Flagstaff is a Pawsome Place

A USA Today Blueprint study analyzed six data points to arrive at the most dog-friendly vacation destinations in the U.S. The data reviewed by the Blueprint team included the number per 100,000 residents of these dog-friendly categories: accommodations, restaurants, bars, vet offices, beaches within 50 miles (lakeside and seaside) and trails. A weighted score was assigned to each data point.

The report, published March 13, reveals that Flagstaff is the overall best destination for a dog-friendly vacation, receiving a perfect score in the analysis based on available data.

As visitors and residents have found, Flagstaff is a lovely place to spend the summer. At an elevation of approximately 7,000 feet, it is a four-season climate town, averaging more than 260 days of sunshine each year.

This is good news for pets, too, as Flagstaff ranks fourth for dog-friendly trails, with 132 trails from which to choose, and reflecting the town’s emphasis on outdoor recreation.

Longtime Flagstaff resident Julie Pastrick, president and CEO of the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce, is a big advocate of Flagstaff’s vast forests and nationally recognized Flagstaff Urban Trails System (FUTS pronounced Foots), the second largest after Portland, Oregon.

“Flagstaff is noted as a mecca for huge outdoor recreation opportunities, from hiking, biking, walking, skiing, snowboarding or skating,” she said. “We have it all since we are situated in the largest ponderosa pine forest in the nation and because of accessibility to great parks, trails and mountain climbing.”

She added that runners and hikers alike enjoy the outdoor time with their dogs and there is nothing but “choice after choice of where to go” for outdoor enjoyment, depending on the amount of time you have.

“I think the above is a huge reason for the ranking,” she added. “I couldn’t be happier. I walk with my doggie on a leash all the time. She has as much fun as I do!”

The Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce and the Flagstaff Visitor Center on Route 66 both have trail maps for easy reference and offering choices for where you can take your pets on outside adventures.

Flagstaff also ranks third for the number of pet-friendly restaurants, offering 39 dog-friendly restaurants per 100,000 residents. Also, the town ranks fourth for the number of pet-friendly bars.

Charly’s Pub & Grill in the historic Weatherford Hotel on North Leroux Street downtown is a popular destination for hungry dogs that want to stay with their owners. “We don’t allow dogs indoors in the restaurant, but we do have a small patio off the front of Charly’s on Leroux where dogs on a leash can come and be with their owners,” said Kim Ward, event manager at the Weatherford Hotel. “We bring them a water and they can order off the Pup Menu, items such as a chicken patty, burger patty and a house-made dog biscuit if they’d like.”

There is a charge for pup food, but reaction to the outdoor pet patio, which was put in place last summer, has been positive. “People love it,” Ward added. “Dogs are well behaved for the most part.”

According to the USA Today study, Flagstaff offers 56 dog-friendly accommodations, the highest concentration of any other city in the rankings. A good example of this dog-welcoming mood is the Americana Motor Hotel on Old Route 66 near downtown Flagstaff.

Originally built in 1962, this retro-chic motor lodge has been renovated and reopened last June. The theme is multi-hued with a futuristic feel. The 89 rooms offer playful touches, such as in-room disco balls and geometric carpeting. The property is designed to make dogs feel comfortable as well, with a dog wash and fenced-in grassy walking area.

“We are very excited to have our two and four-legged guests experience this historic – and, now, remodeled – gem on Route 66,” said Zach Miller, general manager at the Flagstaff Americana Motor Hotel. “We have made sure to curate an on-property experience that can be enjoyed by our furry guests as much as their travel companions and hope their experience is also out of this world.”

Up to three dogs are allowed per room but the hotel rules prefer a two-dog maximum. Of course, service animals are also always welcome. The motel is totally pet-friendly and there are no fees for animals. On-property landscaped paths invite humans and dogs to stretch their legs.

Select California locations scored second and third in the study. San Luis Obispo comes in as the second-best city for a dog-friendly vacation, ranking No. 1 for highest concentration of vet offices, as well as nine local beaches and 32 dog-friendly accommodations from which to choose. Santa Barbara ranks third in the study, with 29 dog-friendly restaurants and 19 dog-friendly accommodation options.

The other top 10 dog-friendly destinations included Austin, Texas (4th), followed by Portland, Oregon (5th), San Diego, California (6th), Naples, Florida (7th), Nashville, Tennessee (8th), Denver, Colorado (9th), rounded out by Key West, Florida, at 10th.

Authors of the study are Katy McWhirter and Kara McGinley, both members of the Blueprint team.

McGinley, deputy editor of insurance at USA Today, says the research stage of the study was exhaustive. “To uncover the best dog-friendly vacation destination, we analyzed the Top 50 most visited cities by overseas tourists in 2022, according to the U.S. International Trade Administration,” she said. “Each metric was graded on a 100-point scale, with 100 representing the most favorable vacation destination for dogs. Each city’s weighted average across all metrics was calculated to determine its overall score.”

The dog-friendly data provided in the study may well assist travelers with planning their vacation budgets with Fido in mind. “Many hotels do not allow dogs unless those dogs are certified,” said McGinley, who is a licensed home insurance expert. “In our analysis, we highlighted cities with hotels that allow dogs – sometimes for a fee.”

The Blueprint mission is to “help readers create the blueprint for success in their own lives,” according to the website.

Before jumping in a plane, train or automobile with your dog, the Blueprint study recommends five tips for traveling with a dog: consider pet insurance; make sure your dog has an appropriately-sized crate and ample ventilation; map out pit stops along the way and activities you can do together upon arrival; pack your dog’s favorite blanket or toy; and microchip your dog or update the contact information if your dog already has a microchip or has information on its collar. FBN

By Betsey Bruner, FBN

The full report on the top dog-friendly vacation destinations is available here: https://www.usatoday.com/money/blueprint/pet-insurance/dog-friendly-vacations/.

Photo by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography: Ben Everett and Jacquie Cooper stop for a meal at Charly’s Pub & Grill in the Weatherford Hotel, where dogs are welcome on the patio and menus are available for four-legged customers like Rebel.