Top 10 dog-friendly destinations in the US were written to help you uncover vacation destinations for you and your pooch.
If you’re like me, you’ve probably been road-tripping and taking extended vacations in larger spaces due to the current situation dubbed our “new normal.”
Since I’m assuming, like most of us, you’re also taking your dog along for the ride; I thought it would be nice to share the best dog-friendly vacations across the country.
We can all use a vacation after this chaotic year.
These locations have seen the highest percentage of pet reservations in the US this year. I’d take that as a great sign, wouldn’t you?
Who doesn’t want to vacation with fellow pet owners and sweet furry pals? I know I do!
Plus, most of these locations are off the grid and serve as a gateway to dog-approved outdoor activities—like bodies of water perfect for swimming and mountain ranges with plenty of squirrels to chase!
This year my newest best friend, Felica (our Yorkie), learned to swim on the pond and accompanied me on my kayaking and paddleboard adventures. She’s a little too much of a daredevil for my taste, but we had a blast outdoors.
Top 10 dog-friendly destinations in the US:
#1. Sugar Mountain, North Carolina
Featured dog-friendly Vacasa home: The Portabella
Masked by North Carolina’s range of Blue Ridge peaks, Sugar Mountain is a true hidden gem. Hike the High Bluff and Rhododendron Gardens Trail, then hit up the Beech Mountain Bark Park for some off-leash fun in a clean, safe environment against a backdrop of natural beauty and lush greenery.
I love the mountains of North Carolina, and we have already reserved our vacation rental for our Thanksgiving family reunion. All the pets will be together, so this should be interesting! 😉
View all of our dog-friendly vacation rentals in Sugar Mountain.
#2. Sunriver, Oregon
Featured dog-friendly Vacasa home: Sunriver Deschutes Riverfront Lodge
A basecamp for outdoor adventure, high-desert Sunriver is well known by Oregonians for its stunning resorts and golf courses. But, there’s much to enjoy out of the spa and off the green, like the wonders that await you along Deschutes River Trail, set in the heart of Deschutes National Forest.
View all of our dog-friendly vacation rentals in Sunriver.
#3. Folly Beach, South Carolina
Featured dog-friendly Vacasa home: Mellow Marsh
Just south of Charleston sits the small town of Folly Beach, where all public beaches are dog-friendly and perfect for a game of fetch. There are multiple private cruises you can take from the pier, and of course, your dog can hop aboard!
I grew up in South Carolina and honeymooned in Charleston. There is so much of SC I would still love to see.
View all of our dog-friendly vacation rentals in Folly Beach.
#4. Hilton Head, South Carolina
Featured dog-friendly Vacasa home: Dunes House
Dogs are always welcome on Hilton Head’s many stretches of sand, which is why the small town is made for Fido-loving beachgoers. Spend your day swimming in the warm waters, then curl up on the deck of your vacation home and listen to the waves crash against the shores.
View all of our dog-friendly vacation rentals in Hilton Head.
#5. Mammoth Lakes, California
Featured dog-friendly Vacasa home: Juniper Crest 11
Nestled in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Mammoth Lakes is only a half-hour from Yosemite National Park. When you’re in the mood for a little R&R, unwind at June Lake beach. If you head west along the shore, there’s a trail leading to a dog-friendly area that’s typically less crowded—with better furrier company.
This location is on my bucket list! I’ve never been to Yosemite, and since Sophie (our lab/pit mix) loved the Badlands National Park, this one needs to be a girl’s trip! <3
View all of our dog-friendly vacation rentals in Mammoth.
Do you have your own top 10 dog-friendly destinations in the US? If so, please let me know.
#6. Bend, Oregon
Featured dog-friendly Vacasa home: Sawyer Reach Ct
Bend is beloved for its laid-back residents and craft brew scene—but did you know many of its famous breweries are open to dogs of all sizes? In Bend, you can bring your dog anywhere, including Tumalo Falls Loop and the sandy shores of Riverbend Dog Park.
View all of our dog-friendly vacation rentals in Bend.
#7. Truckee, California
Featured dog-friendly Vacasa home: Donner Lakefront Retreat
A rural mountain community, Truckee serves as a peaceful retreat for travelers looking to get away from it all. Lake Tahoe is 12 miles away, or you can raft with your dog along a five-mile stretch of the less-crowded Truckee River.
View all of our dog-friendly vacation rentals in Truckee.
#8. Chestertown, New York
Featured dog-friendly Vacasa home: Solitude at Lake’s End
In the southeastern Adirondacks, Chestertown lands you close to two scenic lakes and a lot of outdoor fun. Rent a kayak or canoe from Lake George Kayak Company—dogs are welcome to join you in the boat!
My husband and I were just in NY for business a few weeks ago. While I’m not a fan of traffic, it’s nice to see people out and about again!
View all of our dog-friendly vacation rentals in Chestertown.
#9. Lake Anna, Virginia
Featured dog-friendly Vacasa home: All Decked Out
There are many charm-filled small towns clustered around Lake Anna, so that we couldn’t pick just one. If you’re staying near Lake Anna, you can’t go wrong. And, while you can’t bring your dog to public swimming holes, you can spend hours exploring—and sniffing tree trunks—in Lake Anna State Park.
Since moving to Virginia last year, Lake Anna is at the top of my list. Even though it’s only about 1.5 hours from my house, we will try to spend a long weekend here soon.
View all of our dog-friendly vacation rentals in Lake Anna.
#10. Arnold, California
Featured dog-friendly Vacasa home: Sierra Zen
If gigantic sequoias and fresh mountain air sounds like the height of relaxation and comfort, Arnold is the escape you deserve. Careen through the shaded forest along Arnold Rim Trail with your dog in tow, then kick off your hiking boots to host an evening picnic at Calaveras Big Trees State Park.
View all of our dog-friendly vacation rentals in Arnold.