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How to use your iPhone to find fun places to explore with your dog

Gabrielle LaFrank
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Having a dog means you also have your own best friend, travel buddy, and paw-tner in crime. After a while, though, knowing what to do with dogs might require a little thought and preparation. You can always go for a walk, but sometimes you want to give your pup something more special than a tour of the neighborhood.

Exploring new places together is a fantastic (and fun!) way to bond with your fur baby while getting all the exercise you need, but it can be tricky to find fun places to go with dogs when you’ve run through all your obvious options. Luckily, Apple is here to help! With their Guides feature through Apple Maps, you can browse and explore a selection of scenic, historical places both you and your dog will drool over. Here is all you need to know about using Guides with your pup.

a man and a brown dog walk away from the camera on a path in the forest
furry_portraits/Pixabay

What are Guides?

As described on Apple’s website, “Guides from trusted brands and partners are available in the Maps app to help you discover great places around the world to eat, shop, and explore. Guides are automatically updated when new places are added, so you always have the latest recommendations.”

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At first glance, Guides look like a curated selection of destinations available through the Search bar in Maps. They’re presented in article-like lists, such as “San Francisco’s Best Playgrounds,” and will show you the locations of each spot on the list by presenting them as pins on a map. You can read a paragraph on each destination to help you decide where next to explore with your pup. Each list is sponsored by a company or organization, such as National Geographic or the National Park Foundation, so you know you’re viewing the best destinations out there.

How to use Guides

To view Guides, open the Apple Maps app and tap the Search bar. Beneath your recent searches and “Find Nearby” features, you’ll see a section titled “Editors’ Picks: Guides begin here.” You will find a few featured Guides listed here (which you tap to open), or you can click on the button labeled “See All Guides” just beneath it.

If you keep scrolling down, you can browse Guides by the company that published them. You’ll find Guides from beloved publishers such as Lonely Planet, brands like Louis Vuitton, and apps such as Calm, a meditation aid. Currently, Guides are available only in larger, select cities, though Apple mentions on their website that more locations will be available in the future.

Once you have a destination in mind, simply give it a click and get your directions. As soon as you and your four-legged friend are packed, you’re ready to go!

a person stands with a siberian husky on the top of a mountain, overlooking other mountains
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Packing for a pet-friendly trip

Getting ready for a dog-friendly adventure takes a little preparation, but it’s oh-so worth it. Nothing ruins a trip quite like forgetting something essential, only to find out once you’re already there. Remember to pack necessities:

  • Poop bags
  • Leash and harness
  • Travel-friendly water bottle
  • Snacks for you and for your pup
  • Canine weather gear, such as shoes or a jacket

Keep your destination in mind when packing for your pup, in case you’ll need any extra gear based on weather or terrain. Some pups may not mind snow or sun, while others can be put off by conditions other than what they’re used to. If you don’t travel with your dog often, no worries — you’ll get to know your pup’s preferences in no time.

Remember, not all Guide locations are dog-friendly, so it’s best to do your research before you go. Outdoor places are often a safe bet, but you never know! Make sure to read up on whether your destination has leash requirements, pet fees, or other regulations to know about.

With Apple Maps’ Guides feature, you and your pup will never run out of places to explore. From national parks to hidden gems, there’s so much to discover. Whether you’re in the mood for a gentle stroll or a strenuous hike of a lifetime, Apple has found it all,  and now it’s right at your fingertips! Grab your dog and pack up for an adventure — who knows what might be waiting right in your own backyard?

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Gabrielle LaFrank
Gabrielle LaFrank
Contributor
Gabrielle LaFrank has written for sites such as Psych2Go, Elite Daily, and, currently, PawTracks. When she's not writing, you…
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