The Top 20 Destinations for Pet-Friendly Travel

April 12, 2021 Warsaw

More hotels and resorts than ever before are becoming pet-friendly, and it’s no wonder why. People love their animals, and often feel guilty leaving them when they travel. In celebration of National Pet Day on April 11, we compiled the twenty best destinations for pet-friendly travel, along with suggestions for hotels and resorts that accept animals. From the East Coast to the West Coast, there are so many great destinations that offer ample dog parks and pet-friendly hotels.

1. St. Pete/Clearwater, Florida

The St. Pete/Clearwater Beach area is popular for humans and pets alike! Dogs can play off-leash at the Paw Playground and play in the ocean at Paw Beach, which also features cooling stations and fountains. Later on, head over to The Dog Bar, a full-service human bar with a dog park attached. Check out the TradeWinds Island Resort, which offers pet-friendly suites, chef-made pet meals and a designed Pet Play Zone where your pooch can play off-leash.

2. Huntington Beach, California

Huntington Beach, California is known as a great dog-friendly destination; one of its attractions is the Huntington Dog Beach, a leash-free beach where your dog can run free in the surf. Check out the Pasea Hotel & Spa, named #1 best pet-friendly hotel by USA Today.

3. Cleveland, Ohio

Cleveland, Ohio is near one of the most pet-friendly national parks in the region, Cuyahoga National Park, with over 110 hiking trails. The park’s Buckeye Trail features 40 miles of dog-friendly trails. While you’re there, enjoy a beer on tap at Bark & Brew, an indoor dog park, daycare and bar. The Kimpton Schofield Hotel features no pet restrictions by height or weight and also offers pet sitting and a pet spa.

4. Detroit, Michigan

Detroit offers much to those who travel with their pets. The five-mile Detroit Riverfront Conservancy and the dog-friendly Belle Isle are great options to stretch you and your pet’s legs while taking in the sights and sounds of this city. For accommodations, try the Daxton Hotel or the Detroit Foundation Hotel

5. Des Moines, Iowa

Take a walk and sample the local flavors at the Downtown Farmers’ Market, then sip a craft brew at Confluence Brewing Company, a dog-friendly bar. Des Moines also features several dog parks, like the Riverwalk Dog Park. Check out the Surety Hotel, a Beaux-Arts-style gem that welcomes up to two dogs for a fee of $75.

6. Minneapolis, Minnesota

Minneapolis, Minnesota is easily one of the most pet-friendly cities in the country. With over 66 dog parks and more than one hundred dog-friendly breweries and restaurants, it’s a great place to bring your pet. This year, check out several dog-friendly fairs, like the Doggy Social Wedding Fair or the Canine Carnival. Stay at the industrial Hewing Hotel, where dogs are welcomed with a BarkBox memory foam dog bed and where human guests can enjoy traditional Nordic cuisine at the Bar & Lounge.

7. Newport, Rhode Island

Newport, Rhode Island offers plenty of experiences for your pets to enjoy. Stroll along the Cliff Walk and take in the incredible views of the city, or explore Brenton State Park and Fort Adams State Park. Later on, eat at dog-friendly Diego’s or Clarke Cook House or treat your pup to a sundae at Frosty Freez. Newport offers plenty of pet-friendly accommodations, but we recommend The Vanderbilt, which welcomes both cats and dogs with beds, bowls and treats.

8. Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a paradise for both wild and domestic animals. Travelers with dogs can stay at the Finca Rosa Coffee Farm and Inn, where they can learn about the area’s incredible coffee. Located nearby is the Toucan Rescue Ranch, where visitors can symbolically adopt a toucan or other rainforest animal to help conservation efforts.

9. Texas

Texas is a vast state and offers plenty of great pet-friendly activities and accommodations. Austin’s Zilker Park and Inns Lake State Park are some great options to bring your pup. On South Padre Island, check out La Copa Inn and Isla Grand Beach Resort. Austin Proper Hotel is a great option for travel to Austin.

10. Rapid City, South Dakota

Rapid City, South Dakota is a destination for both outdoorsy dogs and humans. From Dinosaur Park to the City of Presidents walking tour, there’s plenty to do here with your pet. Check out Thirsty’s, a dog-friendly restaurant, as well as Bar K-9. For accommodations, we recommend Hotel Alex Johnson, which offers a Pampered Pooch Package, as well as The Rushmore Hotel & Suites.

11. Tampa Bay, Florida

Tampa Bay, Florida has the most dog parks per capita in the nation and also offers plenty of dog-friendly restaurants and bars to enjoy. Davis Islands and Picnic Island are dog-friendly beaches, too. Eat out on the patio together at Ulele or Goody Goody, then head back to Hotel Haya, where on-site Cafe Quiquiriquiri has a special menu made just for pets!

12. Kansas City, Missouri

With ample dog parks and dog-friendly establishments, Kansas City, Missouri is another great destination for you and your pet to enjoy. Walk along the Trolley Trail, then visit the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Later, visit the Bar K Dog Bar, a doggy playground, coffeehouse, bar and restaurant all in one. Stay at the creative Crossroads Hotel, which provides pups with beds, treats and other amenities.

13. Montclair, New Jersey

Montclair, New Jersey is a perfect, charming getaway from the hustle and bustle of New York City. Visit Brookdale Park, which offers a special small dog area, agility equipment and more. Stay at the artistic MC Hotel, which offers a special menu for your furry friends.

14. Park City, Utah

Park City, Utah has earned its nickname of “Bark City,” with plenty of pet-friendly accommodations and outdoor pet parks. From the slopes to the cafes, your pooch can enjoy just as much about this city as you do. Check out the Hyatt Centric Park City, Montage Deer Valley and the Waldorf Astoria Park City, all of which feature friendly canine concierges that welcome your pets to the hotels.

15. Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville is considered one of the best dog-friendly destinations in the country, with over 400 miles of trails, close proximity to parks and pet-friendly hotels and restaurants. This incredible destination is also a perfect autumn retreat, as it’s been voted to have some of the best fall foliage in the nation. To stay, check out the Omni Grove Park Inn, which offers some pet-friendly suites.

16. Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe’s magical charm extends not only to its human travelers. With over 250 miles of hiking trails and a large amount of pet-friendly accommodations and restaurants, travelers with pets can feel comfortable in this desert city. For accommodations, try La Posada de Santa Fe, a Tribute Portfolio Resort & Spa, or Ten Thousand Waves, a serene Japanese-style retreat with plenty of walking trails for you and your dog.

17. Savannah, Georgia

Savannah, Georgia has plenty for your dog to enjoy. With dog parks, hiking trails and overall great walkability, Savannah is a destination you’ll want to bring your dog to. Stay at The Alida Hotel, which offers beautiful views of the city and welcomes dogs.

18. Portland, Maine

This breezy port town offers much to be explored for both humans and pets. It also has the nation’s greatest amount of veterinarians per capita, at 6.02 per 100,000 people. To stay, check out the Portland Harbor Hotel, a gorgeous coastal retreat in the heart of the city.

19. Greenville, South Carolina

With loads of pet-friendly restaurants and ample outdoor activities to do with your furry friend, like Paris Mountain State Park, Greenville, South Carolina is one of the best destinations to take your pets to. Consider staying at the historic Westin Poinsett, Greenville.

20. New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans is, perhaps surprisingly, a great pet-friendly destination. With ample pet-friendly restaurants, walking trails and hotels to choose from, you can explore the Big Easy without leaving your best bud behind. Check out the Hotel Monteleone, a historic, family-owned hotel in the heart of the French Quarter that provides pets with “Monte’s Pet Package.”

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