Top 20 Dog-Friendly Vacation Destinations for You and Your Best Friend

When we bring our dogs home, they become part of the family. They lift our spirits when we’re down, amuse us nonstop with their lovely antics, and manage to use up all the memory on our phones with adorable pictures. Take your furry buddy with you on your next holiday instead of putting them in a kennel for all the happiness they provide you! Choose a destination that allows pets!
The good news is that you don’t have to decide between spending time with your dog and a much-needed vacation! Everything is yours to possess. There are vacation spots across the country that accept dogs as valued visitors.

Tamtampetcare has chosen the best destinations for pet parents to take their dogs this summer in collaboration with travel expert Pavia Rosati, co-author of the recently released book Travel North America (And Avoid Being a Tourist) and founder of the award-winning editorial travel site Fathom. We can assist with organizing your entire schedule. We search up to 200 booking websites for the best hotel deals. In addition, thousands of tours, excursions, attraction tickets, and other items are immediately bookable on our website. Whether you’re a foodie, swimmer, beach lover, camper, adventurer, hiker, or something else entirely, these 20 dog-friendly locations from Cape Cod to Southern California are sure to make everyone’s tail wag.

1 Nantucket, Massachusetts: The Cottages

Your puppy friends will feel entirely at home in The Cottages. The Black Lab/Britney Spaniel mix concierge, Bailey, will greet you and your dog as soon as you enter and is excited to accommodate your dog’s needs. Doggie beds, bowls, and welcome baskets with toys and goodies are included in every cottage, along with custom pet tags. The highlight, though, is undoubtedly the dog-friendly neighborhood where you will be staying. With plenty of room to stretch out your legs and take in the surroundings, the cottages at the stunning Nantucket Boat Basin are the closest thing to staying on the water without being on a boat. Reliable concierge Bailey takes great pride in his work and will happily advise you and your dog on the top locations for lunch, play fetch, and running about.

2 Aloft Asheville Downtown in Asheville, North Carolina

Adopting a new pet is more accessible at the Aloft in Asheville, North Carolina, even though guests who bring canines are welcome to bring them along. In an initiative to promote pet adoption, the hotel teams up with a nearby animal shelter. Located in an enclosure off the main lobby, guests can get to know and develop a friendship with the hotel’s featured dog.

Numerous well-known eateries and breweries in Asheville are within walking distance of the property; some allow you to bring your dog because they offer outside seating.

3 Wilmington, NC

A fun-filled and pet-friendly vacation Halliburton destination is Wilmington, a historic city by the sea. The lovely walking pathways at Park, which include a playground for the youngsters, will make you and your best friend your dog like spending time there. Freeman Park is a sizable, dog-friendly beach only a short drive away. With its charming café cuisine and artistic ambiance, The Java Dog Coffee House is a dog-friendly location. Situated a short stroll from Wrightsville Beach, the Townplace Suites offers pet-friendly accommodations. Camellia Cottage Bed and Breakfast also accepts dogs for a more rustic atmosphere!

4 South Lake Tahoe, CA

With your best friend who loves to bark, South Lake Tahoe has plenty to offer regarding dog-friendly beaches. Bring your dog to Kiva Beach to enjoy the water while taking in the scenery of the mountains across the lake, or trek the Rubicon Trail to experience the breathtaking natural splendor. Famous for serving up craft beer and classic American fare that is dog-friendly is The Brewery at Lake Tahoe. Furnished with pet-friendly accommodations, Hotel Azure is well situated beside the lakeshore.

5 Alamogordo, New Mexico: White Sands National Park

Although you have seen sand by the sea, White Sands National Park’s white sand elevates the experience. You can view the world’s largest gypsum dune field from orbit since it is so huge. Additionally, White Sands gives leashed dogs the same access as people, unlike most national parks (except within structures). There are, therefore, endless stretches of soft sand and dunes for you and your dog to discover. But, since the park’s midsummer temperatures may soar to dizzying heights, pack plenty of water and exercise caution regarding the heat under your paws.

6 Saratoga Springs, NY: The Adelphi Hotel

Saratoga Springs has a reputation for being a dog-friendly town because of its farmers’ market, lake for swimming and boating, and Spa State Park Dog Park. To fully experience everything it offers alongside your faithful canine buddy, however, you’ll need a dog-friendly location to stay. Enter the Hotel Adelphi. Dogs and cats are allowed in the lobby, guest rooms, and outdoor dining area of this opulent hotel, which is situated in the center of ancient Saratoga Springs. In addition, the motel has comfortable mattresses and may provide food and water dishes, collars, and leashes upon request.

7 Stillwater, Minnesota: Lora Hotel

The Lora is a little townhouse that has a deep affection for its furry visitors. This hotel welcomes pets with a bed, bowls, toys, delectable treats, and even an opulent room service menu that caters to their needs. It also has a collection of motivational books covering everything from pet psychology to dog massage, so no dog goes uncared for. Furthermore, the Lora Hotel is in a charming town that Real Simple Magazine identified as one of the “5 Small U.S. Towns Worthy of Your 2020 Destination Bucket List.” Highlights of the town are:

The numerous outdoor dining options.
The mouthwatering creameries (including the decades-old Nelson’s Ice Cream).
The boutique shops.
The Stillwater River Boats river cruises.

8 Justin Trails Resort near Sparta, WI

Justin Trails Resort is known as a pet-friendly haven if you’re looking for an outdoor vacation spot. If your dog needs to run off some steam and get some fresh air, the resort has a 200-acre certified organic farm with vast meadows and lush, well-manicured trails. Whether you choose the farmhouse suite, cottage, or log cabin for your overnight stay, Justin Trails offers pet-friendly accommodations. There are designated bike paths and unique bird-watching locations if you want to explore outside the resort. The railroad was formerly a train. Optimal component? Because Heidi, the cutest White Siberian Husky at the resort, is a resident, your dog will have an instant best friend and playmate there.

9 Santa Cruz, California

In stunning Huntington Beach, you’ll find many dog-friendly beaches, such as the smaller Rosie’s Dog Beach and Huntington Dog Beach. Dogs are welcome at Huntington Central Park, which hosts several annual concerts and community events. Enjoy comfort food from around the world at Lazy Dog Restaurant and Bar, or try the popular Mexican restaurant Seafood Zone, which has a beach motif. The Hotel Huntington Beach allows pets, so you can stay comfortably without going over budget.

10 Cleveland, OH

When you travel to Cleveland with your pet, you may explore the city and the surrounding natural beauty. You can leave the leash at Edgewater Park, a dog-friendly beach located on the picturesque shores of Lake Erie. Luxe Kitchen and Lounge (serving American cuisine with an outside patio) and Banter Beer and Wine (try the poutine!) are pet-friendly options. The conveniently located Drury Plaza Hotel Cleveland Downtown welcomes you and your pet to stay the night.

11 Oregon City, Portland

Portland, Oregon, is an excellent option for a pet-friendly vacation if traveling to the Northwest with your favorite animal friend. Enjoying the breathtaking natural beauty of Oregon is made possible by the lovely, leash-free Sellwood Riverfront Park, which is located along the Willamette River. Visit the Portland Saturday Market, the nation’s largest continuously running outdoor arts and crafts market with an abundance of food vendors, if you’re going to be in Portland over the weekend. Locals love the dog-friendly Tin Shed Garden Café for its brunch. If you’re looking for somewhere to stay overnight with pets, the historic Heitman Hotel is a fantastic choice.

12 Washington, Seattle

The abundance of enjoyable activities in Seattle will satisfy tourists wishing to spend a pet-friendly holiday in this seaside city. In addition to being dog-friendly, the Washington Park Arboretum is a great place for a stroll or even a canoe ride. Magnuson Park is an ever-bustling, gorgeous, and pet-friendly outdoor park in the center of Seattle. Norm’s Eatery & Ale House serves excellent American food, and they even have a special menu for your dog! The Kimpton Alexis Hotel ranked among Travel and Leisure’s 500 Best Hotels in the World, is a beautiful place to stay that welcomes dogs. La Quinta Inn & Suites also allows pets, making it a more affordable choice.

13 Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Pets are welcome year-round at the majority of this well-known coastal destination’s picturesque, accessible public beaches; however, summer hours are restricted, and a leash (7 feet or shorter) is mandatory at all times. Additionally, there are two complimentary Barc Parks for visitors to enjoy, where dogs of all sizes can play off-leash in designated locations. There is also a doggy lake in Barc Park South. Leashed dogs are also permitted in most parts of Myrtle Beach State Park; entry is $5 for adults and $3 for children. The absence of dining out during a vacation makes it incomplete. Fortunately, dogs are welcome at several local eateries, such as Sharkey’s Beach Bar, Bruster’s Real Ice Cream (which serves doggie ice cream cups with bones), and Liberty Tap Room Grill, which has a covered outdoor area where dogs can hang out with their owners.

14 Rail Explorers in Boulder City, Nevada

Experience the romance of the railroad from outside a train while admiring the scenery with pedal-powered rail bikes at Rail Explorers, a year-round outdoor adventure park. It’s well-known for providing family-friendly experiences, and it now allows riders to bring their beloved dogs along. Bigger dogs may fit on the Rail Explorers bikes between the human riders’ seats, but enormous canines might not, and tiny dogs can ride too, strapped to their owner in a carrier. Rail Explorers is your destination if you want athletic thrills with your dog. Moreover, it only takes around thirty minutes to reach the vibrant city of Las Vegas. For an opulent overnight stay in Sin City, consider booking a room at the Delano Las Vegas, which welcomes up to two canines that weigh no more than 100 pounds combined.

15 St. Louis, Missouri: Gateway Arch National Park

The Gateway Arch National Park in St. Louis is a serene, elegant, and verdant site that welcomes dogs. Stretching from the Old Courthouse (erected in the 1800s) to the Mississippi River Overlook, the park is an urban national park cut off from the city’s activity. It will be your dog’s pleasure to explore the pathways and take naps on the grass as you take in the views and learn about the local history. Doggie water bowls and delectable treats are sold by merchants on the park’s periphery, making it the ideal spot for a picnic with your dog when you’re hungry. Even a “Pups on the Gateway Arch” event is held at the park, where your dog can sign up to become a B.A.R.K. Ranger and defend national parks. If you’re looking for lodging, Drury Plaza St. Louis at the Arch is an excellent option because it’s near the national park and accepts dogs.

16 Shenandoah Valley, Virginia

Although Virginia is often associated with love, your pet will also appreciate living there. There are activities, nature walks, and vineyards in the Shenandoah Valley that welcome dogs.
Fresh food aisles, live music, and freshly roasted coffee can all be found at the Staunton Farmers’ Market. A water bowl and a special menu are available for your additional guests at Table 44, which features a pet-friendly terrace called the Doggio.

17 Sedona, Arizona

Travelers from all over the world are drawn to Sedona by its breathtaking views of red rock. There are several ways to explore the area with dogs, including guided and independent jeep tours. If your dog can fit on your lap, you can take them on a Red Rock Magic Trolley trip.
Mesa Grill has an outside dining area that is dog-friendly, where you can take in the environment and watch the local airport’s jets take off. Sedona Beer Company offers dog-friendly outdoor seating and small-batch craft beer and snacks.

18 Napa, California

Although your dog isn’t allowed to drink wine from Napa, there’s still plenty of reasons for them to accompany you on a holiday that welcomes dogs. For a daily workout, take a stroll or jog along the Napa Valley Vine Trail. For a picturesque drive with views of the valley, take the historic Silverado Trail.
Grab a substantial meal and a microbrewed beer at the pet-friendly Downtown Joe’s American Brewery, or stock up on supplies or treats for you and your dog at the Napa General Store Restaurant.

19 Austin, Texas

At the Zilker Botanical Garden, view (and presumably smell) exotic flora while strolling your leashed pet through themed displays. Be prepared for sensory overload.
Visit the Neighbors Dog Park & Coffee Shop for some off-leash fun when you need a little extra energy to get through the day or perhaps to burn off some of your pet’s enthusiasm. You and your closest friend can eat at Terry Black’s BBQ, Rudy’s Country Store & Bar-B-Q, or Green Mesquite when you’re ready for a taste of barbecue.