Take advantage of the tepid weather and bring your pup along for the ride on your spring break vacation. Explore dog-friendly vacation spots around the United States and learn the logistics of traveling with your pup. 

Why should I bring my dog with me when I travel? 

People without pets will never understand the emotional turmoil of going on vacation without your dog. You waste energy worrying about how your pup is feeling rather than enjoying the trip. The feeling of guilt and anxiety may always be in the back of your mind if your pup stays behind. 

For some, vacations are far more enjoyable when their dog comes with them. It might mean a little extra planning – but you can’t put a price on the emotional support you get from your pup. 

Let’s be frank – traveling with pets is not for everyone. Pet parents with large breed dogs might find planning a vacation with their pup more stressful and expensive than relaxing. If so, don’t feel guilty about leaving your dog at home with a sitter. 

But some people simply can’t bear traveling without their furry friend. If it’s practical for you and the benefits outweigh the drawbacks, dog-friendly vacations are a must-try. 

Dog-Friendly Vacations on the West Coast

Portland, Oregon 

Ranked as the #1 most dog-friendly vacation destination in the US, Portland is a must-see for pet parents traveling with their pups. The city has more dog parks per capita compared to every other city in the United States. You’ll find a solid mix of waterfront dog parks and walking trails to explore with your pup. 

We recommend stopping by Sellwood Riverfront Park if you visit Portland with your pup. No leash is required and the park has access to the Williamette River shoreline for dogs that love to splash around. 

San Diego, California 

If you’re looking for beachy dog-friendly vacations, check out San Diego in Southern California. Here you’ll find the first off-leash beach in the United States, Original Dog Beach, along with plenty of other dog-friendly beaches.

Aqua Adventures in Mission Bay offers kayak and paddleboard rentals. Your dog is even welcome to come along on the ride! We recommend bringing along a dog lifevest if your pup will be spending time swimming in the ocean or kayaking with you. 

When it’s time for dinner, you and your pup have plenty of options. The San Diego area has over 500 dog-friendly restaurants to feed both you and your furry friend. 

Seattle, Washington

Seattle is another famously dog-friendly US city. A key spot to visit is the Warren G. Magnuson Park Off-leash Area. This dog park has over 8 acres of fenced-in land for pups to play and run through. 

Adventurous dog parents will love Seattle because of its expanse of dog-friendly hiking and walking trails. Azalea Way is a local favorite walking trail that’s open year-round and even has sections where dogs can be off-leash.  

No matter what time of year you plan a dog-friendly vacation to Seattle, bring along a raincoat for you and your pup. Seattle is famous for rainy weather, but that shouldn’t stop you from enjoying the town with your furry friend. 

Pet-Friendly Cities on the East Coast

Asheville, North Carolina 

Asheville is ranked the #2 most pet-friendly city in the US by BringFido. With a multitude of dog-friendly vacation rentals, you and your pup can relax with a view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This gives your dog plenty of space to roam and explore instead of staying in a small hotel room. 

An optimal choice for outdoorsy pet parents, Asheville has plenty of hiking trails that are open to dogs. You can even take your pup to the North Carolina Arboretum to walk around their beautiful garden grounds. End your day by visiting one of the city's many pet-friendly breweries or restaurants. 

Stowe, Vermont

Another picturesque East Coast getaway for spring break is to explore Vermont with your pup. Family-run inns with pet-friendly accommodations are a major part of the state’s charm. You and your dog will get the small-town experience by staying in Burlington or Stowe. 

Vermont is one of our favorite dog-friendly vacations because it’s so fun to explore without an itinerary. Just driving with your dog’s ears flapping out the windows will expose you to country stores, old drive-through bridges, and walking trails. 

Take a stop in Waterbury to visit the ice cream shop right outside the Ben & Jerry’s Factory. While dogs aren’t allowed inside the factory tour, they can accompany their humans and share an ice cream cone at the Scoop Shop. 

Boston, Massachusetts

For history buffs, take a dog-friendly vacation to Boston this spring. You’ll be able to walk the pet-friendly version of the historic Freedom Trail with your pup and see how America began in Boston.

Walk through the scenic Boston Common parks that run through 50 acres of the city. Dogs are mostly required to be on a leash when walking through the Common, but there are two off-leash areas in the park. The off-leash areas rotate based on the time of year but are marked with clear signs to let you know when it’s safe for your pup to be released. 

You’ll find plenty of delicious dog-friendly restaurants, breweries, and bakeries in downtown Boston. JP Licks has 17 local locations with ice cream flavors specifically for furry friends. 

Dog-Friendly Vacations in the Midwest

Cleveland, Ohio 

Did you know that Sundays HQ is in Cleveland? Yep, our founders, many members of the team, and their pups are Cleveland locals. That being said, Cleveland is a great midwestern dog-friendly vacation destination. 

Cleveland is home to 18 land reservations for the public that are called Metroparks. Dogs are welcome in all 18 Metroparks and there are plenty of outdoor activities for humans and pups to enjoy together. Just last June, our team took a nature walk with Mochi the dog through the South Chagrin Reservation. 

Pet parents won’t struggle to find dog-friendly hotels in Cleveland, either. Our team’s favorite spot is the Kimpton Schofield in Downtown Cleveland. All Kimpton’s are pet-friendly, so it’s our favorite hotel chain of choice. 

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Colorado Springs is another popular US city for adventurous dog-friendly vacations. The Garden of the Gods has over 21 miles of dog-friendly hiking trails for pet parents to explore with their pups. 

For a more luxurious experience, stay at the famous five-star Broadmoor Hotel. The property doesn’t restrict dogs by their size and allows up to two dogs per room for an added fee of $100 per night. The fee includes a pet bed, poop bags, treats, and bowls to make your pup feel as cozy as possible during their stay. 

How do I plan dog-friendly vacations?

It’s never been easier to plan a trip for you and your pup. After you decide which city you’d like to visit, start by finding a dog-friendly hotel or vacation rental. AirBNB has filters to help you find pet-friendly rentals. Most hotel chains allow small dogs for an added fee. 

We recommend staying at Kimptons because they are one of the only fully dog-friendly hotel chains. They do not restrict the breed, size, or number of pets allowed to stay with you. Some Kimptons even provide your pup with a bed just for them, plenty of treats, and recommendations of local dog-friendly activities. 

Next up, decide on how you’ll get to your destination with your pup. Check out which airlines are dog-friendly before booking your ticket. Make a list of packing essentials for you and your dog with the help of our Dog Travel Checklist, too. 

After booking your dog-friendly hotel and travel route, plan a few activities for you and your pup. We recommend looking at the city’s guide on BringFido.com to see which restaurants and activities are open to humans and dogs alike.