Jet Express provides a thrilling ride for two- and four-legged passengers across the sparkling waters of Lake Erie from Port Clinton, OH. On the other side, you’ll arrive at exciting destinations like Put-in-Bay and Kelleys Island, where leashed dogs are welcome on trails at the state park. If you’re coming from Marblehead to Kelleys Island, ride aboard the Kelleys Island Ferry, and if you’re hoping to explore Catawba Island and Catawba Island State Park, book a ride on Miller Ferries instead. Each service provides you and your pooch with a fresh lake breeze and stunning Lake Erie views.

If you have time to take all three rides, spend the night at White Caps Motel and enjoy a meal on the patio of local favorite, The Gristmill.

Set sail on a delightful adventure with your furry friend aboard the Balboa Island Ferry. This charming boat has been connecting Balboa Island and Balboa Peninsula in Newport Beach for over a century, offering a quick and scenic ride across the tranquil waters of Newport Harbor. With your pup by your side, enjoy panoramic views of luxury yachts, playful seals and picturesque waterfront homes. Once you arrive, feast on a hearty breakfast with Fido at Wilma’s Patio. Balboa Island Ferry permits cars, bicycles and pedestrians to travel with dogs on board.

Extend your stay in Newport Beach and book a room at Balboa Inn on the Beach, located just a few blocks from the ferry terminal.

Embark on an unforgettable maritime adventure with your furry companion aboard the Island Express Ferry in coastal North Carolina. Enjoy a gateway to the pristine shores of Shackleford Banks and Cape Lookout National Seashore, where you and your pup can explore unspoiled beaches, frolic in the surf, and witness the wild horses that call the island home. For more ferry fun in North Carolina, head toward the state’s border with South Carolina and hop aboard the Fort Fisher Ferry in Southport for a cruise to Hatteras Island or Ocracoke in the Outer Banks.

After exploring the town of Beaufort, end the day in your pet-friendly room at Pecan Tree Inn, a charming bed and breakfast located in the historic district.

All aboard Starline Mackinac Island Ferry Company! Pups are permitted on board the company’s many vessels, including hydro-jet ferries which produce a unique water-jet rooster tail for an exhilarating experience. The ferries depart from Straits State Park in St. Ignace on the Upper Peninsula and from Mackinaw City on the Lower Peninsula, taking passengers on a four-mile cruise across Lake Huron to magical Mackinac Island. If the ferry is booked for your preferred time, Shelpler’s Ferry is another pet-friendly service providing transportation between Mackinaw City and Mackinac Island.

Make it a weekend trip on Mackinac Island and stay at Mission Point Resort. While you’re there, tour the island by carriage or rent a bicycle and trailer to explore on your own.

Cruise the Hudson River with Fido and Hudson Ferry Co. The daily commute takes people and pets between Hudson and Athens, but for additional fun on the water, you’ll want to join the one-hour sightseeing cruise. You’ll board at Hudson River Park and cruise past attractions like Athens Hudson Lighthouse and under the Rip Van Winkle Bridge before returning to the park. Special trips, like a sunset cruise or “ferryoke” for those with vocal talents, are other bookable options. Snacks and drinks are available for purchase on board so you can truly relax while you float.

Book a room at Hotel Hugo on Manhattan’s Lower West Side and you’ll be just blocks from the park, which also includes Leroy Street Dog Park so Fido can get his zoomies out before boarding the ferry.

Bask with Fido in the Florida sunshine on board the St. Johns River Ferry. This scenic car and passenger ride crosses the St. Johns River, connecting Mayport Village and Fort George Island, and it departs every half hour. Once you reach the other side, take your leashed pup for a stroll and history lesson around Fort George Island Cultural State Park, a site of human occupation for over 5,000 years. If you travel on board the ferry during a weekend, Friends of the Ferry provides ambassadors to answer questions about the area. You’ll learn details about the Timucuan Preserve, part of the National Park System, which you’ll pass through.

For convenient access to the ferry terminal and local attractions like dog-friendly Atlantic Beach, spend the night at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Jacksonville-Mayport/Beach an IHG Hotel.

Drive, ride or walk on board the Cape May Lewes Ferry in Cape May, NJ and enjoy an 85-minute sail across the Delaware Bay to Lewes. Pets are welcome on all exterior decks, and Fido will love feeling the wind in his fur and smelling the sea breeze. If you’d like to grab a bite to eat from the ferry restaurant, just let a staff member know and they’ll be happy to watch your pup while you order. Or, once you’re off the boat at the Lewes terminal, head to Grain On the Rocks where Fido is welcome to join you at an outdoor table while you enjoy lunch or dinner.

Depending on where you debark from the ferry, Home2 Suites by Hilton Lewes Rehoboth Beach and Boarding House Cape May both offer convenient and comfortable lodging for people and pups ready to explore these dog-friendly towns.

Spending a weekend in dog-friendly Seattle? Take Fido for a ride on the Whidbey Island Ferry. “Pawsengers” board in Mukilteo and take a 20-minute cruise across the Puget Sound to Clinton, on Whidbey Island. While you’re there, you can let Fido run off leash at Double Bluff Dog Beach, one of the best dog beaches on the West Coast, enjoy views of Mount Rainier and Mount Baker, and also check out Fort Ebey State Park to explore the 28 miles of pet-friendly hiking trails.

After all the island fun Fido can handle, take the ferry back to Mukilteo, or drive north to Oak Harbor and stay at Candlewood Suites Oak Harbor an IHG Hotel. You’ll have plenty of time to visit Washington’s most popular state park, Deception Pass.

Rhode Island’s Block Island Ferry welcomes pets aboard in either Point Judith or Newport. Whether you're planning a day trip or an extended stay on the picturesque Block Island, the ferry offers a comfortable and enjoyable ride for both two- and four-legged passengers. While you’re on Block Island, explore the pristine beaches, charming lighthouses, and the delightful trails of Mohegan Bluffs with Fido.

Nestled on pristine Crescent Beach, The Blue Dory Inn offers close proximity to the ferry, and pet-friendly rooms feature porches with stunning ocean views

Your Gulf Coast vacation won’t be complete without a visit to Dauphin Island with Fido. Mobile Bay Ferry takes visitors and their vehicles across Mobile Bay from Fort Morgan to Dauphin Island. Before boarding, spend time exploring Fort Morgan State Historic Site with your pup. Then once you’re off the ferry, enjoy time with your pooch on the dog-friendly section of Dauphin Island Beach, and tour Fort Gains and Audubon Bird Sanctuary for a full day of fun.

Those choosing to spend the night on Dauphin Island will be in paradise at Seascape, an oceanfront rental with an expansive deck to watch the tide roll in.