Dog-friendly camping near Walton-on-the-Naze, Essex

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to resource for camping options near Walton-on-the-Naze, England. With over 2900 options specifically catered to pet-friendly accommodations, you're sure to find the perfect spot for you and your furry friend. Whether you prefer a secluded spot in the Chalky Downs with 90 reviews, the cosy Cuckoo Farm Campsite with 45 reviews, or the tranquil Otter Channel Campsite, also with 45 reviews, we've got you covered. With popular facilities such as cooking equipment, toilets, and showers, and activities like whitewater paddling, horseback riding, and snow sports, your camping experience will be nothing short of amazing. Plus, with an average price per night of £15 and options as low as £9, you can enjoy the great outdoors without breaking the bank. Start planning your camping adventure today!

93% (647)

Top-rated campgrounds near Walton-on-the-Naze

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to resource for camping options near Walton-on-the-Naze, England. With over 2900 options specifically catered to pet-friendly accommodations, you're sure to find the perfect spot for you and your furry friend. Whether you prefer a secluded spot in the Chalky Downs with 90 reviews, the cosy Cuckoo Farm Campsite with 45 reviews, or the tranquil Otter Channel Campsite, also with 45 reviews, we've got you covered. With popular facilities such as cooking equipment, toilets, and showers, and activities like whitewater paddling, horseback riding, and snow sports, your camping experience will be nothing short of amazing. Plus, with an average price per night of £15 and options as low as £9, you can enjoy the great outdoors without breaking the bank. Start planning your camping adventure today!

93% (647)

Top-rated campgrounds near Walton-on-the-Naze

1. Laleham Camping Club

100%

(10)

131km from Walton-on-the-Naze · 124 units · Tents, Motorhomes

Our 100 pitch campsite is located in the protected Green Belt area to the west of London. With the River Thames on one side and Laleham Park on all others, the beautiful surroundings are hard to beat given the proximity to the capital. The campsite is run voluntarily by its members, with day-to-day matters being handled by an elected committee and wardens.

2. Pigs in Blankets

96%

(70)

62km from Walton-on-the-Naze · 26 units · Tents, Glamping

A campfire-friendly country campsite on a farm in walking distance of seaside Southwold

3. Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping

95%

(104)

62km from Walton-on-the-Naze · 41 units · Tents, Glamping

Pitches, bell tents and a gypsy caravan on the outskirts of Canterbury

4. Lookout cabin hertford farm stay

94km from Walton-on-the-Naze · 1 unit · Glamping

large open plan cabin with elevated views over the spectacular grade 1 listed country estate and rare breeds farm . Up to 6 accomadate in comfy king or double beds . Large open plan new kitchen , huge table with 10+ seats . Stylish and unique curate interior. Comfy sofas , with log burner , new bathroom .Private large area with seating fire pit , pizza oven . Loads of activities included , wander the 60 acre estate with chalk streams, canals , woodlands meadows . friendly animals , farm tour collect eggs from hens , gary and elvis our donkeys , piglets , sheep , walk our pygmy goats .

5. Hunstanton Camping & Glamping

78%

(29)

129km from Walton-on-the-Naze · 108 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping

🌅 Hunstanton Camping & Glamping with mYminiBreak: The Coastal Escape Hunstanton Camping & Glamping offers a relaxed, back-to-basics coastal escape in Heacham, Norfolk. The site, a former dairy farm, maintains a peaceful, natural atmosphere, perfect for those looking to unplug. 🐾 Exceptionally Dog-Friendly Haven The site is dog-friendly, welcoming companions in all accommodation types. Its best feature is the immediate access to the sea, being just a quick 2-minute walk from the vast sands of Heacham South Beach. Crucially, this beach operates with no year-round restrictions for dogs, offering unrestricted playtime. 🌊 Prime Location and Local Area The site's unique west-facing position on the West Norfolk coast means guests witness spectacular sunsets directly over the sea—a daily, breathtaking ritual. You are perfectly situated to explore North Norfolk: Hunstanton: The nearby Victorian resort offers seaside fun and the famous striped cliffs of Old Hunstanton. Nature & Walks: Enjoy direct access to the Norfolk Coast Path and close proximity to the Wild Ken Hill rewilding project and Sandringham Estate for extensive hiking and wildlife spotting. Activities: The calm, shallow local waters are excellent for watersports like kayaking and paddleboarding. 🔥 Back-to-Basics Ethos and Core Facilities The ethos of the site embraces a simple, "back-to-basics" camping philosophy. Accommodation: Pitch your own tents, campervans, motorhomes, and caravans, or choose glamping in rustic Shepherd's Huts or spacious Bell Tents. Campfires: Campfires and BBQs are encouraged and allowed, with private fire pits/braziers provided for glamping units, perfect for gatherings under the clear, dark Norfolk skies Core Facilities: Essential amenities are clean and functional: shared toilet/shower blocks with hot water; designated washing-up station and access to fresh drinking water. Limited electric hook-ups are available for pitches upon request, though the emphasis is on a connected-to-nature experience. Wifi available. This site offers an unforgettable escape, blending traditional outdoor life with coastal charm.

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

D

DONGHYUN

October 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping

it was great place! great glamping! host is great!

S

Sunghwan

October 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping

My family really enjoyed one night glamping at this lovely site. It is very quiet and cozy place. Best for family fun and rest.

A

Aalish

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Pigs in Blankets

We loved the site the toilets clean excellent showers. really nice barn for washing up and chilling in. We had our own pitch/space and was lovely and well maintained area. A nice private walk into southwold that was about 20 minutes to the pier. would recommend. When there was a little problem they didn’t hesitate to help and sorted it all out. ☺️ overall wonderful place to stay.

B

Bob

September 2025

5 m Class B

Weekend Trip to Laleham Camping Club

Right by the river. Clean site, hot showers, friéndly host

J

Jason

September 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping

My experience at fleet paddock was everything I had hoped for and more all the facilities were clean and well kept , I shared the family bell tent with friends and it had everything we needed for a memorable evening, the campsite was pretty busy but still maintained a peaceful family vibe, I would highly recommend this camping site to anyone wanting to escape the chaos of city life and connect with nature. For me the highlight was the clear sky's at night which revealed the most stars I have ever seen it was amazing 👏 🤩

Immerse yourself in a world of enchantment and tranquility with our captivating green bow top caravan, offering a unique and picturesque retreat that promises an unforgettable camping experience.

d

dipika

September 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping

Excellent stay. Beautiful hut and surroundings. Place is exceptionally clean site and the Alex is always available and tops up all facilities and the best of host. Will be back. Dip & Dave

C

Cleo

September 2025

With kids

5 nights at Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping

We loved your place, it's fantastic. All the little details make it extra special. Clean, great location, swings, a tree house, bats and balls, a kitchen and lounge area, a great view of rabbits in the field from the warm shower. Quite magical. Would definitely come again.

A

Akhil

September 2025

1 night at Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping

Place is well maintained and beautiful. It has all the essentials needed and exactly as shown in the pictures. Enjoy making some BBQ food with a view to the open farm 😁

K

Kate

August 2025

Tent

With kids

1 night at Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping

Lovely and well looked after site. We’ll be visiting again!

M

Mandy

August 2025

Tent

With kids

3 nights at Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping

10/10 we loved this campsite. Pitched where we liked with friends. Super relaxed, safe for the kids to play as no cars in the field. Easy to set up as the car park is next to the field and trolleys available for the short trip. Owner was friendly and helpful. Great, clean facilities with hot showers and flushing toilets, a small fridge and usb docking stations to charge phones. Really close to Whitstable, Canterbury and a small Morrisons a 5 min drive away. Lots of small touches that the kids loved; chickens, hammocks and a tennis net with some toys about. We were camping but the glamping options looked nice too. We’ll be back next year!

emmarowe

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping

I booked three nights stay on a backpacking pitch. As someone camping solo i felt really safe on this small back to basics campsite. There was a nice mix of families and a few cyclists/backpackers . Its a really cool set up with a little campers kitchen (with fridge, utensils) where you can also charge your phone on usb charging point. Also has a lounge so you can sit away from your tent or shelter if it rains. Picnic tables and firepit in centre of field too. Flushable loos are a bonus and hats off to Alex who keeps them spotless! Showers were hot when I used them, and with a view over the field you feel like you are in nature. Well located, about an hour walk from Canterbury train stations, 30 mins from Kent Uni (which has a national express stop), and pretty near to the Crab and Winkle path, I had a.lovely walk to Whitstable one day. Kids will love the chickens, swings and the treetop viewing platform. Highly recommend for backpackers, cyclists, families and people who like a slow chilled camping experience

S

Simran

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Pigs in Blankets

Great little find. Well run. Clean showers. Bar with twinkly lights and huge barn. Short walk to the beach. Quiet and well run. Shhhh. Dont tell everyone....it's a special little place.

S

Sam

August 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping

Second trip of the summer and didn’t disappoint. Stayed in bell tent this time (hut last time) and it was clean and comfortable and facilities good. Location very close to Whitstable and Canterbury. Would definitely recommend.

E

ELAINE

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping

Great campsite, lovely vibe. Loads of things to keep kids entertained and very clean toilet and washing up facilities. Lots of families and everyone was friendly. Lovely area too, we will definitely return.

A

Aurimas

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping

We had a wonderful stay at campsite. The bed was very comfortable-we slept like at home.Evrythink was clean and well maintained,you can really tell the place is taken care of.The host was super friendly and checked into make sure we hade evrything we needed. We're really happy we found this place. Definitely planing to come back next summer-or even earlier if it weather nice. Highly recommended.

Whitley

August 2025

With kids

2 nights at Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping

We enjoyed our stay at this campsite. Glamping Bell tent 2 was amazing; everything you need is available. Our boys loved the space to run around and play. Toilets weer spotless, hot showers. I recommend staking Here!

M

Michael

July 2025

Tent

1 night at Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping

A very beautiful spot, with everything thoughtfully laid out, clean, and in good working order. Highly recommended for anyone hoping to camp near Canterbury.

R

Reiko

July 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping

We're not seasoned campers (2 adults and 2 kids under 5) but The Paddock made it really easy and fun for us all; we had a lovely weekend's stay. Huge space very easily accessible - parking is right next to the pitches and there are plenty of trailer carts available to make light work of unloading/loading. Nice not to have camper vans or caravans and a car-free space. The site was popular but there was never a queue for facilities, which were kept spotless. Showers had plentiful hot water (and lovely views across the fields!) and these and the loos and basins are all hand-built structures, sheltered and private but semi-outdoors - a much more pleasant experience than the pre-fabricated portacabins we've experienced elsewhere. It didn't rain while we were there but was reassuring that the well-stocked kitchenette was housed in a stable block that also had a space with chairs where you could shelter if needed. The children loved the swings and hammocks and were entertained by the chickens in their coop. Would happily return here :)

N

Natalie

July 2025

Tent

With pets

2 nights at Pigs in Blankets

Lovely little campsite just 15 mins walk to Southwold Pier. The facilities were super clean - hot showers, toilets and indoor washing up stations. The onsite bar was a great addition. Not overly busy and plenty of space for tents to feel like they’re not on top of one another! Firepits available on site too. Would definitely recommend.

R

Retro

July 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping

We had a fantastic stay at Fleets Paddock Glamping & Camping! The location is easy to find with safe, secure parking, making arrival stress-free. The facilities are spotless and exceptionally well-maintained — everything you need for a relaxing and comfortable break in nature. A huge thank you to Alexandra, who was incredibly friendly, welcoming, and professional throughout our stay. Her attention to detail really made a difference. We highly recommend this hidden gem to anyone looking for a peaceful and well-run camping or glamping experience. We’ll definitely be booking again!

The best campsites for under £50 near Walton-on-the-Naze

Rosehip Woods Campsite

98km from Walton-on-the-Naze · 6 units · Tents, Motorhomes

Rosehip Wood Campsite is a nature rich, off-grid wild campsite set in a peaceful woodland. Camp in secluded clearings surrounded by trees and bushes and be sheltered from the wind or hot sun when necessary. You can spend your evenings staring into a crackling campfire as fire pits are provided and firewood can be purchased on site. This site is completely enclosed by fences so kids can roam free-range-style, make dens using branches and explore the 'secret cedar hideaway'. There is a field with a football goal for recreational activities and adjoining footpaths for road free walks. It is tucked away on the outskirts of the pretty Norfolk village of West Dereham. This beautiful rewilding project offers the unspoilt simplicity and tranquillity of wild camping within the grassy clearings of a quiet mixed woodland and balanced with just enough facilities to make camping fun and comfortable including fresh water and compost toilets. All Rosehip Wood’s pitches are family friendly and allow BBQs and campfires. Your hosts invite you to wander along mown paths, through grassy clearings and wildflowers. The woodland has been planted with lots of nuts and fruits for both wildlife and humans to enjoy. As the sun sets, unwind, and enjoy starlit skies unspoilt by light pollution against the distant calls and barks of local wildlife. The site has no lighting so don’t forget your torch if you plan on an evening amble. Downham Market is around 4 ½ miles away offering supermarkets, a market, food and drink in the town’s historic pubs and a range of restaurants. It also has a train station from which your hosts will be happy to pick you up if you are coming camping without a car. If you need an extra tent this can be rented at an extra cost. Walkers and cyclists will find maps and information available on site pointing you in the direction of local routes over farmland, lanes, long

The Barn KT9

97%

(271)

123km from Walton-on-the-Naze · 22 units · Tents, Glamping

A unique rural campsite in Surrey, a stone's throw from London's Zone 6

Barn Owl Camping

97%

(18)

46km from Walton-on-the-Naze · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping

Dog-friendly camping and shepherd’s huts in rural Suffolk

Secluded Woodland Camp

95%

(10)

88km from Walton-on-the-Naze · 27 units · Tents, Glamping

Glamp or pitch up here in our secluded and peaceful mini off-grid site combining both field and forest. We have a shared under cover space and also an outdoor fire-pit to gather more than 20 people comfortably. There is a simple compost loo for your use with hand-washing and dish washing area outside. And the rest is all Mother nature! There is no running water or drinking water. You will need to bring your own. No electricity points or WIFI are in the campsite and no masts nearby so enjoy the EMF cleanse. Whether you chose to stay in the ancient woodland or the herbal pasture, you will feel the benefits of reconnecting with yourself in nature, breathing the clean air and hearing the birds singing. The parking is 800m away and there is minimal tractor use so you can imagine yourself roaming the fields and forest of England in days gone by. Fitness required. It's a long walk from the car park to the campsite. Trolleys provided.

King's Lynn Caravan and Camping Park

90%

(43)

112km from Walton-on-the-Naze · 26 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping

A well located Norfolk campsite with great access to the coast, fens and traditional market towns

The best campsites available this weekend near Walton-on-the-Naze

Holistic Woods Wild Campsite

94%

(178)

27km from Walton-on-the-Naze · 47 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping

We are a WILD campsite with character and history. Our most popular pitch is our beautiful SSSI woodland. There are only 25 pitches available. We have a mid wild pitch on the outskirts of the woods, lovely grassed area between trees. Our top field is perfect for motorhomes & caravans. Plenty of space to breath and relax. Located on the stunning heathlands of the Sutton Heath. We are surrounded by beautiful woodland walks, including the Sandlings walk and just 10 minutes from the river Deben. We have a bus stop at the top of the track and Melton train station is a 20 minute walk or 5 minute drive. There are access points onto public footpaths, leading to Rendlesham Forest. A famous site for UFOs! Sutton Hoo is a stone's throw away. Bring your bikes and explore the area on wheels. There is water access and portaloos. We do not have showers yet. Blue/grey waste must be taken away. LEAVE NO TRACE

Hill Farm Secluded Camping

94%

(31)

52km from Walton-on-the-Naze · 7 units · Tents, Motorhomes

Fancy some secluded downtime exploring rural coastal Suffolk? The tree-shaded pitches at Hill Farm are in a peaceful setting near the market towns of Saxmundham and Halesworth, and handily accessible from the A12, as well as to the coast and pretty villages, historical hamlets, and popular seaside towns, such as Southwold and Aldeburgh. This is a site that welcomes families and groups of friends, and it's dog-friendly too (there’s a 4-acre woodland to the north of the site that's great for dog walking). The site has good TV reception for relaxing indoors on damp or chilly days. The popular village of Westleton (10 minutes’ drive) has a village store, a farm shop, a garage and 2 pubs; and if you fancy a change from cooking, there is also a nice pub and a tearoom, in the Darsham village area (only 5 minutes drive or a 30 minute walk away through some lovely fields). Back on site, there are a toilet cabins with hot running water, plus other facilities including 4 showers, a portaloo, and a washing machine, grey waste and chemical toilet disposal and recycling points. Wi-fi is nearly all over the site too. The shared facilities at the top of the site also has a fridge and a washing up area, with a warm water tap, a nearby kettle and a plug socket for charging mobiles. Picnic tables, PIR lighting and Starlink wifi is also provided. Please not that dogs must be kept on a lead at all times, and yes campfires are allowed, as long as the fire pit is raised off the ground and the fire is supervised at all times, with a bucket of water at hand too. Thank you for booking!

Daisy May’s Farm

87%

(178)

71km from Walton-on-the-Naze · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes

Our pop up campsite is set in 20 acres on a not for profit community farm. Come and join us in the great outdoors! Help collect the eggs, feed the chickens and milk the goat! There is always lots going on at Daisy May’s Farm! Children’s play areas, paddle stream, woodland walks and lots more! PITCH FEE INCLUDES ENTRY TO THE FARM & ALL ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS! Open 7 days a week. Coffee Cabin and Ollie’s Food Hut also serving hot food (Weekends & school holiday 10-3pm) Local pub - 5 mins walk Golf Course (crazy golf, top golf, 9 hole course, bar and food) - 5 mins walk Shop/post office/chip shop - 10 mins walk Toilets & shower ; hot gas shower available but we are a basic wild, mostly off grid site. No concrete heated toilet blocks I’m afraid! (Showers unavailable in Winter months) There will be mud. Bring your wellies! Drinking water and bins available. Bring a torch for walking around the site at night. The site is off grid and the toilet lights are solar operated! CARAVANS - ONLY BOOKABLE MAY - SEPTEMBERTENTS - CAMPER VANS - MOTORHOMES WELCOME ALL YEAR (all pitches are the same. No need to specify which type of unit you are booking) We look forwards to welcoming you soon!

Lakeview Paddock

119km from Walton-on-the-Naze · 2 units · Tents, Motorhomes

Lakeview Paddock is a peaceful, well-kept certificated site set in the heart of the Cambridgeshire countryside, just a short walk from the beautiful shores of Grafham Water. Open 365 days a year, we welcome tents, caravans, campervans and motorhomes. Guests can choose from spacious grass pitches or three level hard-standing pitches, all with electric hook-up and easy access. The site is known for its friendly welcome, immaculate standards, and calm, natural atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy newly refurbished toilets and showers, a hot-water wash-up area, recycling points, clear signage, and plenty of open space to relax and unwind beneath the big skies. Lakeview Paddock is perfectly positioned for walkers, cyclists, wildlife lovers, paddleboarders and families seeking a safe, quiet retreat. Grafham Water’s circular walking and cycling route, its nature reserve, fishing areas and sailing club are all close by, making it an ideal base for outdoor adventures. Local pubs, village shops, cafés and farm shops are only minutes away, with the market towns of St Neots and Huntingdon providing further amenities. Despite its convenience, the site still feels like a tucked-away countryside escape. A warm welcome awaits you at Lakeview Paddock — a peaceful, all-year retreat with everything you need close at hand.

The Meadow @ Waples Mill

95%

(40)

66km from Walton-on-the-Naze · 12 units · Tents

Spacious grass pitches in the green Essex countryside A 15-minute drive to Chelmsford; 40 minutes to Audley End Tractor rides on site; firepits provided for campfires. Rural walks, How about proper farm activities like tractor rides (ask site staff for details)? The place to find all this is The Meadow at Waples Mill, an Essex farm site between Chelmsford and Dunmow (and about 15 minutes’ drive from both). This family-friendly site is handy for walks on the Essex Way and other local footpaths, and tractor and trailer rides around the farm are organised on alternate days to give guests a glimpse into agricultural life. Activities complete for the day, it's time to chill out, and that should be easy here – all pitches have access to toilets and hot showers in a trailer close by, and firepits are provided so you can have a safe campfire (with wood available to buy on site and a great farm shop 10 minutes’ drive away for fireside snacks). Pitches themselves are large (please note only one tent per pitch is allowed), well kept and well spaced within a meadow that backs onto the River Roding. Dogs are welcome, and there are plenty of places to take them for a walk nearby. London folk looking for a quick escape to the countryside, this is a place to bear in mind – it’s only about an hour and quarter by road from the city.

Star Host camping experiences near Walton-on-the-Naze

Chalky Downs

96%

(605)

146km from Walton-on-the-Naze · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes

Traditional tent camping in a stunningly-located South Downs farm, just down the road from buzzing Brighton

Four Winds Camping, Canoeing & SUP

97%

(292)

114km from Walton-on-the-Naze · 14 units · Tents, Motorhomes

A small, friendly riverside campsite in Cambridgeshire – with campfires allowed

Snettisham Meadows

96%

(24)

125km from Walton-on-the-Naze · 40 units · Tents, Motorhomes

Set on a traditional family-run farm in rural Norfolk, Snettisham Meadows is on the outskirts of the pretty village of Snettisham and short drive away from North Norfolk's beautiful white sandy beaches. Animal-mad campers, form an orderly queue please, as this 329-acre farm has several attractions up its sleeve for you, including meet-and-greets with pigs and ponies, lamb feeding in spring and deer safaris. There’s also a dog paddock for rent so four-legged companions can have a frisk around, and an area on the camping field is reserved for guests with dogs. Campfires and barbecues are permitted and you can borrow firepits from the site owners. Logs are also available to buy. The site is only 10 minutes’ walk from a village pub if you fancy a change of scenery. After a fun-filled day exploring this lovely part of Norfolk, come back to your pitch and keep your fingers crossed for clear skies and some serious stargazing. Facilities include washing-up sinks, a small shop at reception for essential supplies and tourist information, USB phone charging and a freezer for ice packs.

Whitlingham Broad Campsite

98%

(164)

86km from Walton-on-the-Naze · 72 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping

Laid-back camping and glamping a stone's throw from Norwich and at the gateway to the Norfolk Broads

Far and Away Camping

100%

(18)

86km from Walton-on-the-Naze · 40 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping

Nestled within the heart of the Kent countryside, Far and Away allows you to escape into a rural, peaceful and wild campsite. The skies are full of song birds and birds of prey, hot air balloons dominate the still summer evenings and there is always a spitfire or biplane circling from the local aerodrome. With close to zero light pollution, the night skies are a stunning way to end the day not to mention Far and Away sunrise and sunsets are also worth staying up for! Immerse yourself in the heart of the beautiful Kent countryside and take advantage of the many public footpaths around the campsite. Far and Away is 1.2 miles away from Headcorn village where you can find a host of local amenities, shops, pubs and restaurants. There is also a host of National Trust sites within a short drive including Sissinghurst Castle and many wonderful villages to visit including medieval Biddenden and the magical market town of Tenterden. Next to junction 8 of the M20 there is also Leeds Castle, only a 20 minute drive from Far and Away and the Big Cat Sanctuary is only a few fields away. At night you can hear the roar of the wild cats really making it feel like you are Far and Away!

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

There are ample campsites near the coastal landscape of the Naze and if you're hunting for a good local spot, our expert recommendations are a wise place to start.