Have you been thinking about taking your dog on vacation with you? Bringing your fur baby along on your travels can make a trip even more fun! While making plans you should:
- Consider the things you enjoy together at home and look for ways to incorporate them into your destination.
- Ensure a safe and happy place for your dog when you must be separated from them on the trip.
- Update your pet’s vaccinations and have a veterinarian approve their health for travel.
- Verify that any destination is dog-friendly (especially anywhere you plan to lodge).
You will find dog-friendly hotels, parks, and businesses in almost every major city, but some places are more advantageous than others. While some hotels and Airbnbs don’t allow pets, taking your dog along doesn’t have to limit your options as much as you might think. Here is a look at some amazing places to vacation where your dog will be welcome .And stick around until the end for a few international options!
Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania
Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, offers a remarkable dog-friendly adventure with the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway. This train journey takes passengers and their canine companions through the stunning Pocono Mountains, showcasing breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The scenic ride is a highlight for visitors exploring dog-friendly vacation spots in the eastern United States.
St. Johnsbury, Vermont
Dog Mountain in St. Johnsbury, Eastern Vermont, is a premier East Coast destination for dog-friendly vacations. This former dairy farm has been transformed into an off-leash canine paradise. The sprawling property features a pond for swimming, numerous trails for exploration, and a unique dog chapel. It’s a haven where pets can roam freely and enjoy nature.
Bar Harbor, Maine
Bar Harbor, Maine, offers an ideal getaway for pet owners. Home to Acadia National Park, the boasts diverse landscapes with mountains and sandy beaches. There are numerous pet-friendly hiking trails and outdoor adventures. In town, visitors can enjoy restaurant patios that welcome furry companions, making it a perfect blend of nature and hospitality.
Asheville, North Carolina
The Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina, offers a dog-friendly experience across its vast grounds and outdoor patios. The city of Asheville also provides numerous pet-friendly activities, from exploring downtown street art to visiting outdoor farmers’ markets. The surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains offer miles of trails for hiking adventures with canine companions. This makes Asheville an ideal destination for dog owners seeking diverse experiences.
Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston, South Carolina has numerous pet-welcoming restaurants and unique experiences. Visitors can enjoy historical carriage tours with their dogs, exploring the city in style. The area’s beaches, including Sullivan’s Island and Morris Island, provide outdoor adventures for pets. For indoor activities, an exclusive dog pool is available. Charleston has something for everyone and every pup!
Sarasota, Florida
Brohard Beach and Paw Park in Sarasota are built for visitors with canine companions. These beaches offer exceptional amenities tailored for four-legged visitors, including convenient dog showers and fire hydrants for bathroom breaks. Both pets and their owners can enjoy a comfortable and enjoyable beach experience together in Sarasota.
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago’s lakefront trails along Lake Michigan provide scenic walking routes, while Navy Pier welcomes furry explorers. For dining options, some restaurants like Paradise Park offer outdoor patios where dogs can join their owners. These diverse activities make Chicago an appealing destination for those traveling with pets.
Grand Haven, Michigan
Grand Haven, a charming town on Michigan’s West Coast, is beloved by both tourists and their canine companions. This picturesque destination has both green spaces and beaches, including the popular Grand Haven City Beach, perfect for warm summer days. The town’s dog-friendly atmosphere extends to its shopping district, featuring specialty stores catering to pet lovers.
Madison, Wisconsin
The capital of Wisconsin provides an excellent environment for dogs. The city boasts impressive park accessibility, including nine off-leash areas. A notable highlight is Warner Park Dog Park Lagoon, with a refreshing spot for dogs to cool down during the summer months.
Indianapolis, Indiana
Indianapolis offers a wealth of dog-friendly attractions for vacationers. The city boasts numerous breweries and outdoor restaurants that welcome you to bring your dog. White River State Park provides ample open space for dogs to explore. With a growing number of pet-friendly outdoor dining options, Indianapolis has become an appealing destination for food enthusiasts traveling with their four-legged friends.
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
Grand Canyon National Park in Northern Arizona is a surprisingly dog-friendly vacation destination. The South Rim area welcomes canine visitors, offering unique opportunities for pet owners to explore this natural wonder with their four-legged companions. This allows travelers to experience the breathtaking vistas and diverse landscapes of the Grand Canyon while including their dogs in the adventure.
Henderson, Nevada
Henderson offers an impressive array of dog-friendly amenities, including 19 dog parks for outdoor enjoyment. Bark Park at Heritage Park stands out as a premier canine destination, featuring doggie runs, a walking trail, an agility course, and pet drinking stations. The park’s unique bone-themed benches and the playful Barkules structure add whimsical touches to this canine paradise.
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Albuquerque welcomes dog owners with pet-friendly housing options and excellent park accessibility. The city offers numerous public dog parks, with Santa Fe Village Park featuring a fenced area and trail. After outdoor activities, pet owners can relax at dog-friendly establishments like Flying Star Cafe, which provides amenities for four-legged patrons.
Bend, Oregon
Bend is renowned for its dog-friendly atmosphere. Canines are welcome almost everywhere, from hiking trails in the Cascade Mountain foothills to the city’s numerous outdoor food carts, food truck parks, and breweries. This vibrant community seamlessly blends outdoor adventures with urban amenities, making it an ideal destination for those traveling with their four-legged companions.
San Diego, California
San Diego boasts several dog beaches and off-leash parks, including Fiesta Island in Mission Bay and Morley Field Dog Park in Balboa Park. Coastal activities abound, with options to rent boats for seafaring adventures with pets. Baseball enthusiasts can even enjoy Padres games at Petco Park’s special pet-friendly area, The Barkyard.
Venice, Italy
Venice, despite its limited green spaces, remains welcoming to canine visitors within its city limits. Dogs are permitted on many water vessels and can accompany their owners along the streets. However, the narrow alleyways can become congested, particularly during peak seasons. For a more relaxed experience with your furry companion, consider visiting between November and March when the crowds are thinner and the atmosphere is more tranquil.
Japan
Japan holds a special place for canines, with six native breeds designated as national monuments. The country’s dog-friendly atmosphere is evident in its accommodating policies, allowing four-legged companions in hotels, stores, and select restaurants. Urban areas like Tokyo boast numerous dog parks for exercise and socialization. Notable among these are Honmoku Sancho Park and Ueno Park, providing ample space for dogs to roam and play in the heart of the capital.
Vancouver
Vancouver is known as one of North America’s most dog-friendly cities, offering a plethora of activities for canine companions and their owners. The city has beaches and off-leash parks, with Stanley Park and Arboretum being a must-visit destination. Beyond the urban area, Vancouver’s surroundings present exceptional hiking opportunities for nature enthusiasts in every season.
Berlin
Berlin consistently ranks as Germany’s most dog-friendly city, embracing its canine population wholeheartedly. The city welcomes four-legged companions in parks, on public transport, and even in many restaurants and bars. Numerous dog exercise areas, specialized hostels, and sightseeing tours cater to canine visitors, ensuring they experience the city like true “Berliners” during their stay.
Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv proudly embraces its dog-friendly reputation, offering four dog-friendly beaches and 70 dog parks, averaging nearly one park per square kilometer. This enthusiasm extends to the business sector, with numerous local enterprises, including high-tech startups, catering specifically to canine needs. The prevalence of pet stores throughout the urban landscape further underscores Tel Aviv’s commitment to its furry inhabitants.
For more travel tips and hacks, visit our website and explore our resources to enhance your next adventure.