When planning your next pet-friendly vacation, finding the right destination can be key to creating lasting memories with your dog. Whether you’re searching for dog-friendly vacations near me, planning a dog-friendly vacation on the East Coast, or looking for the best places to travel with a dog across the country, these hidden gems offer unique experiences and welcoming accommodations.
Save this list and refer to it as inspiration for the day when you finally take that cross country road trip with your dog. From dog-friendly vacations in the Midwest to dog road trips in California, here are the top spots for your next adventure with your pup.
How We Chose The Destinations: Choosing one destination per state is a tough task! To come up with this list, we included places we've personally visited and would recommend to others. For states we haven't been to, we asked friends for recommendations and we poured over other travel writers tips to fill in the gaps.
Alabama: Fairhope
Fairhope, located on the eastern shore of Mobile Bay, offers a charming, small-town feel with beautiful bay views and lovely parks. It’s an ideal destination for a relaxing dog-friendly vacation.
Dog-Friendly Place to Stay: Key West Inn (Well-behaved pets welcome, extra fee, call ahead).
Where To Eat With Your Pup: The Bone and Barrel (Dog-friendly outdoor seating).
Don’t Miss: Fairhope Municipal Pier (Dogs welcome on a leash).
Alaska: Homer
Homer offers stunning views of the Kachemak Bay, surrounded by wildlife and the chance to explore endless nature trails. It’s a top choice for those seeking vacations to take with your dog in nature.
Dog-Friendly Place to Stay: Land’s End Resort (Pets allowed in select rooms, extra fee, leashed dogs in common areas).
Where To Eat With Your Pup: The Little Mermaid (Outdoor patio is dog-friendly).
Don’t Miss: Bishop’s Beach (Leash-free dog beach).
Arizona: Sedona
Sedona’s stunning red rock landscapes and hiking trails make it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. It’s one of the best dog-friendly vacations in the Southwest.
Dog-Friendly Place to Stay: Sedona Real Inn & Suites (Pet-friendly rooms, fee applies, fenced dog park on-site).
Where To Eat With Your Pup: Creekside American Bistro (Dog-friendly patio seating).
Don’t Miss: Bell Rock Trail (Dog-friendly trail, leashed).
Arkansas: Hot Springs
Hot Springs is famous for its natural thermal springs and scenic hiking. It’s an ideal destination for dog-friendly vacations, particularly for those who love history and nature.
Dog-Friendly Place to Stay: Lookout Point Lakeside Inn (Pet-friendly, fee required, with dog treats and a pet travel guide available).
Where To Eat With Your Pup: Superior Bathhouse Brewery (Dogs allowed on outdoor patio).
Don’t Miss: Hot Springs National Park (Leashed dogs welcome on the many trails).
California: Big Sur
Big Sur’s dramatic coastal scenery and abundant outdoor activities make it a top choice for pet-friendly vacations on the West Coast. Hike along the rugged cliffs and take in breathtaking views with your dog by your side.
Dog-Friendly Place to Stay: Big Sur River Inn (Dog-friendly accommodations, additional fee).
Where To Eat With Your Pup: Big Sur Roadhouse (Outdoor seating for pups).
Don’t Miss: Pfeiffer Beach (Dogs allowed on-leash on this picturesque beach).
Colorado: Estes Park
Estes Park is the gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park and one of the best places to visit with dogs who love mountain adventures.
Dog-Friendly Place to Stay: The Stanley Hotel (Pet-friendly rooms available, additional fee).
Where To Eat With Your Pup: Poppy’s Pizza & Grill (Outdoor seating welcomes dogs).
Don’t Miss: Lily Mountain Trail (Dog-friendly hiking trail with stunning views).
Connecticut: Mystic
Mystic, with its historic charm and coastal views, is perfect for a dog-friendly vacation on the East Coast.
Dog-Friendly Place to Stay: Hyatt Place Mystic (Pet-friendly, with a fee, close to outdoor attractions).
Where To Eat With Your Pup: Dog Watch Cafe (Outdoor seating with water bowls for your pup).
Don’t Miss: Mystic River Park (Dogs allowed on leash along the scenic waterfront).
Delaware: Lewes
Lewes is a picturesque coastal town, ideal for beach-loving dogs. It’s one of the best dog-friendly vacation spots on the East Coast.
Dog-Friendly Place to Stay: Hotel Blue (Pet-friendly, with a modest fee).
Where To Eat With Your Pup: Kindle Restaurant (Dogs welcome on the outdoor patio).
Don’t Miss: Cape Henlopen State Park (Dogs welcome on the beaches during the off-season).
Florida: Apalachicola
This quaint fishing village on the Florida panhandle offers a more laid-back, off-the-beaten-path pet vacation.
Dog-Friendly Place to Stay: Gibson Inn (Welcomes dogs with treats and extra perks, additional fee applies).
Where To Eat With Your Pup: Up the Creek Raw Bar (Outdoor seating is dog-friendly).
Don’t Miss: Apalachicola National Forest (Leashed dogs welcome on hiking trails).
Georgia: Blue Ridge
Nestled in the North Georgia mountains, Blue Ridge is a peaceful retreat for pet lovers looking for a dog road trip or a serene getaway with your pup.
Dog-Friendly Place to Stay: The Blue Ridge Inn Bed and Breakfast (Pet-friendly rooms, additional fee).
Where To Eat With Your Pup: Chester Brunnenmeyer’s Bar & Grill (Outdoor seating allows dogs).
Don’t Miss: Toccoa River Swinging Bridge (Dog-friendly hiking trail, leashed).
Hawaii: Kailua
Located on the island of Oahu, Kailua offers pristine beaches and lush hikes, making it one of the best places to travel with a dog in the USA, especially for a tropical adventure.
Dog-Friendly Place to Stay: Paradise Bay Resort (Pets welcome with a fee, offering scenic views and dog-friendly amenities).
Where To Eat With Your Pup: Kalapawai Market (Dog-friendly outdoor seating).
Don’t Miss: Kailua Beach Park (Leash-free beach, perfect for swimming with your dog).
Idaho: McCall
McCall, a quaint mountain town on Payette Lake, is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and their pups, offering pet-friendly vacations with endless hiking and lake activities.
Dog-Friendly Place to Stay: Shore Lodge (Dog-friendly rooms available with a fee).
Where To Eat With Your Pup: My Father’s Place (Dogs welcome in the outdoor seating area).
Don’t Miss: Ponderosa State Park (Leashed dogs allowed on scenic hiking trails).
Illinois: Galena
Galena’s historic charm, rolling hills, and pet-friendly spots make it one of the best dog-friendly vacation spots in the Midwest.
Dog-Friendly Place to Stay: DeSoto House Hotel (Welcomes pets, call ahead for availability).
Where To Eat With Your Pup: Durty Gurt’s Burger Joynt (Dogs allowed in the outdoor seating area).
Don’t Miss: Horseshoe Mound (Leashed dogs can enjoy the scenic views from this historic site).
Indiana: Brown County
Located in the heart of Indiana, Brown County offers lush forests, rolling hills, and tons of dog-friendly trails, ideal for Midwest dog-friendly vacations.
Dog-Friendly Place to Stay: Abe Martin Lodge (Pet-friendly accommodations with a small fee).
Where To Eat With Your Pup: Big Woods Pizza Co. (Outdoor seating welcomes dogs).
Don’t Miss: Brown County State Park (Miles of dog-friendly hiking trails, leashed).
Iowa: Decorah
Decorah offers beautiful river views, scenic parks, and plenty of outdoor activities for dogs, making it a hidden gem for Midwest dog-friendly vacations.
Dog-Friendly Place to Stay: Hotel Winneshiek (Pets allowed with prior arrangement).
Where To Eat With Your Pup: T-Bock’s Sports Bar & Grill (Dog-friendly outdoor seating).
Don’t Miss: Dunning’s Spring Park (Dogs welcome on leash to explore the waterfall and trails).
Kansas: Lawrence
This college town is known for its quirky downtown and pet-friendly attitude, making it a fun destination for a dog road trip through the Midwest.
Dog-Friendly Place to Stay: TownePlace Suites by Marriott (Pet-friendly rooms, with a fee).
Where To Eat With Your Pup: The Bourgeois Pig (Dog-friendly patio seating).
Don’t Miss: Clinton Lake State Park (Leashed dogs can explore the hiking trails and lakeshore).
Kentucky: Bardstown
Bardstown offers historical charm and bourbon trails, making it a unique spot for dog-friendly vacations in the South.
Dog-Friendly Place to Stay: Talbott Inn (Welcomes dogs with a small fee).
Where To Eat With Your Pup: The Rickhouse Restaurant (Dogs allowed in the outdoor seating area).
Don’t Miss: My Old Kentucky Home State Park (Leashed dogs welcome on the scenic grounds).
Louisiana: Natchitoches
This charming Southern town offers historic architecture and pet-friendly spots along the scenic Cane River. Perfect for dog-friendly vacations in the South.
Dog-Friendly Place to Stay: Church Street Inn (Dog-friendly rooms available with an additional fee).
Where To Eat With Your Pup: Mama’s Oyster House (Outdoor seating allows dogs).
Don’t Miss: Cane River Creole National Historical Park (Leashed dogs allowed on the grounds).
Maine: Camden
With its stunning harbor views and picturesque downtown, Camden is a fantastic choice for dog-friendly New England vacations.
Dog-Friendly Place to Stay: Camden Riverhouse Hotel & Inn (Dog-friendly rooms, no extra fee).
Where To Eat With Your Pup: Sea Dog Brewing Co. (Dog-friendly outdoor seating area).
Don’t Miss: Camden Hills State Park (Leashed dogs allowed on the scenic hiking trails).
Maryland: St. Michaels
This charming waterfront town on the Eastern Shore is perfect for dog-friendly vacations on the East Coast, offering plenty of outdoor activities and waterfront views.
Dog-Friendly Place to Stay: Inn at Perry Cabin (Welcomes dogs, with additional amenities like dog beds and bowls).
Where To Eat With Your Pup: The Crab Claw Restaurant (Dogs allowed on the outdoor deck).
Don’t Miss: Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum (Leashed dogs welcome on the museum’s outdoor grounds).
Massachusetts: Provincetown
Provincetown is one of the most dog-friendly towns in New England, offering beautiful beaches and charming downtown streets. Perfect for a New England vacation with your dog.
Dog-Friendly Place to Stay: The Provincetown Hotel at Gabriel’s (Dog-friendly, no additional fee).
Where To Eat With Your Pup: The Canteen (Outdoor seating welcomes dogs).
Don’t Miss: Pilgrim Bark Park (Off-leash dog park with plenty of space to run).
Michigan: Saugatuck
This artsy lakeside town on Lake Michigan is perfect for a dog-friendly getaway in the Midwest, offering beautiful beaches and dog-friendly spots.
Dog-Friendly Place to Stay: Best Western Plaza Hotel Saugatuck (Pet-friendly, fee applies).
Where To Eat With Your Pup: The Butler (Dogs allowed in the outdoor seating area).
Don’t Miss: Saugatuck Dunes State Park (Leashed dogs can enjoy the stunning dune trails).
Minnesota: Duluth
Duluth, located on Lake Superior’s shores, offers a blend of urban and natural landscapes, making it a fantastic spot for pet-friendly vacations in the Midwest.
Dog-Friendly Place to Stay: Fitger's Inn (Dog-friendly with no additional fees, plus doggie treats).
Where To Eat With Your Pup: Canal Park Brewery (Outdoor seating welcomes dogs).
Don’t Miss: Leif Erikson Park (Leashed dogs can enjoy lakeside walks with stunning views).
Mississippi: Oxford
Known for its literary and historical charm, Oxford is a hidden gem for Southern dog-friendly vacations with plenty of cultural experiences.
Dog-Friendly Place to Stay: Graduate Oxford (Pets stay free, offering complimentary dog treats).
Where To Eat With Your Pup: Proud Larry’s (Outdoor seating allows dogs).
Don’t Miss: The Square (Leashed dogs welcome for a stroll around the historic downtown area).
Missouri: Hermann
Hermann is a quaint wine country town that welcomes dogs to explore vineyards and historic sites, making it one of the best dog-friendly vacations in the Midwest.
Dog-Friendly Place to Stay: Hermann Hill Vineyard Inn & Spa (Welcomes dogs in designated rooms).
Where To Eat With Your Pup: Tin Mill Brewery (Dog-friendly patio seating).
Don’t Miss: Stone Hill Winery (Leashed dogs allowed in the outdoor areas and vineyard tours).
Montana: Whitefish
Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, Whitefish is a stunning mountain town perfect for outdoor pet-friendly vacations, with activities like hiking, skiing, and lake visits.
Dog-Friendly Place to Stay: Firebrand Hotel (Pet-friendly, fee applies, includes dog beds and bowls).
Where To Eat With Your Pup: The Great Northern Bar & Grill (Dogs welcome on the outdoor patio).
Don’t Miss: Whitefish Lake State Park (Leashed dogs allowed to explore the park and swim in the lake).
Nebraska: Chadron
This small town in Nebraska is a hidden gem offering wide-open spaces, perfect for a dog road trip adventure in the Midwest.
Dog-Friendly Place to Stay: Best Western West Hills Inn (Pets welcome with a small fee).
Where To Eat With Your Pup: The Bean Broker Coffee House (Outdoor seating allows dogs).
Don’t Miss: Chadron State Park (Leashed dogs can enjoy hiking trails and scenic views).
Nevada: Red Rock Canyon
Red Rock Canyon offers a striking contrast to the bustling Las Vegas Strip, with its stunning red rock formations and scenic drives. It's a great spot for outdoor adventures with your dog.
Dog-Friendly Place To Stay: Element Las Vegas Summerlin – Offers dog-friendly rooms and is located close to Red Rock Canyon.
Where to Eat with Your Pup: The Beat Coffeehouse – A casual spot where dogs are welcome on the patio.
Don’t Miss: Red Rock Canyon Scenic Drive – Take a drive through this breathtaking area with your dog, enjoying the views and scenic spots.
New Hampshire: North Conway
This beautiful mountain town offers scenic drives, outdoor adventures, and is one of the best dog-friendly New England vacation spots.
Dog-Friendly Place to Stay: The White Mountain Hotel & Resort (Welcomes pets, offering plenty of outdoor space).
Where To Eat With Your Pup: Flatbread Company (Dog-friendly outdoor seating).
Don’t Miss: Diana’s Baths (Leashed dogs can enjoy the scenic waterfall and hiking trails).
New Jersey: Cape May
Cape May is a charming beach town offering beautiful views and dog-friendly beaches, making it a top destination for dog-friendly vacations on the East Coast.
Dog-Friendly Place to Stay: The Virginia Hotel (Pet-friendly rooms available, offering dog treats).
Where To Eat With Your Pup: Harry’s Ocean Bar & Grille (Outdoor seating welcomes dogs).
Don’t Miss: Cape May Dog Park (An off-leash dog park perfect for pups to run and play).
New Mexico: Taos
Taos offers a unique mix of desert and mountains, perfect for a pet-friendly vacation that includes hiking, art galleries, and historical sites.
Dog-Friendly Place to Stay: El Monte Sagrado Living Resort & Spa (Pet-friendly with no additional fees).
Where To Eat With Your Pup: The Love Apple (Outdoor seating allows dogs).
Don’t Miss: Taos Plaza (Leashed dogs can explore the historic downtown area with pet-friendly shops).
New York: Ithaca
This college town in the Finger Lakes region offers stunning waterfalls and plenty of outdoor activities, perfect for a pet-friendly vacation.
Dog-Friendly Place to Stay: Hotel Ithaca (Pets allowed with no additional fee, offering dog beds and treats).
Where To Eat With Your Pup: The Boatyard Grill (Outdoor seating allows dogs).
Don’t Miss: Buttermilk Falls State Park (Leashed dogs can enjoy hiking to beautiful waterfalls).
North Carolina: Asheville
Asheville is known for its vibrant arts scene, beautiful mountain views, and a welcoming atmosphere for pets, making it a prime spot for dog-friendly vacations in the South.
Dog-Friendly Place to Stay: Aloft Asheville Downtown (Pet-friendly with no extra fee, provides dog beds and treats).
Where To Eat With Your Pup: The Biltmore Estate’s Antler Hill Village (Outdoor seating allows dogs).
Don’t Miss: Blue Ridge Parkway (Leashed dogs can enjoy scenic drives and hiking trails).
North Dakota: Fargo
Fargo offers a mix of cultural attractions and outdoor activities, with plenty of pet-friendly spots to explore in this charming Midwestern city.
Dog-Friendly Place to Stay: Element Fargo (Pet-friendly with no additional fees).
Where To Eat With Your Pup: The Boiler Room (Dog-friendly outdoor seating).
Don’t Miss: Fargo Dog Park (An off-leash area where dogs can run and play).
Ohio: Hocking Hills
Hocking Hills is known for its lush forests, waterfalls, and striking rock formations. It's a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and offers plenty of space for your dog to explore.
Dog-Friendly Place To Stay: Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls – A pet-friendly lodge with a cozy atmosphere and trails nearby.
Where to Eat with Your Pup: Maya Burrito Co. – Enjoy casual dining with your dog at their outdoor seating area.
Don’t Miss: Hocking Hills State Park – Explore the park's beautiful trails and rock formations, with your dog by your side.
Oklahoma: Tulsa
Tulsa’s blend of modern amenities and historical charm makes it a great destination for pet-friendly vacations in the Midwest.
Dog-Friendly Place to Stay: The Mayo Hotel (Pet-friendly with a small fee).
Where To Eat With Your Pup: The Tavern (Outdoor seating is dog-friendly).
Don’t Miss: Riverside Park (Leashed dogs can enjoy walking trails and scenic river views).
Oregon: Bend
Bend is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with numerous trails and pet-friendly spots that make it ideal for dog-friendly vacations in the Pacific Northwest.
Dog-Friendly Place to Stay: The Oxford Hotel (Pet-friendly with no additional charges).
Where To Eat With Your Pup: Deschutes Brewery Public House (Outdoor seating welcomes dogs).
Don’t Miss: Sparks Lake (Leashed dogs allowed to explore and enjoy water activities).
Pennsylvania: Lancaster
Lancaster, with its picturesque countryside and Amish heritage, offers a charming backdrop for pet-friendly vacations.
Dog-Friendly Place to Stay: The Cork Factory Hotel (Pet-friendly with a small fee).
Where To Eat With Your Pup: The Fridge (Outdoor seating is dog-friendly).
Don’t Miss: Lancaster Central Market (Leashed dogs can enjoy a stroll through this historic market area).
Rhode Island: Newport
Newport’s coastal beauty and historic mansions provide a scenic and pet-friendly escape on the East Coast.
Dog-Friendly Place to Stay: Gurney’s Newport Resort & Marina (Pet-friendly with additional fees).
Where To Eat With Your Pup: The Mooring Seafood Kitchen & Bar (Outdoor seating allows dogs).
Don’t Miss: Cliff Walk (Leashed dogs can enjoy breathtaking ocean views and the historic trail).
South Carolina: Charleston
Charleston’s historic charm and waterfront locations make it a standout for pet-friendly vacations in the South.
Dog-Friendly Place to Stay: The Vendue (Pet-friendly with a small fee, offering pet amenities).
Where To Eat With Your Pup: Fleet Landing Restaurant & Bar (Outdoor seating welcomes dogs).
Don’t Miss: Waterfront Park (Leashed dogs can enjoy the beautiful park and the famous Pineapple Fountain).
South Dakota: Badlands
Why Visit: The Badlands National Park provides a dramatic landscape with its unique rock formations and expansive views. It’s an excellent destination for those seeking natural beauty.
Dog-Friendly Place To Stay: Buffalo Ridge Lodge – Pet-friendly accommodations near the Badlands.
Where to Eat with Your Pup: Badlands Saloon and Grill – A relaxed eatery with outdoor seating where dogs are welcome.
Don’t Miss: Badlands Scenic Drive – Enjoy the stunning views and unique landscape from the comfort of your car.
Tennessee: Great Smoky Mountains
The Great Smoky Mountains offer picturesque landscapes and a variety of trails. It’s a perfect spot for outdoor adventures with your dog.
Dog-Friendly Place To Stay: The Greystone Lodge on the River – Pet-friendly with convenient access to the Smoky Mountains.
Where to Eat with Your Pup: The Old Mill Restaurant – Enjoy Southern cuisine with your dog at their outdoor seating area.
Don’t Miss: Cades Cove – Explore this scenic valley with your dog, known for its beautiful views and historic sites.
Texas: Austin
Austin’s vibrant culture and numerous parks make it one of the best places to visit with dogs in the Southwest.
Dog-Friendly Place to Stay: The Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt (Pet-friendly with no extra fee, includes pet amenities).
Where To Eat With Your Pup: The Picnic (Outdoor food trucks welcome dogs).
Don’t Miss: Zilker Park (Leashed dogs can enjoy expansive green spaces and trails).
Utah: Park City
Park City offers world-class skiing and year-round outdoor activities, making it a fantastic destination for dog-friendly vacations.
Dog-Friendly Place to Stay: The Washington School House Hotel (Pet-friendly with a small fee).
Where To Eat With Your Pup: The Eating Establishment (Dog-friendly outdoor seating).
Don’t Miss: Ski Resort Trails (Leashed dogs allowed on some trails for scenic winter and summer adventures).
Vermont: Stowe
Stowe is renowned for its stunning mountain scenery and outdoor activities, making it a top choice for pet-friendly vacations in New England.
Dog-Friendly Place to Stay: Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa (Pet-friendly with additional fees).
Where To Eat With Your Pup: The Bench (Dog-friendly outdoor seating).
Don’t Miss: Stowe Recreation Path (Leashed dogs can enjoy this scenic 5.3-mile trail).
Virginia: Shenandoah National Park
Shenandoah National Park offers breathtaking natural beauty and numerous dog-friendly trails, making it perfect for a nature-focused pet-friendly vacation.
Dog-Friendly Place to Stay: Skyland Resort (Pet-friendly accommodations with additional fees).
Where To Eat With Your Pup: The Mountain Taproom (Outdoor seating allows dogs).
Don’t Miss: Old Rag Mountain Trail (Leashed dogs welcome on this challenging but rewarding hike).
Washington: Leavenworth
Leavenworth’s Bavarian charm and outdoor activities make it a great destination for dog-friendly vacations in the Pacific Northwest.
Dog-Friendly Place to Stay: Icicle Village Resort (Pet-friendly with a small fee).
Where To Eat With Your Pup: Leavenworth’s Alpine Coffee (Dog-friendly outdoor seating).
Don’t Miss: Enchantment Park (Leashed dogs allowed to explore the park and river views).
West Virginia: New River Gorge
New River Gorge is a treasure for outdoor enthusiasts, offering stunning scenery, rock formations, and plenty of trails for you and your dog.
Dog-Friendly Place To Stay: Country Roads Cabins – Pet-friendly cabins near New River Gorge.
Where to Eat with Your Pup: The Grove – A local favorite with a dog-friendly outdoor area.
Don’t Miss: New River Gorge Scenic Drive – Take in the incredible views and rugged landscape from your vehicle or enjoy a hike with your dog.
Wisconsin: Door County
Door County’s beautiful coastal scenery and numerous parks make it a standout destination for dog-friendly vacations in the Midwest.
Dog-Friendly Place to Stay: Landmark Resort (Pet-friendly with a small fee).
Where To Eat With Your Pup: The Waterfront Restaurant (Dog-friendly outdoor seating).
Don’t Miss: Door County Coastal Byway (Leashed dogs can enjoy scenic drives and coastal views).
Wyoming: Jackson Hole
Jackson Hole offers stunning mountain landscapes and outdoor activities, making it one of the best places to visit with dogs in the Western US.
Dog-Friendly Place to Stay: The Wort Hotel (Pet-friendly with a small fee).
Where To Eat With Your Pup: Local Restaurant & Bar (Dog-friendly outdoor seating).
Don’t Miss: Grand Teton National Park (Leashed dogs can explore scenic trails and views).
We’ve highlighted one fantastic dog-friendly destination in each state, but this is by no means an exhaustive list. There are countless other pet-friendly vacation spots and hidden gems across the country that we’ve surely missed. We’d love to hear about your favorite dog-friendly destinations! Leave a comment below and let us know what other great spots we should include from your home state. Happy travels with your furry friends!