Summer’s around the corner, and if you’re anything like us, you’re already dreaming of a getaway. But what’s a vacation without your favorite travel companion—your dog? Whether your pup loves to splash in the ocean or lake, sniff out new trails, or relax with you at a dog-friendly café, these 10 U.S. cities roll out the welcome mat for four-legged adventurers.
According to a recent analysis by USA Today, the following 10 cities earned the top dog-friendly scores among the 50 most-visited U.S. destinations by overseas tourists. Cities were ranked based on six key metrics:
1. Dog-friendly hotels
2. Dog-friendly bars
3. Dog-friendly restaurants
4. Dog-friendly beaches
5. Dog-friendly hiking trails
6. Veterinary offices
Each category was scored on a 100-point scale and weighted for a final total. Here’s who came out on top—and why your dog will thank you for the trip. Now, for our Puppies.com countdown in reverse order!
10. Key West, Florida
17 dog-friendly bars, 122 dog-friendly restaurants, only 2 trails per 100K residents
This island city isn’t just for sunsets, fishing, and snorkeling—according to the study, it’s the most dog-friendly U.S. spot for dining. Located at the end of US 1, Key West offers the most dog-friendly bars and restaurants. As a visitor, you’ll want to check in advance whether or not your accommodations are equally as pet-friendly.
9. Denver, Colorado
55 trails, 9 restaurants, 9 accommodations per 100K residents
With its walkable downtown and access to the Rockies, Denver is great for pups who love city life and mountain air. With its many dog-friendly parks, trails, businesses, and eateries welcoming furry friends, Denver has many amenities for your four-legged friend, but keeping them on a leash is enforced. It’s been said that Denver sports more dogs than children!
8. Nashville, Tennessee
18 walking trails, 14 restaurants, 612 vets per 100K residents
Music City brings the charm—and a ton of support services for your pup. It’s a perfect blend of city fun and Southern hospitality. Planning a trip with your pet? Look at hotels, restaurants, and parks perfect for four-legged friends. But take note: pets must be leashed and are not permitted inside attractions such as the Opry Entertainment Complex and others.
7. Naples, Florida
*8 beaches (within 50 miles), 13 trails, 45 restaurants, 27 accommodations *
White beaches, a dip in the ocean, spas, and dining make Naples a Southern gem for dogs who love to relax in style. Keewaydin Island (accessible only by boat) is an 8-mile-long, dog-friendly island where your pooch can splash in style.
6. San Diego, California
102+ hiking trails, 10 dog-friendly beaches, 21 dog-friendly restaurants
Known for its sunny vibes, San Diego is a dream come true for dogs who love sand between their paws, dining, shopping with their humans, and sleeping in style. Home to what has been called the “Original Dog Beach,” Fiesta Island has been providing dogs and their owners room to play since 1972. Coronado Dog Beach and Del Mar Dog Beach are other great beach options. And with many shops, restaurants, hiking trails, and dog parks in San Diego, this is a dog-lovers paradise.
5. Portland, Oregon
171 trails, 18 dog-friendly restaurants, 541 vet offices per 100K residents
If you’re outdoorsy, Portland is your jam. It has the highest number of dog-friendly trails on the list and plenty of care facilities in case of emergency. Many hotels, bars, and restaurants welcome dogs, allowing you to enjoy your time with your furry companion. And as a walkable city, exploring with your four-legged friends is much more enjoyable!
4. Austin, Texas
94 trails, 21 restaurants per 100K residents
Live music, food trucks, paddleboarding—and a whopping 94 dog-friendly trails. Austin makes it easy to bring your pup everywhere, including brunch. Austin also sports dog-friendly water activities at places like Barton Springs and Onion Creek Greenbelt, pet-friendly hotels, specialty pet shops, and doggy daycare and boarding facilities.
3. Santa Barbara, California
57 dog-friendly trails, 29 dog-friendly restaurants, 19 accommodations
With stunning architecture and a Mediterranean climate, Santa Barbara offers coastal elegance and great doggie dining and exploring options. Leashed dogs are welcome to stroll downtown and even visit the Botanical Garden. Many beaches have paved coastal trails to walk with your pup, and restaurants, shops, hotels, vacation rentals, and even wineries graciously welcome your furry friends.
2. San Luis Obispo, California
9 dog-friendly beaches within 50 miles, 42 trails, 32 accommodations
Located between San Francisco and Los Angeles, San Luis Obispo is the perfect spot for a long weekend or stopover on a more extended road trip. This chill Central Coast city has a little of everything: beautiful weather, a downtown farmer’s market, and plenty of pet-friendly places to stay and play. Dogs are allowed on leash at most beaches in SLO CAL, but check for specific regulations, such as off-leash zones or designated times. Morro Strand State Beach and Avila Beach offer popular dog-friendly zones and miles of open, sandy exploring.
1. Flagstaff, Arizona
132 dog-friendly trails, 56 pet-friendly hotels, 39 dog-friendly restaurants
Coming in as the #1 Dog-Friendly Vacation Destination in the U.S., Flagstaff, Arizona is a dog-lovers paradise. Surrounded by pine forests and mountain views, Flagstaff is a hiker’s and outdoor enthusiast’s paradise—for both humans and canines. With over 130 dog-friendly trails, this small city offers many opportunities for outdoor bonding with your pups. The Snowbowl is a great place to hike and visit the Old Town Shops for shopping and dining. The visitor center on Route 66 is a great place to start with your pooch!
Don’t forget: Before planning a short trip or an entire relocation, always check local leash laws, pet policies, and park regulations before you go! Regulations are subject to change, and it’s a good idea to visit a city’s location visitors bureau website while planning your perfect Pup Trip! For more tips, read our blog: Paws in Public: Shopping With Your Pup!
At Puppies.com, we believe adventures are better with paws by your side. Whether you’re planning a cross-country move or a summer road trip, we’re here to help you and your pup make the most of it. From choosing the right destination to finding tips on travel, training, and health, our goal is to support your journey every step (and paw print) of the way. Here’s to wag-worthy memories ahead!
