Pet Friendly Vacation Destinations

Lake Placid, New York

Lake Placid is beautiful all year-round. This popular vacation destination is also known to be very dog friendly. It's almost like a dog camp in the summer. The Adirondacks, in general, are a great place to bring you furry friend. Almost all lodgings offer pet accommodations. Most hiking trails allow for the dogs to be off the leash. Some hotels include brook and river swimming as pet amenities.

Key West, Florida

If your dog loves to go boating, Key West is the place to take it. You can go paddling with your pooch all the way to a private sandbar where they can be off the leash as long as you like. Lazy Dog Kayak offers different options. Hotels, motels, inns, cottages – they all understand you love your friend and want to bring it with you. Most beaches are pet friendly; there are many dog parks. Visit Ernest Hemingway's home with your cat or dog. It has more than 60 cats!

Hilton Head, South Carolina

Bring your four-legged friend to witness the charm of the South. Hilton head is a popular destination for swimming and most dogs love the water. You can keep your pet active and amused at all times as there are plenty of other sports you and it can enjoy. Beaches are pet friendly, many restaurants allow them, and some hotels offer dog walks. You'll find pet friendly lodgings near parks, beaches and hiking trails.

Branson, Missouri

If you think you can't go to an awesome country music show in Branson because there is no one to feed your pet, don't despair and bring it with you. Many hotels are pet friendly and take no additional fee. The city has many theme parks and miles of trails, especially in Table Rock State Park, which is among the most popular dog attractions. There, dogs can be off leash and run around freely. Take your dog for a funny old-fashioned picture at Busters Old Time Photos.

Cannon Beach, Oregon

Cannon Beach on Oregon's remote coast is a stunning place to take your canine friend for some fun and to enjoy Mother Nature. Pets can stay at most hotels either for free or for a small fee. Dogs can swim in the water but have to be on-leash on the beach. Visit Escola State Park for a more secluded adventure where you can go hiking while still enjoying the ocean breeze.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Don't deprive your pooch from seeing the majestic beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains. Visit the small town of Gatlinburg where your four-legged friend will feel just like home. This is a great destination for active pets. Together, you can go hiking through lavish forests and play around rushing streams. A lot of resorts and cabins let you stay with your pet for free or a small fee. They won't be hungry either. There are at least a dozen restaurants in Gatlinburg that welcome dogs at their outdoor tables.

Nantucket, Massachusetts

Take a ferry ride from Cape Cod to this small and beautiful island. Many lodgings are very pet friendly. Some cottages are even specially designated to accommodate visitors with their non-human companions. Places often have toys, dog beds, food and water bowls, litter boxes, and plenty of green space for games. Some hosts will even walk your dog for free. There are plenty of outdoor restaurants and cafes that will welcome you with your friend. Most of the beaches allow pets so they can swim and play around with you.

Lake Tahoe, California

The rugged area is perfect for adventurous people and their animals. Bring comfortable hiking shoes, plenty of water, and head out. You'll both get a chance to swim along the way. Visiting in the winter is also an option because many lodgings offer pet-sitting services, so you can hit the slope without a care in the world. Take a five-mile float down the Truckee River as Truckee River Raft Co. allows you to bring your pet along.

Las Vegas, Nevada

Las Vegas is not just for gambling, Spring Break and bachelor/ette parties. Your dog can have the time of its life as well. There are dozens of pet friendly activities – visit the Desert Breeze Dog Park or the Red Rock Canyon; pets can play off-leash at Barkin' Basin Dog Park or the Kellog-Zaher Sports Complex. Many eateries offer seating outside and let you stay with your furry friend. If for some reason you have to leave your dog behind, plenty of pet-sitting services are just a phone call away.     

Dog Paddling Adventures

Dog Paddling Adventures offers 1-6 day hiking, canoeing, skijoring, and snowshoeing trips for dogs (and their human friends) in the Toronto area. You don't have to think about camping accommodation, meals, equipment, or even backpacks – everything is provided for you and your four-legged friend. As one person wrote: "This was the best time, my dog loved it and so did I. Guides were great, organized and fun...always helpful, made sure we were safe."

Pennsylvania Dutch Country

Leave cell phones and all electronics at home. The only companion you need at Pennsylvania Dutch Country is your dog. You both get to witness life as it used to be. Walk up and own the hills and eat awesome local, home-grown country food. Lodgings are pet-friendly, welcoming them for a small or refundable fee. Cultural places and festivals welcome you and your pet on a leash.

Riverside Campground & Cabins

You can take your pet camping for a small fee. Both of you can go hiking, running and swimming. Dogs, too, have full access to rivers, trails and beaches. As one person wrote: "My wife and I stay here every year for about a week, have been for about 5 years. This place could not be more dog friendly." Riverside Campground include 40 campsites and 11 cabins.