14 Best Dog-Friendly Vacations in the United States
Your vacation is going to be exponentially better when you bring your dogs along, and thankfully there are plenty of dog-friendly destinations in the United States to visit.
From frolicking on the golden beaches of San Diego and Florida to hiking the mountains of Oregon, Maine, and North Carolina, your dogs will have endless fun on the road with you. Cities embrace canines, offer doggie spas and off-leash parks, and welcome them into stores and alfresco restaurants.
To see the look of contentment as they traverse hills with their tails wagging, run off-leash on a pristine beach with their ears flopping, or savor the last bits of ice cream at a roadside shop is worth every moment spent planning your dog-friendly vacation.
Whether you are road-tripping or flying with Fido for a fun getaway, there are beautiful landscapes and dog-friendly urban centers across the country to choose from. Book yourself a pet-friendly hotel, pack your pet's food, favorite toys, vaccination records, and travel gear, and you are all set for a trip of a lifetime.
If you are driving, restrain your dog with a harness seatbelt (it's illegal to drive with an unrestrained dog in some states). For your air journeys, check airline regulations and get the proper carrier, along with a comfortable mat and enough water for the duration of the flight.
For ideas on where to go with your furry friend, read our list of the best dog-friendly vacations in the United States.
- 1. Bend, Oregon
- 2. Sedona, Arizona
- 3. Bar Harbor, Maine
- 4. Lake Placid, New York
- 5. Kanab, Utah
- 6. Austin, Texas
- 7. San Diego, California
- 8. Asheville, North Carolina
- 9. Long Island, New York
- 10. Colorado Springs, Colorado
- 11. Portland, Oregon
- 12. Tampa, Florida
- 13. Seattle, Washington
- 14. San Francisco, California
- Tips for Traveling with Your Dog
- Map of Dog-Friendly Vacations in the United States
1. Bend, Oregon
Highlight: Bend has 13 off-leash areas for dogs to play, plus hiking trails and a river for swimming
Outdoor lovers will be in heaven in Bend, Oregon, the city on the Deschutes River surrounded by National Forests, alpine lakes, and extinct volcanoes.
Legend has it that Bend has the highest per capita dog population in the world, with an estimated 49 percent of residents owning dogs. The scenic Central Oregon city boasts 51 miles of trails within its limits, 13 off-leash areas for your best friend to roam around in, and hiking trails in the lush forests.
Take your pup on a refreshing walk on the Deschutes River Trail or the Farewell Bend Park path. If Fido needs to cool off, there are plenty of opportunities to jump in the water for a swim. Or you can rent a canoe from Tumalo Creek Kayak & Canoe.
For serious hikers, Deschutes National Forest has many trails along Douglas firs, including the fan favorite of North Fork Trail. And in the winter, you can make snow angels with your pooch on cross-country ski and snowshoe trails at Wanoga, Edison, and Kapka Sno-Parks.
2. Sedona, Arizona
Highlights: Doggos love playing amid a red rock backdrop in Slide Rock State Park or hopping on a pup-friendly trolley tour.
Get some incredible shots of your four-legged friend against the backdrop of red rock country in Sedona, Arizona.
Active dogs will love venturing into Slide Rock State Park, a 43-acre park in Oak Creek Canyon located just outside the city or Coconino National Forest, known for iconic red rocks, Ponderosa Pine Forests, and alpine tundra. Many of Sedona's best hiking trails are suitable for dogs.
You can also sign up for pet-friendly tours, which offer backpacking, camping trips, and visits to Indian ruin sites. Pooch-friendly Red Rock Magic Trolley Tours also offers tours such as Boynton Canyon Tour and Bell Rock Tour. Reward your pooch after all that adventuring with a delicious treat at the Whiskers Barkery at Sinagua Plaza.
Those looking to stay within the city limits can make an afternoon out of a visit to Sedona Dog Park, the city's first and only dog park, featuring wonderful views and separate areas for small, large, and senior dogs. It even has a large natural area for traipsing off-leash.
Several hotels in Sedona offer pet-friendly accommodations. Many campgrounds in and around Sedona also welcome pets.
Read More:
3. Bar Harbor, Maine
Highlights: One of the country's most dog-friendly national parks, Acadia, is here; it's home to 120 miles of hiking trails that woofers are welcome on.
Maine's Bar Harbor is within a short driving distance to Acadia National Park, a 47,000-acre wilderness area on Mount Desert Island with 120 miles of dog-friendly hiking trails along the scenic glacier-sculpted coast.
Acadia is one of the most pet-friendly national parks in the country, with most of its hiking trails (with the exception of those that involve ladders) and carriage roads open to four-legged explorers.
Drive the Scenic Park Loop Road to Cadillac Mountain summit road, stopping along the way at lookout points for pictures and potty breaks for your pups. Pets are also welcome on the shuttles that take you to scenic vistas throughout the park.
The seaside New England city allows dogs on its buses, making it easier to get around if you don't have your own transportation. Even better, Bar Harbor has outfitters like the Downeast Windjammer that allow you to bring your pets on a boat cruise around Frenchman Bay. There's also no shortage of dog-friendly eateries in downtown Bar Harbor.
4. Lake Placid, New York
Highlight: Dogs love strolling the 2.7-mile paved trail around Mirror Lake
Located a five-hour drive from New York City in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains, Lake Placid is a quintessential romantic getaway. Bring your four-legged friend along and make memories along the lake's beaches and at luxury lodges like the Lake Placid Lodge.
Lake Placid is an all-around outdoor destination, where you can go skiing, hiking, biking, and fishing all in just one trip. A must-do is a stroll along Mirror Lake on a 2.7-mile paved trail for lovely views and fresh air. Located on the west side of the lake, the path has some shops that welcome dogs.
If Rover likes riding in the car, take a drive up to Whiteface Mountain along the Whiteface Veterans Memorial Highway (open only in the summer), stopping along the way for some Instagram-worthy pictures with stunning backdrops.
After all that exploring, take a break with a relaxing stroll on Main Street, stopping by Lisa G's for classic American dishes.
- Accommodation: Top-Rated Resorts in the Adirondacks
5. Kanab, Utah
Highlight: Staying at the pet-friendly Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile, which has an onsite dog park and splash zone
Kanab is a small town located in Southwestern Utah bordering Arizona, but the main attraction here is the Best Friends Animal Society's sanctuary, the largest no-kill companion animal shelter in the country. Spread across 3,700 acres, the sanctuary houses adoptable dogs, cats, bunnies, farm animals, horses, and orphaned and injured wild animals.
Best Friends has shelters all across the country, but the main location is a must-see, where animal lovers can spend time with adoptable animals and volunteer to clean kennels and socialize with and train the pets. If you've left your dog at home, you can borrow one to have a sleepover within your hotel room or in one of the on-site cottages (as long as you dedicate a few hours to volunteer during your stay).
Best Friends' new pet-centric hotel, Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile, located five miles from the sanctuary, has 40 guest rooms featuring pet introduction doors, elevated furnishings, and areas with pet mattresses. The premises include a fenced-in dog park, splash zone, and a pet washing station. It also offers pet-sitting and dog-walking services, as well as sanctuary tours.
6. Austin, Texas
Highlight: Booking a session at Austin Doga, where you and your pup do yoga together
When traveling to one of the best dog-friendly cities in the country, expect nothing less than the best, from restaurants that roll out the red carpet to green spaces right in the middle of downtown for your dog to romp around in.
Go on a thrilling hike or a bike ride on the 10-mile trail and boardwalk at Lady Bird Lake. If you've got your water-loving retriever, rent a kayak or stand up paddleboard for a relaxing time on the lake.
The Texas State Capitol building's lawn is open to pets, and so are dozens of restaurants, including the aptly named Austin Terrier, serving dog-named sandwiches and pizzas, and Kerbey Lane Café serving delicious brunch all day at seven locations.
Austin also gives new meaning to the word downward dog with its unique offering of Austin Doga. That's right, you can now do your asanas with your faithful pet by your side. The studio offers group and solo lessons and even helps you organize a party for your dog.
A short drive from the city center, you and your active pup can explore the woods and check out the waterfalls at the Barton Creek Greenbelt Preserve, often referred to simply as the Greenbelt.
Nearby, at the Barton Creek Farmers Market, support local farmers and vendors, some of whom sell dog food and accessories. Meet like-minded folks at the Red Bud Isle lakefront off-leash dog park, and have a lovely time swimming in the lake and enjoying scenic views.
7. San Diego, California
Highlights: Surfing doggos dig San Diego — it has great waves year-round and the country's largest dog surfing competition each July
Sunshine, surf, and miles of sandy shoreline make San Diego an ideal destination for your beach vacation with your sidekick. Delight in picture-perfect vistas along the cliff-lined coasts of La Jolla and Del Mar communities and choose a different beach every day, from Fiesta Island, Mission Bay Park, Ocean Beach, and Dog Beach among many others.
If you are visiting in July, don't miss the Unleashed Surf Dog competition at Imperial Beach, the largest dog surfing competition in the nation. When you've had your fun on the beaches, head to the dog parks at Balboa Park to socialize with other pets and their owners.
The prominent Cowles Mountain, located within the city of San Diego, has a hiking trail to the summit where you can enjoy 360-degree views of the city and the ocean beyond; of course, your pet will just love being with you and sniffing all the scents along the way.
Other popular dog-friendly activities in this SoCal city include walking the streets of Old Town San Diego State Historic Park and shopping at the open-air Westfield UTC Center. Sports lovers can head to Petco Park's Barkyard, a private area for pet owners in the left-center field.
- Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in San Diego
8. Asheville, North Carolina
Highlights: Lots of luxe dog-friendly hotels and hiking trails throughout the Blue Ridge Mountains
Set aside time in autumn to see colorful foliage in Asheville's countryside with your favorite family member. This North Carolina bohemian city has abundant opportunities to experience the great outdoors with your dog. Take in serene mountain views on a leisurely drive up the Blue Ridge Parkway and choose from hiking trails in the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains and national forests.
Stay in luxurious pet-friendly hotels and walk the grounds of top attractions like the Biltmore Estate, North Carolina Arboretum, and the French Broad River Park. The River Park has a winding, shaded path along the river; a wildflower garden; and a well-visited, fenced-in dog park. The Biltmore Estate provides kennels, so you can browse the interiors.
9. Long Island, New York
Highlight: Bougie dogs love hanging out in the Hamptons, home to mansions and dog-friendly beaches
While New York City's Central Park is a haven for dogs, the larger playground just an hour drive from the city lies in Long Island. The U.S. mainland's largest island has beaches, Gold Coast mansions, hiking trails, and, of course, the famed Hamptons.
Bring your nature-loving pet on hikes at Sagamore National Historic Site, Sands Point Preserve, Gardiner County Park, Belmont Lake State Park, and Sunken Meadow State Park among others. Drive out to the Hamptons' and Montauk's dog-friendly beaches in the South Fork or visit pumpkin patches and lavender fields in the North Fork.
Take the ferry from Patchogue to the Watch Hill campgrounds on Fire Island National Seashore and watch the fireworks go off across the length of Long Island during July 4th festivities. The landscaped gardens of Old Westbury Gardens become available to pets twice yearly during Dog Days, so you and your pets can smell the flowers and make memories. Walk the Nautical Mile in Freeport, stopping by to get ice cream at Ralph's Italian Ices and food at various dog-friendly establishments.
10. Colorado Springs, Colorado
Highlight: Grabbing a bite at Pub Dog Colorado, where humans are fed out of dog bowls and dogs have their own menu
Colorado Springs is home to the first and only restaurant in Colorado that allows dogs to dine inside with their people.
Pub Dog Colorado has indoor seating, as well as a 3,000-square-foot off-leash outdoor area where pups can socialize. The menu caters to humans and canines with separate sections. Your dog will get a kick out of the fact that the human entrees are served in dog bowls.
Located at the base of Pikes Peak, Colorado Springs is also an outdoor paradise for pups. You can take your doggo hiking amid the famous red rocks of Garden of the Gods park, which has more than 20 miles of hiking trails. If your pup likes car rides, take him on a drive to the summit of 14,000-plus-foot-high Pikes Peak for some different scents.
The city is also home to a number of dog-friendly hotels and resorts, from the five-star The Broadmoor to the recently opened, boutique Kinship Landing.
Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Colorado Springs, CO
11. Portland, Oregon
Highlight: Pups love Portland, which has walking trails, swimming rivers, and dog-friendly dining options
With more dog parks per capita than any other U.S. city, Portland is another great place for a dog-friendly vacation. If your pup loves to swim, you'll want to head to Sellwood Riverfront Park, with plenty of opportunities to splash around. For more sedate strolls with less muddy paws check out Forest Park, where there are miles of walking paths for leashed doggos to sniff around on.
If your dog enjoys social media photoshoots, you can take her to the International Rose Test Garden. It is home to more than 10,000 rose bushes that make for gorgeous photo backdrops along with walking trails.
Afterwards grab a bite at the Tin Shed Garden Cafe. There is a menu for pups, with chicken and beef entrees served over rice or sweet potatoes and even peanut butter banana ice cream for canines with a sweet tooth.
Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Portland, Oregon
12. Tampa, Florida
Highlight: Picnic Island Beach Dog Park, where your pup can frolic on the sand or go for a swim in the ocean
With warm temps year-round and pretty beaches, Tampa is where to take an ocean-loving dog. Picnic Island Beach Dog Park offers the best of both worlds for pups that like to socialize. The beach here is off-leash, and the water is shallow enough for less confident swimmers to still have fun.
After a day at the beach, enjoy a relaxing sunset boat cruise to the barrier islands south of Pass-A-Grill. The dog-friendly Shell Key Shuttle Sunset Cruises last 1.5 hours, and reservations are required. Dogs must be vaccinated for rabies, Bordetella, and distemper.
By this point, your pup has probably worked up quite an appetite. Luckily Square 1 Burgers serves a dog menu along with a human one. Dogs can enjoy chicken patties and steamed broccoli with a side of ice water.
Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Tampa, FL
13. Seattle, Washington
Highlight: Having a pup cup at the original Starbucks
Does your dog always beg you for a Pup Cup from Starbucks? Then he will want to visit Seattle, which is home to the coffee brand and its very popular Puppuccino. Overall, Seattle is a very dog-friendly vacation spot.
The Warren G. Magnuson Park Off-Leash Dog Area is not far from downtown and is a great sniff spot for local and visiting canines alike. The 8.6-acre park is fully fenced for worry-free play. Afterwards head to the Seattle Barkery for all sorts of handmade treats.
If your dog has always wanted to fly, Kenmore Air is a seaplane company that runs pet-friendly tours.
Read More: Best Attractions & Places to Visit in Seattle, WA
14. San Francisco, California
Highlights: Canines that enjoy swimming will love all the dog-friendly beaches; walking across Golden Gate Bridge
San Francisco is another one of the best dog-friendly vacation spots in the United States. The city has dog-friendly beaches, as well as attractions. Baker Beach is a popular spot for canines to run off leash in the sand and frolic in the waves – look for other dogs before letting your pup run free, however, as only stretches of this beach are off-leash. Golden Gate Park is also in the vicinity and also has an off-leash section.
Canines that enjoy walking will love crossing the Golden Gate Bridge. Its walkway becomes dog-friendly between 5pm and dusk daily. Other attractions for doggos include exploring the Embarcadero, Fisherman's Wharf, and checking out the handmade dog pastries at Le Marcel.
Tips for Traveling with Your Dog
If your dog isn't used to traveling, you'll want to do some advance prepping. If you are taking a road trip, one top tip is to make sure your dog is comfortable riding in the car for longer periods of time.
If your doggo gets car sick, for instance, put him in a plastic crate with solid walls so he can't look out the car windows. Also, avoid feeding your dog before a long car ride if car sickness is an issue. You can also ask your vet about medication to help with motion sickness.
Before arriving at a hotel, check its policies regarding pets. Many hotels charge pet fees, but some, like the Kimpton brand, do not. Also, check the resort's policy on leaving dogs unattended in the room.
Another tip is to bring some favorite toys to keep your pup entertained if you are heading out to dinner without him. And, always make sure your dog is wearing a collar with a tag that identifies her by name and lists your contact info.
