Top 15 Dog Friendly Vacations in the United States
Your vacation is about to take a quick turn for the better when you bring your dogs, and luckily, there are plenty of dog-friendly places to visit in the United States.
From cruising the golden beaches of San Diego and Florida to climbing the mountains of Oregon, Maine and North Carolina, your dogs will have endless fun along the way with you.
Cities are dog-friendly, offer dog spas and leash-free parks, and welcome them in outdoor shops and restaurants.
When they look contentedly crossing hills with tails waving, ears flicking, running along a pristine beach, or savoring the latest ice cream at a roadside shop, it’s your dog’s wish. Worth every moment spent planning – a friendly vacation.
Whether you’re on a road trip or flying in with Fido for a fun getaway, there are beautiful landscapes and dog-friendly town centers all over the country. Book a pet-friendly hotel, pack your pet’s food, favorite toys, shot records and travel gear, and you’re ready for the trip of a lifetime.
If you are driving, restrain your dog in a harness seat belt (in some states, it is illegal to drive a dog without a seat belt). For your air travel, check the airline’s rules and get the right carrier with a comfortable mat & enough water for the duration of the flight.
For ideas on where to go with the furry friend, read our list of dog-friendly vacations in the United States.
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Bend, Oregon
Outdoor enthusiasts will be in heaven in downtown Bend, Oregon on the Deschutes River, surrounded by national forests, alpine lakes & extinct volcanoes. Legend has it that Bend have the highest per capita dog population in the world, with an estimated 48 percent of residents owning dogs. The beautiful central Oregon city has 51 miles of trails within its boundaries, 13 off-leash areas for your best friend to visit, and lush, tree-lined trails.
Take your pup for a refreshing walk on 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 and swim. Or you can rent a canoe at Tumlow Creek Kayak & Canoe.
For serious hikers, the Deschutes National Forest has several trails lined with Douglas firs, including the fan-favorite North Fork Trail. And in winter, you can make snow angels with your pup on the cross-country ski and snowshoe trails at the Wanoga, Edison, and Kapka Snow-Parks.
- Sedona, Arizona
Get some amazing shots of your four-legged friend against the backdrop of the 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 dog-friendly.
You can also sign up for the pet-friendly tours, which offer backpacking, camping trips, and Indian ruin tours. Dog-friendly Red Rock Magic Trolley Tours also offers tours like the Boynton Canyon Tour and the Bell Rock Tour. Reward your dog after he’s delighted with a tasty treat at Whiskers Barkery in Sinagua Plaza.
Those wishing to stay within the city limits can take the afternoon off at the city’s first and only dog park, Sedona Dog Park, which has fantastic views and separate areas for small, large, and adult dogs. It even has a large natural area to catch off leash.
Many Sedona hotels offer pet-friendly accommodations. Many campgrounds in and around Sedona also accept pets. (Dog Friendly Vacations in the United States)
- Harbor Bar, Maine
Maine’s Bar Harbor is a short drive from Acadia National Park, a 47,000-acre wilderness area on Mount Desert Island with dog-friendly trails along the beautiful glacier-carved coastline.
Acadia is one of the best most pet-friendly national parks in the country, with most of its hiking trails (except those involving stairs) and carriage roads open to four-legged explorers.
Drive from Scenic Park Loop Road to Cadillac Mountain Summit Road, stopping at overlooks for photos and potty training with your pups. Pets are also welcome on buses that take you to beautiful views throughout the park.
The New England seaside city 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 take your pet on a Frenchman Bay boat cruise. There is also no shortage of dog-friendly restaurants in downtown Bar Harbor. (Dog Friendly Vacations in the United States)
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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 on the lake’s beaches and in luxury accommodations like Lake Placid Lodge.
Lake Placid is an outdoor destination where you can ski, hike, bike, and fish in one trip. A hike 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 dog friendly stores.
If Rover likes to travel by car, drive down Whiteface Veterans Memorial Highway (open in summer only) to Whiteface Mountain and stop for some Instagram-worthy photos set against stunning backdrops.
After much exploring, take a break with a stroll down Main Street and stop at Lisa G’s for classic American cuisine. (Dog Friendly Vacations in the United States)
- 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 area of Southwest Florida a wonderful getaway.
Enjoy a spectacular sunset with your four-legged companion on this barrier island, explore for seashells or take a walk on the beach, 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 largest undeveloped mangrove ecosystems in the country and a top Sanibel attraction, you and your leash can explore wetlands and pet mangroves and feed herons, manatees and migratory birds. A nice drive on a public access road called Wildlife Drive. (Dog Friendly Vacations in the United States)
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Kanab, Utah
Kanab is a small town in southwestern Utah that borders 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 is home to orphaned and injured dogs, cats, rabbits, farm animals, horses, and wild animals that can be adopted.
Best Friends has shelters across the country, but the main one is a must-see place, where animal lovers can spend time with adoptable animals and volunteer to clean kennels, socialize and train pets. Hey. If you have left your dog at home, you can borrow one to sleep in your hotel room or one of the on-site cabins (as long as you volunteer a few hours during your stay).
Best Friends’ new pet-focused hotel, Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile, located five miles from the sanctuary, features 40 rooms with pet-friendly entry doors, raised furniture and pet-friendly mattress areas.
The community includes a fenced-in dog park, splash pad, and pet wash station. It offers pet sitting and dog walking services, as well as sanctuary tours. (Dog Friendly Vacations in the United States)
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Austin, Texas
When you travel 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 for walking your dog is less than the best. Nothing is expected.
Take an exciting 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 paddle board to relax on the lake.
The lawn of the Texas State Capitol building is open to pets, as are dozens of restaurants, including the aptly named Austin Terrier, which serves sandwiches and pizza named after dogs, and Kerby Lane Cafe, which serves delicious brunch during all day at seven locations. Hey.
Austin also gives new meaning to the word Downward Dog with Austin Doga’s unique offering. That’s how it is; now you can do your poses with your faithful pet around you. The studio offers group and individual classes and even helps you throw a party for your dog.
Just a short drive from downtown, you and your active pup can explore nature and watch the waterfalls at Barton Creek Greenbelt Preserve, often referred to as the Greenbelt.
Nearby, at 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 blast swimming in the lake and taking in the beautiful views. (Dog Friendly Vacations in the United States)
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San Diego, Calif.
Sun, surf and miles of sandy shoreline make San Diego the perfect destination for a beach vacation with your buddy. Delight in picture-perfect views along the cliff-fringed shorelines 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 Surfing Dog Contest at Imperial Beach, the largest dog surfing competition in the country. While having fun on the beaches, visit the Balboa Park Dog Park to socialize with other pets and their owners.
Cowles Mountain, a major in downtown San Diego, has a hiking trail to the top 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 Southern California city include walking the streets of Old Town San Diego State Historic Park and shopping at the open-air Westfield UTC Center. Sports enthusiasts can visit the backyard of Petco Park, a private area for pet owners in the center left area. (Dog Friendly Vacations in the United States)
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Asheville, North Carolina
Set aside time in the fall to view the colorful foliage in the Asheville countryside with your favorite member of the family. There are abundant opportunities to experience the outdoors with your dog in this bohemian North Carolina town.
Enjoy the peaceful mountain scenery of the Blue Ridge Parkway and choose from hiking trails in the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains and national forests.
Stay at luxurious pet-friendly hotels and walk to the base of top attractions like the Biltmore Estate, North Carolina Arboretum, and French Broad River Park. River Park has a winding, shady path along the river; a wild flower garden; and a well-visited, fenced-in dog park.
The Biltmore Estate offers kennels so you can browse its interior. (Dog Friendly Vacations in the United States)
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Long Island, New York
While New York City’s Central Park is a haven for dogs, the massive playground is located on Long Island, just an hour’s drive from downtown. The largest island in the US has beaches, Gold Coast mansions, hiking trails and the famous Hamptons.
Take 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 on the South Fork, or visit the pumpkin patch and lavender fields on the North Fork.
Take the ferry from Patchogue to Watch Hill Campground in Fire Island National Seashore and watch the fireworks all over Long Island during the 4th of July festivities.
The landscaped gardens at Old Westbury Gardens are open to pets twice a year on 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 for ice cream and dining at several dog-friendly establishments. (Dog Friendly Vacations in the United States)
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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 different sections. Your dog will love the fact that the human entrees are served in doggie bowls.
Located at the base of Pikes Peak, Colorado Springs is also an outdoor paradise for pups. You can take your dog for the walk among the famous red rocks at Garden of the Gods Park, which has more than 20 miles of hiking trails. If your pup loves car rides, take him to the top of Pikes Peak, over 14,000 feet high, for a few different smells.
From the five-star hotel The Broadmoor to the recently opened boutique Kinship Landing, the city is also home to several dog-friendly hotels and resorts. (Dog Friendly Vacations in the United States)
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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 walk 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 photo shoots on social media. It is home to more than 10,000 rose bushes that make for beautiful photo backdrops along with the walk.
Afterward, enjoy a bite to eat at the Tin Shed Garden Cafe. There’s a pup menu, with chicken and beef served with rice or sweet potatoes and even peanut butter banana ice cream for canines with a sweet tooth. (Dog Friendly Vacations in the United States)
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Tampa, Florida
With warm temperatures and beautiful beaches year-round, Tampa is the ideal place to take an ocean-loving pooch. 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 enjoy themselves.
After spending 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 must be vaccinated against rabies, bordetella and distemper.
By now, your pup is probably quite hungry. Luckily, Square 1 Burgers serves a dog-friendly menu along with a human. Dogs can enjoy steamed chicken and broccoli patties with ice water. (Dog Friendly Vacations in the United States)
14.Seattle, Washington
Does your dog always ask you for a Starbucks Pup Cup? Then you’ll want to move to Seattle, home of the coffee brand and its popular Puppuccino. In general, Seattle is a very dog-friendly vacation spot.
Warren G. Magnuson Park’s Off-Leash Dog Area is not far from downtown and is a great place to sniff out locals and visiting dogs. The 8.6 acre park is fully enclosed for carefree play. Then head over to Seattle Barkery for all kinds of handmade treats.
If your dog has always wanted to fly, Kenmore Air is a seaplane company that organizes tours for pets. (Dog Friendly Vacations in the United States)
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San Francisco, California
San Francisco is one of the bestest vacation destinations for dogs in the United States. The city has dog-friendly beaches as well as attractions.
Baker Beach is a popular spot for dogs to run off-leash in the sand and roam in the waves; check for other dogs before releasing your pup. However, only parts of this beach are off-leash. Golden Gate Park is also nearby and has an off-leash section.
Dogs who like to walk will love crossing the Golden Gate Bridge. Its catwalk becomes dog-friendly every day between 5:00 pm and night. Other dog-friendly attractions include exploring the Embarcadero, Fisherman’s Wharf, and seeing the handmade dog-friendly pies at Le Marseille.
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