Where better to start Fido’s historic tour of his “fur” fathers’ stomping grounds than in the nation’s capital? Begin your trip at the National Mall, where you can gaze upon memorials dedicated to America’s most revered presidents. Pay tribute to Honest Abe at the Lincoln Memorial; his brilliantly named pooch, Fido, was the first presidential pup to be photographed. Cross the river to the FDR Memorial, which commemorates the 32nd president and his Scottish Terrier, Fala. They’re just two of the pups who once had their dog house at the White House. For a convenient way around the monuments, reserve a ride with Nonpartisan Pedicabs. Their trusty guides will even watch your pup if you want to go inside any of the buildings where dogs aren’t permitted. Hop out of your cab at Art and Soul for a Southern-inspired spread and a dog menu that includes Peanut-Banana Pupsicles.

Located minutes from the monuments and other attractions, The River Inn offers a pet-friendly stay in the heart of the nation’s capital.

Philadelphia was the temporary capital while Washington, D.C. was being built in 1790, and it’s where the Founding Fathers met to form the country. The first stop for history buffs should be Independence National Historical Park, where you’ll discover Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. Dogs aren’t permitted inside the buildings but they can join you on the paved pathways outside. If you don’t want to miss out on any of the sights around the city, join The Constitutional Walking Tour. The 75-minute guided stroll takes you and your pooch to 20 historic sights. Before you leave the City of Brotherly Love, there’s one more historic pit stop to make. Pull up for a Philly Cheesesteak from the birthplace of the famous sandwich, Pat’s King of Steaks.

Spend the night between the Delaware River and the National Historical Park at Sheraton Society Hill Hotel. Four-legged guests receive beds and bowls to use during their stay.

Boston’s incredible history began with Puritan settlers fleeing persecution in England. Beantown played a prominent role in the American Revolution and is a cradle of academia where some of the nation’s most revered universities were founded. It’s also one of the most pet-friendly cities in the country. The Freedom Trail will give you a rundown of the city’s early history. “Paws” along the way to sniff out information about those who have walked the trail in years gone by. If you want a more in-depth narration from a local expert, sign up with your pup for one of the city’s many tours. After walking all day, you’ll have earned yourselves a traditional Bostonian meal. Head to State Street Provisions for “chowdah” and “lobstah.”

Rest and relax at the The Colonnade Hotel Back Bay, where Fido will be rewarded for his “pawtriotism” with a pet bed, bowl and a choice of dog food.

San Antonio is an American city sprinkled with Spanish flavor. Start your journey in the Tex-Mex capital at The Alamo, the most famous historic Spanish fortress in the city. The Battle of the Alamo was a major turning point in the Texas Revolution, and it gave rise to legendary figures like Davy Crockett and James Bowie. To this day, the cry of “Remember the Alamo” is synonymous with American courage and patriotism. Not surprisingly, the fort is the main reason why San Antonio is considered to be one of the most haunted cities in the country. Pups aren’t allowed to tour The Alamo, but once you’ve snapped a picture in front of the first fort on your travels, make your way to San Antonio Missions National Historical Park to discover four more. Before you end your visit, stop by the Military Working Dog Teams National Monument, one of the country’s many memorials honoring dog veterans.

Rest up at Hotel Gibbs Downtown Riverwalk, just a two-minute stroll from the Alamo.

Immerse yourself in the industry and ingenuity of the American people in New York City. Architectural wonders like the Empire State Building can make your heart skip a beat, but seeing the completed buildings will make it sing. It’s not all steel and concrete in NYC; Bring Fido to a leafy oasis at The Battery, where you'll have a fine view of the Statue of Liberty, a longstanding symbol of America for immigrants. Another patriotic spot worth visiting is Brooklyn’s Prospect Park. The arch at the entrance, Grand Army Plaza, honors soldiers from the Civil War and features tributes to many famous New Yorkers and presidents. The highlight for pups is the Dog Beach at Prospect Park, where four-legged New Yorkers and tourists can roam leash-free from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. daily.

Stay with your best friend at Holiday Inn Express Brooklyn for convenient access to all the city’s patriotic points of interest.

Gateway Arch was constructed in 1963 to commemorate President Thomas Jefferson's Louisiana Purchase from France and St Louis’ integral role in the expanding American West. Walk the pet-friendly trails with your dog, admiring the iconic structure and registering him as a B.A.R.K. Ranger before making your way to Forest Park, where the Purchase was signed in 1803. The park also hosted the 1904 Olympics, so you and Fido can practice your 100-meter sprint together on the paved trails. Make your final patriotic stop at Jefferson Barracks Historical Park, which served as a major military installation until 1946 and acted as military barracks for both sides during the Civil War. Afterward, head back downtown to refuel on pulled pork or ribs at Bogart’s Smokehouse.

Get a view of Gateway Arch from your room at Hyatt Regency Saint Louis at the Arch.

In 1769, Father Junipero Serra and a group of Spanish soldiers settled in San Diego, making it the first permanent European settlement in California. Saunter into Old Town San Diego to learn about the converging cultures of Mexico and the United States and the history of the city. Afterward, pay a visit to Balboa Park, another place that has stamped itself on the identity of San Diego. It’s one of the largest urban parks in the country and has two dedicated off-leash areas that share the space with historic buildings and stunning gardens. While you’re enjoying the surroundings, sit down together for a full-service meal at The Prado at Balboa Park. Before calling it a day, walk to nearby Tuna Harbor Park to get an up-close look at the 25-foot bronze sculpture called Unconditional Surrender and stroll along the Port of San Diego’s Greatest Generation Walk, a self-guided tour through public memorials and works of art celebrating both San Diego’s military and tuna fishing history. In addition to Unconditional Surrender, you’ll also see other dedications to military history, like the U.S.S. San Diego Memorial, Aircraft Carrier Memorial, Homecoming Memorial, and views of the U.S.S. Midway docked in the harbor.

Spend the night downtown near the water at Westin Gaslamp Quarter San Diego.

During his lifetime, America’s first president owned French hounds, Greyhounds, Newfoundlands, Briards, Spaniels, Terriers and toy breeds. You can learn all about George Washington’s love of canines on a trip to his estate, Mount Vernon. Although dogs are not allowed inside the buildings on the property, there’s still lots to see outside on the beautiful grounds. Walk along the tree-lined pathways and visit highlights like his tomb, the stables, and the gardens. Afterward, cross the Lower Potomac River into Maryland and check out Fort Washington Park, which was actively used for defense and training until World War II.

Mount Vernon was a plush respite for Washington in his time, but seeing a Kimpton can have the same effect on Fido today. With three off-leash areas within walking distance, Kimpton Lorien Hotel and Spa is the place to stay in nearby Alexandria.

Playing a pivotal role in the Union’s victory in the Civil War, Vicksburg National Military Park is a solemn place where you can learn about one of the most important moments in American history. Bring your leashed pooch on a walk around the trails and learn about Ulysses S. Grant’s victory along the way. You can also pay your respects to the brave soldiers who fell in battle during this turbulent chapter of American history at the Vicksburg National Cemetery. Established in 1866, it was one of the first national cemeteries in the country and is the final resting place of more than 17,000 troops from various conflicts throughout our history. After honoring the fallen, explore the rest of the city, and make your way to Bumper’s Drive-In of America for a bit of nostalgia and a bite to eat with your best friend.

Spend the night at one of the most popular hotels in the area, La Quinta Inn & Suites Vicksburg.