10 Best Dog Friendly Destinations in the US

Bar Harbour sits just outside one of the most pet-friendly National Parks in the country. Located on Mount Desert Island, Acadia National Park has 47,000 acres of woodlands, lakes, and rocky coastline. 120 miles of its trails are open to dogs, provided they’re on a leash. Take your furry friend on a drive along the Scenic Park Loop Road, making your way to the 1,530-foot summit of Cadillac Mountain, a great spot to watch the sun rise and set.

Back in town, the homely Belle Isle Motel offers 6 acres of space for your pup to roam. Stop by dog-friendly Beal’s Lobster Pier for a lobster roll dripping with garlic butter, touted as one of Maine’s best (open seasonally).

Austin doesn’t just allow dogs – it welcomes them with open arms. The city is full of pet-friendly green spaces, and dozens of cafes and bars allow dogs tableside. The Four Seasons Hotel Austin showers pups with amenities like cosy pet beds and house-made biscuits. Even the Texas State Capitol building opens its lawn for you and yours to lounge on.

For some off-leash time, head to Red Bud Isle. This island park has great views and beaches where your dog can get in the water. Over by Lady Bird Lake – the gentle stretch of the Colorado River that splits Austin in two – a 10-mile trail offers a scenic respite from the city bustle.

For the adventurous among us, Colorado Springs offers spectacular natural landscapes to explore and a number of dog-friendly hotels and restaurants. The city is situated at the foot of Pikes Peak – you can drive or hike to the top for panoramic views of the Colorado landscape. Photographers won’t want to miss the Garden of the Gods, where impressive red sandstone formations stand against the Rocky Mountain backdrop.

The city’s most notable dog-friendly establishment is Pub Dog. The restaurant has a large outdoor area where pups can socialise off-leash. Committed to the theme, they offer dishes for both humans and canines, and nearly everything on the menu is plated in a silver doggie dish.

Asheville is one of the coolest little cities in the South. City centre is dotted with art deco buildings and busking musicians are regular fixtures on the city streets. Tucked into the Blue Ridge Mountains, it’s right by the Blue Ridge Parkway, where dog-friendly hiking trails branch off from the scenic drive. Spend an afternoon exploring the gardens at the North Carolina Arboretum, which has a particularly special Bonsai display.

The city is known for its breweries, and standout Asheville Pizza and Brewing welcomes pups on their patio. Get yourself a craft beer and a Moon Pie, which has piles of artichoke hearts and portabella on a parmesan crust.

Its outdoor lifestyle and laid-back nature make sunny San Diego a great place to take your beach buddy. Gather with tonnes of other proud dog owners at Coronado Dog Beach, where pups tramp through the tidepools and play along the shore. For a little more space, hop over to Fiesta Island. It has rolling sand dunes and 27 miles of beach – and is entirely leash-free.

Baseball fans should grab tickets for a Padres game at Petco Park, which has a designated area for dogs and their owners. The Barkyard features semi-private seats in the left-center field and has a Pet Relief Area, so you won’t miss a minute of the game.

Seattle is one of the most dog-friendly cities in the US Locals bring their canine pals just about everywhere, including the popular Fremont Sunday Market. A longstanding fixture of the eclectic area, the market brings together 120 vendors plus food trucks and a live DJ. For snacks your pup can enjoy, grab a bacon pupcake or cheezy donut from the Seattle Barkery.

Craft beer enthusiasts are in luck, as many breweries allow dogs on the patio. For skyline views in an unusual setting, head to Gas Works Park. Located on the former site of a coal gasification plant, old machinery has been transformed into picnic shelters and play spaces, giving the park a distinct, steampunk character.

It feels like everybody has a dog in Lake Placid. A picturesque town in the Adirondack Mountains, this 2-time Winter Olympics host is known as a winter sports hub but has outdoor adventures for all seasons. Much of the Adirondacks trail system is dog-friendly. Take the easy trek up Mount Jo for quality time with your pet and rewarding mountain views.

Luxury travellers are in luck because the 5-star Lake Placid Lodge welcomes small dogs in their luxe lakeside cottages. Each uniquely designed room has a stone fireplace, handmade wooden furniture, and a view of the shining lake.

Enchanting Sedona is full of striking landscapes to admire and explore. Check out the dog-friendly trails at Coconino National Forest for views of the area’s distinct red sandstone formations. Bell Rock is the most popular, while the relatively new Rabbit Ears offers a more secluded hike. On an especially hot day, opt for Slide Rock State Park, where you and your pup can cool off in the canyon river.

There are 20 or so hotels and a number of campsites in the area that will accommodate your furry friend. The private cabins at Red Agave are a great choice if you’d rather not hear the neighbors’ dog’s moonlight howl.

Funky, friendly Portland has got you – and your pup – covered. Bars and restaurants across the city welcome dogs, and some will even serve your dog dinner. Bye and Bye serves up vegetarian comfort foods like chilli Frito pie on its heated patio. Sip a bloody Mary at brunch-favorite Tin Shed while your pet chows down on sweet potatoes or a doggie ice cream dish.

While the grandeur of the Pacific Northwest is easily accessible from Portland, you can get in your daily dose of forest swimming without leaving town at the Tryon Creek State Natural Area. Turn in for the night at the Portland outlet of the hip Ace Hotel, which allows any dog at no extra charge.

Key West is a great getaway for you and your canine companion because you’ll want to spend all your time under the sun. Dogs are welcome on many beaches, and Key West Dog Beach doesn’t require leashes at all. For an adventure on the water, paddle along the coast in a kayak with room for your friend rented from Lazy Dog Adventures.

When it’s time for that piña colada, take a seat at Island Dogs Bar – your dog can join you inside. You can also bring the pooch along to the charming Key West Aquarium, where staff give tours highlighting local species and explaining how these marine creatures are cared for.