Planning a getaway with your four-legged copilot in 2025? Good news: more cities, hotels, and outdoor spaces are rolling out the welcome mat for pets. From off-leash beaches and trail networks to patios that pass the vibe check for both humans and hounds, these places make it easy to bring your best friend along. Below is a curated list of pet-friendly travel destinations with practical examples, local etiquette tips, and smart planning advice to keep tails wagging from takeoff to tuck-in.
How We Picked These Places
To keep this guide useful and not just cute, each destination scores high on at least three of these factors:
- Access: Pet-friendly hotels, cafes, patios, transit, and rideshares.
- Outdoors: Quality parks, dog runs, beaches, or trail systems.
- Culture: Locals and businesses that genuinely welcome pets.
- Practicality: Clear rules, good vet access, and easy-to-read guidance for visitors.
15 Dream Pet-Friendly Travel Destinations to Explore
1. Portland, Oregon, USA
Portland keeps showing up in national rankings for pet friendliness, and for good reason. You will find dog-welcoming patios all over town, miles of urban trails, and boutique hotels that outfit pups with beds and bowls. The city’s visitor bureau maintains a living guide to pet-friendly hotels, restaurants, and parks, which saves you hours of research and helps you plan by neighborhood.
- Do: Start mornings with a walk in Forest Park, then try a brewpub patio for lunch.
- Know: Popular trails get busy on sunny weekends, so pack patience and poop bags.
2. San Diego, California, USA
If your dog loves water, San Diego is paradise. Several beaches allow dogs during certain hours, and the famous Ocean Beach Dog Beach is a year-round social scene. City pages spell out hours for leashed beach access elsewhere, which makes planning a beach-day schedule very straightforward.
- Do: Time your visit for early morning or sunset to avoid hot sand.
- Know: Seasonal time blocks for dogs on many beaches change in spring and fall.
3. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, USA
This coastal charmer has long been a dog destination. The headline perk is Carmel Beach, where well-behaved dogs are allowed off leash under voice control. Downtown shops often set out water bowls, and many inns provide pet amenities. For nearby tide pools or state beaches, double-check leash requirements, since rules vary by site.
- Do: Pack a quick-dry towel and a brush for sandy coats.
- Know: Dogs must be leashed on the scenic bluff path and in most parks.
4. Bend, Oregon, USA
Bend blends mountain town energy with serious dog infrastructure. Expect fenced off-leash areas, river walks, and dog-friendly patios that lean into the town’s craft-beer culture. The parks district even lists small-dog sections inside major off-leash parks, which is a thoughtful touch for pint-sized travelers.
- Do: Hit morning trails before the high desert heat.
- Know: River spots are popular in summer, so bring a flotation vest if your pup is new to currents.
5. Asheville, North Carolina, USA
Asheville brings Blue Ridge views and a big heart for dogs. Breweries often welcome pups on patios, and some taprooms allow calm dogs indoors depending on the space. After a hike off the Blue Ridge Parkway, you can settle into a dog-friendly beer garden and listen to live music with your sidekick at your feet.
- Do: Explore the River Arts District’s greenways.
- Know: Many breweries keep dogs outside during busy hours, so bring a comfy mat.
6. Austin, Texas, USA
Live music, lakes, and lots of patios make Austin a playful pick. You can kayak on Lady Bird Lake, wander the Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail, and refuel at cafes that hand out water bowls. Spring and fall are sweet spots for lower heat and higher walkability. Book pet-friendly stays near Zilker or South Congress to be close to parks and patios.
- Do: Pack booties if your dog has sensitive paws.
- Know: Summer pavement gets hot fast. Test with the back of your hand before long walks.
7. Denver, Colorado, USA
Denver’s 300-days-of-sunshine reputation pairs well with its web of city parks and nearby foothill hikes. Many hotels embrace pets, and weekend day trips to Golden or Boulder add more dog-friendly trails and patios. Altitude can be dehydrating, so plan extra water breaks.
- Do: Try early trailheads on weekends.
- Know: Check trail signage because some open space areas require leashes year-round.
8. Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Vancouver is a stunner for active travelers with pets. You will find pet-friendly hotels across neighborhoods, sea wall strolls with city and mountain views, and numerous parks with off-leash zones. Booking platforms that specialize in pet stays make it easy to compare options.
- Do: Walk the seawall in the morning for calmer traffic.
- Know: Canada is strict about proof of rabies vaccination, so carry documentation.
9. Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
Edinburgh is an elegant city where dog walkers are part of the daily rhythm. There are roughly 150 parks scattered around town, plus coastline hikes and dog-friendly pubs that welcome a well-mannered companion after a long walk. Arthur’s Seat at sunrise is a classic, and many cafes will hand over a biscuit with your flat white.
- Do: Keep a lead handy on busy Old Town streets.
- Know: Seasonal rules apply on some beaches in the UK, and fines exist for not following local signage.
10. Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Montreal’s neighborhood parks, long riverside bike paths, and cafe culture make it easy to enjoy the city with a dog. Warmer months bring open terraces and festivals with pet-friendly grassy edges where you can watch the world go by. Choose accommodations near Mount Royal or the Old Port for easy green space access.
- Do: Expect lots of cobblestone in Old Montreal.
- Know: Many large events restrict pets inside gates, so plan viewing spots outside.
11. Amsterdam, Netherlands
In Amsterdam, dogs ride trams and sip water at canalside cafes without much fuss. Vondelpark offers wide lawns and shady paths, and several city beaches on the IJmeer make for breezy day trips when the weather is warm. Dutch hotels vary in pet policy, so always confirm size and fee rules before you book.
- Do: Mind cyclists near intersections.
- Know: Keep leashes short on narrow canal bridges.
12. Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon’s hills make for great morning workouts with a dog, and the city’s miradouros reward you with sweeping views. Many outdoor terraces welcome pets, and you are a short rideshare from the Atlantic coast for beach days. Shoulder seasons deliver cooler temps and fewer crowds for comfortable walks.
- Do: Try riverside paths in Parque das Nações.
- Know: Tile sidewalks can be slick after rain, so slow your pace.
13. Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA
Adobe charm meets clear desert air in Santa Fe. Gallery strolls are relaxed, historic plazas offer shade, and high country hikes are close. Many boutique hotels stock dog beds and provide courtyard spaces where pups can lounge while you sip local coffee.
- Do: Watch for high elevation fatigue on day one.
- Know: Bring extra water and a collapsible bowl for arid conditions.
14. Bar Harbor, Maine, USA
Bar Harbor pairs a walkable seaside village with access to Acadia National Park’s carriage roads, which are a gift for leashed dog walks. Restaurants with patios line the waterfront, and cooler summer temps are comfortable for all-day adventuring.
- Do: Time sunrise or sunset at the shore path.
- Know: National park rules require leashes and restrict dogs on some ladders or steep trails.
15. Scottsdale, Arizona, USA
With Sonoran Desert scenery and resort culture, Scottsdale closes our list on a sunny note. City trailheads and nearby preserves make it easy to get outside, and desert-modern hotels commonly accommodate pets. Scottsdale also ranks high in nationwide pet-friendliness metrics for 2025, which signals strong infrastructure for visiting pet parents.
- Do: Hike early and rest during the mid-day heat.
- Know: Carry saline wipes for post-trail paw care after dusty routes.
Planning Tips for a Smooth Pet-Friendly Trip
1. Double-check local rules before you go.
Beach hours, off-leash zones, and patio policies change with the seasons. City and tourism sites often publish up-to-date details for dog access, including beach hours in San Diego and leash guidance on Carmel Beach. It takes five minutes to read and can save you a ticket.
2. Book pet-friendly lodging strategically.
Look for rooms near parks or waterfront paths for easy morning and bedtime walks. Many hotels cap the number or size of pets or charge nightly fees. Call ahead if you are traveling with more than one dog or a larger breed.
3. Pack a mini pet first-aid kit.
Include vet records, rabies certificate, tick remover, wrap bandage, paw balm, and any meds. If you are crossing borders, printed vaccination records are important in places like Canada and Europe.
4. Mind the weather and surfaces.
Hot pavement can burn paws in summer, while road salt can sting in winter. Pack booties if needed and test temperatures with the back of your hand. For beach days, bring shade, fresh water, and a rinse bottle.
5. Practice patio etiquette.
A short leash, a settle mat, and a chew keep dogs calmer around food and crowds. Choose off-peak hours for training in public to set your pet up for success.
6. Use your dog’s routine as your anchor.
Try to keep feeding, walking, and napping windows familiar, even on the road. A predictable rhythm often means a calmer, happier travel buddy.
7. Think about transportation early.
If you will use rideshare, check the pet policy inside the app and always message the driver first. On trains or ferries, confirm carrier size rules and whether pets need reservations. For flights, look at cabin vs. cargo policies, maximum carrier dimensions, and breed restrictions, and choose nonstop routes whenever possible.
Responsible Travel with Pets in 2025
Being welcomed is a privilege. A few small habits help keep doors open for the next traveler with a wagging tail.
- Clean up every time. Beaches and parks are cracking down on waste and leash compliance, especially during crowded months.
- Respect posted rules. Some places lift seasonal restrictions after peak season and impose fines if you ignore signs. Quick checks keep everyone safe.
- Advocate politely. If someone is nervous around dogs, give space. If a business says patio only, smile and choose a sunny table.
- Train for travel. A few cues like “leave it,” “place,” and “wait” make city crowds and cafe time much easier.
- Mind the community. Not every space is a pet space. Grocery stores, indoor markets, and certain events may be off limits for health and safety. Communities are actively discussing the balance between access and etiquette, which makes good manners even more important.
Making Travel Joyful for You and Your Pet
Traveling with a pet should feel joyful, not stressful. Choose destinations that make it effortless to find a morning walk, a shady patio, and a comfy place to sleep. With a bit of planning and a lot of patience, your 2025 trips can be as friendly to your pet as they are fun for you. Whether you are beach hopping in San Diego, gallery grazing in Santa Fe, or strolling historic streets in Edinburgh, the world is full of places where a wagging tail is part of the welcome.
