Top Dog-Friendly Destinations Across the US
You’re headed out to see the best of the US, and your dog is coming along with you.
In celebration of International Dog Day on August 26, 2022, we’ve compiled a list of US destinations where your pooch is always welcome.
These are the top 17 destinations as told to us by local experts with top intel, advice, and best practices for traveling with your four-legged best friend.
Los Angeles with Jamie Lea and her dog: Shade Lea (European Doberman)
Location: I am originally from Efland, NC. I am now based in Los Angeles, CA.
The perfect weekend with my dog: My ideal day starts with breakfast, a training session, and then a trip to the beach! The beaches in LA are fantastic, and Shade loves the water. After beach fun, we enjoy leisurely walks in the neighborhood.
Favorite local dog-friendly restaurants: Shade loves accompanying me everywhere. Our favorites include Kalaveras (birria tacos), Tribal Cafe (smoothies or acai bowls), Janga (Oxtail and plantains), and Neighbor (delicious pancakes).
Top tips for traveling with your pup:
- Seat covers
- Water and a travel bowl
- Poop bags
- Favorite toy and a treat
- Good music for the ride!
Ensure Shade is well-fed and taken out before the road trip, and a leash seat belt is essential for safety.
Superstition Mountains and Phoenix, Arizona with Kristen Radaich and her dogs: Hercules and Cool Whip (American pit bull terriers)
Location: I grew up in northern Minnesota and now live in my campervan full-time, traveling around Arizona.
The perfect weekend with my dogs: A perfect weekend begins with a sunrise hike, coffee, and pup cups, followed by visits to dog-friendly breweries such as Goldwater or Fate.
Favorite local dog-friendly restaurants: OHSO Brewery offers amazing patios, and Black Rock Coffee is great for coffee and treats.
Top tips for traveling with your pup: Opt for national forests over crowded national parks. A portable dog bed can help your pup feel comfortable everywhere.
Tampa, Florida with Victoria Vaden and her dogs: Avera (poodle-rottweiler mix) and Takoda (golden retriever)
Location: Originally from Delaware, I’ve lived in Tampa for four years.
The perfect weekend with my dog: We adore walks along the Curtis Hixon Waterfront, known for being dog-friendly.
Favorite local dog-friendly restaurant: Tupelo Honey in Myrtle Beach exceeded our expectations with its dog menu.
Top tips for traveling with your pup: Mail dog food ahead of time and bring treats for comfort during travel delays.
Greenville, South Carolina with Jenny Fleischer and her dogs: Hopey and Shayna (golden retrievers)
Location: I’m from Northern Virginia and currently live in Greenville, South Carolina.
The perfect weekend with my dogs: Visiting downtown Greenville is delightful, especially as many stores are dog-friendly.
Favorite local dog-friendly restaurants: Many outdoor dining options feature specialty items for dogs. Our favorite dessert spot is Blueberry Frog, which includes dog treats!
Top tips for traveling with your pup: Always have fresh water and waste bags at hand, along with treats.
Acadia National Park, Maine with Elaine and her dog: Gatsby (Siberian husky)
Location: Based in NYC, I’ve enjoyed nature trips with Gatsby.
The perfect weekend with my dog: If you love hiking, Acadia National Park is the place. My favorite trails include Jordan Pond and Cadillac Mountain.
Favorite local dog-friendly restaurants: Trenton Bridge Lobster Pound is a must-visit for its incredible outdoor seating.
Top tips for traveling with your pup: Exercise before traveling to reduce anxiety, carry health certificates for emergencies, and keep the dog’s tags updated.
Bend, Oregon with Elena Pressprich and her dogs: Rio (chocolate lab), Baya (lab/cattle dog mix), and Millie (golden retriever)
Location: I have lived in Bend, Oregon my whole life!
The perfect weekend with my dogs: Mornings start with neighborhood walks, followed by hikes at Smith Rock for breathtaking views.
Favorite local dog-friendly restaurants: Many restaurants allow dogs on their patios, and I often enjoy local cuisine while my pups relax by my side.
Top tips for traveling with your pup: Organize supplies in dedicated bags to simplify travel. Essential items include food, leashes, and a first-aid kit.
Las Vegas with Tiffany and her dog: Zion (boxer mix)
Location: Based in Southern California, Zion loves road trips.
The perfect weekend with my dog: Starting our adventure with a stop at the Seven Magic Mountains gives us a chance to stretch before reaching Vegas.
Top tips for traveling with your pup: Safety is key; keep your dog hydrated and perform tick checks after outdoor activities.
Colorado Springs, Colorado with Stephen Martin and his dog: Ollie (mutt)
Location: Originally from Dallas, I found my home in Colorado Springs after serving in the military.
The perfect weekend with my dog: A perfect day involves hiking in Garden of the Gods, where the views are stunning.
Favorite local dog-friendly restaurants: Many coffee shops cater to pets, providing ample outdoor dining for dog owners.
Top tips for traveling with your pup: Ensure your dog’s comfort and always advocate for their needs during trips.
Riverside County, California with Jasmine Wood and her dog: Oliver (blue merle Australian shepherd)
Location: Residing in sunny Southern California, I enjoy scenic trips with Oliver.
The perfect weekend with my dog: Traveling along the US 395 offers breathtaking views, especially in Alabama Hills.
Favorite local dog-friendly restaurants: Dining in dog-friendly mom-and-pop restaurants enhances our adventures.
Top tips for traveling with your pup: Carry collapsible bowls and favorite toys for a smooth travel experience.
New York City, New York with Sarah Geist and her dog: Alice (beagle)
Location: After growing up in Denver, I’ve lived in NYC with Alice for a decade.
The perfect weekend with my dog: Long walks in Central Park set the tone for a perfect weekend, followed by brunch at dog-friendly patios.
Favorite local dog-friendly restaurants: NYC’s outdoor seating options make dining pleasurable with dogs in tow.
Top tips for traveling with your pup: Keep a copy of health records and ensure your dog’s comfort is always a priority.
Puerto Rico with Jimmy Im and his dog: Ruby (shih tzu)
Location: Originally from Atlanta, I’m now based in Brooklyn.
The perfect weekend with my dog: Ruby loves beaches; we’ve enjoyed many trips to pet-friendly resorts in Puerto Rico.
Favorite local dog-friendly restaurants: Most restaurants at our resorts are outdoor-friendly, ensuring Ruby is always included.
Top tips for traveling with your pup: Bring treats, a retractable water bowl, and a premium villa to ensure a pleasant stay.
Utah with Kenzie and her dog: Kopa (goldendoodle)
Location: We’ve recently moved to northern Utah after living in Colorado.
The perfect weekend with my dog: Exploring areas like Moab provides us with plenty of adventure outdoors.
Favorite local dog-friendly restaurants: The Moab Food Truck Park is fantastic for dog-friendly dining.
Top tips for traveling with your pup: Always scout for nearby dog parks to allow your dog some free time during road trips.
Charlotte, North Carolina with Theresa Wederman and Wyatt Gorham with their dog: Zucchini (Australian shepherd)
Location: Originally from upstate New York, we’ve embraced Providence life over the past three years.
The perfect weekend with my dog: Enjoying mountain hikes keeps Zucchini engaged and happy.
Favorite local dog-friendly restaurants: Many restaurants have outdoor seating, making it easier to dine out with Zucchini.
Top tips for traveling with your pup: Invest in a comfortable dog seat for safer travels and plan trips to dog-friendly destinations.
Nashville with Arianna and her dogs: Ivy (husky/golden mix), Sierra (husky/pit mix) and Nova (German shepherd/pit mix)
Location: Our homebase is in Nashville, TN, a very dog-friendly city!
The perfect weekend with my dogs: We enjoy local hiking trails and pet-friendly restaurants.
Top tips for traveling with your pup: Nashville’s plethora of dog-friendly spots truly makes it easy to create memories together.
San Francisco, California with Emily Janowsky and her dog: Rocket (yellow lab)
Location: I grew up in San Francisco and currently reside in Corte Madera, just north of the city.
The perfect weekend with my dog: Rocket loves hiking in Marin, and Crissy Field is a great spot for outdoor fun.
Favorite local dog-friendly restaurants: Rock & Rye is our go-to for a dog-friendly lunch.
Top tips for traveling with your pup: Ensure your dog has a fun and safe road trip with favorite toys and plenty of water.
Pigeon Forge with Kristen Sutherland and her dogs: Barkley (jackapoo) and Fiona (toy poodle)
Location: Originally from Chester, SC, I’ve moved to Upstate South Carolina recently.
The perfect weekend with my dogs: Visiting The Island in Pigeon Forge allows us to enjoy dog-friendly activities.
Favorite local dog-friendly restaurants: Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant is a favorite for great meals with my dogs.
Top tips for traveling with your pup: Invest in a canine car seat and opt for campgrounds for a more dog-friendly experience.
