Traveling with your dog can be a fun bonding experience for you both. But, it can also be stressful, especially if you don’t plan ahead. There are plenty of places that are dog-friendly, but even more that are not. You don’t want to be caught out on a trip with your pup without a place to stay, or eat, or have anything to do because everywhere you try to go doesn’t allow pets. Starting your research early and using a dog-friendly travel guide can help take the stress out of traveling and ensure you and your dog will be welcomed with open arms. If you’re headed to the “Tar Heel State”, use this North Carolina dog-friendly travel guide to plan an adventure you both will enjoy:

8 Dog-Friendly Activities in North Carolina

A big part of the fun of traveling is exploring new places, having new experiences, and going on fun adventures. You may be welcome in almost every attraction, but your dog won’t be. But, if you fill your trip itinerary with dog-friendly attractions, then you know your pup will be welcome to join you on whatever you decide to do. Here are a few dog-friendly activities in North Carolina to help you plan in some extra fun:

1. Gold City Gem Mine

If your travels take you into Franklin, consider a visit to the Gold City Gem Mine. You can pan for gold and mine for gems with the Smoky Mountains as your background. Anything you find can be inspected and mounted on-site for you to take home. Plus, your dog is welcome to join you as long as they are leashed and well-behaved.

2. Biltmore Estate

The Biltmore Estate is one of the largest homes in the United States. It’s located in Asheville and your dog can join you as you explore over 250 acres of gorgeously landscaped gardens and grounds. Your dog must remain leashed and well-behaved at all times. Unfortunately, your dog is not allowed inside.

However, there is a kennel on-site where your dog can rest while you tour the inside, the rooftop, and the winery of the Biltmore. Plus, you can stop by the nearby Antler Hill Village afterward for some food where several of the restaurants allow dogs in their outdoor seating sections.

3. Freeman Park

Located in Carolina Beach is Freeman Park, which is one of the most dog-friendly beaches along the North Carolina coast. Seagrasses, dunes, and gorgeous vistas await at Freeman Park and the best part is that your dog is welcome to join you for a day on the beach.

Your dog has to be leashed if you’re visiting April through September. But, they’re permitted to be off-leash from October through March, as long as they have mastered basic voice commands.

4. North Carolina Museum of Art Park

If your travels bring you close to Raleigh, set aside some time to explore the North Carolina Museum of Art Park. The park sprawls across 160 acres.

You and your leashed dog can explore woodlands, fields, and creeks along with modern art projects. There are plenty of sculptures to see, including a forest of chairs and a cloud chamber, along with beautiful views and nature trails.

5. Carolina History & Haunts

Located in Charlotte, Carolina History & Haunts will take you on a candlelight-guided tour of the streets and famous landmarks. For about an hour and a half, you’ll hear stories from local history, including ghost stories and haunts, as you explore the town with your guide. They are open all year and your dog is welcome to join you as long as they are leashed and well-behaved.

6. Grovewood Village

If you’re in Asheville, consider spending some time exploring Grovewood Village. It’s right next to the Grove Park Inn and there is a lot of history and art to explore. The sculpture gardens are dog-friendly provided your dog is leashed and well-behaved, and that you clean up after them.

There are also opportunities to visit artists’ studios, explore the history of early Asheville, check out the collection of rare automobiles, and more. There are also plenty of different artisan crafts to see. Arts and crafts from over 500 artists throughout the United States are featured in historic Grovewood Village. Your dog is welcome to join you as you explore the village as long as they are leashed.

7. Craggy Gardens

If you’re planning to explore the Asheville stretch of the Blue Ridge Parkway, look for the Craggy Gardens stop. This is a dog-friendly stop off the Parkway with a relatively easy walking trail and great views.

Provided your dog is leashed, they can join you as you walk the Craggy Pinnacle trail. This 1.5-mile round trip hike features plenty of flora and fauna, including a tunnel of rhododendrons if you’re visiting in the summer during prime bloom, and includes the summit, which features a 360-degree view.

Although the trail is considered relatively easy, it’s still important to check the weather, make sure you are familiar with the trail map, bring water and supplies, and more. Even if it’s an “easy” hike for you and your dog, you still want to make sure you follow good trail etiquette and tips for hiking safely with your dog.

8. French Broad Outfitters

If you’ll be in Asheville during the summer and you want to add some water adventures to your trip, consider booking a float trip with French Broad Outfitters. In addition to kayak and canoe rentals for fun on the water, this outfit also offers self-guided float trips and a tube trip.

Float trips are available in 2-3 hour trips that float by the Biltmore Estate or the River Arts District as well as a 4-5 hour full-day float that includes both and more. Not only does this give you the chance to see Asheville sights in a new and relaxing way, but your dog is welcome to join you if you have a life vest for them and they are very well-trained, well-behaved, and comfortable on the water.

Leashes are not allowed on the river for safety reasons with this outfit, so it’s essential that your dog is extremely comfortable and well-behaved when out in the water with you. If you have never taken your dog paddling before, if they don’t seem comfortable on the water, or don’t reliably follow your direction, this isn’t a good fit for your trip plan.

You can try taking your dog paddling well before your trip to see how they do and get them used to it if it’s something you want to do. However, you’ll want to make sure you have plenty of time to get them accumulated to being out on the water with you and with other people around before planning on one of these float trips.

If they don’t seem comfortable or are even overly excited when in the shop, your dog may not be allowed to join you. Although they are dog-friendly, French Broad Outfitters is serious about safety and reserves the right to refuse dogs on trips for any reason.

3 Dog-Friendly Hotels in North Carolina

After a busy day full of adventure, you and your dog will want a comfortable place to stay. Not all hotels are dog-friendly and hotels with dog-friendly rooms available tend to be booked fast. It’s important to plan and make reservations early to make sure you and your dog have a place to stay. Start your research with these dog-friendly hotels in North Carolina:

1. Atlantis Lodge

This hotel is located in Atlantic Beach. It’s an oceanfront option in the center of North Carolina’s Crystal Coast and is part of Pine Knoll Shores. Not only is the Atlantis Lodge a dog-friendly hotel, but it also frequently tops USA Today’s pet-friendly accommodations list.

There are a ton of amenities including a fenced-in dog park on the property in addition to a pet-washing station. Plus, your pup will receive a treat upon check-in. Additionally, your dog is welcome to join you on the beach as long as they are leashed.

2. Nacho Mama’s The Chalets

If you’ll be staying overnight in Asheville, consider staying at Nacho Mama’s The Chalets. Located just above Asheville, this collection of historic tiny homes is a great place to stay and is dog-friendly.

You’ll have everything you need and your dog can join you for an additional $39 per stay as a pet fee. Big dogs are allowed and you can bring more than one with you.

3. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Charlotte Airport South

Should you be planning to stay overnight in Charlotte, the La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Charlotte Airport South is one option to consider. Located near the airport, businesses, and attractions in Charlotte, this hotel offers several amenities to help soothe the weary traveler.

Plus, it’s dog-friendly! Up to two dogs are welcome to join you, but there is a 75-pound per pet weight limit. There is an additional pet fee, which is $25 per night with a maximum of $75 per stay. If you’ll need to stay for more than three nights, you’ll need to contact the hotel to see if you can make arrangements or look into a different hotel with more options for an extended stay.

3 Dog-Friendly Restaurants in North Carolina

While you and your dog are adventuring, you’ll need to make some time to rest, relax, and rejuvenate with some food. Convenience stores and fast food will get old fast, especially since you’ll miss out on the local flavor if you only visit those. Take a look at these dog-friendly restaurants in North Carolina and see if anything fits your tastes:

1. Battery Park Exchange & Champagne Bar

The Battery Park Exchange & Champagne Bar is located in Asheville. Although it’s more about books than food, your dog is welcome to join you as you peruse their collection of over 22,000 new and used books.

Then, you both can head to the Champagne Bar where you can grab a drink and some snacks or dessert. Plus, your dog is welcome to join you inside and they eat and drink for free.

2. The Flying Saucer

Located in Charlotte and in Raleigh, The Flying Saucer is a dog-friendly restaurant with some local flavor. It’s a great place for some brews and delicious food. Whether you’re a “Beerknurd” or not, the varied menu means everyone will find something they love.

Plus, there is a large outdoor patio where your dog is welcome to join you. Fresh water is provided for your dog and there may be some handmade treats available for you to purchase for them as well.

3. The Square Root

If you’ll be in Brevard around lunch or dinner, consider stopping by The Square Root. From North Carolina mountain trout and hangar steak to sandwiches, salads, a ton of appetizers, and more, there is something on the menu for everyone. If you’ve never tried them, make sure you get an order of fried green tomatoes.

In addition to a varied menu of food and drinks, there is also a large outdoor covered patio. And, your dog is welcome to join you at an outdoor table. Water is usually provided and readily available. Although there isn’t an official doggie menu, you may be able to order a bowl of hamburger or other snacks for your dog. Don’t be afraid to ask!

Enjoy a Dog-Friendly Trip to North Carolina

With this North Carolina dog-friendly travel guide in hand, you’re on your way to an exciting and fun trip you and your dog will be able to enjoy together stress-free. It certainly doesn’t cover everything, but it’s a good start. If you find something else you want to do, just make sure it’s dog-friendly or you have a plan for your dog before it goes on your trip plan.

If you’re headed to another state, take a look at the other dog-friendly travel guides available and we’ll see you on the road. Here’s to plenty of safe travels, happy trails, and wagging tails no matter where your adventures take you!