Let’s face it: traveling without pets isn’t as fun as traveling with them. And as more families become fur moms and dads, the demand for pet-friendly vacations continues to rise.
In fact, a recent survey revealed over 40% of U.S. dog owners brought their pet on vacation last year. The only question is, where should you go?
The answer? One of these dog-friendly destinations. Trust us when we say both you and your four-legged friend will be in for a real treat.
Not sure where to stay? We’ve got you covered with pet-friendly vacation rentals across the country.
In This Article:
Asheville, NC
Gatlinburg, TN
Breckenridge, CO
Fort Myers, FL
Branson, MO
Austin, TX
Atlanta, GA
Bend, OR
Provincetown, MA
San Diego, CA
1. Asheville, NC
There’s nothing quite like taking an active adventure with your loyal companion, especially when it’s in a place where the views are unmatched — like in Asheville and the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. This dog-lover’s sweet spot offers countless outdoor activities for you and your pup. Start your day with a stroll through the North Carolina Arboretum, beat the heat with a float down the French Broad River, or get your hearts pumping with a hike around Craggy Gardens. When it’s time to relax, share a picnic in the park while watching the Montford Park Players perform Shakespeare.
2. Gatlinburg, TN
Tucked away in the Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg has tons of opportunities to connect with nature while bonding with the ones you love most on a pet-friendly family vacation. Venture to Great Smoky Mountain National Park and hike the Gatlinburg Trail and Oconaluftee River Trail with your pup. Or grab your swimsuit, sunnies, and four-legged buddy and enjoy a relaxing float down the Little River. When it’s time to cut loose, Mills Dog Park has plenty of room to roam and two separate areas for different sized doggos.
A trip to Gatlinburg isn’t complete without experiencing Dollywood either, so it’s a good thing your pup can enjoy their own version of the theme park at Doggywood.
3. Breckenridge, CO
Head to one of America’s favorite mountain towns for the pet-friendly vacation of a lifetime. There’s no shortage of exciting things to do, whether you want to ride the Breck Gondola (yes, fur-friends are allowed!), sip your worries away at the award-winning Breckenridge Distillery, or run wild at the Carter Dog Park.
Plus, Denver is a short 1.5-hour drive away. There you can continue the dog-friendly fun with a day trip to Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Romeo’s K9 Tap, or Chautauqua Park. There’s even a 107-acre DOLA (Dog Off-Leash Area) at Cherry Creek State Park with water access for pups who love to get their paws wet.
4. Fort Myers, FL
If you’re in need of pet-friendly vacations in Florida (not to mention endless supplies of vitamin D), look no further than Fort Myers. It’s where you can enjoy a game of fetch on Fort Myers Beach, or head out on a guided boat tour to see local dolphins with your furry friend nearby.
While you’re in the area, consider checking out nearby Fort Lauderdale. It’s only two hours away, and Snyder Dog Park and Coconuts are worth the road trip adventure.
5. Branson, MO
Not only a prime destination for gathering your favorite people, Branson also happens to be the perfect midwest location for a pet-friendly family vacation. With endless sources of entertainment, you and your four-legged companion may have trouble fitting it all in. Your can’t-miss activities: hitting the trails at Table Rock State Park, shopping at Don’t 4 Get About Me, and floating on the lake in a rented pontoon for some fun and sun. Need the perfect memento? Play doggy dress-up at Buster’s Old Time Photos for an adorable vintage photoshoot.
6. Austin, TX
Known for its tasty food, live music, and intentional focus on easy living, Austin can deliver one of the best dog-friendly vacations. Take a walk around Lady Bird Lake, or soak in the city’s landscape at Auditorium Shores dog park while your treat-loving pal enjoys all the freedom to roam.
When you’re ready to grab a bite to eat, you’ll find endless pet-friendly restaurants in Austin — local pub Austin Terrier, Yard Bar, and Moonshine Grill are top picks for humans and pooches alike.
7. Atlanta, GA
A hidden treasure for dog adventures, Atlanta is an up-and-coming hotspot that’s filling up with activities fit for the best pet-friendly vacations. Take a blissful stroll around Centennial Olympic Park — a true dog-lover’s dream in the heart of downtown. You can also experience Bark at the Park with the Atlanta Braves, or snag a bite to eat at Bold Monk Brewing Co (along with a slew of other dog-friendly patios in the area).
8. Bend, OR
A popular destination for dog-lovers and adventurers combined, Bend is home to dog-friendly vacation rentals along the Oregon coast. Once unpacked, you can enjoy a gorgeous hike along tree-lined mountain trails, then sip on a tasty craft brew at Lucky Labrador Brewing Co. while your trusty companion takes a nap on the porch.
If a more relaxed outdoor experience is what your pup needs, you can also enjoy one of many dog parks fit for your best buddy — or doggy paddle in the Deschutes River until it’s time for the next adventure.
9. Provincetown, MA
An escape to the east coast doesn’t get more fun than a trip to Provincetown. This dog-friendly destination is home to a variety of outdoor pup-tivities, including the award-winning Pilgrim Bark Park — a green space filled with local art, water fountains, and wagging tails. And if you’re looking for a quieter experience, it’s easy to pack some snacks and sail around Cape Cod Bay on a guided tour.
With all this east coast hideaway has to offer, it’s really no surprise that Dog Fancy magazine once named Provincetown the most dog-friendly town in the United States.
10. San Diego, CA
What could be more on-brand for your pet-friendly vacation than traveling to Dog Beach, America’s original pup-friendly shoreline? San Diego offers nearly perfect year-round weather, miles of open beach space for you and your pal to explore and, of course, all the eats and drinks your inner vacationer could wish for. Pack up the snacks (and dog treats!) before exploring Ocean Beach, Fiesta Island, and Del Mar.
Plan the Perfect Pet-Friendly Vacations with Evolve
If the best dog-friendly vacations are what you’re after, these destinations are sure to accommodate all of your human and canine needs. And no matter where your inner adventurer takes you and your furry friends next, you can rest easy knowing your comfort is the highest priority when you book with Evolve.
There’s more travel inspiration where that came from, too. From the most unique vacation rentals you can stay in to the best star-gazing spots and desert destinations, we have plenty of ideas to help plan your next vacation.