Best Dog Vacation Destinations in the U.S.

People always want to take their dogs with them on vacation, and it’s no wonder. Our dogs provide us with lots of joy and fun times, and let’s face it: We find it really hard to leave them at home or in a strange kennel by themselves. 

But not every place in the U.S. is suitable for our dogs, and the last thing any of us wants to do is vacation somewhere that’s unfriendly to dogs. Because of that, we went looking for the best dog vacation destinations in the U.S. so you and your pup can have a great time together.

Best Dog Vacation Destinations in the USA

These are our picks for the ten best places for vacations with dogs in the U.S.

Sedona, Arizona

Sedona is a popular vacation destination, and it’s pet-friendly to boot. There are many fun places where you can take your pup, including Slide Rock State Park, Oak Creek Canyon, and along the trails through the Ponderosa pine forests throughout the area. 

Coconino National Forest has dog-friendly places that give you the gorgeous red-rock backdrops for which Sedona is known. 

You can take pet-friendly tours that include visits to ruins. Finally, spend an afternoon at Sedona’s first and only dog park, which has areas for large, medium, and small dogs.

Bar Harbor, Maine

The hiker in you and the adventurer in your dog will love Bar Harbor, which is where you can find Acadia National Park. Spend a day hiking some of its 120 miles of dog-friendly trails and grab a view of a glacier-carved coastline. 

You can also explore old carriage trails as well as take a drive up Cadillac Summit Road, which has plenty of pull-outs for stretches and potty breaks. Because of all this, Acadia is truly among the friendliest of pet-friendly national parks. 

Austin, Texas

A metropolitan area like Austin might not be your first choice for a vacation spot, but when you look deeper, you find out there are lots of things for you to enjoy with your dog.

Spend a day at the Barton Creek Greenbelt Preserve near the peace of the waterfalls, or visit the Red Bud Isle lakefront off-leash dog park. 

Then go get pizza at Austin Terrier or some delicious breakfast fare at the Kerbey Lane Cafe.  

South Lake Tahoe, California

Do you and your pup enjoy the beach and mountain views and trails? South Lake Tahoe is a wonderful dog vacation destination for that. Take a day to hike part of the Rubicon Trail and enjoy one-on-one time with your dog. 

Spend a day at Kiva Beach for a relaxing, dog-friendly beach environment with a gorgeous view of the mountains, and then retire to your room after nightfall at the dog-friendly Hotel Azure, which is right across the street from the beach. 

Key West, Florida

Key West is a fun, extremely walkable, and exotic location at the southernmost tip of the U.S. You and your dog can run free in the sun and sand at the no-leash-required Key West Dog Beach, or take him to see the fish and other marine life at the Key West Aquarium.

For local food and fun music, enjoy dinner at the Island Dogs Bar and then relax quietly for the night at one of several pet-friendly hotels around the island.

Lake Placid, New York

If you’re looking for a way out of the big city but don’t want to travel too far, Lake Placid is only five hours away from New York City. However, it’s worlds away from the hectic pace of life you find in any big city. 

Stay at the pet-friendly Lake Placid Lodge and visit gorgeous Mirror Lake, where you and your best friend can walk a 2.7-mile path and visit some of the nearby stores, which are very welcoming to dogs.  

Winter Park, Colorado

Colorado is beautiful in the summer and winter, and regardless of the weather you and your dog enjoy most, Winter Park makes one of the best dog vacation destinations in the U.S. 

Take advantage of 17 miles of hiking trails in Vasquez Peak Wilderness Park and then get food and treats at Deno’s Mountain Bistro or the Hideaway Park Brewery.

Finally, choose one of Winter Park’s dog-friendly lodges where you can choose between a room or get your own cabin for privacy.

Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville is famous for places like the Blue Ridge Parkway where you can have a blast driving all its curves, and your dog can get a kick out of letting his fur and ears fly in the wind.

Then go visit the Asheville Arboretum, where you and your pup can take a leisurely stroll through its unique and beautiful flora. 

You can also visit in the fall and check out the magnificent colors as you and your canine friend walk the grounds of the sprawling Biltmore Estate.  

Golden Isles, Georgia

Georgia has some gorgeous islands off its coast, like the Golden Isles. Two-thirds of Jekyll Island is unspoiled and natural, making it a great place for you and your dog to have some fun beach adventures without much of the commercialism of beachfront establishments.

The islands are also full of lodging that will welcome both you and your best friend, so there’s no need to worry about running between the islands and the mainland when your day is over.

Asbury Park, New Jersey

Part of the famous Jersey Shore, Asbury Park is home to a place called the Wonder Bar, where you and your pup can enjoy “Yappy Hour” together. Or you can let him run around the fenced area outdoors while you enjoy your drinks and watch. 

Check out the Asbury Park Bazaar, which hosts craft fairs and markets each year. You can bring your furry friend with you while you browse vendors’ booths – many of which cater specifically to dogs. 

Final Thoughts

Each of these locations has a lot to offer any dog parent who wants to take their companion on vacation with them instead of leaving them at home.

Next time you plan a trip, head over to the wise pup and browse through their daily tips before you check out one of these places and make your dog part of the adventure!