East coast or west coast? How far are you willing to drive?

Traverse City Michigan. Flathead Lake Montana.

Not driving; I'll fly. I have enough miles to take me on a decent flight.

two25acres, thanks. Why? What are the things that would take me there?

The San Juan Islands in Washington state. They're popular, beautiful, serene, and can provide what you're looking for in a get-away.

San Juan Islands

Lake Tahoe is nice and absolutely beautiful. It has beaches and mountains together, with a huge amount of wilderness and hiking areas. There are many restaurants, eateries and activities to choose from in the South Lake Tahoe/Stateline portion, but seclusion is still very close by. For even more variety, a dryer, desert area is as close as 20-30 minutes from Stateline. Many day trips to historical areas are also an option.

There is a large number of dog owners in the area, and the people are generally friendly, but not intrusively so. I have no idea of the prices there though, as we always got to stay for free (sometimes working and other times as a sweet job perk).

I've been looking at Seabrook, WA cottages as a possible location for a multi-family holiday. Dog-friendly...beach access...small town flavor.

I will second sephia_wa suggestion -- August is just the most beautiful time out there. Just lovely.

Can't recommend the OBX enough.

We take our dogs every year and look forward to being with our dogs on the beach, long walks, nice restaurants and shopping.

Lots to do if you want, or you can just be a beach bum and stare at the stars all night long.

Wild mustangs, too!

Duck, NC in the Outer Banks for a dog-friendly beach.

There are several dog-friendly beaches in the OBX. The exact rules can vary from beach to beach (leash, no leash etc.).

No help, but I am doing something similar, just without a dog. I mean, get away. However mine is cycling oriented and I would love contacts... My plan a ginormous loop around the whole group of the Great lakes. Oh, should put that in another thread I guess. Sorry, no help.

Moni

Flathead lake, beautiful scenery. Serene, peaceful. People or no people. Lots of hiking, walking etc. Traverse City, people but laid back and really pretty area. I would do either of them alone.

I would normally suggest a few special places we love in the Texas Gulf Coast and South Louisiana area but not in August.

One of our favorite places we used to go to every year was the State park at Grayton Beach Florida but again it will be hot.

I suggest checking the various state parks that have rental cottages and cabins many are dog friendly. We did that often before the rv.

Great!!!! Thank you all.

Mimi, I don't know what OBX is. Could you clarify?

I will look into everything that each of you suggested.

Sorry, Suzieue. OBX is the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

Duck is the only city in the Outer Banks - that I know of - where a dog can be off leash on the beach in the summer. If you know of others, I would love to hear about them!

Nice!!! And great pics

The last couple of summers we've gone to Block Island, off the coast of Rhode Island. Largely because my wife's family would all go there for vacation when she was young, and because her sister has now bought a vacation home on the island.

The main part of the busiest beach has a sign saying dogs must be on leash, but most of the rest of the beaches around the whole island I've seen dogs off leash.

I know nothing about finding a dog-friendly place to stay, but I know the ferry does allow dogs.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g54061-i724-k2835634-Is_BI_really_dog_friendly-Block_Island_Rhode_Island.html

Isn't flying hard on a dog? I'm asking, because I don't know.

The outer banks of NC are lovely with miles of beach and no hills. However, the hurricane season can be iffy. If a storm is brewing in the Atlantic, it is time to evacuate to the mainland. After the last ferry leaves, there is only one way off and that is at the north end. If you are on one of the disconnected islands, the ferry is the only way off.

This is all such great information; you've come through again! I love the KT.

With the info you've all provided now I've got some things to go on and investigations to do, well ahead of summer.

Rhizo, I can't speak for all dogs, but my small dog has flown with me on 4 or 5 trips and does very well. Not a peep out of her; I peeked into her carrier during our last flight and she was sounds asleep, curled up like she does at home. To be in the cabin, dogs have to be in a carrier that fits under the seat in front of you. They can't come out of the carrier during the flight. That works fine for us. She is perfect.

Again, thanks everyone; I'll let you know what I decide, when I decide.

Suzieque (and from my dog: "Woof"!)

I'm relatively close to the NC beaches, so have been there quite a few times. It's great for sun, sand, and ocean, and you can find a mix of touristy or quieter places. But me, I've only been to the west coast a handful of times. So for a bigger change of pace, I'd go to Portland or Seattle. Dog friendly, walking friendly, plenty of water, nearby mountains, tons of food choices, quiet nightlife.

Are you aware of the total solar eclipse, visible in a wide swath across the US on August 21st? You may want to take that opportunity into consideration.

Wow, Nickel - no, I didn't know that. Thanks for presenting that info; yes, great opportunity.

Traverse City, Michigan area is the best. Many lakes and resorts.

National Geographic Traveler arrived today. On page 59, there is an article "Shore Bets for Every Beach Lover."

Canine Companions category:

Oregon Cannon Beach - Rover is welcome on most of Oregon's 400 miles of public beaches, including this wide ribbon of hard-packed sand that has the added eye candy of Haystack Rock looming offshore.

California Carmel-By-The-Sea - It's hard to say who gets more pleasure on Carmel's beach, the pooches that can romp off leash or their "pawrents" who can gawk at world-famous Pebble Beach.

See: The dog Lover's Guide to Travel

I LOVE it!

Maine!

Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, Maine, Vermont? (I was in RI most summers as a kid.) Door County, Wisconsin? Wyoming? I'd want to be NORTH in August.

Agree, San Juan Islands in WA. I have found the PNW very pet friendly. On my last trip to Seattle saw a woman w/ dog in Target and a woman riding the bus with a cat on her shoulder.