The Top 9 Dog-Friendly Vacation Destinations in America |

Did you know that 78% of pet owners travel with their pets each year? That’s a pretty big percentage, considering 86.9 million Americans own a pet in 2024. But that also begs the question, “Where are they all going?” America is certainly becoming a more dog-friendly society, thanks to the increase in service animals and the number of people choosing to travel with their pets. But how do you choose where to go?

As a traveling dog mom myself, I’ve certainly taken my fair share of pet-friendly vacations. But some destinations are more accommodating to furry friends than others. For me, it’s definitely worth an extra bit of hassle to see Atlas’s face light up when he makes new friends or sets out to explore a trail with us, but it also requires a decent bit of research to find places he can join us for a meal or even a walk.

Atlas the corgi on a dog-friendly trail in Virginia — *Atlas enjoying a morning hike with us*

That’s why I was so excited to get this list of America’s top pet-friendly vacation destinations from Whimstay!

About Whimstay

If you haven’t heard of Whimstay yet, it’s a great platform that saves you tons of money on last-minute vacation rentals. You can also book well in advance, but you get better deals for booking late. Why? Well, their system connects you with property managers who have gaps in their schedules. So you get a sweet stay for cheap, and they don’t have empty dates. It’s a win-win for everyone that gives them a sweet edge over Airbnb.

They sent along this fantastic list of pet-friendly cities around the U.S. and the average savings you can enjoy through Whimstay when you book a pet-friendly rental home there. What a great way to streamline your vacay research!

*Note: This post includes affiliate links for Whimstay. If you sign up for Whimstay using my link, we will both receive $50 credits for a future stay. It doesn’t cost you anything extra, but it’s a nice way to kickstart your next vacation and support the blog at the same time! If you have any questions, feel free to message me or check out my Privacy Policy page for more information.

Pawfect Getaways: Discover America’s Top Pet-Friendly Cities

Portland, Oregon: Paws & Paths Paradise

First up is Portland, Oregon, a scenic city with plenty of parks, trails, and dog-friendly eateries. Here are some of the top things to do with your pooch!

Explore Forest Park, one of America’s largest urban forests.
Take a stroll along the Sellwood Riverfront Park.
Grab a meal at Tin Shed Garden Cafe’s dog-friendly patio and treat your pup to their special dog menu.
Attend the annual “Doggie Dash” festival and enjoy pet-friendly food trucks, local businesses, activities, and contests.
Let your pup stretch its legs while you view the Fremont Bridge at the Field Park off-leash dog zone.
Grab a coffee or shaved ice at Snow Bunny Coffee, then commemorate the moment with a Polaroid of you and your pup!
Buy your furry friend something nice at Cycle Dog, which sells products made from recycled bike tubes and features indoor and outdoor play areas!

Top off your adventure with an average savings of 24% on Whimstay bookings!

Austin, Texas: Tails on Trails in Texas

Next up is the outdoor-centric community of Austin, Texas. Known for its great trails and dining, you and your pup will both find plenty to do! Not to mention, you’ll save an average of 20% on Whimstay bookings here!

Explore miles of trails and swimming holes along the Barton Creek Greenbelt.
Go leash-free at Red Bud Isle while your dog swims and makes new friends.
Dig in at Yard Bar, a special dog park that also serves up delicious food and drinks for dogs and their humans.
Participate in “Bark Brunch” every weekend at the Banger’s Sausage House & Beer Garden.
Grab a coffee and check your emails at Neighbors while your dog enjoys the supervised dog park.
Rent a kayak from Austin Paddle Shack and hit the water together for a special adventure!

San Diego, California: Surf, Sand, and Paws

If you and your dog are beach bums, San Diego is hard to beat! The city has tons of dog-friendly beaches and parks where you can spend your days soaking up the sun. Just don’t forget plenty of water and shade!

Spend an off-leash day at the famous Dog Beach in Ocean Beach, where your dog is free to roam!
Chill out at Fiesta Island Park, which has been called “a doggie paradise” for its extensive dog-friendly zones.
Chow down on Hodad’s famous burgers while your dog sits beside you on the dog-friendly patio.
Explore the beautiful landscapes of Balboa Park, complete with Japanese Friendship Garden and dog-friendly trails.
Play around at The Dog Society, which features a dog-friendly sports bar, a cafe, and tons of lawn games like shuffleboard and putt-putt!

Plus, Whimstay users get a special treat of 20% average savings on vacation rentals in San Diego!

Seattle, Washington: Pooches & Puget Sounds

For dog parents who prefer a balance of city life and nature, try Seattle! It’s got a bit of everything, from pup-approved swimming spots to walking trails, dining, and even shopping! It also offers an average savings of 22% on Whimstay.

Let your pup enjoy some freedom at Magnuson Park’s off-leash beach.
Take a walk around Green Lake Park.
Bring your pup to the ball game during select Bark at the Park nights for the Seattle Mariners.
Stretch your legs at the annual Dogs & Doughnuts Dash, a 5K race complete with doughnuts and raffles!
Shop for some bargains at Hangar 30 Flea Market, Seattle’s large indoor vintage market, which allows well-behaved pups.
Get dinner for two at Norm’s Eatery & Ale House, which allows dogs inside and even has a menu section for your pup!

Denver, Colorado: Mile-High Hounds

Denver is a city I’m already itching to return to, but it sounds like I’ll have to bring Atlas along. This widespread city near the Rocky Mountains promises plenty of outdoor adventures for you and your furry friend. And with an impressive average savings of 25% on Whimstay, it brings this notoriously pricey city into much more wallet-friendly territory.

Visit Cherry Creek State Park, the largest recreation area in southeast Denver, complete with an off-leash area where your dog can explore.
Help your pooch find his new BFFs at Railyard Dog Park, which has separate areas based on your dog’s energy levels.
Pamper yourselves with a dog-friendly stay at the unique Catbird Hotel, complete with welcome treats and doggie beds.
Stop and smell the flowers at Washington Park, featuring two lakes and a sprawling flower garden, plus bike paths and lots of recreational spaces.
Order a smokehouse pizza and relax on the dog-friendly patio at Kaos Pizzeria.
Treat yourself and your pooch to something tasty at Highlands Cork & Coffee, where your dogs can join you on the patio with complimentary water and treats.

Nashville, Tennessee: Melodies & Mutts

Good news for my Eastern US friends: Nashville is dog-friendly, too! This music-lovers paradise is a great place to jam out with your pup and enjoy the stunning nature nearby. And can I recommend putting that average 20% Whimstay savings toward a cabin with a view?

Explore the Parthenon replica and green space at Centennial Park.
Hike along the scenic trails of the Shelby Bottoms Greenway and Nature Park.
Enjoy music and food at Acme Feed & Seed’s dog-friendly patio.
Attend Nashville’s “Music City Mutt Strutt” each May to walk for at-risk shelter pets.
Take your dog shopping at The Music City Shop to find unique accessories for yourself and your pup!

Minneapolis, Minnesota: Lakeside Leash Time

For those who love lakeside and river retreats, take a peek at Minneapolis, Minnesota! This scenic town welcomes pups at many of its restaurants, parks, and hotels!

Walk along the water at Lake Harriet.
Check out the wooded area at Minnehaha’s Off-Leash Dog Park.
Check out the menu at Psycho Suzi’s Motor Long, which features Mississippi River views from its dog-friendly patio.
Participate in the “K9-5K Bark in the Park” with your pup to get some extra exercise.
Grab a bite at the Howe Daily Kitchen & Bar, which has a dog-friendly patio and menu with “yappy hour” discounts.
Stock up on outdoor gear and doggie fashion at Copilot Dog Outfitters.

Another thing to bark about: Whimstay users save an average of 24% in this lakeside town!

Atlanta, Georgia: Peaches & Pooches

Atlanta, Georgia: a city I know well. Despite its heavily urban reputation, there are quite a few places you can roam with your dog without losing sight of the city’s epic skyline. And you’ll enjoy an average of 22% savings on Whimstay vacation rentals, so you can stay right near the action!

Spend a day lolling around Piedmont Park, which has a special 3-acre doggy area.
Check out the art and boutiques along the BeltLine, a renovated railway-turned-walking path.
Grab dinner at Ladybird Grove & Mess Hall, which has a dog-friendly outdoor space with shuffleboard and ping-pong for the humans.
Go on an epic city walk in search of all the #TinyDoorsATL, which are both creative and perfectly pup-sized.
Shop til you drop in the Buckhead Village District, where many stores will allow well-behaved doggos inside.
Visit the City Dog Market to stock up on all-natural pet treats and toys!

Charleston, South Carolina: Historic Walks & Dog Talks

dog looking over a sandy trail pet-friendly Charleston

Charleston is one of my favorite southern cities, and it’s easy to see how it’s so dog-friendly. Beaches, shady cobblestone streets, sprawling plantations–what’s a pup not to love? And for the pet-parents, 20% average savings on vacation rentals through Whimstay isn’t bad either.

Take your pup to Folly Beach for a sandy excursion by the water.
Visit the Magnolia Plantation and Gardens for some history in a gorgeous natural setting.
Explore the Charleston Tea Garden with your pup at your side, sampling as much tea as you like along the way.
Embark on a Bulldog Tour for a two-hour walk that gives you an overview of Charleston’s history.
Enjoy a tasty meal at Taco Boy, which welcomes pets on their outdoor patio.
Check out the famous Waterfront Park, complete with water views and the iconic Pineapple Fountain.

Closing Thoughts on America’s Top Pet-Friendly Vacation Destinations

As a dog mom, I love discovering a city that makes Atlas feel right at home. It makes vacations so much easier when we can bring the whole family along! For all you other dog parents out there, I hope this list helps you find your next vacation spot where you can make wonderful memories with your dog.

I’d like to give another big thank you to Whimstay for sharing this list of cities with me and for making it more affordable to take last-minute vacations! If you haven’t checked them out before, be sure to visit their website to see their professionally hosted properties and great savings.

Don’t forget to save this post with some fellow pet-parents and give it a like if you enjoyed it! I’d also love it if you took a second to sign up for the blog newsletter to get new, affordable adventures and tips sent to your inbox every week for free!