The Best Family Getaways Where Your Dog Is Welcome Too
Travel gets a lot more joyful when the family dog comes along. Fortunately, planning the details is easier now than it used to be, as hotels, parks, and even cruise lines welcome pets worldwide. These 15 spots show that vacations don’t need to separate people from their four-legged travel buddies.
Austin, Texas
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Austin stays true to its reputation as a dog-friendly city, with patios, parks, and walking paths scattered across town. Red Bud Isle remains a favorite off-leash spot for locals, though swimming in Lady Bird Lake is discouraged due to recurring algae blooms. The city’s warm, easygoing atmosphere keeps tails wagging.
Bar Harbor, Maine
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Maine’s coast delivers cool breezes and quiet charm. Acadia National Park opens most of its trails to leashed pets, and boat tours circle Frenchman Bay with dogs invited on deck. When the day winds down, Stewman’s Lobster Pound offers dinner with a view and space for paws to rest.
Bend, Oregon
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This mountain town treats dogs like locals. The Deschutes River Trail travels past clear water and pine forests, and most breweries have patios stocked with water bowls. When snow falls, dogs trade trails for the Wanoga Sno-Park, where the cold only adds to the fun.
Charleston, South Carolina
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This coastal city welcomes dogs at outdoor restaurants and along many historic streets. Parts of Sullivan’s Island allow leashed pets. Brown Dog Deli draws regulars for its shaded seating.
San Diego, California
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California mornings start with ocean spray and sunshine. Fiesta Island offers wide-open sand where dogs can sprint, and Ocean Beach Dog Park stays lively through every season. Even the breweries keep bowls ready, which says a lot about how this city treats its most loyal residents.
Vancouver, British Columbia
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Dog owners find plenty to love in Vancouver. The Seawall provides long, scenic walks around the harbor, and Spanish Banks Off-Leash Beach gives pets space to run near the water. The city’s skyline and mountain backdrop set the tone, even if the view doesn’t always match postcard perfection.
Asheville, North Carolina
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Asheville offers plenty of room for exploration. The Biltmore Estate allows leashed pets on its outdoor grounds, though indoor access remains off-limits. Breweries and galleries across the River Arts District happily accommodate dogs.
Key West, Florida
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Warm water, slow pace, and plenty of outdoor space make Key West an easy win for dogs. Paddleboards and kayaks often come with a canine co-captain, and Higgs Beach Dog Park offers shade when the sun gets serious.
Chicago, Illinois
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Chicago’s dog scene is defined by long walks along the shores of Lake Michigan. The Lakefront Trail connects parks and skyline views, while Montrose Dog Beach fills with energy each weekend. Afterward, families grab pizza on the patio at Paradise Park.
Avon, Colorado
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In this mountain town, dogs get the outdoor experience in every season. Forest trails and open meadows offer easy access for hiking or winter play. The Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch welcomes pets with amenities and friendly staff, allowing up to two dogs per room, although with some minor fees.
Hakone, Japan
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At the foot of Mount Fuji, Hakone is a calm haven for discovery. Resorts like the Hyatt Regency provide pet-friendly rooms for families who want to unwind in onsen baths while their dogs rest peacefully after a walk. It’s a rare place where nature, comfort, and companionship fit together without effort.
Grand Haven, Michigan
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This beach town on Lake Michigan keeps pet policies simple. Dogs are permitted on Grand Haven City Beach only during designated hours and must stay leashed. Families often walk the boardwalk or stop into local shops like Must Love Dogs Boutique before catching sunset views near the lighthouse.
Venice, Italy
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In Venice, dogs trot along cobblestone lanes and cross canals beside their owners. Many cafés and outdoor restaurants welcome pets, while some ferries and public transport lines allow dogs on board. Access varies by operator, but for visitors traveling light, the city stays surprisingly accommodating to four-legged tourists.
Outer Banks, North Carolina
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The long barrier islands stretch between dunes and the open sea. Dogs race along wet sand in early light, then nap while the tide rolls in. Many cottages welcome pets, which makes it easy for families to stay close to the water.
Beverly Hills, California
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Luxury extends beyond the guests at The Peninsula Beverly Hills. Dogs sleep on soft beds, enjoy daily walks, and dine on room-service menus. Outside, Rodeo Drive cafés serve biscuits beside coffee cups.