Dog-Friendly Indiana Dunes Beaches and Beyond | Traveling with Dogs in Indiana

Dog-Friendly Indiana Dunes Area Itinerary

Dog-Friendly Indiana Dunes Beaches and Beyond. Check out Dexter's off the beaten path road trip to the Indiana Dunes region. #raisingyourpetsnaturally #indianadunes #beachesandbeyond #dogfriendly #dogfriendlyindiana #midwestvacations #dogfriendlyvacations #dogfriendlyroadtrips
Indiana Dunes Road Trip with Dogs

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored review. However, I will always offer my readers an unbiased and honest account of my experiences. Your trust is very appreciated, and never taken for granted. ~Tonya, Dexter and Angel Nutter

When I’m planning a pet-friendly road trip with Dexter The Dog, I’m always looking for fun adventures. These dog-friendly road trips don’t have to be touristy; something off the beaten path or things that a local dog parent may experience are always entertaining.

Dexter and his canine travel buddy, Levi, did enjoy a great day at the Indiana Dunes State Park, but this dog-friendly day trip was going to be beyond the beach. We wanted to “shake off the sand south of the dunes” and check out other great dog-friendly attractions in Indiana Dunes Country.

Dog-Friendly Indiana Dunes Beaches and Beyond. Check out Dexter's off the beaten path road trip to the Indiana Dunes region. #raisingyourpetsnaturally #indianadunes #beachesandbeyond #dogfriendly #dogfriendlyindiana #midwestvacations #dogfriendlyvacations #dogfriendlyroadtrips
Indiana Dog-Friendly Cafes

Our first stop was Third Coast Spice Cafe. This charming dog-friendly restaurant isn’t just dog-friendly, but all the menu items are made from scratch without preservatives. For a person, like me, who suffers from migraines due to preservatives, this is a huge selling point. Third Coast Spice Cafe’s food is cooked in a thoughtful way and implements a lot of local products, organic products, and minimally processed foods. Their menu offers vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options.

Dog-Friendly Indiana Dunes Beaches and Beyond. Check out Dexter's off the beaten path road trip to the Indiana Dunes region. #raisingyourpetsnaturally #indianadunes #beachesandbeyond #dogfriendly #dogfriendlyindiana #midwestvacations #dogfriendlyvacations #dogfriendlyroadtrips
Made with fresh ingredients

I’m not one to eat healthy, but it was nice to know that my meal was not going to cause me a migraine. I ordered the Raspberry Cheesecake French Toast. Yes, you read that right. Cream cheese and raspberry stuffed into freshly baked bread and cooked on the griddle until golden brown then drizzled with raspberry sauce and served with whipped cream and maple syrup. OMDog is right. It was heavenly and, believe it or not, tasted light, not heavy.

Dog-Friendly Indiana Dunes Beaches and Beyond. Check out Dexter's off the beaten path road trip to the Indiana Dunes region. #raisingyourpetsnaturally #indianadunes #beachesandbeyond #dogfriendly #dogfriendlyindiana #midwestvacations #dogfriendlyvacations #dogfriendlyroadtrips
It tasted as good as it looks

Although the outside seating encouraged dogs, we decided to leave the pups in the car and eat inside due to the fact that it was a cool and windy morning. No worries, the car was parked in the sun, close to the café, we had a constant visual on the car, and the boys had their sweaters on.

Dog-Friendly Indiana Dunes Beaches and Beyond. Check out Dexter's off the beaten path road trip to the Indiana Dunes region. #raisingyourpetsnaturally #indianadunes #beachesandbeyond #dogfriendly #dogfriendlyindiana #midwestvacations #dogfriendlyvacations #dogfriendlyroadtrips
Chesterton’s Dog-Friendly European Market

After our scrumptious breakfast, we were off to Chesterton’s European Market. Chesterton’s European Market is more than just your typical farmer’s market. This market is located in historic downtown Chesterton, Indiana, and has a French-inspired feel. Vendors join together from all over the Midwest to create a delightful shopping experience. The dog-friendly shopping market featured a vast array of merchants and artisan products. The marketeers offered a diverse selection of freshly prepared foods, jewelry, local-farm-raised meats, local wines, flowers, and even live music.

Dog-Friendly Indiana Dunes Beaches and Beyond. Check out Dexter's off the beaten path road trip to the Indiana Dunes region. #raisingyourpetsnaturally #indianadunes #beachesandbeyond #dogfriendly #dogfriendlyindiana #midwestvacations #dogfriendlyvacations #dogfriendlyroadtrips
What can I say? I like sweets.

Following the market, we walked to the Red Cup Cafe & Deli. This dog-friendly coffee shop’s decor was quite eclectic. The big red coffee cups throughout the cafe were surrounded by local artwork and old vinyl records. But, the cafe wasn’t just fun to look at. They offered a wide variety of coffees, chai tea, fresh muffins, and deli sandwiches. We ordered a couple of salted caramel mochas and sat at the outside tables.

Dog-Friendly Indiana Dunes Beaches and Beyond. Check out Dexter's off the beaten path road trip to the Indiana Dunes region. #raisingyourpetsnaturally #indianadunes #beachesandbeyond #dogfriendly #dogfriendlyindiana #midwestvacations #dogfriendlyvacations #dogfriendlyroadtrips
Dog-friendly Red Cup Cafe & Deli
Dog-Friendly Indiana Dunes Beaches and Beyond. Check out Dexter's off the beaten path road trip to the Indiana Dunes region. #raisingyourpetsnaturally #indianadunes #beachesandbeyond #dogfriendly #dogfriendlyindiana #midwestvacations #dogfriendlyvacations #dogfriendlyroadtrips
Dog-Friendly Chesterton, Indiana

After our big morning and afternoon, we decided to head back to our pet-friendly hotel, Waterbird Lakeside Inn, for a little rest. What I loved most about the Waterbird Lakeside Inn was the relaxing atmosphere. The inn has been a Chesterton staple for over 20 years and is surrounded by 60 acres of woods. Our room had a private balcony overlooking Chubb Lake. The hotel was quiet and centrally located to all of our dog-friendly attractions, including the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore.

Dog-Friendly Indiana Dunes Beaches and Beyond. Check out Dexter's off the beaten path road trip to the Indiana Dunes region. #raisingyourpetsnaturally #indianadunes #beachesandbeyond #dogfriendly #dogfriendlyindiana #midwestvacations #dogfriendlyvacations #dogfriendlyroadtrips
R & R at our dog-friendly Inn
Dog-Friendly Indiana Dunes Beaches and Beyond. Check out Dexter's off the beaten path road trip to the Indiana Dunes region. #raisingyourpetsnaturally #indianadunes #beachesandbeyond #dogfriendly #dogfriendlyindiana #midwestvacations #dogfriendlyvacations #dogfriendlyroadtrips
Dog-friendly hotels with a lake view

After our rest, our bellies were beginning to rumble. We hopped into our car and headed to Ivy’s Bohemia House for some takeout to bring back to the hotel. I was in the mood for something on the lighter side, so I ordered the spinach-artichoke veggie wrap. The wrap was nice and fresh and hit the spot.

Dog-Friendly Indiana Dunes Beaches and Beyond. Check out Dexter's off the beaten path road trip to the Indiana Dunes region. #raisingyourpetsnaturally #indianadunes #beachesandbeyond #dogfriendly #dogfriendlyindiana #midwestvacations #dogfriendlyvacations #dogfriendlyroadtrips
Fresh veggie wrap

We had a relaxing evening sitting out on the balcony and watching the day turn into night. The waterbirds prepared for bed, and a few fish jumped to the surface, catching their dinner. Another great way to end a fun-filled day with the dogs.

Dog-Friendly Indiana Dunes Beaches and Beyond. Check out Dexter's off the beaten path road trip to the Indiana Dunes region. #raisingyourpetsnaturally #indianadunes #beachesandbeyond #dogfriendly #dogfriendlyindiana #midwestvacations #dogfriendlyvacations #dogfriendlyroadtrips
Serine lake view

When planning your pet-friendly Indiana Dunes Country vacation, visit Indiana Dunes Visitor Center for your Pet Guide and The Top Ten Pet-Friendly Stops. The Indiana Dunes Visitor Center offers helpful advice, brochures, and coupons you won’t want to miss.


Do you travel with your dog? Tell me in the comments.

Dog-Friendly Indiana Dunes Beaches and Beyond. Check out Dexter's off the beaten path road trip to the Indiana Dunes region. #raisingyourpetsnaturally #indianadunes #beachesandbeyond #dogfriendly #dogfriendlyindiana #midwestvacations #dogfriendlyvacations #dogfriendlyroadtrips
Pin It

Are you looking for even more ways to stay up to date with Raising Your Pets Naturally? Sign up for the newsletter for more tips and promotions. Don’t forget to be social and Like, Follow and Subscribe. Comments below are always welcome.

Facebook   Twitter   Pinterest   Instagram  YouTube  Vimeo

Happiest when traveling with my dog

46 thoughts on “Dog-Friendly Indiana Dunes Beaches and Beyond | Traveling with Dogs in Indiana

  1. Your dogs always make me smile.It’s nice to find pet friendly places because there are so many people who have pets and need to go out with them sometimes.

  2. Oh yum, this food looks so good! I’m pretty sure I’d love eating at the places you mentioned. I know I’d be all about that French Toast.

  3. The food looks delicious. I love places that cater to animals. Being in the military, I know some people who have PTSD dogs, and this is a nice place to get away for a quick sandwich.

  4. I don’t have a pet but I know it’s hard work. I see how some
    Of my friends struggle with giving the best to their pets

  5. Awww… they are so cute… I love dogs and I never travel with them but this has given me ideas to the same thing in spring when I travel up north to see my family. Will bring my dog along to it this time and stop by some yummy ice-cream too. LOL…Thx!

  6. Ahhhhhh the dog has a 3 dunes challenge scarf!!! How cute! I have a t-shirt and it’s currently one of my favourites haha

  7. It’s great to have places like this to hang out with our pets. Lovely place for people and dogs.

  8. THIS is good news for my mom and all those dog lovers who wish to visit dog-friendly places!!! i wonder how the animals feel… maybe awesome!!!

Comments are closed.