Top 7 U.S. Cities to Visit with Your Dog

Dog-Friendly Travel Guide: Top 7 U.S. Cities to Visit with Your Dog

Traveling with your dog can be a seamless and rewarding experience when you choose destinations that truly welcome four-legged companions. With a bit of planning, you and your dog can explore some of the most pet-friendly cities in the U.S. Here’s a guide to help you plan your next adventure, complete with must-visit parks, pet-friendly restaurants, and accommodations.

1. San Diego, California

Sunny skies and a relaxed coastal vibe make San Diego a top destination for pets and their owners. Luciano and I spend 4–5 months out of the year in San Diego, and every day is non-stop fun between the dog beaches, dog parks, and pet-friendly bars and restaurants.

Places to Visit:

• Coronado Dog Beach: A leash-free area on the western shore of Coronado, CA. It’s our favorite dog beach, with parking along Ocean Boulevard and a dog washing station to rinse off the sand.
• Dog Beach (Ocean Beach): One of the first official off-leash beaches in the U.S. It’s a large beach with plenty of space for walking and sunbathing.
• Balboa Park: Explore its cultural attractions, scenic paths, and off-leash areas like Grape Street Dog Park, a 5-acre space surrounded by eucalyptus trees. After a walk, grab a drink at Panama 66.
• Fiesta Island: A paradise for dogs, with open spaces for off-leash play and water access for swimming. We prefer going during the week at lunch to avoid crowds.
  

Dining:

• Ballast Point (Little Italy): A pet-friendly brewery with a large patio.
  Quartyard (East Village): An urban park and event venue with food, drinks, and live music.
• Casa de Freds Tacos y Tequila (Old Town): Enjoy vibrant decor and a doggie menu that includes burger patties, scrambled eggs, and carne asada.
• Viewpoint Brewing Company (Del Mar): Offers craft beer with scenic views and a dog-friendly patio.
  

Accommodations:

• San Diego Mission Bay Resort: Pet-friendly with special events like "Pupapalooza."
• The Kimpton Alma: No extra pet fees, plus beds, bowls, and treats for your pup.

2. Portland, Oregon

Portland’s lush green spaces and vibrant culture make it a haven for pets.

Places to Visit:

• Forest Park: One of the largest urban forests in the U.S., with over 70 miles of trails.
• Sellwood Riverfront Park: Features an off-leash area and river access for water-loving dogs.
  

Dining:

• Tin Shed Garden Café: A dog-friendly eatery with a special pup menu.
• Lucky Labrador Brewing Company: A dog-themed brewery with outdoor seating.
  

Accommodations:

• Hotel Rose: A boutique hotel with pet-friendly amenities.
• The Duniway: Offers pet-friendly rooms and a central downtown location.

3. Austin, Texas

Austin’s outdoor lifestyle and vibrant culture make it perfect for pet lovers.

Places to Visit:

• Red Bud Isle: An off-leash park on a peninsula in Lady Bird Lake.
• Barton Creek Greenbelt: Offers trails and swimming spots for leashed dogs.
  

Dining:

• Yard Bar: A combination dog park and bar.
• Banger’s Sausage House & Beer Garden: Features a dog-friendly patio and special sausage treats for dogs.
  

Accommodations:

• Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt: No extra fees and plenty of pet amenities.
• The Driskill: A historic, pet-welcoming hotel.

4. Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville is known for its beautiful mountain scenery and artsy vibe.

Places to Visit:

• French Broad River Park: Offers an off-leash dog park and scenic trails.
• Biltmore Estate: Dogs are welcome on the estate grounds.

Dining:

• Posana Restaurant: Features a dog-friendly patio and a doggie menu.
• Wicked Weed Brewing: A popular brewery with outdoor seating for pets.
  

Accommodations:

• Aloft Asheville Downtown: No extra fees and great pet amenities.
• The Omni Grove Park Inn: Stunning mountain views and pet-friendly rooms.

5. Seattle, Washington

Seattle’s blend of urban charm and natural beauty makes it ideal for pet-friendly travel.

Places to Visit:

• Magnuson Park Off-Leash Area: A large park with water access.
• Discovery Park: Seattle’s largest green space with miles of trails.
  

Dining:

• Norm’s Eatery & Ale House: A cozy, dog-friendly pub.
• Sully’s Snowgoose Saloon: A relaxed dog-friendly tavern.
  

Accommodations:

• Kimpton Hotel Monaco: Offers pet-friendly rooms with no extra fees.
• The Edgewater Hotel: Waterfront views and pet-friendly policies.

6. Denver, Colorado

Denver’s proximity to the Rockies makes it perfect for outdoor adventures.

Places to Visit:

• Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre: Great for hiking with scenic views.
• Cherry Creek State Park: Features a large off-leash dog area.
  

Dining:

• The Watering Bowl: A dog-friendly restaurant with an off-leash play area.
• Recess Beer Garden: A large patio where dogs are always welcome.
  

Accommodations:

• The Maven Hotel: A boutique hotel with pet-friendly amenities.
• Kimpton Hotel Born: No extra fees and pet-focused perks.
  

7. Boise, Idaho

Boise is a hidden gem with a mix of outdoor adventures and urban charm.

Places to Visit:

• Camel’s Back Park: Hiking trails and a large off-leash area.
• Boise River Greenbelt: A 25-mile riverside pathway.
  

Dining:

• The Yardarm: An outdoor bar with a dog-friendly patio.
• Fork: A farm-to-table restaurant with pet-friendly outdoor seating.
  

Accommodations:

• Hotel 43: A boutique hotel in downtown Boise.
• The Riverside Hotel: Offers direct access to the Greenbelt.

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