10 Top Dog-Friendly Vacation Destinations in the USA

Dog Express
7 min readMay 9, 2023

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When looking for a pet-friendly tourist destination for your dog, you need to keep a few things in mind. First, you need to consider the tour itinerary. There are several things you need to consider when traveling with your dog.

Plan where you will be going and the way you get over there. Think about the fun activities you would do along the way and where you would stay during the trip.

St. Johnsbury, Vermont

St. Johnsbury, a town in Eastern Vermont, has a place known as Dog Mountain, and you can easily take your dog on vacation. The people who manage it have transformed it into a heaven where you can let your dog off-leash. It used to be a dairy farm earlier on. Now, it has a pond along with trails and a dog chapel!

Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania

You would find Lehigh George Scenic Railway in Jim Thorpe, which offers trips through Pocono Mountains that would take your breath away. Experts say this is one trip you must take your dog on. It is one of the most dog-friendly destinations in the Eastern USA (United States of America).

Ben Harbor, Maine

Ben Harbor is a town with 5500 people. It is on Mount Desert Island in Maine. It is an ideal place for taking your dog with you, especially if you like hiking. The Acadia National Park makes an option for that! The island provides the best of both worlds with its sandy beaches and mountains located within the park. You have pet-friendly patios in the town where you can eat with your dog. Visitors with dogs are encouraged over here.

Bend, Oregon

Located in Central Oregon, there are around 100,000 people in the city, obsessed with dogs to such an extent they are allowed just about everywhere. However, you can find dog-hiking trails at the foothills of Cascade Mountain Range.

Within the city limits, you would find several outdoor food carts, breweries, and food truck parks where dogs can enjoy the time. Among breweries, you would find the Deschutes Brewery awarded for its work.

San Diego, California

The sunny city of San Diego is among the most dog-friendly destinations in the USA, and credit goes to the abundance of open areas where your dog would love exploring.

Does your dog like playing on the beach? In that case, there are plenty of off-leash parks and beaches where you can take your dog in and around this city in southern California.

The most famous locations are as follows:

  • Fiesta Island, Mission Bay
  • Morley Field Dog Park
  • Balboa Park

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

Grand Canyon National Park, located in Northern Arizona, is a vacation spot where dogs are allowed. You may be surprised to know this, but it is true indeed. Experts say that if you take your dog on vacation, you should take them to the South Rim.

Seattle, Washington

Known as the Emerald City, there are several dog-friendly activities that you and your dog could take part in while you are in Seattle, Washington. First, you can take your dog to the Washington Park Arboretum, a beautiful spot where they can check out the trees growing. Next, if you both like appreciating art, you could head to the Olympic Sculpture Park. Next, Lake Union is one place full of ice cream cuisines created with dogs in mind, and you can head over there too. Finally, you can enjoy a beer at the Voff Bark & Brew Beer Garden and Dog Park.

Sedona, Arizona

If all you can think of is a sandy and desolate terrain when you think of Arizona, you have probably never been to Sedona. However, there are plenty of venues across the city where you can take your dog with you. For example, you can stay with them at the Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock, eat with your dog at the Hideaway House, spend a day with them on the West Jeep Tours, and hike with them to the Bell Rock Vortex. In addition, the Hilton Sedona Resort provides a special welcome to its canine guests that include a tasty treat, a collar tag, a pet bandana, and a toy.

Block Island, Rhode Island

Block Island has plenty of water taxis and scenic walks. As such, it is one of the most pet-friendly holiday destinations you would not want to miss out on. One of its chief attractions is Brenton Point State Park, where you would get gorgeous city views. In addition, you can enjoy bodysurfing at Mansion Beach or picnic at the Point Judith Lighthouse. The mansion at Mansion Beach burned down decades back, but the surf and sand are still there.

Asheville, North Carolina

One of the best experiences in life is taking part in an active adventure with your dog at a place with unmatched views. Hence, Asheville, with the Blue Ridge Mountains surrounding it, is a vacation-friendly destination to spend with your furry babies. It is a sweet spot for dog lovers as it offers you the chance to participate in outdoor activities — both for your dog and you — that you cannot keep count of. You can start the day strolling through the North Carolina Arboretum or float down the French Broad River to beat the heat.

Conclusion

So far, the destinations we have talked about are all in the USA. However, it is not as if the rest of the world is empty of pet-friendly destinations. You can easily take your dog to the following spots outside the USA:

  • Venice in Italy
  • Tokyo in Japan
  • Vancouver in British Columbia, Canada

While Venice may not have an acre of expansive green spaces, dogs are still welcomed within the limits of the charming city in Italy. Your dog would be allowed on water boats, and they would take a stroll down the streets with you as well. However, please know that the small alleyways tend to be extremely busy. So, if you wish to visit the city, do so during the off-season from November to March, as that way, your dog will be safe from crowds.

Japan celebrates its six indigenous dog breeds referred to as Nihon Ken. They have been designated as national monuments too. So, as you may imagine, the country is dog friendly and incredibly so!

Vancouver is one of the most dog-friendly cities in North America. Therefore, it is well known as a beautiful destination for dogs and their humans, especially ones looking for an adventure. The city has off-leash parks and great beaches where you should take your dog.

Frequently Asked Question

Which are the most dog-friendly cities in the world?

Following are the most dog-friendly cities in the world:

  • San Francisco, USA
  • Amsterdam, Netherlands
  • Tel Aviv, Israel
  • Toronto, Canada
  • Paris, France
  • Seattle, USA
  • Berlin, Germany
  • Rome, Italy
  • New York City, USA
  • Geneva, Switzerland

Which country loves dogs the most?

Germany is said to be the friendliest country for people traveling with dogs. Virtually all business establishments welcome dogs and provide them with treats and water. Moreover, here you find the largest animal sanctuary in Europe.

In which country do dogs roam free?

Costa Rica — or the mountains close to Santa Barbara de Heredia — is home to Territorio de Zaguates. It means a land of the street or stray dogs.

Can I take my dog with me on a flight?

Most airlines allow dog and cat parents to take their fur babies in the cabin instead of an extra fee. However, it is better to call the airline in advance for that.

How stressful is flying for dogs?

Flying is supposed to be an immensely stressful experience for dogs, but it is said to be even more upsetting for senior dogs. But, of course, pups with behavioral or health issues feel the same way too.

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Dog Express
Dog Express

Written by Dog Express

DogExpress is an all-inclusive information hub dedicated towards dogs. This site is packed with information on everything associated to dogs.

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