Are you someone who can't stand the thought of leaving your canine companion behind while you go on vacation? You're not alone! One study suggested nearly 80 percent of pet owners in the United States travel with their four-legged companions annually.
Traveling with a dog has challenges; the process can be infinitely more complex if you vacation internationally. However, you don't have to leave the United States to make great memories with your furry friend.
There are many great dog-friendly vacation spots in the U.S. These destinations offer plenty of activities you and your dog can do together, ensuring you both have the time of your lives. While not every business or hotel is as accepting of canine guests as others, there's no shortage of places that welcome pups with open arms.
As always, you should do your due diligence when planning your vacation to find accommodations, excursions and dog-friendly things to do.
But to make things easier, we've compiled a list of 12 of the best dog-friendly vacation spots in the United States that are perfect for the ultimate getaway with your pup. Let's dive in!
1. St. Augustine, Florida
St. Augustine is the oldest continually inhabited city in the United States. Originally founded in 1565 and known as "The Ancient City," there's much history to discover. Take a stroll with your pup down historic St. George Street to find quaint shops and eateries.
You can also visit the Fountain of Youth Archeological Park, stop for a great photo-op outside the Castillo San Marco fort or cross the famed Bridge of Lions!
The historic district has many dog-friendly tours if you prefer something more guided. There are even after-hours ghost tours for those who want to learn about the city's spookier history. St. Augustine also has ample outdoor activities, including beaches and parks where you and Fido can soak up the sun.
2. Portland, Oregon
Photo credit: Oregonlive - Doggy Dash
Also known as the City of Roses, Portland is a beautiful city in the Pacific Northwest. Walking around Portland, you'll see that the city is incredibly dog-friendly. Residents take their pups out regularly, creating a high demand for dog-friendly restaurants, parks and trails.
Explore Forest Park or Sellwood Riverfront Park to expose your dog to exciting sights, sounds and smells. When it's time to take a break, stop by a pup-friendly cafe like Snow Bunny Coffee or Tin Shed Garden Cafe.
You can also participate in annual events like Doggie Dash. Held every spring, this event brings many of the city's dog-friendly restaurants and local businesses together for a memorable time.
3. Colorado Springs, Colorado
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Colorado Springs is the ultimate vacation spot for active dogs and human explorers. There are many places to visit. One must-see stop is Garden of Gods, a park with 21 miles of trails. Leashed dogs can accompany you and enjoy the stunning scenery and red rock formations.
Stratton Open Space is another great excursion. Here, well-behaved dogs can have fun unleashed. Watch your dog lose its mind as it splashes in the lake and runs around with other pups on the trails.
Of course, Colorado Springs also has many dog-friendly restaurants and cafes. Pub Dog Eatery is one of the most popular destinations for dog owners, offering great food and an outdoor playpark for your four-legged pals.
4. San Diego, California
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San Diego is home to some of the best dog-friendly beaches in the country. Original Dog Beach was among the first to allow off-leash fun for well-behaved dogs. You can rent a pet-friendly kayak at nearby Fiesta Island and explore West Coast waters with your dog.
When you're done having a blast on the beach, check out San Diego's many dog-friendly establishments. The Quartyard is a popular outdoor beer garden. Dogs are welcome to have fun with owners as they enjoy great food, good music and thirst-quenching beers.
5. Denver, Colorado
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Denver is another haven for outdoor enthusiasts and active pups. It's located near the east front of the Rocky Mountains, creating breathtaking views. There are countless trails and outdoor hotspots to visit.
Cherry Creek State Park in southeast Denver has a great off-leash area where dogs can explore freely. Meanwhile, Railyard Dog Park has fenced-in areas for dogs with varying energy levels. Let your pup vibe with dogs that match their energy!
Washington Park has gorgeous lakes and a massive flower garden. Recreational spaces and bike paths are ready for you and Fido to explore. Dog-friendly businesses are plentiful. A few to try include Kaos Pizzeria and Highlands Cork & Coffee.
6. St. Petersburg, Florida
Photo credit: Konstantin Zamkov
St. Petersburg is a fun city located between Tampa Bay and the Gulf. Offering a mix of urban fun with great beach access. The Dog Park Beach at Fort de Soto Park is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. There are two fenced-in areas for off-leash fun.
Further north, you'll find Pass a Grille Dog Beach. The larger Pass a Grille area has many dog-friendly accommodations and restaurants, making it a great place to stay with your pup.
Within the city, you can visit places like North Straub Park. Leashed dogs are welcome to enjoy the park and recreation trail. You can also find many dog-friendly cafes, restaurants, and even boat tours that will help you explore the area.
7. Savannah, Georgia
Known for its historic charm and stunning antebellum architecture, Savannah has a lot to see. You and your pup will have a great time just walking around the beautiful, tree-lined historic area.
Check out City Market to learn more about the city's rich history and visit countless pup-friendly businesses. You can even bring your dog along as you take one of the carriage tours!
When it's time to relax and find food, you can head to the Savannah Riverfront. There, you'll find everything from fine dining to relaxed fare, with plenty of options to enjoy with well-behaved dogs. If you prefer something more exciting, try the Starland Yard to try food truck eats.
8. Portland, Maine
Photo credit: Tripadvisor
This Portland is on the Upper East Coast. It's the quintessential New England destination. As a port town, you'll spend tons of time by the water with your pup. Pet-friendly beaches are plentiful.
Try East End Beach or Willard Beach for splashing and lounging. For off-leash fun, Quarry Run Dog Park is a great place to visit. The seven-acre park has nature trails that your pup can explore untethered.
Of course, you can't visit Portland without trying some Maine lobster! Check out Portland Lobster Company. This dog-friendly restaurant has outdoor seating where you and your pup can enjoy the view as you watch boats sail by.
9. Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston is a beautiful southern city with a lot to offer. You can access many great beaches, historic cobblestone streets and sprawling plantations. It's everything a dog could want and more.
For beach fun, try Folly Beach. Dogs aren't allowed during peak season, but your furry friend can frolic to its heart's content most of the year!
Waterfront Park and the Magnolia Plantation and Gardens are other places worth a visit. If you want to learn more about the city's history, take a Bulldog Tour. These two-hour excursions are entirely on foot, making them a great outing for dogs.
10. Austin, Texas
Photo credit: Yard Bar
Austin is an eclectic city that prioritizes outdoor living. The colorful community offers live music around every corner, quaint shops, quirky cafes and everything in between.
Exploring downtown Austin is an event in itself, and many dog-friendly businesses will welcome your pup with open arms.
Visit places like Yard Bar or Banger's Sausage House & Beer Garden. The former is a dog park that offers drinks and food for humans. The latter has a much-loved "bark brunch" on the weekends that always draws a crowd.
When you want to explore the beauty of Central Texas, visit Barton Creek Greenbelt. You and your dog will enjoy miles of trails and countless water holes.
11. Nashville, Tennessee
Photo credit: Brent Moore
Music City is America's capital of country music. It's a music-lovers paradise, but there are many things you can enjoy with your dog, too. The city, as a whole, is very dog-friendly. Many businesses invite dogs in, especially in the downtown area.
If you want to enjoy the best food and music, try a venue like Acme Feed & Seed. Acme has a dog-friendly patio where you can enjoy great food and music.
Greenspace is plentiful in Nashville. Centennial Park has room to roam and a great photo op with the iconic Pantheon replica. Alternatively, you can take a day trip to the Shelby Bottoms Greenway and Nature Park for miles of scenic hiking trails.
12. Minneapolis, Minnesota
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Minneapolis is one of the best places in the Midwest to visit with your dog. The city has many scenic greenspaces, lakes and dog-friendly parks.
Check out the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. This outdoor museum welcomes dogs as you view cool art on a self-guided tour.
You can also visit Lake of Isles Dog Park or Minnehaha Dog Park. These parks require a daily permit, but dogs can spend the day unleashed.
Visit Lake Harriet for a day on the water. The lake is stunning, but you don't have to enjoy it from the shore. Rent a dog-friendly paddleboard to dive in and cool off!
Where Will You and Your Dog's Adventures Take You?
There's nothing better than discovering a new city with your canine companion by your side. Despite all the logistics of traveling with a dog, seeing those puppy-dog eyes full of fun and love makes it all worth it.
Travel can open up your dog's world in many ways. It's a chance to see something new, explore environments they've never seen and more. Try these vacation spots and make memories you'll cherish forever!
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