Where to Go Geocaching With Fido

Posted by Scott Tunstall

If you and Fido have yet to experience the phenomenon that is geocaching, we’re here to let you in on the secret. Geocaching--commonly referred to as the world’s largest treasure hunt--burst onto the scene in 2000, after the U.S. government made GPS signals available to civilians. Soon after, a growing community of would-be Indiana Joneses began hiding boxes of trinkets called geocaches at random locations. As of 2024, there are more than 3 million active geocaches scattered across the globe and there were 83,720,498 found logs in 2023. Using a GPS-equipped smartphone or standalone GPS tracker and coordinates from the official Geocaching website, you and your trusty four-legged sidekick can embark on a cross-country adventure to unearth untold riches. What are we waiting for? Let’s go geocaching with our dogs!

"I has found treats!"Photo by @geo_michiana

1. Not “Rin-Tin-Tin”

Daytona Beach, FL - This cache pays tribute to a dog named Brownie, who lived in Daytona Beach from 1940-1954. As the story goes, a stray pup wandered onto Beach Street one day looking for a loving home. The local business owners dubbed him Brownie and adopted him as their own. Brownie wore a small box attached to his collar that residents and tourists would fill with spare change which was used to buy treats and pay vet bills. After his passing, a statue and gravesite were built in Riverfront Esplanade to commemorate Brownie The Town Dog. Once Fido finds Brownie, you can score credit for the cache.

Enjoy a restful night’s sleep just steps from the ocean at Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach where dogs receive a welcome gift upon arrival, and doggy beds, treats, and bowls are provided. Nearby Sloppy Joe’s offers dog-friendly outdoor seating and a menu featuring delicious surf and turf.

2. Dog Years

Pleasanton, CA - This hunt will introduce you to various pet-friendly parks around town. Each of the first four legs is a micro-cache marked with a random 10 digit number. You will use the numbers to get the coordinates for the next cache using simple arithmetic.The total distance is about five miles. All parks close at dusk. After you’ve worked up an appetite, check out McKay’s Tap House and Beer Garden where Fido is welcome on the lovely patio that’s outfitted with heaters. Extend your stay overnight at Four Points by Sheraton Pleasanton.

3. E.T. Highway

Rachel, NV - When you’re not photographing aliens sunbathing on the rocks outside Area 51, you and your pooch can geocache your way down the Extraterrestrial Highway between Crystal Springs and Rachel in Nevada. There are a reported 1,500 caches hidden along the north side of E.T. Highway. Start your quest near the giant metal alien statue at the not-at-all-suspicious-looking Alien Research Center.

If you and Fido survive your treasure-hunting trek without being abducted by little green men, treat yourselves to a stay at the Little A’Le’Inn in Rachel.

"Anything for me in there?" Photo by @kalea_the_sheepdog

4. Route 66

Newberry Springs, CA - The 800 caches peppered along the stretch of historic Route 66 between Barstow and Needles will keep you and your sleuthing Shih Tzu busy for days. Pack plenty of water to keep your pooch from overheating, and be on the lookout for the Mojave sidewinders and rattlesnakes native to the deserts of Southern California.

If you need a break from the desert sun, drop by Oggi’s Pizza & Brewing Company in Barstow for a beer and a slice. Between treasure hunts, rest up with your pup at Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Barstow.

5. Nidus (The Nest)

Mobile, AL - Located in USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, this craftily concealed cache can be found by searching for a “very big bird” nesting in the park. Leashed pups are allowed to assist in locating the nest, explore the park grounds and visit the on-site War Dog Memorial. However, only service dogs are permitted to tour the battleship. Admisstion to the park is $18 per adult, and parking costs $5.

Geocaching can work up an appetite! You and Fido can wash down spicy Mexican eats with a refreshing drink at an outdoor table at El Papi before nesting for the night at Candlewood Suites Mobile Downtown, located across the river from the park.

Mission accomplished.Photo by @thenomadpup

6. The Sword in the Stone

Woodbury, MN - This forest treasure allows you and your furry liege to reenact the legendary tale of pulling mighty Excalibur from its rocky perch. Assume the position behind the granite slab, grasp the hilt with a firm grip and pull the blade from its stone sheath. If you prove worthy enough, the saber will slide free, revealing the contents of the cache. While you’re at it, you can even knight Fido on the spot!

Bring Sir Pants-A-Lot to La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham St. Paul Woodbury, where there is a complimentary breakfast. You can also enjoy a meal with your pup on the patio at the nearby O’Malley’s Irish Pub.

7. Auto Art

Erie, PA - For a truly unique geocaching experience, drop by the backyard museum at Schaefer’s Auto Art. You and your canine investigator can ogle the steampunk-esque oddities constructed from recycled metal and used car parts, including a Volkswagen Beetle turned eight-legged arachnid, a giant bumblebee with a sedan for a head, and the American flag billboard made of license plates. To log the cache correctly, follow the instructions on the Geocaching website.

Continue your stay in Erie by booking a pet-friendly cabin at Edinboro Lake Resort. Enjoy hot wings, juicy burgers and seafood dinners on the dog-friendly patio at the Ugly Tuna Tavern, located 10 miles north of the resort.

8. You’re Driving Me Doggone Crazy

Wauseon, OH - Remember to pack Fido’s Sherlock Holmes cap and magnifying glass because a sniffing Snoopy might be required to locate this hiding-in-plain-sight cache. Don’t get discouraged, the listed coordinates are correct. Just let your prospecting pooch search for the pup-sized real estate and you’ll be good to go.

Stay in the area overnight at the dog-friendly Holiday Inn Express & Suites Wauseon an IHG Hotel which boasts a grassy pet relief area. Four-legged swimmers also can have a splashing good time on the doggy beach at Harrison Lake State Park in nearby Fayette.

"I'm an all-weather treasure hunter!" Photo by @geo_michiana

9. A Crappy Cache

Vicksburg, MI - Leave the pooper scooper and waste bags in the car when you visit this hilariously labeled vault. Located in the cache owner’s front yard, it brings new meaning to a call of nature. Yes, it’s an outhouse. Don’t worry, it’s not in service (anymore). Rather than toilet paper and Febreze, this little red commode is packed with tiny toys, kitschy trinkets and a doggy statue named Maizie. It’s the perfect spot for a sanitary selfie with Fido.

For something completely different, travel 10 miles north to Kalamazoo and spend the night at The Henderson Castle, an elegant 19th century-era bed and breakfast. While in town, stop by The Thirsty Hound for a refreshing craft beer and delicious doggy treats. Well-behaved pups are allowed both inside and outside.

10. American Gothic

Eldon, IA - Grab a pitchfork and Fido’s overalls and strike a pose in front of the same home that inspired artist Grant Wood to paint his masterpiece, “American Gothic.” Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, this quaint Iowa farmhouse’s signature Gothic-style window transforms two- and four-legged visitors into works of art. To take credit for the find, snap a pic of yourself in front of the famous window and upload it to the Geocaching website.

“Ruffly” 20 miles to the east, you’ll find dog-friendly rooms at the Quality Inn & Suites Ottumwa. Be sure to grab a tasty treat at Graham’s Dairy Freez before you leave town,

Have you tried geocaching with your pet detective? Leave a comment or tweet us @BringFido!