Are you starting to think of a summer vacation and want to include your dog in your plans?

Yes I am co-owner of a wonderful boarding facility and love taking care of people’s dogs when they travel, but sometimes you just want to take your dog with you.

I know I do.

If you’re thinking of a road trip type vacation and are interested in ideas for dog friendly locations, here are some ideas that are within a reasonable driving distance from Central Florida.

Interested in beach vacations? How about these ideas?

• Key West. Very dog friendly. There is a wide range of dog friendly accommodations, restaurants, and things to do.

• Sanibel / Captiva islands. Off the west coast of Florida near Ft. Myers, both islands welcome dogs. When Rocky was alive, my husband and I used to go to Captiva twice a year because Rocky loved the beach and the water there.

  It didn’t hurt that we loved it as well!

• The Panama City Beach areas, including Destin, Ft. Walton Beach and surrounding areas. The beaches there are dog friendly as are many of the lodging options. The often calm water makes it an ideal location for dogs that may be cautious of water and waves.

  Southeast of Panama City is St. George Island, a great secluded spot for hanging with your dog.

• Saint Augustine and Crescent Beach. Close enough for a short get away, but fun for you and your dog.

• Amelia Island / Fernandina Beach in northeast Florida near the Florida / Georgia border makes for a quiet get away with your dog.

• The Outer Banks in North Carolina. Most of this area, including the beaches is dog friendly.

What about mountains or hiking?

While there are great options in Tennessee, Georgia and Virginia, my go-to mountain/hiking spot is anywhere in the North Carolina mountains from Cashiers/Highlands, to Asheville. One of my favorites is Maggie Valley because there is a wide range of dog friendly cabins to rent, plus it’s close to the Blue Ridge Parkway and numerous hiking opportunities for you and your dog. Asheville is also nearby, with great dog friendly restaurants.

Other great getaways.

• Savannah. This charming, picturesque city is loaded with historical homes and things to do, and there are a good number of dog friendly hotels, B&Bs and small inns. Along the riverfront there are a number of shops, bars and restaurants where you can just hang out with your dog, and enjoy the sights.

• Charleston, another picturesque, historical city. The old part of the city and the waterfront are a beautiful place to walk around with your dog.

• If you’re looking for a dog friendly romantic bed and breakfast escape, try The Mansfield Plantation in Georgetown, SC. The plantation was built in 1718, and sits on about 1000 acres on the banks of the Black River. It still has the original slave quarters on the property. The original children’s schoolhouse and kitchen have been converted into bedrooms, while the plantation itself houses the breakfast room, kitchen and other essentials. Today, it is owned and operated by a descendent of the original plantation owners.

This is only scratching the surface of the many destinations that are within a day’s drive of Central Florida where you can take your dog along.

One of my favorite road trips with my husband and Rocky was a drive up the east coast to Ocracoke Island just south of the Outer Banks stopping along the way for a few days at a number of different spots.

Whatever you enjoy, be it spending time on the beach, experiencing the history or culture of a particular area, fine dining, sightseeing, camping, hiking, or simply enjoying a quiet spot to relax, these are all available to see and do with your dog.

Just use your imagination, pack up your family and dog, and take off!

We are the only Orlando dog boarding and Orlando doggie day care center that has an indoor heated pool for dogs. See it for yourself by scheduling a tour!

Rocky's Retreat | 2826 Shader Rd. Orlando FL 32808 | info@rockysretreat.com | (407) 295-3888