Top 15 Dog-Friendly Vacations in the United States
Your vacation is about to get better fast when you bring your dogs along, and thankfully, there are plenty of dog-friendly places to visit in the United States. From roaming 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 dogs, offer doggie spas and off-leash parks, and welcome them in stores and alfresco restaurants. (Dog-Friendly Vacations in the United States)
When they gaze at contentment crossing hills with their tails waving, flapping their ears, running across a pristine beach, or savouring the last piece of ice cream at a roadside shop, it’s your dog’s desire. Worth every moment spent planning- a friendly vacation.
Whether you’re road-tripping or flying in with Fido for a fun getaway, there are beautiful landscapes and dog-friendly urban centres across the country. Book yourself a pet-friendly hotel, pack your pet’s food, favourite toys, vaccination records, and travel gear, and you’re all set for the trip of a lifetime.
If you are driving, restrain your dog with a harness seatbelt (in some states, it is illegal to drive with an unrestrained dog). For your air travel, check the airline’s rules and get the appropriate carrier 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 dog-friendly vacations in the United States.
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Bend, Oregon
Outdoor lovers will be in heaven in downtown Bend, Oregon, on the Deschutes River, surrounded by national forests, alpine lakes, and extinct volcanoes. Legend states that Bend has the world’s highest per capita dog population, with an estimated 49 percent of residents owning dogs. The beautiful Central Oregon city boasts 51 miles of trails within its limits, 13 off-leash areas for your best friend to visit, and lush wooded hiking trails.
Take your pup on a refreshing walk along the Deschutes River Trail or the Farewell Bend Park Path. If Fido has to cool off, there are plenty of opportunities to jump in the water for a swim. Or you can rent a canoe from Tumlow Creek Kayak & Canoe.
For serious hikers, Deschutes National Forest has several trails with Douglas firs, including the North Fork Trail fan favourites. And in winter, you can make snow angels with your puppy on the cross-country ski and snowshoe trails at Wanoga, Edison, and Kapka Snow-Parks.
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Sedona, Arizona
Get some incredible shots of your four-legged friend against the backdrop of red rock country in Sedona, Arizona. Active dogs will love visiting Slide Rock State Park, a 43-acre park in Oak Creek Canyon just outside of town, or visiting Coconino National Forest, the iconic red rocks, ponderosa pine forest, 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 ruins. The pooch-friendly Red Rock Magic Trolley Tours also offers tours such as the Boynton Canyon Tour and the Bell Rock Tour. Reward your dog after he’s thrilled with a tasty treat at Whiskers Barkery in Sinagua Plaza.
Those who want to stay within city limits can take the afternoon off to the city’s first and only dog park, Sedona Dog Park, which has fantastic views and separate areas for small, large and senior dogs. It even has a large natural area for trapping off-leash.
Many hotels in Sedona offer pet-friendly accommodations. Many campgrounds in and around Sedona also welcome pets.
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Bar Harbor, Maine
Maine’s Bar Harbor is within a short distance of Acadia National Park, a 47,000-acre wilderness area on Mount Desert Island with dog-friendly hiking trails along the beautiful glacier-sculpted coast.
Acadia is one of the most pet-friendly national parks in the country, with most of its hiking trails (except those that include ladders) and carriage roads open to four-legged explorers. Drive from Scenic Park Loop Road to Cadillac Mountain Summit Road, stopping at lookout points for pictures and potty breaks for your pups. Pets are also welcome on shuttles that take you to beautiful views throughout the park.
The seaside New England town allows dogs on its buses, making it easy to get around if you don’t have transportation. Even better, Bar Harbor has outfitters like Downeast Windjammer, allowing you to bring your pet on a boat cruise around Frenchman Bay. There is no shortage of dog-friendly eateries in Downtown Bar Harbor either.
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Lake Placid, New York
Located in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains, a five-hour drive from New York City, Lake Placid is the quintessential romantic getaway. Bring your four-legged friend and make memories along the lake’s beaches and at luxury lodges like Lake Placid Lodge.
Lake Placid is an outdoor destination where you can go skiing, hiking, biking, and fishing in just one trip. A walk along Mirror Lake on the 2.7-mile paved trail is essential for beautiful views and fresh air. This road west of the lake has a few shops that welcome dogs.
If Rover likes to ride in a car, drive along Whiteface Veterans Memorial Highway (open in summer only) to Whiteface Mountain, stopping for some Instagram-worthy photos with stunning backdrops.
After much exploration, take a break with a stroll down Main Street, stopping at Lisa G’s for classic American cuisine.
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Sanibel Island, Florida
If you have a beach bum on your hands, head to Sanibel Island on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Sun-kissed beaches and year-round warm weather make this Southwest Florida area a wonderful getaway.
Enjoy a spectacular sunset with your four-legged companion at this barrier island, explore seashells or take a beach stroll, where almost all beaches are pet-friendly. One of the most popular beaches is Gulfside Beach (which also leads from Algiers Beach), which offers picnic areas, barbecue grills, outdoor showers, and restrooms.
At the JN “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, one of the nation’s largest undeveloped mangrove ecosystems and one of Sanibel’s top attractions, you and your leash can explore pet wetlands and mangroves and feed herons, manatees and migratory birds. Can see. A pleasant drive along a public access road called Wildlife Drive.
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Kanab, Utah
Kanab is a small town in southwestern Utah bordering Arizona. Still, the main attraction here is the sanctuary of Best Friends Animal Society, the largest no-kill companion animal shelter in the country. Spread over 3,700 acres, the sanctuary houses adoptable dogs, cats, rabbits, farm animals, horses, and orphaned and injured wild animals.
Best Friends has shelters all over the country, but the prime is a must-see location, where animal lovers can spend time with adoptable animals and volunteer to clean kennels, socialize, and train pets. Huh. If you have left your dog at home, you can borrow one to sleep in your hotel room or one of the on-site cottages (as long as you dedicate a few hours to volunteer during your stay).
Best Friends’ new pet-focused hotel, Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile, located five miles from the sanctuary, features 40 guest rooms with pet introduction doors, elevated furnishings, and pet mattress areas. The complex includes a fenced-in dog park, splash zone, and a pet washing station. It offers pet-sitting and dog-walking services as well as sanctuary tours.
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Austin, Texas
When traveling to one of the best dog-friendly cities in the country, everything from restaurants that roll up the red carpet to green spaces in the middle of downtown to walk your dog around is less than the best. Nothing is expected.
Go on a thrilling hike or bike ride on the 10-mile trail and boardwalk at Lady Bird Lake. If you have a water-loving dog, rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard for a relaxing time on the lake.
The lawn of the Texas State Capitol building is open to pets, and so are dozens of restaurants, including the aptly named Austin Terrier, which serves dog-named sandwiches and pizza, and Kerby Lane Cafe serving delicious brunch throughout the day at seven locations. Huh.
Austin also gives new meaning to the word Downward Dog with the unique offering of Austin Doga. That’s right; now you can do your postures with your faithful pet around you. The studio offers group and solo lessons and even helps you organize a party for your dog.
A short drive from the city centre, you and your active pup can explore the wilderness and check out waterfalls at the Barton Creek Greenbelt Preserve, often referred to 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 people at Red Bud Isle Lakefront Off-Leash Dog Park, and have a lovely time swimming in the lake and enjoying the beautiful views.
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San Diego, California
Sunshine, surf, and miles of sandy shoreline make San Diego the perfect destination for a beach vacation with your sidekick. Delight in the picture-perfect vistas along the cliff-lined shores of the 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’re visiting in July, don’t miss the Unleashed Surf Dog Contest at Imperial Beach, the largest dog surfing competition in the country. While you have your fun on the beaches, visit the dog park in Balboa Park to socialize with other pets and their owners.
Cowles Mountain, a major within downtown San Diego, has a hiking trail to the summit where you can enjoy 360-degree views of the city and ocean; Of course, your pet will love being with you and smelling 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 Historical Park and shopping at the open-air Westfield UTC Center. Sports lovers can visit Petco Park’s Backyard, a private area for pet owners in the left-centre area.
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Asheville, North Carolina
Set aside time in autumn to see the colourful foliage in the Asheville countryside with your favourite family member. There are abundant opportunities to experience the great outdoors with your dog in this bohemian North Carolina city. Enjoy leisurely mountain scenery 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 to the base of top attractions like the Biltmore Estate, the North Carolina Arboretum, and French Broad River Park. River Park has a winding, shady path along the river; a wildflower garden; and a well-visited, fenced-in dog park. The Biltmore Estate offers kennels so that you can browse inside.
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Long Island, New York
While New York City’s Central Park is a haven for dogs, the enormous playground is located on Long Island, just an hour’s drive from downtown. The largest island on the US mainland has beaches, Gold Coast mansions, hiking trails, and the famous 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. Drive to the dog-friendly beaches of the Hamptons and Montauk in the South Fork, or check out the pumpkin patch and lavender fields in the North Fork.
Take the ferry from Patchogue to Watch Hill Campground on Fire Island National Seashore and watch fireworks run the length of Long Island during the 4th of July festivities. Old Westbury Gardens’ landscaped gardens become available to pets twice a year during Dog Day, so you and your pet can smell the flowers and make memories. Walk the Nautical Mile in Freeport, stopping at Ralph’s Italian Ice to get ice cream and a meal at various dog-friendly establishments.
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Colorado Springs, Colorado
Colorado Springs is the first and only restaurant in Colorado to allow dogs to dine with its people. Pub Dog Colorado has plenty of indoor seating and a 3,000-square-foot outdoor area where pups can socialize. The menu caters to humans and dogs, with varying sections. Your dog will get a kick out of the fact that 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 among the famous red rocks of Garden of the Gods Park, which has more than 20 miles of hiking trails. If your pup loves car rides, take him to the summit of the more than 14,000-foot-high Pikes Peak for a few different scents.
From the five-star The Broadmoor to the recently opened boutique Kinship Landing, the city is also home to several dog-friendly hotels and resorts.
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Portland, Oregon
With more dog parks per capita than any other American city, Portland is another great place for a dog-friendly vacation. If your pup loves to swim, you’ll want to head to Selwood Riverfront Park, which will have plenty of opportunities to splash around. For a quieter stroll with less muddy paws, check out Forest Park, which has miles of walking trails for leashed dogs to sniff around.
You can take your dog to the International Rose Test Garden if you enjoy social media photoshoots. It is home to over 10,000 rose bushes that make for gorgeous photo backdrops along with the walk.
Afterwards, grab a bite at the Tin Shed Garden Cafe. There is a menu for puppies, with chicken and beef served over rice or sweet potatoes and even peanut butter banana ice cream for canines with a sweet tooth.
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Tampa, Florida
With warm temperatures and beautiful beaches year-round, Tampa is where to take an ocean-loving dog. Picnic Island Beach Dog Park offers the best of both worlds for pups who love to socialize. The beach here is off-leash, and the water is still shallow enough for less confident swimmers to have fun.
After a day at the beach, enjoy a relaxing sunset boat cruise to the barrier islands south of Pas-a-Grill. Dog-friendly Shell Key Shuttle Sunset cruises last 1.5 hours and require reservations. Dogs should be vaccinated for rabies, bordetella and distemper.
By this point, your puppy has probably gotten quite hungry. Luckily Square 1 Burgers serves a dog menu alongside a human. Dogs can enjoy chicken patties and steamed broccoli with a side of ice water.
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Seattle, Washington
Is your dog always begging you for a Pup Cup from Starbucks? Then he’ll want to move to Seattle, home to the coffee brand and its popular Puppuccino. Overall, Seattle is a very dog-friendly vacation spot.
Warren G. The Magnuson Park Off-Leash Dog Area is not far from downtown and is an excellent sniffing spot for locals and visiting dogs. The 8.6-acre park is entirely closed for worry-free play. Afterwards, head to Seattle Barkery for all kinds of handmade treats.
If your dog has always wanted to fly, Kenmore Air is a seaplane company that runs pet-friendly tours.
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San Francisco, California
San Francisco is one of the best dog-friendly vacation destinations in the United States. The city has dog-friendly beaches, as well as attractions. Baker Beach is a popular place for dogs to run off leash in the sand and roam the waves – look for other dogs before releasing your puppy. However, only parts of this beach are off-leash. Golden Gate Park is also in the vicinity and has an off-leash section.
Dogs who enjoy walking will love crossing the Golden Gate Bridge. Its walkway becomes dog-friendly daily between 5 pm and the evening. Other attractions for Dogs include exploring the Embarcadero, Fisherman’s Wharf, and checking out the handmade dog pastries at Le Marseille.
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