Connecticut is a great destination for pet owners looking to take a break from the daily grind and enjoy some quality time with their furry companions. From parks and beaches to museums and galleries, there are plenty of destinations that welcome pets in the Constitution State. If you’re planning a trip with your four-legged friend, here are some of the best pet-friendly destinations in Connecticut.
Hiking Trails and Parks
Connecticut is home to many hiking trails and state parks that are pet-friendly. Some of these include:
Sleeping Giant State Park
Located in Hamden, Sleeping Giant State Park offers several hiking trails that are dog-friendly. Your furry friends can explore the park’s 30 miles of trails, streams, and waterfalls. However, they must be on a leash at all times.
Talcott Mountain State Park
Located in Simsbury, Talcott Mountain State Park has a beautiful view of the Connecticut River Valley. This park offers hiking trails for dogs and their owners to explore. They must be on a leash and owners must clean up after their dogs.
Wadsworth Falls State Park
Located in Middletown, Wadsworth Falls State Park offers 21 trails for pets and their owners to enjoy. Here, your furry companions can hike, swim, and play in the park’s falls and streams. Dogs must be on a leash at all times.
Beaches
Connecticut has over 600 miles of coastline, and some of the state’s beaches are pet-friendly. A few beaches that allow pets include:
Hammonasset State Park Beach
Located in Madison, Hammonasset State Park Beach is one of the most popular pet-friendly beaches in Connecticut. Dog owners can enjoy the park’s wide sandbar beaches with their dogs on a leash. In addition, the park offers picnic areas, trails, and campgrounds.
Bluff Point State Park
Located in Groton, Bluff Point State Park is a well-known dog park. The park offers beautiful views of the Long Island Sound, hiking trails, and picnic areas. It also has a swimming area where your furry friends can play in the water.
Silver Sands State Park Beach
Located in Milford, Silver Sands State Park Beach is a nature preserve with a boardwalk that leads to the beach. The park allows dogs on leashes. They can explore the park’s trails and beaches with their owners.
Museums and Galleries
Connecticut is home to several museums and galleries that welcome pets. A few of these include:
New Britain Museum of American Art
The New Britain Museum of American Art is one of the most popular museums in Connecticut. They allow visitors to bring their dogs into the museum as long as they are well-behaved, on a leash, and under the owner’s control.
Connecticut River Museum
Located in Essex, Connecticut River Museum welcomes pets, provided they are on a leash. Your furry friends can explore the museum’s exhibits, take a stroll along the river, and even attend special events with their owners.
Florence Griswold Museum
Located in Old Lyme, the Florence Griswold Museum is a must-visit spot for pet owners. The museum allows dogs on leashes in their gardens and grounds, which are home to a sculpture garden, artist studios, and exhibitions.
Accommodations
Traveling with pets requires finding pet-friendly accommodations. Fortunately, Connecticut has numerous hotels, motels, and bed and breakfasts that allow pets. A few examples include:
The Goodwin Hotel
Located in Hartford, The Goodwin Hotel welcomes pets for an additional fee. The hotel often offers water bowls and pet beds upon request.
The Wenonah Inn
Located in Lakeville, The Wenonah Inn welcomes pets for an additional fee. They have several accommodations that cater to pet owners and have plenty of green space for pets to stretch their legs.
The Inn at Harbor Hill Marina
Located in Niantic, The Inn at Harbor Hill Marina welcomes pets for an additional fee. They have several rooms with private entrances which makes it easy for pet owners to bring their furry friends outside for a walk.
Conclusion
Connecticut offers an abundance of pet-friendly destinations. From hiking trails and beaches to museums and accommodations, there is no shortage of places for pet owners to enjoy with their furry companions in the Constitution State. With so many options, it’s no wonder why Connecticut is a top destination for pet lovers.