Ron Bexel
Best Dog Friendly Destinations Usa – Traveling with pets is becoming increasingly affordable and hassle-free. And with dog ownership on the rise during the pandemic, many of us are looking for pet-friendly travel tips.
So – for new and seasoned dog owners alike – we’ve rounded up the best US vacation spots to travel with your backpack. Each of these selected locations boasts a variety of friendly hotels, pet stores, dog-friendly parks and exciting hikes.
Best Dog Friendly Destinations Usa
Orlando, Florida may be known for its exciting theme parks, but it also takes the top spot for dog-friendly vacations. The city scored over 93 out of 100, making it the best place in the United States to visit with your dog. In addition to the many theme parks such as Universal and Disney, there are other attractions near Orlando. The zoo and botanical garden is just a 20-minute drive from Orlando and has a children’s area and 500 animals to see, making it a fun vacation for the whole family.
Great American Vacation Beaches
With over 600 hotels to choose from, Orlando has the most pet-friendly hotels available. If you want something on Universal’s doorstep, you’ll be happy to hear that Universal’s Lowes Sapphire Falls Resort and Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Disney Area Orlando allow pets. Then, when it’s time to take a hike, Orlando has 14 eco-friendly parks to choose from. When you’re deciding, you might consider Lake Eola Park, which has a weekend market that mostly sells pet supplies, or Paw Park, located outside of Orlando, which has play areas specifically for your dog, and is on an active course.
Located in Orange County, California, Irvine is 9 miles from the famous Laguna Beach, perfect for travelers who like to soak up the sun. If you want to time your visit with good weather, make sure to visit in June or July. Bring your canine friends too, as there are plenty of beaches nearby for dogs to play.
While there are plenty of local restaurants to sample, it’s also important to treat your four-legged friends to a culinary adventure as well. Whether you have a snack for your child, or need something to entertain them, having a pet store nearby is a must. Irvine, California scores great for pet stores with a total of 147 pet stores allowing you to find everything you need close to your vacation. Pet Supply Warehouse and Pet Oasis are both traditional pet stores, but if you’re looking for a pet store where your pet can be pampered and pampered, House of Paws also has on-site groomers.
San Francisco is famous for its iconic Golden Gate Bridge which holds many of the city’s Instagram photos, as well as postcards. With its cable cars running up and down the city streets, San Francisco is one of the dog-friendly destinations for your next vacation. We know that being outdoors is important for your pet and with 56 dog-friendly parks to visit, the city scores the highest in this category.
Best Dog Friendly Places In Us
The Alamo Square Dog Park area is also dog-friendly, home to tennis courts, playgrounds, and recreation areas, making it a great option if you want to walk and enjoy a stroll with your dog. To ensure you take in the culture, you’ll be happy to hear that it’s also great to admire the city’s sights. For even more views of the city, Lafayette Park overlooks the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Bay. Located in the hills of Pacific Heights, dogs are welcome to stay at the park.
Asheville, North Carolina, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, is known for its art scene and is home to the Riverside Arts District, an area that allows people to visit studios, take art classes or dine.
To make sure your dog enjoys their vacation too, Asheville has an abundance of dog-friendly hikes, making it a city with a high score for this measure. It ranks second overall with 86 out of 100, making it one of the top places to visit. You can also check out the Carolina Mountain Trail, a 2.4-mile trail at the North Carolina Arboretum that is part of the forest’s slow nature. The Arboretum is 434 acres with 10 miles of hiking trails for you and your dog. With a variety of locations to choose from across the United States, there’s no doubt you’ll make many memories for you and your pet.
If your top vacation priority is a well-located and well-priced destination, your trip will inevitably be hotel-friendly.
Pet-friendly Hotels: Travel With Your Pets
For travelers who enjoy the big city life, Algonquin Hotel Times Square welcomes pets and their owners. Even treating your dog and their pet bed, your child will spend their vacation enjoying the Big Apple. If you want to be in the middle of the action, this hotel is the perfect vacation base to catch street shows, enjoy great food and explore all that New York has to offer.
If your dream vacation is sipping your morning coffee on a balcony overlooking the beach, then look no further than the Inn by the Sea, located just outside of Portland. Here, at no charge, dogs are welcome at the resort to stay with you in friendly, ocean view rooms. If you’re looking for a relaxing break, you and your pets need no more than a sun lounger to soak up the beach rays, then take a walk along the beach to stretch your legs.
Home of country music, Nashville is full of places to visit, attractions and places to eat. The Bobby Hotel is a great base for pet-friendly travel, and welcomes pets of all sizes. Home to a rooftop suite and a café with dog treats and toys, this boutique hotel is just a short walk from Broadway and Printer’s Alley. Remember, when ordering room service yourself, don’t forget to order your child from the pet-specific room service menu as well.
Methodology: The number of centers in each category was calculated for each city based on data from appropriate locations. Cities are assigned a score for each category based on a percentage of the number of amenities per capita. The resulting scores are then weighted and summed to give a total score between 0 and 100.
