through seven states and many cities and towns, so there’s something for everyone.
There are pet-friendly attractions all along Route 66, including four of America’s most pet-friendly national parks!
If you want to stay at a pet-friendly campground in one of the national parks, book your spot early because they get full quickly. Don’t forget to mark these stops on your map: the Gateway Arch, Petrified Forest, Grand Canyon, and Joshua Tree.
Blue Ridge Parkway – Virginia to North Carolina
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a long park in America, stretching 469 miles from Shenandoah National Park to the Great Smoky Mountains. It has lots of scenic views, waterfalls, and beautiful landscapes to explore with your dog.
There are campgrounds along the way, and some must-see stops include Rocky Nob Recreation Area (milepost 169) and Mabry Mill (milepost 176).
If you have extra time, consider visiting the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina for a day.
Great River Road – Minnesota to Louisiana
The Great River Road National Scenic Byway runs alongside the Mississippi River from northern Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. It goes through cities and small towns and has lots of pet-friendly activities and sights to see!
You should check out Itasca State Park, Effigy Mounds National Monument, the Gateway Arch, Shelby Farms Park, and spend time in New Orleans.
You could drive the whole way in 36 hours, but it’s more fun to take 7 to 10 days to explore the Great River Road.
Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail – Illinois to Oregon
Similar to Route 66 and the Great River Road, you can choose to travel the whole or part of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. This route follows the path Lewis and Clark took over 200 years ago from Illinois to the Pacific Ocean. But instead of traveling by water like they did, you’ll be driving on roads and highways!
The town of St. Charles, Missouri, is rich in history and very welcoming to pets. It’s located near the start of the trail and is definitely worth a visit. Another highlight is the Knife River Indian Villages, where Lewis and Clark encountered Sakakawea. Finally, the trail ends near Portland, Oregon, a fantastic destination to enjoy nature with your furry companion!
The Natchez Trace Parkway – Tennessee to Mississippi
Managed by the National Park Service, the Natchez Trace Parkway stretches 444 miles from Nashville, Tennessee, to Natchez, Mississippi. It’s a scenic route without any billboards, strip malls, or traffic lights, giving you a glimpse of the past.
Along the way, there are over 100 exhibits, signs, and 28 pet-friendly hiking trails to explore. You can also find budget-friendly campgrounds in national forests like Davis Lake and Rocky Springs. If you have extra time, consider visiting the charming town of Natchez for a day or two.
