Best Places To Travel In The U.S. With Your Pup

The cities and hotels that really roll out the red carpet.

By

Deborah Gaines

 
Published August 07, 2026
A wet dog carries an orange and blue ball while walking along a sandy beach beside the ocean
Alamy Stock Photo

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I often daydream about getting away from it all. But there’s someone I would never leave behind — my 10-year-old rescue dog, Kiko. Not just my best friend, Kiko is my spirit animal. She has been with me through the pandemic, retirement, widowhood, and all three kids leaving the nest.

Pet-friendly travel tips

When I heard about vacations we could enjoy together, I started making a “doggie bucket list.” I quickly realized that Kiko’s priorities were different from mine. She loves long walks, mild weather, pup cups, lying by my feet at outdoor restaurants, and parks or trails where she can run off leash. Also, like most of us, Kiko likes to feel welcome. While many hotels “allow” dogs, I searched for places that really celebrate them (treats at check-in and in-room water bowls are good indicators).

Before we left, I called the vet to make sure Kiko was microchipped and up to date on her shots — some hotels require a health certificate and/or proof of rabies vaccination. She doesn’t usually use a crate, but I brought one anyway in case I needed to leave her alone.

Here are some destinations where pups like Kiko get the royal treatment:

A brown and white dog rests comfortably on a large bed in a bright hotel-style room
Courtesy the Meritage Resort

San Francisco

Voted the most dog-friendly metropolis in the U.S. by Forbes magazine, the City by the Bay has more dog parks, trails, and pet-friendly events than you can shake a stick at. There are four off-leash play areas in Golden Gate Park alone, while Marina Green and Fort Funston offer waterfront views, trails, and lush green fields or beaches made for romping through. When it’s time to wind down, grab a bite at an outdoor restaurant like Park Chalet Coastal Beer Garden or browse for books at the pet-friendly Black Bird Bookstore and Cafe.

San Francisco also boasts a wide range of dog-friendly accommodations. The Kimpton Alton Fisherman's Wharf offers dedicated floors to travelers with pets, a nightly wine reception where dogs can join the party, complimentary in-room water bowls, and homebaked treats. Best of all, there are no breed or size restrictions, or extra charges, for canine guests. The Hotel Nikko near Union Square has snuggly dog beds, an outdoor pet terrace, and play dates with the hotel’s resident pups, Buster and Beau. More information: sftravel.com

Small dog wearing a white robe on a bed with pancakes, fruit, eggs, and a sparkling beverage
Courtesy Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn

North of the city, the Napa/Sonoma wine region is a great place to visit with your pooch. In Napa, the 36-acre Meritage Resort has a “Cabernet & Canine” package including resort credits, pup cups, and a welcome “barkuterie board.” Sonoma’s Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn boasts a canine ambassador, Chardonnay, who welcomes guests with special amenities and a list of dog-friendly local wineries.

Montana

Active pets and their people can enjoy the vacation of a lifetime in Big Sky Country. From mountain vistas to alpine trails, rushing rivers, and majestic forests, there’s always something new to explore. Nestled between Yellowstone and the Gallatin National Forest, The Wilson Hotel in Big Sky makes a great jumping off point for outdoor adventures. The hotel’s "Dog Days in the Mountains"  package includes a welcome gift pack, curated hiking maps, and a gift card to a dog-friendly brewery.

Two dogs run along a narrow trail through tall golden grass while two adults exercise behind them outdoors
Stuart Thurlkill/Paws Up Montana

Further north, luxury seekers won’t want to miss Paws Up Montana, a five-star ranch on the Blackfoot River featuring more than 30 miles of pet-friendly hiking trails. After a day in the wild, your pooch can join you for sound bowl therapy or a custom massage. If you need a break, there’s also complimentary doggie daycare, including canine forest bathing and walks with the concierge.

Maine

The picturesque coastal town of Kennebunkport has several unique, small resorts that cater to furry friends. According to Area General Manager Emily Nelson, “We want traveling with your pet to feel as easy, comfortable, and memorable as the trip itself.”

Bright red dog stick library holding several wooden sticks beside a forest path and grassy area
Douglas Lyle Thompson/Hidden Pond

At Hidden Pond, you’ll find pet-friendly bungalows and cottages amidst 60 acres of coastal forest. Daily “Yappy Hours” bring guests and pups together to enjoy drinks and whipped cream pup-cups by the fire, and the property’s walking trails and stick library ensure pooches are never bored. The Yachtsman Hotel & Marina Club is a dog-friendly waterside retreat, while The Lodge on the Cove overlooks the Kennebunk River.

In bustling Portland, the Westin Portland Harborview offers a “Very Important Pet” package that includes delicious treats, waste bags, and a collapsible travel water bowl. The hotel is located in a restored 1927 building with easy access to the waterfront, restaurants, and shops.

Florida Keys

The chain of islands stretching from Miami Beach to Key West is a pet-friendly paradise where your pup can join you for paddle boarding, boating, or just romping in the turquoise waters. At the Hyatt Centric Key West Resort & Spa, the doggy dining options are curated by Gracie, the canine in residency. You can also catch a charter boat from the resort dock to the Key West sandbar, where you’ll find hidden shores perfect for splashing and roaming. More information: visitfloridakeys.com

Where do you take your pup on vacation? Let us know in the comments below!

Deborah Gaines is a travel writer, poet, and essayist whose work has appeared in Tripadvisor, Huffington Post, and Grown & Flown. When not on the road, she lives in New Jersey with her rescue dog and two opinionated cats.