The 6 Best Dog-Friendly Destinations in the U.S.

My dog, Bowie, might just be the coolest dog on the planet. He’s lived in several New York City apartments, has a vacation home in Upstate New York, and has traveled to 25 U.S. states. As Bowie approaches age 13, he’s slowed down a lot from his prime travel days, but we’ve also had a lot of time to reflect on his favorite spots. As the owner of this well-traveled dog, I can say with confidence: Here are the nation’s six best dog-friendly cities.

Pro tip: For every trip I take with Bowie, I use the “pet-friendly” filter on Booking.com to find accommodation, and I read the fine print to see if there are additional pet fees.

While on a cross-country road trip in 2021, I started to go a little stir-crazy from so much time behind the wheel, since I was the sole human on Bowie’s great adventure. We had been in the car for about four weeks, and on our way back to the East Coast, I needed something to break up the drive, so I last-minute booked a room at the Red Roof Inn in Hot Springs, Arkansas. (Fun fact: all Red Roof Inns have no pet fee!) 

Something I’ve learned from traveling extensively with Bowie is that not all national parks are dog-friendly, but Hot Springs National Park is an exception. There are pet waste stations throughout, and with 26 miles of trails, Bowie and I were able to enjoy exploring one of the most unique national parks in the country while sipping some of the freshest water the U.S. has to offer.

Aside from the park itself, there are plenty of dog-friendly eateries in town. Our favorite was Superior Bathhouse Brewery, where the staff was kind enough to give Bowie a bandana.

Where to stay: There are plenty of dog-friendly hotels in Hot Springs. While I stayed at the Red Roof Inn, if you’re looking to step it up a notch, Embassy Suites Hot Springs Hotel & Spa has a great complimentary breakfast.

On a recent road trip from New York to Florida, Bowie and I finally visited Savannah, which had long lived at the top of my must-visit list. Once we arrived, my first thought was, What on earth took me so long to come here?! Savannah is a charming city in its own right, and it just so happens to be one of the most dog-friendly places Bowie and I have had the honor of visiting.

Our first night there, we walked to Byrd’s Famous Cookies, where they had an entire section of dog-friendly treats and a water bowl inside for pups to quench their thirst. The next day, we walked along River Street, where we grabbed lunch at District Smokehouse and took advantage of their outdoor seating. There’s a designated dog-friendly tour of the city, Oliver Bentley’s Historic Dog Walk Tour, but most walking tours in Savannah allow well-behaved dogs.

Where to stay: Location is key when traveling with a pup, and The Alida, Savannah, is right in the heart of downtown. With its chic and rustic decor, an outdoor heated pool available year-round, and a cookies and cocktail service in the lobby every afternoon, The Alida is as much of a treat for humans as it is for pups.

For the dogs who really love to get their steps in, the iconic red rocks of Sedona and its many hiking trails beats any other town in the Southwest. Our favorite was Boynton Canyon Trail, a 6.1 mile trek that provided dramatic views of the red peaks of Sedona. Bear Mountain Trail was another gem, but its steep incline means it probably isn’t the best choice for older dogs or pups with sensitive joints or muscles.

Downtown Sedona is dog-friendly, so your pup can stroll with you as you check out some of the local shops. Our favorite place to eat was Mesa Grill Sedona, which has a special dog menu. Bowie’s favorite dish was their canine-friendly “beef tartare,” topped with an egg yolk.

Where to stay: Sky Ranch Lodge is one of the best pet-friendly hotels I’ve ever stayed in. Proving just how appreciated our furry friends are, there was a welcome sign that says, “Dogs are welcome in this hotel. We never had a dog that smoked in bed and set fire to the blankets. We never had a dog that stole our towels and played the TV too loud. So if your dog can vouch for you, you’re welcome too.” The nightly pet fee is $25, and it’s closely situated to the Sedona View Trail, yet another dog-friendly hike in town.

Doggos deserve a little fun in the sun, too. If you and your pup are seeking a beachy getaway, few places do it better than Virginia Beach. Prior to Memorial Day and after Labor Day, pups are allowed to get their paws nice and sandy on public beaches, and are even allowed to run off-leash (though they must be leashed while on the boardwalk). If you happen to visit during peak summer season, know that leashed dogs are allowed on the beaches north of 42nd Street and south of Rudee Loop before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m.

Bowie and I were also able to enjoy many restaurants together while on the coast. Some of our favorites were Beach Bully BBQ, Ocean Eddie’s right on the pier, and Pups and Pints, a dog park and taproom spanning two acres, fully equipped with toys for dogs and beer for humans.

Where to stay: It’s almost pointless to go to Virginia Beach and not stay directly on the boardwalk. Hyatt Place Virginia Beach Oceanfront can’t be beat for its location, and for a flat pet fee of $75 for a stay between one and six nights, it’s a pretty solid deal. The free breakfast doesn’t hurt, either.

Bowie and I made our way to Boulder in March 2021, and while I was looking forward to the pine trees at the foot of the Rockies, Bowie had other plans. It was here that I learned he really is a city dog through and through. When we hit downtown Boulder, he loved hitting his paws on the pavement to walk around, and several establishments were pet-friendly. My personal favorite was T/ACO, where I had a delicious margarita in a mason jar that I still think about to this day.

In true Colorado fashion, there are also plenty of breweries in Boulder where your pup can join you, including but not limited to Avery Brewing Company, Upslope Brewing Company, and Twisted Pine Brewing Co. But it’s not all boozy ventures in Boulder. Skunk Canyon and Kohler Mesa Loop is a short and fairly flat 2.8 mile trail. For something more challenging, Royal Arch Trail is worth the sweat thanks to its great views. Speaking of great views, Blue Lakes Trail is a popular hiking destination here, but dogs aren’t allowed in the winter, as the trek can be dangerous.

Where to stay: For those classic log cabin vibes, Foot of the Mountain Motel is a great pet-friendly option with a pet fee of only $20/night. They have a great breakfast included, too.

As Bowie’s home for most of his life, I couldn’t possibly leave New York City out. And call it bias if you want, but despite its often chaotic nature, New York City is possibly the most dog-friendly city in the U.S. According to a 2024 study by the city’s Economic Development Corporation, there are an estimated 600,000 dogs living in New York.

One of the most dog-friendly neighborhoods is Williamsburg, Brooklyn. There’s a designated dog run at McCarren Park, which has separate areas for small and big doggos. Just down the street is NYC Pet, a massive store located on Driggs Avenue, where, after a visit to the park, I’d let Bowie go in and “pick a toy out” from the giant wall display of squeak toys. Brooklyn Brewery is dog-friendly, as long as your pup is leashed, and Domino Park is a great place on the water to watch the sunset with your beloved pup.

Every year, Bowie and I head to Central Park in Manhattan to have a picnic, and since his birthday is in May, we seldom struggle to find a restaurant where we can sit outside and enjoy an outdoor meal. Dogs are allowed to take the subway in NYC if they are in some type of bag, but if that doesn’t sound reasonable, you can always use the “pet-friendly” filter on Uber, or take the New York way and just walk.

Where to stay: There are a lot of great pet-friendly accommodations in New York. If you want to stick with Brooklyn, The Penny Williamsburg and The Arlo Williamsburg are both centrally located. If you want a Manhattan experience, The Lotte New York Palace is the creme da la creme of hotels and is close to Central Park, but they allow dogs only up to 25 pounds.