Top 10 Dog Friendly Vacation Spots
Can’t stand to leave your precious pooch at home while you go on vacation? You don’t have to! Instead of treating your pet to the usual snacks and toys this year, treat him or her to an excursion of a lifetime. Everyone, including your feisty Chihuahua, needs a little rest and relaxation. Since a variety of pet-friendly vacation rentals are available, you’ll have no problem getting away to one of these dog friendly vacation spots for a weekend, week, or longer!
1. San Diego
No city boasts as many dog parks as San Diego, and that’s what makes the beachy metropolis a favorite vacation spot for pets and their owners. Check out Dog Beach, where you and your dog can splash around without a leash! Consider renting a kayak for you and Rover to take out to sea, too. After a long day in the sun, you'll work up an appetite – it's easy to find an outdoor restaurant where you and your dog can enjoy a quiet meal together. And of course you can always share a meal inside your San Diego vacation rental.
2. Boston
Planning a trip to New England and want to take your pup with you? Pet-friendly Boston condos are your best bet. Not only can dogs ride the subway here, but they can walk (or trot, depending on their personality) down the Freedom Trail, swim at Carson Beach, and grab a bite to eat at a sidewalk café.
3. Seattle
It’s easy to go sightseeing with your four-legged pal here. As long as a dog’s well-behaved and leashed, he or she is welcome on the bus and the ferry. Because Seattle appeals to city dwellers and outdoor lovers alike, it's an ideal dog friendly vacation spot. Sniff out the Space Needle, chow down at the Dining Dog Café and Bakery, play fetch at Sand Point Magnusun Park, and finally, fall asleep in your pet-friendly Seattle vacation rental. It will be the vacation you and your favorite canine have been dreaming about.
4. San Francisco
Walking a dog in San Francisco is unlike walking a dog anywhere else. Tourists quickly learn a car’s more of a hassle than a necessity in this very walkable California hot spot, so tail-wagging vacationers fit in well here. See the sights (including the Golden State Bridge) on foot, or take a scenic hike through Golden State Park. But before you and Mr. Barks-a-Lot can do any of this, you must book a pet-friendly rental in San Francisco.
5. Austin
Similar to Seattle, Austin has both cosmopolitan charm and beautiful natural scenery. Zilker Park offers up acres and acres of fun for you and your pet – but watch out, Fido might catch a Frisbee that doesn’t belong to him! When your stomach (not your dog) starts to growl, head to one of the many pet-friendly cafes and pubs, like Spider House, Mozart’s, and Central Market. If you’re here in the summer, take your dog to Barton Springs to cool off for a day.
6. Vancouver
Canadians in this part of the country are clearly dog lovers. Many Vancouver ferries eagerly allow man’s best friend on board. The public transport system, Translink, also allows small dogs in a carrier. But it’s not just easy for Sparky to get around here, there’s also plenty for him to explore, including Historic Gastown and the Copilano Suspension Bridge and Park. Find a pet-friendly Vancouver rental to ensure everyone, including your dog, has enough leg room.
7. Orlando
If you’re staying in an Orlando condo rental for the theme parks, don’t expect FiFi to join you on a roller coaster ride. However, you can affordably kennel her at Sea World, Disney World, and Universal Studios. That’s not the only thing that makes this busy Florida city so dog-friendly, though. Introduce your furry friend to other members of her species at Lake Eloa Park, go for a jog in Ocala National Forest, or enjoy some fresh air on a boat ride – it’s much more interesting to hang your head out the side of a boat than a car window.
8. Lake Tahoe
Interested in river rafting and skiing with your dog? Lake Tahoe is known for keeping tourists grinning all year long, but any dog – pug or greyhound – would drool over a Lake Tahoe vacation, too. Your dog can accompany you on mountain bike rides, fishing trips, and water skiing adventures. In the winter, he can even hit the slopes with you at Tahoe City's Tahoe XC Mountain Ski Resort.
9. Nags Head
The Outer Banks isn’t necessarily known for its pet-friendliness, but Nags Head Beach is free for dogs to roam year-round. From the extraordinary sand dunes to the Wright Brothers National Memorial, you and Spot will have lots to see and do here.
10. Cape San Blas
If San Diego’s not your thing, hang out with your dog in a Cape San Blas rental, one of Florida’s most pristine and peaceful beaches. Because there’s not a lot of people (or dogs) here, you won’t worry about confrontations and can instead play dead (or relax) underneath the soothing sun.
Already know where you're going? Check out our pet travel tips then!