5 Dog-Friendly Vacations You’ll Want To Take This Summer
Think you have to leave your beloved pooch at home during your summer vacation? Think again! More and more cities are becoming dog-friendly destinations, offering plenty of activities for both humans and canines. This means outdoor recreation, dog-friendly restaurants where your pup is welcome (and can sometimes even grab a bite, too) and pet-friendly accommodations that offer a welcoming and hassle-free place to rest at night.
Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure or relaxing downtime, these five dog-friendly vacations deliver bone-afide summer fun.
In This Article
1. Carmel, CA
Is a sunny western getaway calling your name this summer? You’re in luck: Carmel has a dog-friendly beach for you and Fido. Carmel Beach allows well-behaved, leashed dogs to run in the sand and check out the waves. If some shopping is in order after all that sun, you’ll likely stroll past the chic pet boutique Diggidy Dog downtown.
Lodging-wise, Carmel has several dog-friendly hotels and bed and breakfasts from which to choose. A local favorite is the Lamp Lighter Inn, located downtown and near charming restaurants and shops. This cozy spot offers your pup a blanket and plenty of water bowls. Another great option? The Cypress Inn offers Mediterranean-style rooms and is just half a mile away from the beach, making this the ideal destination for a dog-friendly vacation.
- Dog-Friendly Activities: Carmel Beach, Diggidy Dog pet boutique
- Pet-Friendly Accommodations: Lamp Lighter Inn, Cypress Inn
2. Minneapolis, MN
The city of Minneapolis is known for its natural beauty, thanks in part to the many lakes you and your pup can explore. The Chain of Lakes Regional Park is a waterfront wonder that encompasses five lakes and is home to more than 13 miles of trails so you’re both sure to get a workout in.
Once it’s time to replenish, there are many dog-friendly restaurants in the city. Having dogs in tow usually means patio-only seating, but several city breweries, including 56 Brewing and Bauhaus Brew Lab, allow dogs inside. Cheers!
- Dog-Friendly Activities: Chain of Lakes Regional Park
- Dog-Friendly Places: 56 Brewing, Bauhaus Brew Lab
3. Austin, TX
Austin temperatures can be scorching, but don’t worry — the city offers plenty of fun ways to cool off quickly. A number of the city’s parks have water activities and are dog-friendly. Red Bud Isle Park, for instance, allows your dog to be leash-free and explore the trails and water.
And Austin’s excellent food scene isn’t limited to just humans — there are tons of great places to grab a bite with your dog. If your dog is full of energy and won’t sit patiently while you chow down, consider Yard Bar, which is both a restaurant and a dog park. The dog park requires a daily pass, but after your pup runs off some energy, they can join you for sliders and ice cream.
If you’re looking for a place to stay with your furry friend, Hotel Magdalena is the place to be. Blending mid-century modern architecture and southwestern flair, every room in the hotel is pet-friendly and provides all of the amenities necessary for pet owners. Dogs are allowed in designated areas, including an on-site dog park.
- Dog-Friendly Activities: Red Bud Isle Park, Yard Bar
- Pet-Friendly Accommodations: Hotel Magdalena
4. Cape Cod, MA
Cape Cod is a popular East Coast vacation destination, and for good reason — the amazing beaches alone are worth the trip. Unfortunately for your dog, most of the popular beaches here don’t allow dogs in the summer. But don’t count it out yet — Provincetown beaches are the exception, though hours vary depending on season. Provincetown is also home to Pilgrim Bark Park, which has two sections for play depending on dog size and is free to use.
Some hotels say they’re dog-friendly but barely tolerate dogs, but that’s not the case here. The Cape Codder Resort & Spa in Hyannis is pet-friendly and offers a $15 VIPet package with a water bowl, treat and dog toy. Surfside Hotel & Suites in Provincetown allows dogs to be unattended in rooms and also has a private dog-friendly beach.
- Dog-Friendly Activities: Provincetown beaches, Pilgrim Bark Park
- Pet-Friendly Accommodations: Cape Codder Resort & Spa, Surfside Hotel & Suites
5. Key West, FL
If you hate being relegated outdoors when you’re with your pup (alas, those pesky health codes), Key West can help. Several restaurants don’t technically have an indoor space — open-air dining at its finest. Schooner Wharf Bar and B.O.’s Fish Wagon are just two of your many options.
When it comes to dog-friendly activities, think beyond the dog park in Key West (though there’s one of those, too). Instead, consider renting a kayak or paddleboard from pet-friendly rental company Lazy Dog or join a dolphin-spotting charter boat with Wild About Dolphins (dog treats and life jackets included!). This might just be the dog-friendly vacation dreams are made of!
- Dog-Friendly Activities: Lazy Dog, Wild About Dolphins
- Dog-Friendly Places: Schooner Wharf Bar, B.O.’s Fish Wagon