The 15 Most Pet-Friendly Travel Destinations (or Cities)

There’s nothing like taking a vacation with your favorite pet. Our furry and feathered friends are great companions because they love to stick by our sides as they learn new things and see new places. If you are taking a trip, you likely want to take your faithful companion along for the ride, and luckily, many cities, parks, and locations are becoming more pet-friendly than ever before. Here’s our list of the most pet-friendly travel destinations in the U.S. that are also fun for humans.

Sedona, Arizona

If your dog loves to have fun, play, and explore, then Sedona, Arizona, is a great pet-friendly travel destination. Basically, wherever you want to go, your pet can go with you. You can enjoy the great outdoors by taking many of the dog-friendly hiking trails that make their way through Arizona’s famous red rocks. 

When you’re done there, you can eat at the many pet-friendly restaurants. Have a meal at the Canyon Breeze Restaurant or have some drinks at the Oak Creek Vineyards. There’s also a pet-friendly hotel. The El Portal Sedona Hotel is a luxurious hotel that is not only pet-friendly, but will also provide you with a doggie basket that comes complete with dog bags, treats, and a blanket.

Colorado Springs, Colorado

You’re likely going to Colorado because you want to see the beauty of nature, and you won’t be disappointed. This is a gorgeous spot, and your pet can enjoy it too. While there are plenty of parks and trails to enjoy, you can also go to many popular destinations in Colorado Springs. You can stay the night at the historic Broadmoor Resort and eat dinner at Pub Dog Colorado, both of which are very pet friendly. Then, get your hiking fix at the Garden of the Gods, which is a dog-friendly park with 21 miles of trails. Just make sure to bring the proper sun protection. 

Lake Placid, New York

Our next pet-friendly destination is Lake Placid. Far away from the hustle and bustle of New York City, this pleasant town is full of fun and beauty, especially if you visit when the leaves are changing color. There are also plenty of places to go with your pet. Consider a stay at the Saranac Waterfront Lodge, where you can bring dogs up to 75 pounds. Your pet can even get a complimentary treat upon arrival. You can then go eat at Emma’s Lake Placid Creamery, which provides old-fashioned ice cream and doggie treats. During the day, go to Mirror Lake and play water sports or just walk the 2.7-mile trail around the lake.

St. Augustine, Florida

You’ve likely heard of many of the famous vacation destinations in Florida, but many people don’t think about St. Augustine. This is a charming beach town that is also known as the “oldest city in America.” It’s a pet-friendly travel destination. Book your stay at the Saint Augustine Beach House, where there are rooms of all sizes, and there’s a dog run on the property. When you’re hungry, stop by Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grill. While there, you can taste top-notch seafood while your pet can drink water and eat treats. When you’re free, consider taking one of the St. Augustine Eco Tours. These are great tours where you can see the coastline and wonderful animals, including dolphins and birds.

Chicago, Illinois

When you think about pet-friendly travel, you may not think of Chicago, but there’s actually a lot that you and your pet can do while you’re in town. Start by booking a weekend at the Staypineapple Hotel, which allows pets and provides dog-friendly rooms. It’s located downtown, so you can take a walking tour of the city. Stop for dinner at Barrio. It’s an upscale eatery with a dog-friendly patio, tasty meat entrees, and a special “Woof Cream” dessert that your pooch will love. 

If your pet loves the water, check out Mercury’s Canine Cruise, where you and your pet can take a safe tour through Chicago’s waterways. There are dog-friendly bathrooms should nature call. Once you’re done there, walk the Lakefront Trail. This is an 18-mile trail that goes past several dog parks that you can stop at along the way. This will truly be a weekend you won’t soon forget.

Dana Point, California 

Dana Point is one of the most gorgeous cities you will ever see, and your pet will love it too. This beach town in California will provide plenty of photo opportunities, and you can enjoy it all without the crowds. Consider a stay at The Ritz Carlton, Laguna Niguel. While here, dogs can enjoy a “posh pooch experience,” which includes in-room dining, a doggy bed, a water bowl, and more. When you get hungry, check out 180blũ. It’s the Ritz Carlton’s restaurant which has delicious human food and a full doggie menu. Go on Thursdays, and you can hear live music.

If you love shopping and walking your dog, then visit the Outlets at San Clemente. This great mall sells fantastic items at bargain prices. Along the way, there are pet stations for the bathroom, and you can get free dog treats at the customer service desk. Keep in mind that while your pet may be allowed in many stores, some stores will not allow pets.

Hilton Head, South Carolina

A visit to South Carolina must include a stay in Hilton Head. There are beaches, golf courses, nightlife options, and more. There are many places where you can walk and explore, and you never know what you’ll see next. The town is also very pet-friendly. Book your stay at the Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort. Here you can get the “Most Valuable Pup” package, which includes two gift bowls, treats, a mat, and a bottle of Pawrignon, which is a dog champagne. 

At night, get dinner at Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks. This restaurant has the freshest seafood in the area, and you can sit with your pet on the dock. During the day, check out Chaplin Park & Burkes Beach, and throw the frisbee and walk along the water. There’s also an off-leash dog playground where your pup can play and work out all of its energy. 

South Lake Tahoe, California

Sharing a border between Nevada and California, South Lake Tahoe is the place to go if you want to enjoy a vacation with your pet. This place is really gorgeous. Depending on when you go, you can enjoy awesome ski routes or sandy beaches. If you’re in the area, book a stay at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Lake Tahoe and get a pet-friendly room and eat at their dog-friendly restaurant. Keep in mind that dogs are not allowed in the casino. 

You can also dine at FiRE + iCE Interactive Grill & Bar. This popular hotspot features great food and tasty drinks. Pets of all sizes are welcome, and there are complimentary water bowls. The beauty of this grill is that you get to hand-pick all of your ingredients, and the chef will cook them for you. Later on, check out Regan Beach Dog Water Park, where you and your pet can frolic in the sand and water. Throw the ball, meet new people, and have a great time.

Best Dog Parks in the Country

You can’t talk about pet-friendly travel destinations without discussing the many amazing dog parks around the U.S. The cities below are fun for humans as well. Offering a lot of great activities, sights, and history. When your dog wants to stretch its legs, you can bring it to the parks in these cities.

Seattle, Washington

There is a ton to see and do in Washington. You can visit the world-famous Space Needle, check out a Seahawks game, visit the Pike Place Market, bring your kids to the Seattle Aquarium, the Museum of Pop Culture, and more.

Seattle also has some of the best dog parks. For instance, Plymouth Pillars Dog Park is a free location that offers space for your pooch to play. Also, the park provides poop bags and a water fountain so your dog can stay clean and hydrated. 

Another dog park is the Magnolia Manor Park Off-Leash Area, where your dog can run around a large 21,000-square-mile area. You can play fetch, they can smell the flowers, and the park offers a great view of Seattle.

Memphis, Tennessee

If you’re looking for a colorful pet-friendly travel destination, then you should visit Memphis. There are many historical sights, including the National Civil Rights Museum, the Memphis Zoo, and the Stax Museum of American Soul Music.

There’s also a slew of great dog parks in Memphis. One of the most well-known is the City of Memphis Dog Park, which has a half-acre of space to run and play. The park is also open 24/7, so you can stop there anytime between your trip. 

Then there’s the Mud Island Dog Park. This place is great because it offers separate areas for different breeds, like a separate area for smaller dogs under 25 pounds. The park also provides a great view of the Mississippi River. This is a large 2-acre park that gives your pup plenty of space to run and play.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Visit Pittsburgh during the spring or summer, and you’ll have a ton to do and see, including visiting the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium, and the famous PNC park, where you can check out a baseball game.

There’s also a fair share of awesome dog parks in Pittsburgh. If you’re in the area, check out Dormont Dog Park, which is a large park for off-leash play. This park is actually an old tennis court that offers plenty of running space.

The Riverview Dog Park is open from 6 am to 8 pm. It has a small and large breed section, fenced-off areas, and a playground pool and trails. It is located on 259 acres, so there is a ton of space to run and play.

Tampa, Florida

The state of Florida has a ton of great locations that make for awesome pet-friendly travel that will create memories for dogs and people alike. There are pet-friendly restaurants that you must try, including the Two Shepherds Taproom and Pups Pub. You can rest at night at pet-friendly hotels, including the Aloft Tampa Downtown and Residence Inn by Marriott Tampa Downtown.

Of course, there are also great dog parks in Tampa. West Park Dog Park is a large off-leash area that provides spaces for large and small dogs. It provides grass and dirt surfaces that are fully fenced off. As a perk, it’s also close to the ocean.

If your dog prefers artificial turf, then visit Deputy Kotfila Memorial Dog Park. The park has a lot of room to run and play, and there’s a water fountain for when your dogs get thirsty. There are areas for large and small breeds.

Atlanta, Georgia

There are many great tourist destinations that both humans and dogs can enjoy. There are some great eateries, including the Joy Cafe, Ladybird Grove & Mess Hall, and Little Bear Restaurant. Pets are also allowed at some historical sites, such as the 

Martin Luther King Jr National Historic Site and Atlanta Preservation Center.

You can also come to the Atlanta dog parks. One of the best is Walker Park Dog Park, which has separate spaces for small and large breeds. Keep in mind that it is a large area where your dogs can run but there are no trees or benches.

There’s also the large 2-acre Freedom Barkway Dog Park that has both dirt and grass surfaces. Thirsty dogs can check out the water fountain, and there are trees and benches so owners can sit down and relax.

Greensboro, North Carolina

If you’re planning a trip to Greensboro, then rest assured that you can take your pet along for the journey. Dogs and owners looking for fun can visit the Boxcar Bar + Arcade, and then you can grab a bite to eat at Doggos Dog Park & Pub. Finally, stop for a drink at Gibb’s Hundred Brewing.

Greensboro also has its fair share of dog parks. BarkPark at Country Park offers three sections: One for large dogs, one for small dogs, and a section for all breeds. There are also toys provided by the park for visiting dogs.

Those looking for security can go to Griffin Dog Park, where there is a double-gated entrance and plenty of room to run. There are also water fountains for thirsty dogs. The park is well-shaded, so you can beat the heat.

Dallas and Laredo, Texas 

The state of Texas is great for pet-friendly travel because there are numerous towns that are great for all pets. In Dallas, you can go shopping with your pet at Half Price Books or Dallas Farmers Market, and you can stay in a pet-friendly hotel, such as the Hotel Vin and Canopy by Hilton Dallas Uptown. 

Dallas also has fun and fabulous dog parks, including White Rock Lake Dog Park, where pet owners can get a great view of White Rock Lake while the pets can enjoy two separate areas for smaller and larger breeds. At Bark Park Central, pups have 1.2 acres to run and play, and there are plenty of sprinklers and water bowls for hot days.

In Laredo, which is located on the Mexico border, there are plenty of sights that pets and pet owners can enjoy. Among them are restaurants like Rein Cae. There are great dog parks in Laredo as well, including North Central Park, which has been upgraded in recent years. Now, you and your pup can go and hike on long trails or go to a public pool. There is also beautiful flora and fauna to see and photograph.

Conclusion

This list includes just a handful of the many pet-friendly travel destinations that America has to offer. As time goes on, it’s becoming more common for companies and cities to be more welcoming to pets of all types and breeds, so there are likely to be even more destinations as time goes on. Bring your dog, cat, or bird on your next trip, and make it a memory you all remember forever.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/Aleksandr Zotov