After hiking Turtleback Mountain Preserve, swimming the cool waters of North Beach (end of North Beach Rd.), and romping in Eastsound’s off-leash dog park (Mt. Baker Rd. at North Beach Rd.; orcasdogpark.org), your pup will hope every car ride leads to the island ferry (from $39; dogs ride free; wsdot.wa.gov). West Beach Resort (from $99, plus $18 per night pet fee; 877/937-8224) offers cabins on a ½-mile dog- and family-friendly beach. ―B.F.
6. Near Tucson
Give your dog a break from the heat: Head to the oak-shaded trails of Madera Canyon ($5 per vehicle), 40 miles south of Tucson. From your deck at Santa Rita Lodge (from $95, plus $25 per night pet fee; 520/625-8746), you and Sparky can watch for the canyon's 200 species of birds at dusk.
In the morning, dog in tow, stroll the 1.8-mile round-trip Bog Springs Trail; it's wildflower-flush during late summer's monsoon
season.
―Tim Vanderpool
7. Carmel, CA
Welcome to Monterey Bay's pooch paradise. This tree-shaded village has dog-loving hotels ― the Cypress Inn (from $205, plus $30 per night pet fee; 800/944-7443) is most famous ― and restaurants: We like Casanova ($$$$; Fifth Ave. at Mission St.; 831/625-0501) and the Forge in the Forest ($$$; Fifth Ave. at Junipero Ave.; 831/624-2233). The shopping center Carmel Plaza has a dogs-only watering spot, the Fountain of Woof (Ocean Ave. at Mission St.; 831/624-1385). And at Carmel City Beach (end of Ocean Ave.), dogs can legally gambol off-leash. ―Peter Fish
8. Santa Barbara
A private rock-rimmed wading pool. Camp Run-a-Muk day camp. It's all at the Hearst Castle of kennels, Camp Canine (from $45 per day, $60 per night; 805/962-4790). While you're out enjoying Santa Barbara’s pleasures ― like Old Spanish Days (Aug 5–9, 2009) ― rest assured your dog is having a good time too. Maybe a better time. Added bonus: Camp Canine is walking distance from the world's best taco joint, La Super-Rica Taqueria ($; 622 N. Milpas St.; 805/963-4940). ―P.F.
9. Petaluma, CA
Fish gotta swim, and shepherds want to herd. Only problem is that you don't own sheep, which is why Spot's best vacation ever will be at Dairydell Canine (open Mon–Fri; reservations required; $50 per hour; 707/762-6111). Seasoned sheepdog handler Frank Souza can coax even city shepherds into focused farm dogs ― at least for a few minutes. Afterward, lunch at cafe-bakery Della Fattoria ($; closed Mon; 141 Petaluma Blvd. N.; 707/763-0161). Try the open-face white bean and tuna sandwich; your dog will pass on lunch ― she’ll be sleeping under the table, dreaming of sheep. ―Elizabeth Jardina
10. Walla Walla, WA
At funky, dog-friendly Dunham Cellars, two wines are named for dogs: The "Three Legged Red" ($19) is a meaty red blend; the "Four Legged White" ($14) is a lush, balanced Riesling ($5 tasting fee; 150 E. Boeing Ave.; 509/529-4685). Later, crash comfortably at downtown's Marcus Whitman Hotel (from $129, plus $20 per night pet fee; 866/826-9422). ―Sara Schneider
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