Looking for the perfect travel destination for you and your furry best friend? Look no further! The United States is home to some of the most dog-friendly cities and towns in the world, each with their own unique charm. From beaches to mountains to bustling city streets, there's something for everyone and every dog.
These days, more and more people are bringing their dogs along on their travels. And as you'd expect, this means more and more destinations are catering to the needs of traveling dog-parents. It's the perfect time to start planning your next adventure with your furry friend!
In this blog post, we'll highlight some of our favorite spots in the US that are perfect for a fun (and pet-friendly) getaway!
Here are some of our favorite dog-friendly travel destinations for 2022.
Aspen, Colorado
This beautiful mountain town is the perfect place to bring your dog for a hiking or camping trip. In the summer months, you and your pup can enjoy miles of trails through the stunning scenery of the Rocky Mountains. And in the winter, Aspen is a mecca for dog-friendly activities like sledding and snowball fights. Plus, you can even hit the slopes together (seriously, there are dog-friendly ski resorts!)
Aspen is also home to some great dog-friendly restaurants and hotels, so you and your pup will be well taken care of during your stay. Some of the top-rated, dog-friendly eateries in Aspen include:
- The White House Tavern
- Aspen Hickory House
- Clark's Oyster Bar
San Diego, California
If you're looking for a beach vacation with your dog, there's no better place than sunny San Diego. This beautiful city is home to miles of sandy beaches, perfect for a day of fetch or just relaxing in the sun. And when you need a break from the sand, there are plenty of dog-friendly parks and trails to explore.
Plus, San Diego is home to some great dog-centric attractions like Dog Beach in Ocean Beach (one of the first legal off-leash beaches in the US!), Fiesta Island in Mission Bay, and enjoying a San Diego Padres game at one of Petco Park's five Barkyard viewing areas behind left-center field. And of course, there are plenty of dog-friendly restaurants and hotels to choose from as well.
New York City, New York
You might not think of New York City as a great place to travel with your dog, but this bustling metropolis is actually one of the most pet-friendly cities in the world.
In fact, there are actually more dogs within the New York City metro area than there are children! And with over 600 incredible parks and playgrounds, there's plenty of green space for your pup to explore.
When you're done at the park, you can enjoy strolling past the beautiful brownstones, busy streets, and towering skyscrapers with your furry friend by your side. Then, you can choose from hundreds of dog-friendly restaurants and hotels where you can rest your head after a long day of sightseeing.
There's no better way to experience the Big Apple than with your dog!
Bend, Oregon
If you and your pup are looking for an outdoor adventure, Bend is the perfect destination. This picturesque town is nestled in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains and an incredible place to visit in winter, spring, summer or fall (all you gotta do is call).
Bend locals and visitors alike LOVE their pups. In fact, Dog Fancy Magazine has named Bend the most dog-friendly city in the country! You'll notice it clear as day while walking around the Old Mill District or along the Deschutes River.
There are over 40 dog-friendly restaurants and breweries in Bend, so you can enjoy a meal or a pint with your pup by your side. Some of the top-rated spots include:
- 10 Barrel
- McKay Cottage Restaurant
- Anthony's at the Old Mill District
Acadia National Park, Maine
Acadia National Park is the perfect destination for any nature lover and their dog. This gorgeous park is located on Mount Desert Island and features miles of hiking trails, pristine beaches, and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Dogs are welcome throughout the park (on a leash, of course!) so you can explore all that Acadia has to offer with your furry friend by your side. And when you need a break, there are plenty of dog-friendly restaurants where you can grab a fresh Maine-style Lobster Roll or a cup of delicious chowder.
Some of the most-loved dog-friendly trails in Acadia National Park include:
- Bar Island Trail
- Schooner Head Path
- Compass Harbor Trail
- Wonderland Trail
Asheville, North Carolina
If you want to get away to a dog-friendly city with a small-town feel, Asheville is the perfect place for you. This charming town is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains and is filled with art galleries, independent shops, and locally-owned restaurants.
And of course, there are plenty of things to do with your dog in Asheville. There are over 12 off-leash dog parks in the city, plus miles of hiking trails to explore in the surrounding mountains. Plus, there are tons of dog-friendly businesses in Asheville, including hotels, shops, restaurants, and breweries.
Some of the top-rated dog-friendly activities in Asheville include:
- Booking a float down the French Broad River and to experience the River Arts District with your pup, courtesy of French Broad Outfitters (just make sure to mention your dog in the reservation)
- Sip a cold one at New Belgium Brewery
- Take a nature walk through the gorgeous Craggy Gardens just north of Asheville
Sedona, Arizona
Sedona is a beautiful town located in northern Arizona that is steeped in culture, history, and mystery. And of course, it's the perfect place to bring your dog! This small town is surrounded by stunning red rock formations and is full of art galleries, spas, and upscale restaurants.
And of course, there are plenty of things to do with your dog in Sedona. Many visitors love to hike the famous red rocks with their pups, and there are plenty of dog-friendly trails to choose from. Some local favorites include:
Soldiers Pass Trail
West Fork Trail
Devil's Bridge Trail
Slide Rock State Park
Or, if you're looking for something more relaxing, try driving up to the Sedona Airport and eating at the famous Mesa Grill. You can chow down with your pup out on the patio, and enjoy incredible views of planes taking off and landing on the airport's single runway with 365-degree views of the red rocks in the background!
So, there you have it! These are just a few of the best dog-friendly travel destinations in the US for 2022. So start planning your trip and get ready for an unforgettable adventure with your furry friend.
Bon voyage!