The United States is as much about scenic places and cultural attractions as it is about fantastic getaways for you AND your furry friend.
Whether you’re looking for an adventure like hiking through stunning pet-friendly trails or exploring alluring pet-friendly national parks, plenty of options are available for you and your four-legged friend.
We’ve handpicked the ten best pet-friendly vacations in the U.S. that offer a memorable experience for you and your four-legged buddy. Aside from various outdoor attractions, these destinations feature outstanding pet-friendly accommodations pampered with dog bowls, toys, pet-sitting services, and other amenities.
Have a look below to learn more!
Top 10 Dog-Friendly Vacations in The U.S.
Sanibel Island, Florida
Florida is a state for outdoor lovers and pet owners alike. Sanibel Island has cemented its name as “the Pet Capital of Florida,” with plenty of dog-friendly beaches, parks, trails, restaurants, and hotels within walking distance.
Florida Sanibel Island is also home to one of only two beachside animal hospitals on the Gulf Coast. Pet-friendly amenities include dog walks, onsite daycare, and boarding facilities, a pooch playground at the town beach with plenty of shade, and benches for owners to relax. In contrast, their dogs play in many pet boutiques (including an upscale doggie bakery). Off-leash parks, like Estero Community Park and Dog Beach Park, are available year-round on Sanibel Island.
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Asheville, North Carolina
Thanks to its irresistibly charming aura, Asheville, in North Carolina, is a city that has been booming in recent years. This destination offers pet-friendly accommodations and attractions for every type of traveler, especially for those eager to experience this mountain town’s authentic “Old South” charm.
Asheville is home to the world’s oldest art school, and its many galleries, theaters, and museums are also pet-friendly. One highlight of this city would be the West Asheville area, where plenty of restaurants allow dogs in outdoor seating areas.
There are many dog-friendly trails within Asheville. Mount Mitchell, Bridal Veil Falls, and Catawba Falls are some of the best. The Bent Creek area also offers outdoor enthusiasts plenty of opportunities to walk among nature, with miles of hiking trails ranging from easy to extreme.
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a pet-friendly national park within Asheville. It offers various trails, an overlook of the Great Smoky Mountains, and various roadside attractions open year-round.
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Sedona, Arizona
Framed by steep canyon walls and Ponderosa Pine Forests, Sedona is a veritable wonderland for a holiday filled with outdoor adventures. It is one of the top dog-friendly destinations in the US.
The city is surrounded by pet-friendly trails, such as the famous Red Rock Loop Trail, which offers fantastic views and some challenging hiking. There are also plenty of other outdoor activities to enjoy in Sedona with your four-legged friend, including biking on scenic red rock paths and exploring the Coconino National Forest, known for its alpine tundra and red rock formations.
Sedona offers several pet-friendly hiking trails, including the 1.5 miles scenic Doe Mountain Trail and Cathedral Rock.
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New York City, NY
New York has many parks and open spaces for your pet to enjoy, the most popular being Central Park. The park features acres of green grass, which dogs can run around before cooling down in the nearby lake. Other attractions include art galleries, museums, and dog-friendly eateries like Shake Shack, the Boat Basin Cafe, and Barking Dog.
New York is home to one of our favorite pet-friendly hotels, Hotel Indigo, in Downtown New York. The hotel offers guests a complimentary dog bed and treats for their four-legged friends and an outdoor courtyard where they can play with other dogs while they enjoy breakfast or dinner on your terrace.
New York City has many parks and open spaces for your pet to enjoy, the most popular being Central Park. The park features acres of green grass, which dogs can run around before cooling down in the nearby lake. Other attractions include art galleries, museums, and dog-friendly eateries like Shake Shack, the Boat Basin Cafe, and Barking Dog.
New York is home to one of our favorite pet-friendly hotels, Hotel Indigo New York Downtown. The hotel offers guests a complimentary dog bed and treats for their furry friends and an outdoor courtyard where they can play with other dogs while they enjoy breakfast or dinner on their terrace.
Pet-friendly things to do in New York include walking across the Brooklyn Bridge, visiting the Coney Island dog beach, and riding the Staten Island Ferry for some stunning views of the Statue of Liberty.
From NYC, travelers can move to Lake Placid for the weekend. Located near New York State’s Adirondack Mountains, this small mountain town is a popular destination for pet owners, as it offers a baffling mix of luxury pet-friendly properties and a scenic trail around the shoreline of Mirror Lake.
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Bar Harbor, Maine
Located on Mount Desert Island, Bar Harbor is known as the gateway to Acadia National Park, which is one of the most pet-friendly national parks in the U.S. This gorgeous park offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures, including over 100 miles worth of trails that are open to pets and people alike, aside from blackwoods and Schoodic woods campgrounds where leashed pets are allowed.
Aside from the Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor also boasts other pet-friendly attractions, including Bar Harbor’s Shore Path, which follows the shore of Frenchman Bay and is a perfect spot for dog walking.
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Block Island, Rhode Island
Block Island is a vacation destination that can’t be missed. The island was ranked the best pet-friendly beach town in America, offering plenty of opportunities for pets to explore.
The island features fantastic pet-friendly beaches and over ten miles worth of walking trails where you’ll find scenic views on both sides of the trail – one side with horses grazing peacefully along the shoreline. At the same time, another will offer glimpses into historic homes dating back centuries ago.
Be sure to also go for a scenic walk or bike ride with your pet at Mohegan Bluffs, a collection of large clay cliffs about 150 feet high, located on the southern shore of Block Island.
The island is also home to plenty of vacation rentals with pet amenities and various restaurants allowing your furry companion to dine on the floor or at an outside table.
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South Lake Tahoe, California
South Lake Tahoe is a vibrant, family-friendly city in the Sierra Nevada. With nearly 200 pet-friendly cabins and hotels, you’re sure to find a place to suit your needs while making your furry family member comfy.
One of the most popular destinations for travelers who love enjoying the great outdoors, South Lake Tahoe offers plenty of pet opportunities, with an abundance of outdoor activities like hiking, biking, fishing, or kayaking – all within reach from downtown South Lake Tahoe! Leashed dogs are welcome in places like the lush forests of Lake Tahoe National Forest and Kiva Beach.
If you need some time indoors, there are also many establishments where humans and canine guests can have a great time. Some pet-friendly places include The Pines Lodge Restaurant, just minutes from downtown near Heavenly Valley Ski Resort, and the Revive Coffee + Wine and Sprouts Natural Foods Cafe.
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Austin, Texas
Austin is a lovely city for those who love music, great food, and traveling with their pets. While exploring this bustling city on your next vacation, you can take their canine best friend to places like Norwood Estate Dog Park, where your pup can take in all the sights and smells while roaming through fields of green grass before taking a nap under shady trees! Be sure also to visit the Zilker Dog Park, which has many pet-friendly amenities like swimming pools, slides, and drinking fountains!
Another must-visit pet-friendly attraction in Austin is the boardwalk at Lady Bird Lake, which offers stunning views of the shoreline and the city’s skyline.
Austin also has a few walking trails where pets can go with their human companions. One of the most famous is the Barton Creek Greenbelt Preserve, the perfect spot for exercising your pup before traveling through town and exploring new sights! And don’t forget about Barton Springs Pool as well. This site allows dogs off-leash during certain hours to take a dip without worries (and please note that all animals must be up-to-date on shots).
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Jersey Shore, New Jersey
Jersey Shore is the place to go if you’re looking for a memorable dog-friendly vacation. This region of New Jersey offers miles and miles of safe beaches perfect for swimming or simply relaxing on the sand. Dogs are welcome at any time but must be leashed except in designated off-leash areas such as Monmouth County Park’s Dog Beach, where dogs can roam free all day long (though there is also an on-leash area), and the Wildwood Dog Beach One, which of the most popular beaches for pets in the city.
If you have small children alone, check out one of the many parks like Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association’s Boardwalk Pier Plaza, which has paths lined by palm trees leading up to benches right next to boardwalks overlooking beautiful ocean views.
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San Diego, California
Boasting an irresistible atmosphere, the sunny city of San Diego is a veritable haven for those traveling with their pets. With 70 miles of coastline, this California destination is filled gorgeous beaches that welcome dogs, from Fiesta Island Park to the Cabrillo Tide Pools.
Aside from idyllic beaches, San Diego also flaunts a wide range of dog parks, like the Grape Street Dog Park and Nate’s Point Dog Park, which make the city one of the best places for dog-friendly vacations in the US.
While enjoying your dog-friendly vacation in San Diego, hit the trail that leads to the summit of Cowles Mountain, where you will be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the city.
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