A Beagle sitting in a suitcase (Photo by Viktorya Telminova on Shutterstock)
If a family vacation isn’t the same without your furry friend, you’re in luck! There are plenty of dog-friendly destinations across the country where your pooch is more than welcome. From sunny beaches to lush mountain trails, these spots offer a variety of climates and landscapes to suit every pet parent’s taste and provide endless fun for your four-legged buddy.
We’ve done the research for you and rounded up the top five dog-friendly vacation spots, based on expert recommendations from nine websites. These places include pooch-perfect amenities like dog-welcoming hotels, pet-friendly restaurants and bars, scenic beaches, and expansive walking trails. So grab the leash, pack the kibble, and hit the road! Do you have a go-to dog-friendly spot that you and your pup love? Don’t keep it to yourself — share the love in the comments below!
StudyFinds is a research-driven platform that analyzes and synthesizes expert recommendations from trusted sources. Rather than writing reviews ourselves, we meticulously compile consensus findings from leading industry experts and established publications to save consumers valuable research time. Each article represents hours of analysis across multiple authoritative sources to identify the most consistently recommended choices.
Here are the spots experts recommend:
1. Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville, North Carolina, tops our list of dog-friendly destinations. Fido’s tongue will flap in the wind as you drive up Blue Ridge Parkway for breathtaking mountain views. Explore Asheville with pet-friendly tours, visit the beautiful North Carolina Arboretum, and enjoy a slice at Asheville Pizza and Brewing (highly rated on TripAdvisor). Stay downtown at the cozy Cambria Hotel and Suites, where you and your pup will feel right at home.
Daily Paws reports that the sprawling Biltmore Estate in Asheville welcomes dogs on its grounds and outdoor patios, and even offers kennels for pets so you can go inside. After exploring the estate, dive into Asheville’s vibrant scene with street art, bustling outdoor markets, and miles of Blue Ridge Mountain trails.
According to Halo, other dog-friendly accommodations include Aloft Asheville Downtown and the Lake Powhatan campground, which allows leashed dogs. River Park features a fenced-in dog park, and Asheville’s many restaurants and breweries welcome your furry friend with open arms.
2. Bar Harbor, Maine
The residents of Bar Harbor on Mount Desert Island love visitors and their pets, making it an ideal spot for a getaway. Enjoy hiking at Acadia National Park, which offers mountains and sandy beaches. The town also features pet-friendly patios for dining, and there are tons of trails for you and your pup to explore, according to Daily Paws.
Pupford notes your canine companion can join you on scenic hikes up Cadillac Mountain or strolls along the rugged coastline. Downtown Bar Harbor also offers pet-friendly restaurants and shops, ensuring your pup is welcome everywhere.
Greenvans encourages you to check out many parts of Acadia National Park, including the Precipice Trail, Champlain Mountain & Beehive Loop Trail, and Gorham Mountain Trail. Campgrounds like Blackwoods and Seawall welcome pets for overnight visits. Just outside the park is Little Long Pond, a 1,000-acre area where dogs can run free. Good news for foodies: pets are welcome at the park’s only restaurant, Jordan Pond House.
3. Portland, Oregon
Finding an off-leash dog park in this pet-friendly city is a breeze! Portland boasts many dog parks, including the five-acre Laurelhurst Park, where dogs can run free. Just outside the city, the Columbia River Gorge offers stunning hikes, perfect for exploring with your pup. Plus, Pupford says there are many pet-friendly cafes, restaurants, and breweries to enjoy.
For more adventure, Conde Nast Traveler recommends dog-friendly trails like the Tryon Creek State Natural Area, which offers eight miles of shaded pathways just a stone’s throw from downtown. Bars and restaurants welcome pups, including Bye & Bye, Victoria Bar, Elevator Cafe, and White Owl Social Club. Don’t miss Lucky Labrador Brewing Company’s Dogtoberfest every September! The Ace Hotel has no fees or breed restrictions, while the Dossier provides pet beds, bowls, treats, and pet-centric books.
USA Today reports Portland has much to offer dog lovers! With 171 dog-friendly trails, you and your pup won’t run out of places to explore. The city boasts about 18 dog-friendly restaurants per 100,000 residents and 541 vet offices per 100,000 businesses, ensuring great eats and easy access to veterinary care.
4. Austin, Texas
Austin, known for its music and food scene, also lays out the red carpet for dogs. Enjoy off-leash fun at Zilker Park and scenic walks along Lady Bird Lake’s trails. Pupford points out many of the city’s bars and restaurants also have dog-friendly patios, and some even host special dog events, making it a fantastic spot for you and your furry friend.
Need a place to stay with your pet in Austin? Check out the Omni Austin Hotel Downtown, one of several pet-friendly lodging options. If you love shopping, TripAdvisor notes that The Domain is almost entirely dog friendly. Don’t miss the historic Scholz Garten, where dogs are welcome in the outdoor Biergarten.
According to USA Today, you and your dog will love exploring 94 dog-friendly trails and dining at about 21 pet-friendly restaurants per 100,000 residents in Austin. Plus, with approximately 562 vet offices per 100,000 businesses, help is always nearby if your pup needs it.
5. San Diego, California
Sunny San Diego rounds out our list of dog-friendly vacation spots with plenty of dog beaches and off-leash parks like Fiesta Island and Morley Field Dog Park. For baseball fans, Petco Park even has a special viewing area for pets and their owners, as noted by Daily Paws. Rent a boat or yacht for the perfect coastal adventure.
Plan your vacation in July to catch the Unleashed Surf Dog competition at Imperial Beach! After fun in the sun, head to Balboa Park’s dog parks or hike Cowles Mountain. Halo notes there are plenty of beachside hotels and rentals that welcome dogs as guests.
USA Today likes San Diego’s mild weather and outdoor activities, making it a dog-friendly haven. Enjoy dining at one of the city’s 21 dog-friendly restaurants per 100,000 residents, explore 102 dog-friendly hiking trails, and visit 10 dog-friendly beaches within 50 miles.
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