6 great US states to enjoy dog-friendly vacations

6 great US states to enjoy dog-friendly vacations

Can’t bear to leave your fur baby behind on your next getaway? There’s no need to worry—whether you’re thinking of rustic getaway cabins in the mountains or stretches of powdery sand and glittering emerald water, you’ll find endless opportunities for dog-friendly vacations across the USA that you and your canine chum can enjoy together. Pack Fido’s favorite toys and treats and drive to somewhere you haven’t been to in your state for a staycation of sorts, or travel across the country to tick off items on that bucket list with your dog happily in tow.

Awesome holidays with dogs in Florida

No matter what time of year, every dog can have a great day in balmy Florida. Spring is literally a cool time for you and your pup to go on a walking tour of Miami Beach’s Art Deco district to admire the colorful buildings lining its streets. Book a pet-friendly summer rental on Saint George Island and explore some of the most serene beaches on the Gulf Coast with your dog, or stroll along scenic trails through lush pine forests at the Alderman’s Ford Nature Preserve in Tampa in fall. Visit Key West in winter and you can watch the annual Lighted Boat Parade with your pup.

A pet-friendly condo rental's living room and deck, with water views

Memorable pet-friendly vacations in Texas

Dog-friendly attractions abound in the great state of Texas. In the Texas Hill Country, you can sample local pinot at wineries and tasting rooms, a good number of which welcome dogs. If you’re hankering for a seaside getaway, you’ll find plenty of dog-friendly beaches, including Stewart Beach Park in Galveston and Padre Island National Seashore in Corpus Christi—just make sure to keep Fido on his leash. Want to let your dog run free? In Dallas, there are large off-leash parks where dogs can explore trails and play with other pups. Stay at a pet-friendly condo rental in San Antonio and have dinner at the River Walk, where many restaurants have spaces for pets, too.

Busy eateries lining the River Walk in San Antonio, Texas

Perfect pet-friendly vacations in Ohio

The Midwest is teeming with great vacation destinations for dogs and their humans, and you’ll find plenty of them in Ohio. There are parks galore where leashed dogs can have a good time—at Akron’s Portage Lakes State Park, for example, your pooch can sniff his way along miles of scenic hiking trails. Head over to the Holden Arboretum in Kirtland and lead your dog through lush gardens and picture-perfect natural areas with ponds and waterfowl. In Cincinnati, leashed dogs are permitted at the Northside Farmers Market from May through October. Get fresh produce and many other food products here for a home-cooked meal in your pet-friendly vacation rental.

A pet-friendly vacation home rental's compact and colorful kitchen

Dog-friendly vacations for the whole family in California

Whether you’re planning a laid-back getaway in a small town in the north or a trip to world-renowned sites in the south, a wealth of dog-friendly vacations await you in California. Your family and your pet can stay in charming cottage rentals in Mendocino for easy access to the off-leash Noyo Beach in Fort Bragg, or you can book a pet-friendly condo rental in San Francisco for family expeditions on the Barbary Coast Trail. In Los Angeles, take your dog for a stroll on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and if you’re planning a springtime getaway, hit the annual Pawsapalooza Festival and Marketplace in West Hollywood.

A puppy in front of the iconic Hollywood sign in Los Angeles, California

Fun-filled getaways with dogs in Michigan

There are plenty of things to see and do in Michigan that’ll have your dog yipping in delight. Choose among weekly rentals in Traverse City and fill your days with wine-tasting at pet-friendly vineyards, getting treats from the local dog bakery, and long walks with your leashed pup on certain beaches in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. In the Upper Peninsula, you and your pet can go rafting in Palms Book State Park or hike to the dramatic waterfalls at Tahquamenon Falls State Park. Some getaway cabins in the region sit by lakes and rivers, perfect for splashing around with Fido on a hot day.

A traditional log cabin beside a lake

Luxurious dog-friendly vacations in Pennsylvania

Paw-sitive experiences await you and your dog in the Keystone State. In Lancaster, you can enjoy a countryside ride aboard a horse-drawn buggy and dine at any of the pet-friendly restaurants. For adventures in the great outdoors with your pup, head to the Pocono Mountains and kayak down the Delaware River or explore the wooded trails in Promised Land State Park. Pampering yourself and your pooch after long days of sightseeing in Pennsylvania is easy as pie. Book a mansion for rent and kick back with a movie in the home theater, go for a dip in the heated indoor pool, or curl up with Fido in front of the fireplace.

A woman holding a paddle and sitting with a brown dog in a yellow kayak in a river