9 Pet-Friendly Museums
If you’re planning a summer trip, chances are you’ll want to explore at least one museum—and good news: these nine destinations warmly welcome leashed pets alongside their humans. From historic trolleys and colonial hospitals to sprawling arboretums and aviation hangars, each offers a unique experience where your furry companion can tag along (and sometimes even ride along!).
Pima Air & Space Museum — Tucson, Arizona
At this expansive outdoor museum—spanning over 80 acres—you and your leashed dog can explore more than 150 historic aircraft, including tankers, helicopters, U.S. Navy fighters, and bombers. Dog disposal stations are conveniently placed throughout the grounds for easy cleanup.
While all leashed dogs are welcome on the museum property, only service animals may join guided riding tours. The museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last admission at 3 p.m.), closed Thanksgiving and Christmas.
For better control in busy public spaces like museums, holistic pet physical therapist Sally Morgan recommends using a well-fitted dog harness in addition to a leash and collar.
Spanish Military Hospital Museum — St. Augustine, Florida
Step back into colonial Spanish medicine at this living-history museum in America’s oldest city. Costumed guides lead 45-minute tours through authentic exhibits—highlighting herbal remedies, surgical tools, and medical practices of the era.
“We’re major pet lovers,” says museum owner and operator Barbara Wilson. “Because we believe our pets are family, we love welcoming them on vacation too. Every dog or cat who visits—even if they don’t tour—gets a treat.”
The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., closed only on Christmas. Before your visit, Morgan advises giving your dog meals, water, and potty breaks—and packing waste bags and paper towels just in case.
Seashore Trolley Museum — Kennebunkport, Maine
As the nation’s largest and oldest public transportation museum, Seashore spans 330 acres and showcases over 250 vehicles—including trolleys, buses, and railcars—most displayed outdoors. That makes it ideal for strolling with your leashed dog.
“We’re always delighted to welcome canine visitors—and tend to make a fuss over them,” says Executive Director Sally A. Bates. “Well-behaved dogs enjoy the same experience as their humans: they ride trolleys, enter exhibit barns, and even ‘shop’ in the museum store.”
Doggie waste bags and garbage cans are provided across the property. The museum is open daily from Memorial Day through Columbus Day (10 a.m.–5 p.m.) and also during the first two weekends of December (Friday–Sunday).
Miramont Castle Museum — Manitou Springs, Colorado
This 120-year-old Victorian mansion features 40 rooms filled with original period furniture and holiday décor—and stunning mountain views, including Pikes Peak. Dogs are welcome inside, but must remain leashed at all times.
Guest Relations Manager Jennifer Walters confirms the museum is open year-round: daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Memorial Day through Labor Day), and Tuesday–Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. during winter months. It’s closed Easter, Christmas Eve and Day, and New Year’s Eve.
To respect the quiet atmosphere many visitors appreciate, Morgan suggests taping your dog’s collar tags together to minimize jingling noise.
National Arboretum — Washington, D.C.
Located right in the heart of the capital, the 446-acre National Arboretum invites leashed dogs to stroll past dogwoods, azaleas, boxwoods, an herb garden, and vibrant perennial displays. Its vast, uncrowded landscape makes it a peaceful retreat for both people and pets.
“Visitors who bring pets are drawn by the beautiful scenery, the spacious campus, and the relaxed pace,” says Scott Aker, Head of Horticulture and Education.
Keep in mind: pets aren’t allowed inside the Visitor Center, the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum, or the Arbor House Gift Shop—and they must stay out of fountains, ponds, streams, and mulched garden beds. Bring your own water and waste bags, as none are provided on-site. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed Christmas Day.
Mystic Seaport Museum — Mystic, Connecticut
Founded in 1929, this immersive outdoor museum recreates a 19th-century New England coastal village—with a working shipyard, exhibit halls, artifact storage, and over 500 historic watercraft. Highlights include the 1841 whaleship Charles W. Morgan, the oldest surviving commercial vessel in the world.
“Dogs have such an important place in maritime history, so we’re happy to let them enjoy our 19 acres alongside their humans,” says Communications Director Dan McFadden.
Leashed pets are welcome outdoors—but not inside buildings, aboard ships, or left unattended. Hours vary annually; generally open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
International UFO Museum and Research Center — Roswell, New Mexico
Whether you’re a believer or just curious, this museum is a fascinating stop. It explores the famous July 1947 Roswell incident, features alien-themed art, and houses a research library dedicated to UFO history.
“Our museum is pet-friendly because most of our visitors travel from out of town—we understand how important it is to bring pets along,” says Library Associate Catherine Martinez.
Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day—and closing at noon the day before those holidays.
Kit Carson Home & Museum — Taos, New Mexico
A short walk from downtown Taos, this museum honors frontiersman and fur trapper Kit Carson. Visitors tour his circa-1925 adobe home, filled with 19th-century artifacts—including his U.S. Army sabre, photos, and even an original adobe baking oven.
“We love and appreciate animals and their contributions to humanity,” says Executive Director Karen Douglas. “We ask that only trained and friendly animals visit the museum.”
Open March–October: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; November–February: 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum — Cape May, New Jersey
Housed in historic Hangar No. 1, this museum celebrates naval aviation history with restored aircraft, interactive exhibits, and stories from WWII and beyond. Leashed dogs are welcome to explore the hangar and surrounding grounds alongside their owners.
The museum emphasizes accessibility and inclusivity—making it a standout choice for travelers who don’t want to leave their pets behind. Hours vary seasonally; check furpetvo.com for current visiting information and pet-friendly tips before you go.
