Traveling with your dog can be a fun adventure full of memories. But, it can be stressful if you don’t plan ahead because you can’t guarantee every place you go will welcome your dog. Planning ahead can help you make sure you have dog-friendly things to do and places to stay on your trip itinerary. If you’re planning to head to “The Diamond State”, start your research with this Delaware dog-friendly travel guide:

5 Dog-Friendly Activities in Delaware

Everywhere you go will have interesting sights to see and things to do. Not every attraction allows dogs, but some do. Take a look at some of these dog-friendly activities in Delaware to see if any are a good fit for you:

1. Cape May Lewes Ferry

The Cape May Lewes Ferry is a fun dog-friendly attraction for any sea-faring pooch. Your dog can’t be in the food court area, but they are more than welcome in the other parts of the ferry. As long as your dog is leashed and well-behaved, they are welcome to join you on this ferry voyage for no extra charge.

2. Silver Lake County Park

Silver Lake County Park is located in Dover. It features playgrounds for children in addition to fishing, boating, and swimming. Additionally, there is a good trail for walking with regularly placed poop bags and trash receptacles available. Your dog is welcome to join you in the park as long as you clean up after them and they are leashed.

3. Killens Pond State Park

Located in Felton is Killens Pond State Park. This state park is a popular recreation spot for locals and tourists alike. It’s a 66-acre millpond that features a water park, several hiking trails, and a picnic area.

Although your dog is not allowed in the water park or picnic areas, they are permitted to join you on the trails as long as they are leashed and under your control. The only place they are permitted to be off-leash is in the designated off-leash areas. Dogs must also be licensed and up to date on their rabies vaccination, so it wouldn’t be a bad idea to have proof of this with you.

4. Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge

If you and your dog enjoy spending time in nature and your travels bring you near Smyrna, carve out some time for the Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge. This nature preserve features almost 16,000 acres to explore. And, your dog is welcome to join you as long as you clean up after them and they are leashed and under your control at all times.

5. Cape Henlopen State Park

The state parks of Delaware have rules for visiting dogs, so the spaces are kept clean and safe. The Operations and Maintenance Section of the Parks and Regulations Board expect dog owners to be responsible for their pets.

They anticipate that owners will clean up after their pets, and able to provide proof of rabies vaccinations. Some beaches are also accessible to pets, and some are not. The state parks provide clear maps with guidelines for where dogs are and are not allowed. Dogs are not generally allowed on “swimming” beaches during the summer season, but are permitted on surfing and fishing beaches.

Try camping with your pup at the beach! For example, Cape Henlopen in Lewes, Delaware is a great place to take your dog. Plus, there are plenty of cute towns around this sandy nature spot with dog-friendly businesses to explore nearby. Your dog will love the sandy pine forest!

3 Dog-Friendly Hotels in Delaware

After a day full of fun, you want to make sure both you and your dog have a place where you can relax and rest up for the next day. Some hotels have dog-friendly rooms and some don’t. And, the ones that do have dog-friendly rooms are usually booked fast.

Make sure you find the right hotel for you and reserve a room ahead of time, so you know you have a place to stay that will welcome your dog. Here are a few dog-friendly hotels in Delaware to kickstart your research:

1. Lazy L B&B at Willow Creek

If you need to stay overnight in Lewes, consider booking a room at the Lazy L B&B at Willow Creek. Not only does this bed & breakfast offer a prime location, but they are also dog-friendly. You are welcome to bring up to three dogs of any size with you for your stay.

There is an additional pet fee, which is $30 per stay and per dog. Also, you can leave well-behaved dogs in your unattended for up to four hours. On top of that, there is a fenced-in off-leash dog area on-site for your dog to enjoy and waste bags are provided for your convenience. They also offer each guest a guide to dog-friendly activities in the area.

2. Hyatt Place Dewey Beach

If you’ll need a place to stay in Dewey Beach, the Hyatt Place Dewey Beach is dog-friendly. You are welcome to bring two dogs that are up to 75 pounds with you for your stay. There is an additional pet fee, which is $75 per stay. If you are staying for over seven nights, the additional pet fee is $100 per stay.

You are allowed to leave your dog unattended in your room. But, you will want to make sure they are quiet and well-behaved when you are not around as you are responsible for any noise complaints or damage to the room they may cause in your absence. There is a grassy area on-site and a few more across the street. Waste bags are provided in the on-site area and treats are available at the front desk.

3. Sleep Inn & Suites Dover

Should your travels bring you for an overnight stay in Dover, consider booking a room at the Sleep Inn & Suites. You are welcome to bring up to two dogs that are up to 60 pounds with you for a stay in this hotel.

There is an additional pet fee, which is $20 per night and per dog. You can leave your dog unattended in your room as long as they are crated. Just make sure you leave your cell phone number with the front desk before you leave. Also, there is a grassy area on-site that your dog can use.

4 Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Delaware

When you’re traveling with your dog, you’ll have the food you bring with you. If you need to stop somewhere on the way, convenience stores and fast food drive-thrus can be dog-friendly options. But, that can get really boring, really fast.

Instead of missing out on the local flavor, consider having a meal at one of these dog-friendly restaurants in Delaware if your travels bring you nearby:

1. P.U.P.S. of Lewes

This stop is all about your dog and is worth some of your time if your travels bring you near Lewes. P.U.P.S. stands for Pawsitively Unique Pet Shop and your dog is welcome to join you as you browse. In addition to supplies like leashes, collars, apparel, and more, P.U.P.S. of Lewes also specializes in natural treats.

2. Salty Paws Ice Cream and Bakery

Salty Paws Ice Cream and Bakery is located in Rehoboth Beach and is completely dog-friendly! This stop can be for you, but it’s mostly for your dog. Salty Paws specializes in ice cream and baked good treats made specifically for dogs! This doggy ice cream parlor can be the perfect break from the heat of the beach while you and your dog enjoy a frosty treat.

3. Dogfish Head Brewing & Eats

Dogfish Head Brewing & Eats is a local favorite in Rehoboth Beach. In addition to a wide selection of craft beers on tap, they also offer a menu with a variety of options. From chicken mac and cheese to crab and corn chowder, wings, pizza, and more, there is something on this menu for everyone. Plus, the outdoor patio is dog-friendly!

4. Fish On

Located in Lewes is Fish On. Don’t let their name fool you if you’re not the biggest fan of seafood. This restaurant may offer plenty of seafood options, but they also offer a wide variety of other options too. There is bound to be something for everyone on this menu. Plus, your dog is welcome to join you on the outdoor patio where they’ll get a bowl of water and maybe some treats too!

Traveling with your dog doesn’t have to be stressful and this Delaware dog-friendly travel guide can be a good place to start when planning your trip. It doesn’t cover everything available, but it can help you identify a few places. If you find something else you want to do, just make sure to check out the website or give them a call to make sure they’ll be happy to have your dog visit too.

If you’re headed somewhere else during your travels, check out the other dog-friendly travel guides available. Here’s to safe travels, happy trails, and wagging tails no matter where your adventures may take you!