Lots of people enjoy traveling with their dogs, but when it comes to canine vacationing, not all destinations are created equal.
“A truly dog-friendly destination goes beyond just allowing dogs. It welcomes them,” Dr. Michelle Dulake, a veterinarian and co-founder of Fera Pets, told HuffPost. “Look for places with pet-friendly hotels or rentals, outdoor dining spots that accommodate dogs, and plenty of open spaces like beaches, trails, or parks where your pup can stretch their legs.”
The most optimal destinations even feature attractions like off-leash beaches and breweries that cater to canines. You can even find hotels that provide dog beds, complimentary toys, special menus, pet-sitting services and more.
“On the flip side, places that are overly crowded, have extreme weather conditions or lack pet-friendly accommodations can make traveling with a dog stressful,” Dulake said.
“For dogs, being with their people matters much more than the destination itself,” said Dr. Tammy Hunter, a veterinarian with VCA Animal Hospitals. “Still, it’s good to think through places your dog would be more comfortable and welcome, such as an outdoor-focused vacation.”
She noted that many dogs appreciate running and playing fetch on the beach, and breeds like golden retrievers and Labradors tend to love splashing in the ocean.
“If your dog is a little more hesitant or fearful in large crowds, a city-themed vacation might not be the best time for them to accompany you,” Hunter said. “Generally, no matter where you go, the important thing to your dog is that you’re together.”
To help dog owners settle on a pet-inclusive destination for their next vacation, we asked Dulake, Hunter and other experts to share their recommendations. Read on for 10 places you might want to visit with your canine companion.
San Diego, California
“The beachy vibes and sunny weather make San Diego a great destination for both dogs and their owners,” said Maddi Bourgerie, a travel expert with the RV rental marketplace RVshare. “Dog lovers can visit places like Ocean Beach Dog Beach, where pups can run around on the sand, or go for walks in Balboa Park.”
San Diego has many dog-friendly eateries and activities like puppy yoga and boat rides geared toward pets.
“It’s the beach-loving pup’s dream,” said Angela Laws, head of community at the home and pet-sitting service TrustedHousesitters. “With year-round sunshine and numerous pet-friendly spaces, it’s the ‘pawfect’ West Coast escape.”
Asheville, North Carolina
“Asheville is an amazing destination for dogs, with plenty of scenic trails and dog-friendly attractions,” Bourgerie said. “It has a very pet-friendly culture, and dogs are welcomed in most of the downtown restaurants, shops and breweries.”
The Blue Ridge Parkway is home to scenic hiking trails where dogs may accompany their owners. Visitors to Asheville can also bring their furry companions to the famous Biltmore Estate.
“While dogs can’t go inside the mansion, they are welcome on the estate’s extensive grounds and gardens,” Laws said. “There’s even a special kennel service if you want to tour the house.”
And Asheville boasts pooch-friendly accommodations ranging from luxury to rustic.
“Many independent dog companies such as Botanical Bones are from Asheville too,” said Nicole Ellis, a dog trainer and pet lifestyle expert with Rover. “My dogs and I went to Asheville last year and had such a welcoming experience, as my dog went everywhere with us.”
Portland, Oregon
“One of the most dog-friendly cities in the U.S. is Portland, Oregon,” Dulake said.
She pointed to the city’s many off-leash recreational areas, canine-friendly coffee shops and even food trucks that cater to pets.
“Portland is known for being ultra-dog-friendly, with plenty of parks, pet-friendly breweries and even a dog-friendly doughnut shop,” Laws said.
Austin, Texas
“As an Austinite myself, I know firsthand that Austin is known for its laid-back, pet-friendly vibe,” Bourgerie said. “There’s a whole network of dog-friendly spots like Zilker Park and Auditorium Shores, which feature off-leash areas, as well as plenty of pet-friendly patios for dining.”
She noted that the weather is also warm enough to enjoy year-round outdoor activities with your dog.
“This city is packed with pet-friendly patios, trails and even swimming spots like Red Bud Isle, a leash-free island park just for dogs,” Dulake said.
Other popular spaces with off-leash areas include Onion Creek Greenbelt, Mary Moore Searight Metropolitan Park and Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park.
“The city’s warm vibe and abundance of dog events make it a favorite,” said Ellis, who also praised Austin’s canine-friendly food truck areas and cafés.
Denver, Colorado
“Known for its outdoor lifestyle, Denver has plenty of hiking trails, dog-friendly breweries and even dog-friendly ski resorts in the winter,” Dulake said.
She noted that the city also has a notably high number of dog parks per capita.
Lake Tahoe
The stunning landscapes of the California/Nevada border can be great for the whole family, even the nonhuman members.
“If your pup loves the outdoors, Lake Tahoe is perfect,” Dulake said. “There are dog-friendly hiking trails in the summer and pet-friendly cabins for cozy winter getaways.”
Bend, Oregon
“Bend is practically built for outdoor enthusiasts and their dogs,” Ellis said. “With miles of dog-friendly hiking trails, off-leash parks and even breweries that cater to dogs (some serve dog-safe ‘beer’ and snacks), it’s a paradise for active pups and their humans.”
She believes the Deschutes River is another highlight for travelers with dogs because their furry companions can join in on the water activities.
Cape Cod, Massachusetts
“I personally love any destination that allows my dog to be outside,” said Dr. Carly Fox, a veterinarian at the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center.
She recommended visiting places with “a combination of dog-friendly restaurants, hiking trails, dog beaches and a general welcoming attitude toward man’s best friend.” With that in mind, she enjoys taking beach vacations on Cape Cod with her dog.
“When I’m walking around town in warmer climates, I always make note of the stores and restaurants that offer water in bowls to dogs outside,” she said. “This can be a good litmus test to [see] how dog friendly a place is!”
Acadia National Park, Maine
In addition to enjoying beach vacations on Cape Cod, Fox said she’s also a fan of pet-inclusive hiking trips in Acadia National Park in Maine.
“Acadia National Park is one of the few national parks across America that allows dogs,” said Lauren Gumport, the vice president of communications and brand strategy at Faye Travel Insurance. “They even have a checklist of hikes to experience with your pup.”
Golden, Colorado
“Golden, Colorado, is home to beautiful hiking areas and parks, so this destination is perfect for dogs who love outdoor adventures,” Ellis said. “They even have a yearly meetup of hundreds of golden retrievers here.”
She also touted the area’s many open spaces, as well as pet-friendly hotels and campgrounds.
“And Golden is home of KONG!” Ellis added, referring to the dog toy company.
Other Things To Keep In Mind
“Wherever you go, always make sure your pup is comfortable and safe,” Dulake said, noting that every dog has different needs and personalities. “Traveling with your dog should be fun for both of you, so choose a destination where they can be part of the adventure ― not just tagging along.”
She advised packing plenty of essentials like food, water, medication and supplements, and also looking up the location of veterinarians and veterinary emergency hospitals at your destination in case of an unforeseen issue.
“It’s important to also prepare ahead of time ― make sure your dog is microchipped and up to date with all vaccinations, bring your dog’s medical records and check in with the hotel ahead of time to make sure they don’t have any unexpected pet deposits or breed restrictions,” Hunter said. “It’s also smart to request a ground-level room so your dog can get outside quickly and easily, as well as one away from elevators to prevent excessive noise.”
Be mindful of safety, especially around car travel; don’t leave your dog unattended in a parked car where temperatures can rise quickly. Also, identify pet-welcoming rest areas along your route and make plenty of stops, as well as familiarize yourself with local leash requirements.
“I travel with my dog often,” Gumport said. “If you’re hitting the road with your pet, make sure to have a special seat belt or crate that’s comfortable for your four-legged friend. By the way, some rental cars do not cover pets, so make sure you check the coverage and ask all necessary questions before booking.”
Try to travel to places with accommodations that aren’t just pet-tolerant but actively pet-friendly.
“Ideally, you should choose a hotel that is pet-friendly and even caters to your pet ― has availability of a dog bed, bowls, and even throws in a dog toy at check-in,” Fox said, adding that luxury hotels like the Four Seasons, Montage Hotels and many Rosewood Hotels do this, as do more affordable choices like Kimpton Hotels, Aloft Hotels and Ace Hotels.
If you want to stay in a vacation rental like an Airbnb, confirm that it is safe and comfortable for dogs by asking your host about yard fencing and any potential hazards in the area. Find out if they have any local dog-related recommendations for activities, restaurants, shops and more.
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“Most Airbnb hosts that allow dogs have one and are great sources,” Fox said. “Ideally, the location would have dog-friendly weather, activities and outdoor dining options to allow your dog to join in meals.”