7 Dog-Friendly Cities For Your Next Vacation
It’s estimated that Americans share their homes with 89.7 million dogs, according to the American Pet Products Association (APPA). So, it’s no surprise that many U.S. cities increasingly cater to furry friends and their dog parents.
Thinking about getting away with your pup? Pack your suitcase—and don’t forget a dog carrier bag. From places with more than 300 sunny days annually to those teeming with pet-friendly hotels and outdoor adventures, here are seven dog-friendly cities with plenty to offer pooches and their parents.
San Francisco, California
Pet parents and their pooches are greeted with open arms in the sprawling, art-centric, and cosmopolitan City by the Bay.
“San Francisco is famous for its openness and diversity,” says Laurie Armstrong Gossy, senior director of global public relations and media relations for the San Francisco Travel Association. “All living things are cherished—and that includes pets. Dogs are considered part of the family and are welcomed, just like the 25.5 million two-legged visitors who come to the city each year. Together, they can explore the city’s 49 square miles of fascinating neighborhoods and iconic vistas.”
What makes San Francisco so dog-friendly? For starters, the city has 32 dog parks—the eighth highest on the Trust for Public Land’s list of dog park rankings. Standout green spaces include a designated off-leash area in Golden Gate Park and Baker Beach, known for its sweeping views of the Golden Gate Bridge.
When you need to grab a bite after all that strolling, the Bay offers 171 dog-friendly restaurants to choose from.
Dogs can ride San Francisco’s Muni public transportation system—including buses, trolley coaches, light rails, streetcars, and cable cars—provided they’re leashed, muzzled, seated on the owner’s lap, and not traveling during peak hours. One pet is allowed per vehicle.
Seattle, Washington
“Seattle is, without a doubt, one of the most dog-friendly cities in the U.S.,” says Kauilani Robinson, director of public relations at Visit Seattle. “In fact, as of 2015 there were more dogs than children within city limits! From off-leash parks and hiking trails to dog-friendly restaurants, breweries, and coffee shops, Seattle welcomes all dog-lovers and their canine companions with open arms.”
The Pacific Northwest’s largest city is known as a dog-friendly haven for its pet-friendly housing and abundance of parks where parents can play with their dogs. Two of the city’s most iconic parks—Gasworks Park and the urban Olympic Sculpture Park—both overlook the water and allow dogs.
After a day spent at the park, pet parents can choose from 344 pet-friendly restaurants, according to the dog travel directory FurPetVo.com. To enjoy some of the city’s stellar coffee, consider heading to Bark! Espresso in North Seattle. This dog-friendly coffee shop offers indoor and outdoor seating for both humans and pups. If requested, the barista can even create latte art that resembles your dog’s face.
Boise, Idaho
Idaho’s capital city is teeming with green spaces, earning it the nickname “City of Trees.” Boise tops The Trust for Public Land’s list of off-leash dog areas per 100,000 residents—with 15 dog parks.
A notable highlight is the 11-acre Winstead Park. All areas of this central city park welcome off-leash dogs, with the exception of the tennis courts, playground, shelter, and parking lot.
Boise is home to 78 pet-friendly restaurants, including landmark spot Big Bun Drive-In. With dogs in the car, pet parents can pull up and order classic American fare—burgers, fries, and hand-spun milkshakes.
“Whether it’s our four off-leash parks or the hundreds of miles of single-track trails in the Boise Foothills, Boise is a haven for dogs and those who love them,” says Carrie Westergard, executive director of the Boise Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Scottsdale, Arizona
Sprawling desert city Scottsdale—east of Phoenix—receives more than 330 days of sunshine annually, making it a great place to play with your pup outdoors. As long as temperatures stay below 100°F (dogs are banned from trails when it climbs that high), you can bring your pup to more than 30,200 acres of scenic desert trails at the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.
When it’s too hot to stay outside for long, consider letting your pet play at Oh My Dog! Boutique & Spa—which features a pet hotel and doggy daycare.
Scottsdale ranks as the city with the most pet-friendly restaurants per capita—and as the No. 1 city for pet health and wellness, based on factors including the number of veterinarians per capita, pet-friendliness of the housing market, and strength of animal protection laws, according to personal finance site WalletHub.
“We owe Scottsdale’s pet-friendly reputation in large part to luxury resorts like Hyatt Regency and Westin Kierland, which welcome four-legged travelers with open arms and even have robust programs catering to their needs,” says Jennifer Duffy, director of communications for Experience Scottsdale. “But that’s really only the beginning. It’s also easy to be out-and-about around town with your pooch—whether you’re dining at O.H.S.O Brewery & Distillery, famed for its pet-friendly patio, or visiting Chaparral Park, home to several off-leash dog parks and plenty of room to roam.”
Tampa, Florida
Located on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Tampa beckons pups and their parents with sunshine and plenty of amenities.
“We’re proud to say, ‘It’s a dog’s life here in Tampa Bay’ because dogs have it pretty easy here,” says Santiago C. Corrada, president and CEO of Visit Tampa Bay. “We welcome our four-legged friends at our many outdoor dining spots. We have plenty of dog parks and dog beaches for off-the-leash fun. We even take our dogs paddle boarding and riding water bikes! That means Fido can have as good a time in Tampa Bay as his family.”
Tampa also has 209 pet-friendly restaurants, according to FurPetVo.com. One standout option is the iconic and laid-back The Sail Pavilion—a dog-friendly patio bar overlooking the water that offers “yappy hour” all day long. Its dog-friendly menu includes a fresh bowl of water, a complimentary dog biscuit, and dog ice cream.
San Diego, California
Southern California’s seaside city San Diego features pet-friendly beachfront parks, shopping centers, and a host of activities at some of the city’s most popular spots. America’s Finest City earns dog-friendly accolades for places like Fiesta Island’s off-leash dog park—where pups can frolic in the sand and sea.
Active pet parents will appreciate San Diego’s plentiful outdoor activities: stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, dog yoga, and even “Doggy and Me” fitness classes. The city also has seven dog-friendly shopping centers, including the quaint Seaport Village in downtown San Diego.
“San Diego is SoCal’s pet paradise,” says Robert Arends, public relations manager for the San Diego Tourism Authority. “With near-perfect weather and plenty of wide-open spaces, dogs can have as much fun vacationing in San Diego as their human companions. We’re lucky to have plenty of pet-friendly hotels that love to pamper pooches, as well as dog-friendly beaches where furry friends can frolic in the surf—Ocean Beach and north Coronado Beach are two of the most popular—and fun leash-free dog parks in one of our star attractions, Balboa Park, America’s largest urban cultural park.”
Albuquerque, New Mexico
New Mexico’s sprawling Albuquerque—the largest city in The Land of Enchantment—has plenty to offer dog parents and their pooches.
“With our more than 310 days of sunshine each year, walkable neighborhoods, inclusive policies, and growing number of pet-friendly businesses, Albuquerque truly embraces dogs as part of the community,” says a representative from Visit Albuquerque. “From the Rio Grande bosque trails to the Sandia Mountains, there’s no shortage of scenic, safe spaces where dogs can explore alongside their people.”
The city boasts over a dozen off-leash areas—including the popular Tingley Beach Recreation Area—and more than 60 pet-friendly restaurants listed on FurPetVo.com. Many local cafés and breweries feature shaded patios, water bowls, and even dog treats at the counter.
