If you’re the type who can’t leave your furry friend home, you’ve probably experienced the feeling of frustration when looking for pet-friendly vacation spots that cater to both people and pets. Can you eat with your pet in that restaurant or stay in that hotel? Are there places that allow your dog to play without their leash?

In this post, we’ve rounded up the best pet-friendly destinations in the US. So, head over to these places with your pet so that you won’t have to worry about whether or not they’ll have a good time.

1. Austin, Texas

West Austin Dog Park is a pet-friendly place for you and your furry friend. There’s also a park located at Auditorium Shores, which gives water access. If you have a dog that’s particularly fond of swimming, visit Red Bud Isle peninsula for lots of fun with plenty of water to play in.

West Austin Dog Park

Moreover, there’s the famous Mardi Gras Dog Parade and other pet-friendly vacation events that are held throughout the year. Drop by Groovy Dog Bakery and grab some treats before heading over to experience Austin’s live music scene in the area.

2. South Lake Tahoe, California

Popular for its idyllic beaches, skiing, and picturesque alpine lake, South Lake Tahoe is an excellent place to visit with your pet. Check out The Bijou Dog Park that features shady areas, picnic tables, and lots of freshwaters that would keep your pet hydrated.

Bijou Dog Park

Just as long as you have the leash on, the gorgeous Kiva Beach is also a dog-friendly vacation spot. If you want to head out for an exquisite dinner by the beach, drop by Tahoe Best Friends, a dog care facility in the area where you can leave your pet in comfort while you’re away.

3. Orlando, Florida

Think about Disney World, Universal Studios, and plenty of other attractions, this city welcomes millions of tourists every year. The good news is, a lot of attractions and accommodations in the area will welcome your four-legged companion as well.

While you can’t bring your pet on Space Mountain, there are plenty of alternative attractions that you can go to like Disney, Epcot, Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and The Hollywood Studios. Moreover, Disney is planning to build a pet resort that offers doggy day camps, luxury suites, and grooming.

Check out pet-friendly hotels in Orlando as well, such as the Royal Pacific Resort, and the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel. The Royal Pacific Resort even has a service called Puppy Pager which immediately contacts you whenever your pup is in trouble.

Meanwhile, the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel gives your pup VIP treatment, treats, toys, special bedding, a room service menu, and even walking service.

Keep in mind, Orlando has some of the hottest summer weather in the country. If you go during the warmer months, be extra careful and keep your pet hydrated throughout the trip – especially if they have a thicker coat!

4. Colorado Springs, Colorado

Colorado Springs offers you a quaint, small-town charm, yet the big-city culture that offers visitors incredible scenery. The city’s extensive outdoor space is one of the main reasons why it’s included in the list of the most pet-friendly cities in America. It offers about 10,000 acres of public parks and has seven dog parts.

Your pup is also welcome in the city’s primary attractions such as the Manitou Cliff Dwellings, and Bear Creek Nature Center. Moreover, the Red Rock Canyon features pet-friendly trails where your four-legged friend can have its daily dose of exercise, as well as two dog loops wherein your pet can stroll unleashed.

Your pets are welcome no matter what activity you choose in the park.

The city’s local hotels also welcome pets, but there’s one particular hotel that stands out, the Broadmoor Hotel. Nestled in the foot of Cheyenne Mountain, it features a fitness center and a spa, and the hotel also gives you pet special bedding where they can enjoy food bowls and other complimentary treats.

5. San Diego, California

San Diego is well known for its pristine white sand beaches and yearlong warm climate, making it an ideal destination to spend the outdoors with your pet. Many of its beaches allow animals, some of them even allows your pet without a leash, excellent if you want to play frisbee with your pup.

Just yards away from the well-known Ocean Beach Dog Beach is the Ocean Villa Inn, known to be the area’s pet-friendly vacation hotels.

A lot of its rooms have private patios that lead to a communal yard just in front of the beach. In addition, there are other things to do in San Diego with your pets such as visiting and walking around Parks – or roam around Old Town.


Ocean Villa Inn

Also, if you want to go shopping, but can’t leave your pets behind, head over to the Otay Ranch Town Shopping Center. Although animals aren’t allowed in the facility, it offers a dog park and a pet-sitting area. Several stores do cater to pets. There’s a restaurant, Terra that serves gourmet sausages and delicious puppy pizzas.

6. New York City

The city that never sleeps has a lot of activities for humans and pets alike. New York is never short of pet-friendly vacation hotels. For instance, the Muse Hotel in the theatre district has a Pampered Pooch package if you want to spoil your furry friend. The hotel also boasts the only dog playground in the city called “Canine Court” where pets can complete a seemingly challenging yet fun obstacle course.

During the summer months, you and your pet can cool off in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park in a man-made pool. You can even take your pet with you on a fun, unforgettable shopping spree in the city’s high-end department stores in Saks Fifth Avenue, and Tiffany’s.

7. Portland, Oregon

Portland is known to be one of the best pet-friendly cities – mostly because of its stunning parks and outdoor areas that pets can roam.

There are great off-leash sections found in Mt. Tabor Park and Chimney Park. Your visit to Portland wouldn’t be complete without grabbing a bite from its iconic food carts. You can even sign up for a Portland Food Cart Tour, and bring your pet along with you.

Final Thoughts

Your pet has adorably entertained you with its cute antics, cheer you up and when you’re feeling blue, or just simply want to snuggle with you or play fetch for hours. So it’s no surprise, that you also have to factor your pet’s comfort whenever you’re traveling.

Consider these pet-friendly vacation destinations in the US and learn some helpful tips when traveling before you go and enjoy a fun getaway!