Looking for the best dog-friendly travel destinations? These experts have tons of great recommendations. It was mid-2008 when Amy Burkhart and her husband, Rod, ended up adopting a stray German shepherd. The pup was found near their home in Philadelphia, and after searching for a family for weeks without success, they decided to keep him for themselves and name him Buster. The problem was that the couple, who also had a small dog named Ty at the time, were planning a big trip to Canada about a month later and hadn’t expected to bring two dogs with them.
Burkhart searched the internet for dog-friendly hotels and dog parks along her itinerary, but came up empty. Though her trip went well, the experience taught her that others were probably looking for the same information.
In 2009, she launched GoPetFriendly.com, a comprehensive pet travel platform that quickly gained popularity. Soon after, she and Rod sold their Philadelphia home and took to the road in a camper while both worked remotely for CPA firms. They haven’t looked back since.
“We love what we do and by doing this with the dogs we are walking the talk,” Burkhart said, adding that sadly Ty and Buster have passed away and they now have a new puppy called Miles.
Since we’re all constantly connected to our beloved dogs, here are some of Burkhart’s recommendations for how to bring your dog on vacation.
How to choose a dog-friendly travel destination
Plan your itinerary
There’s a lot to consider when traveling with your dog: where to go, how to get there, and what fun activities to do along the way. When it comes to making the decision, Burkhart recommends first thinking about what you and your dog want to do together.
“Do you like going to the beach?” she asks. “How about hiking? Walking around town? Or sitting in a coffee shop and watching people go by? It’s important to think about what your dog can physically do, what he likes to do, and what you’d like to do together.”
And be prepared to make some sacrifices for your four-legged companion. Dog-friendly vacation spots come in all different forms. For example, a road trip to New York City with your dog might not seem like a good idea because of the dense population, but the city is actually full of green spaces that are perfect for your pooch to play.
“That said, if you have a dog, you might want to consider forgoing a trip to the Guggenheim Museum,” she says.
Think about where you’ll stay
Accommodation choices are also an important consideration when planning your trip. Some locations have pet-friendly hotels, while destinations in more natural environments might require more flexible arrangements like renting a unique Airbnb or camping.
“Many people think camping is a great way to vacation with their dog, but not if you plan on leaving your dog in the camper all day,” Burkhart says. “That’s not a vacation for your pet. Instead, make sure you find a place that’s comfortable for both you and your dog.”
When deciding on the best vacation spot for your family (and pets), Burkert’s recommendations for domestic and international destinations may be helpful.
Dog-Friendly Vacation Destinations on the East Coast
Eastern Vermont
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When asked what his favorite place to vacation with a dog on the East Coast is, Burkhart praises a place called Dog Mountain in the eastern Vermont town of St. Johnsbury.
“The managers here have transformed a former dairy farm into an off-leash haven for dogs,” she says, “with ponds, trails and even a dog chapel.”
Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania
The town of Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, is home to the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railroad, which offers a breathtaking journey through the Pocono Mountains. Burkhart says the trip is a must for dog owners and one of the best dog-friendly vacation spots in the eastern U.S.
Bar Harbor, Maine
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Bar Harbor, a town of 5,500 people on Maine’s Mount Desert Island, is a great place to bring your pet, especially if you’re interested in hiking in Acadia National Park. The island combines the best of both worlds, with mountains and sandy beaches in the park and pet-friendly patios in town. Dogs are welcome, and there are plenty of trails for both owners and their pooches to enjoy.
Dog-Friendly West Coast Vacation Destinations
Bend, Oregon
This central Oregon city of 100,000 people is dog-loving and almost everywhere dogs are allowed. There are plenty of dog-friendly hiking trails in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, and the city is home to a number of outdoor food stalls, food truck parks and breweries (including the award-winning Deschutes Brewery), all of which are dog-friendly.
San Diego, California
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Sunny San Diego is a great dog-friendly vacation spot, with plenty of open areas for your pooch to enjoy. If your pooch loves to hang out on the beach, there are plenty of dog beaches and off-leash dog parks around this Southern California city. Visit Fiesta Island in Mission Bay or Molly Field Dog Park in San Diego’s famous Balboa Park.
If you love the water, take advantage of San Diego’s coastal location and rent a boat or yacht to let your dog feel the wind in his hair. If you’re looking for an activity to satisfy your dog’s competitive spirit, catch a Padres baseball game at Petco Park, which has a special viewing area for people and pets called “The Barkyard.”
Northern Arizona
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Many people are surprised to learn that Grand Canyon National Park in northern Arizona is a vacation spot that allows dogs, but as Burkhart explains, the South Rim is the best choice if you want to bring your pooch.
Dog-Friendly Vacation Destinations in the Midwest
Chicago, Illinois
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“I love taking my dog to Chicago,” says Burkhart, who suggests hiking the trails along Lake Michigan and exploring Navy Pier, just a few of the things to do.
If you get hungry, grab a slice of pizza with your dog on the patio at Paradise Park.
Grand Haven, Michigan
Grand Haven is a picturesque town on Michigan’s west coast that’s beloved by tourists and their dogs for its abundance of green spaces and beaches. Grand Haven City Beach is the perfect place to hang out with your pooch on a warm summer day. This vacation town is also home to a pet-friendly shopping destination, Must Love Dogs Boutique & Spa, where you can bring your pooch along for a sniff.
Indianapolis, Indiana
Indianapolis is packed with great dog-friendly vacation spots, including breweries, outdoor restaurants, and open spaces like White River State Park. With a growing number of dog-friendly outdoor dining spots across the city, foodies with their pets in tow can’t go wrong with Indy.
Dog-Friendly Vacation Destinations in the Southern US
Asheville, North Carolina
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At the sprawling Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina, dogs are allowed on the grounds and on the outdoor patio (but not inside the building). But with over 8,000 acres to explore, it’s definitely worth bringing your pooch, especially on a nice day. Once you’ve wandered the estate’s gardens, Asheville has plenty of pet-friendly activities to enjoy. Check out the street art in downtown Asheville or browse for local treats at one of the many bustling outdoor farmers’ markets throughout the city. When you’re done with city life, explore the miles of trails in the Blue Ridge Mountains and book a campsite where you and your pooch can soak up the sounds of nature.
Charleston, South Carolina
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Charleston is one of the most dog-friendly American cities on our list, with a number of pet-friendly restaurants, including Brown Dog Deli and Poogan’s Porch, named after the friendly neighborhood dog who greeted customers until his death in 1979.
If you want your dog to feel like a princess for a day, Charleston Carriage Works offers historical tours of the city, with dogs allowed to ride along in style. To stretch your legs, visit Charleston’s beaches, Sullivan’s Island and Morris Island. If the weather’s bad, let your pooch swim in the indoor dog pool at Wag and Splash.
Sarasota, Florida
Brohard Beach and Paw Park is Sarasota’s most popular spot if you’re bringing your pup along, and Burkhart said the beach is especially convenient for pet owners, with doggy showers and fire hydrants for puppy potty breaks.
Dog-friendly international holiday ideas
Before you head off on an international trip with your favorite travel buddy, keep in mind that bringing your dog on a long flight may pose health risks. Before booking a trip to a pet-friendly international city, it may be wise to look into where you can safely take your dog on a road trip or train trip.
As always, it’s best to consult with your vet about whether it’s safe to bring your dog on long-haul flights or visits to other countries, who can help you understand the risks and anything you should be aware of before your pup gets his new passport stamp.
Venice, Italy
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Venice may not have many expansive green spaces, but you can still bring your dog with you in this charming Italian city. Pups are allowed on many of the water boats, and you can stroll the streets with them. Be careful, though, as the narrow alleyways can get too crowded, so it’s best to go in the off-season, between November and March, to make sure your pup doesn’t get overwhelmed by the crowds.
Tokyo Japan
Japan is home to six native dog breeds, known as Japanese dogs, that have been designated national monuments. So, as you might imagine, the country is very dog-friendly. Hotels, shops and some restaurants allow dogs, and cities like Tokyo are full of dog parks where you can let your pooch run. Some of the best parks in the capital include Honmoku Sancho Park and Ueno Park.
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Renowned as one of the most dog-friendly cities in North America, Vancouver is well-known as a fantastic destination for dogs and their adventure-seeking owners. While you’re in Vancouver, don’t miss out on a day spent playing at the world-famous Stanley Park and Botanical Gardens, stopping off at any (or all!) of the city’s fantastic beaches or No-Leash Park.
If you’ve worked up an appetite, take an afternoon stroll through the Main Street Station Farmers Market, held on Wednesdays in summer, or head to Granville Island Public Market, where you’ll find everything from food to art to lovely historic architecture any day of the week. Outside the city, Vancouver has plenty to offer nature lovers, including some great hiking trails that can be enjoyed in any season.
