15 Most Dog Friendly Cities in the US to Visit in 2024

Looking for the most dog friendly cities in the United States? You’re in the right place! As devoted dog parents who love to travel and adventure, we’ve scoured the country looking for the best cities for pups. From major cities to hidden gems, we have you and Fido covered!

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From camping and family hiking to watching sunsets at the beach and hanging out at your favorite local brewery, everything is better with a dog. That’s just science.

However, (gasp!) not every place welcomes pups with open arms. People travel with their dogs more and more today, plus bring them along to more places locally, though, so we were pretty curious about the most dog friendly cities in the US.

Of course, we know dogs can’t go everywhere we go (again, gasp!). For example, many national parks understandably don’t allow dogs because of the delicate environment and wildlife. 

But with that said, some places are simply a LOT more accepting of dogs and more dog-friendly overall.

So whether you’re looking for your next vacation destination with your pup or you’re wondering where dog owners have the most choices for things like dog-friendly restaurants and off-leash areas, stick around. We dug in deep to find the answers.

Next time you and Fido are craving some adventure, consider one of the most dog-friendly cities in the US for your getaway. Luckily, pet-friendly hotels and even major attractions welcoming dogs are becoming more common (we’re looking at you, Royal Gorge!).

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Most Dog Friendly Cities in the US

There are countless surveys and ‘best of’ lists out there about the most pet-friendly cities. All of them claim to use a variety of key metrics and data, but every list is different. Not to mention the fact that the cities change quite a bit every year!

Instead of trying to make sense of all those numbers, we tapped into our own personal experiences. We also called in a handful of travel bloggers, and we came up with this list of the most dog-friendly cities in the US. Funny enough, many of our cities overlap those official lists.

Whether you simply want to enjoy a beverage with your pup by your side in a restaurant or you seek something more specific, like other dogs with long noses for yours to socialize with, we have you covered.

Note these are ranked in alphabetical order, not necessarily in terms of their dog-friendliness.

1. Austin, Texas

We tend to gravitate toward more adventurous trips, like floating down a river in the Tetons or off-roading in Moab Utah. But sometimes, you just need to wander aimlessly around a city, listen to live music, and stuff your face with BBQ. Hmm, kinda sounds like Memphis, too, no?

Austin, Texas, offers all of that but also happens to be one of the most dog friendly cities in the US. To be honest, I’d venture a guess that Austin actually be the most pet-friendly city in the world.

Here, you can have your fill of authentic Texas pit barbecue (skip the ridiculous lines at Stubb’s and make a beeline for Cooper’s — thank us later), pop into countless live music venues, and enjoy all the eclectic-ness that ATX is famous for. All with your dog in tow.

Start your day with some exercise at the Hike-and-Bike Trail around Lady Bird Lake or take your pup paddleboarding with SUP ATX. The off-leash Austin dog park at Auditorium Shores is nearby, and taking a selfie on the (dog friendly, of course) lawn of the Texas State Capitol is a must.

When you’re ready to refuel, there’s no shortage of dog friendly Austin restaurants and bars. And rather than simply tolerate four-legged guests, many ATX establishments actually encourage owners to bring them.

Lustre Pearl has a fenced-in yard, allows dogs to socialize off-leash, and throws an annual fundraiser Puppy Party. Banger’s Sausage House & Beer Garden has a doggie playpen—plus the famous “Manmosa,”—and the Yard Bar is essentially an off-leash dog park with a bar inside.

I am always on the hunt for unique dog friendly cities to visit and things to do. I LOVE when I find attractions that I can enjoy without leaving my pup behind. Chattanooga Tennessee is FULL of exciting dog-friendly adventures. I may have even considered moving there…

Start your weekend off by exploring downtown Chattanooga and walking across one of the world’s longest pedestrian bridges, Walnut Street Bridge. You can watch the boats sail underneath the bridge or marvel at the sunset over the river.

After walking around, grab a bite to eat at one of the many dog friendly restaurants in Chattanooga. Then, you and your pup can end the night by hunting for ghosts with Chattanooga Ghost Tours (named one of America’s best pet friendly ghost tours by Go Pet Friendly!).

If you’re looking for more adventure, head out to Fall Creek Falls State Park to admire the beautiful waterfalls and give your pup some exercise on the dog friendly hiking trails. On your way back towards town, stop at The Lookout Winery for wine tasting, pizza, and a beautiful overlook.

Finally, end your Chattanooga dog friendly weekend getaway with a stop at Rock City Gardens. It’s a magical 4,100-foot trail that weaves in and out of natural rock. Throughout the trail, there are many photo ops and other unique attractions!

Your pooch will definitely thank you for such an adventurous weekend getaway — and certainly “beg” for more dog friendly vacations!

Pets are members of our family, our closest companions, our guardians, and our love bugs. Why shouldn’t they enjoy the benefits of beach life in Clearwater?

I have two furry babies and I’m a foster mom, and Clearwater is a paradise for me and my “babies.” The city is very dog friendly, and it offers many opportunities for us to enjoy activities together.

If you’re interested in dog friendly Florida vacations, one of the best things to do in the area is enjoy Honeymoon Island Dog Beach. Located only 20 minutes from Clearwater, this paradise is the best dog friendly beach in Florida.

Here your puppies can play, go for a walk, and swim in clear, calm water. They will absolutely love it!

Clearwater also offers a large diversity of public parks where you can hike with your pets or they can play off-leash. You may even see Florida manatees at several local parks in the winter months.

Because this is sunny Florida, Clearwater has good weather all year long and it offers a large array of outdoor, dog-friendly restaurants. Even better? Some even offer a dog menu, so your puppy can enjoy a delicious meal with you!

One of the most dog friendly cities to visit in the US, Denver consistently ranks in the top five — and has for the last several years.

For example, dog-walking company Rover, which has an app for finding a dog sitter, has ranked Denver as the third most dog friendly city in the US.

The company cited a number of dog-friendly services, including walkability, the number of available dog sitters, and homes for sale and rent listed as pet-friendly. Another study supports these stats, showing that a staggering 79% of apartments for rent in Denver are dog-friendly!

Let’s take a deeper dive beyond those key metrics and see what exactly makes Denver one of the country’s most dog friendly cities.

Besides boasting a lot of parks, hiking trails, and green spaces where you can take your pooch for a run, Denver also offers many dog-friendly restaurants, bars, and coffee shops.

Some of my favorite dog-friendly restaurants in Denver include Kaos Pizzeria, Joyride Brewing Company, and Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewery.

In addition, there are a number of dog friendly hotels in Denver. So whether you’re visiting the Mile High City or just in need of a quick staycation from another Colorado mountain town, you won’t have a problem finding a place to stay. 

One of the most dog friendly cities in the US is Los Angeles, which also happens to be the country’s second-largest city. As you may imagine, there is a lot to do and see.

The city’s atmosphere is very laid-back, with lots of great Los Angeles dog friendly restaurants, viewpoints, and hiking trails.

Besides that, Hollywood is the world’s center of entertainment. Take your pup along to some of the most iconic things to do in Los Angeles, including the Hollywood Walk of Fame or hiking up to the Hollywood sign on top of Mount Lee.

There are several miles of hiking trails all over Griffith Park, so be sure to check out the Mount Hollywood Trail as well. From there, enjoy some of the best views of the Hollywood sign, the Griffith Observatory, and Los Angeles in general.

There are also many Los Angeles dog parks with grassy areas where you can let your dog run around off-leash. One of the best is Hermon Dog Park.

If you want to visit a dog friendly beach with your pup, Rosie’s Dog Beach in Long Beach is great. This small stretch of beach has completely off-leash hours for dogs.

Life in Miami is all about being outside, which makes it the perfect city to visit with your furry friend. The city center is very walkable with lots of boardwalks, parks, and waterfront areas, all perfect for a quick walk with your dog.

Miami even has quite a few beaches specifically-designated as dog friendly. In fact, the beach access is one reason this is the better option for dog lovers if you’re comparing Miami vs South Beach. 

You don’t need to use a leash and you’ll meet lots of other dogs your pup can play with. Head to Bark Beach or Haulover Beach Park for the best experiences.

Whether you’re interested in a weekend getaway at a Miami dog friendly hotel or you’re a local looking to take your dog out for the day, Coconut Grove is a popular area. The Grove features several dog friendly restaurants, shops, and waterfront parks.

There are also lots of options for a perfect day at Miami dog parks. Some of the best places include South Pointe Park, North Beach Oceanside Park, Washington Avenue Bark Park, or Stillwater Park, all of which both you and your dog will love.

There’s no doubt that a man’s best friend is his dog. The adorable four-legged creature is the most loyal and fun companion one can have — perfect for, say, traveling to one of the most dog friendly cities in the US, like Milwaukee.

Milwaukee is a beautiful city situated on Lake Michigan’s western shore (just 1.5 hours north of Chicago). It is also one of the best destinations for dog friendly weekend getaways because it offers many things to do with your pup.

The city has everything from dog friendly hotels to restaurants and bars where you can socialize with your pooch, like Black Husky Brewing, with its great dog-friendly patio.

Aside from that, Milwaukee also has great dog friendly beaches and public parks. The city park system includes Estabrook Dog Park and the East Bank Trail, with endless outdoor activities, designated dog-only areas, and even dog friendly hiking trails.

Top off your outing by taking your furry friend shopping for the best made-in-the-USA organic clothing brands. Your dog will enjoy accompanying you as you spend time with friends and enjoy everything Milwaukee has to offer!

Insider Tip: Don’t miss the free-to-use grills and yard games at The Backyard. Bring your own meat (yes, seriously) and grill out with your pup!

Being so close to the Windy City, Milwaukee is the perfect road trip stop on a 4-day Chicago itinerary!

Nashville, Tennessee is known for its country music, hot chicken, and honky-tonks! While there are plenty of great things to do in Nashville, there’s lots of fun stuff for your dog as well!

It’s one of the most dog friendly cities in the US, full of dog-friendly parks, outdoor restaurants, and pet friendly hotels.

When you first arrive in Nashville, I recommend checking into The Hermitage Hotel. Not only is it beautiful, but the hotel also offers pet massages, organic pet treats, and dog walking. Your pup will never want to leave!

Once you and your dog settle in, you’ll both want something to eat. There are so many great dog friendly restaurants in Nashville! Some of the best places are Biscuit Love, Pucketts, and Peg Leg Porker.

After eating, it’s time to hit the park. While there are plenty of great off-leash parks in Nashville, the one I recommend most is in Centennial Park. This dog park has separate areas for big and small dogs, a dog water fountain, and benches for relaxing on.

Once your dog gets all of its energy out, spend some time exploring Centennial Park. It has a full-size replica of the Greek Parthenon, and is also one of the top things to do in Nashville TN for couples.

While New York City likely doesn’t spring to mind when you think about the most dog friendly cities to visit, it’s surprisingly welcoming to dogs.

With so many dog residents, there’s plenty of demand for dog friendly places in NYC, from cafes to parks. Plus, there’s a certain willingness to creatively bend the rules (refer to photos of dogs in bags on the subway).

As you check things off your NYC bucket list, take advantage of the dog-friendly expanse of Central Park. Your (leashed) city dog is welcome in most areas of the park all day long, plus off-leash in selected areas before 9am and after 9pm.

For another classic touristy experience, hop on the Staten Island ferry and cruise by the Statue of Liberty. Dogs are welcome on the (FREE!) ferry as long as they’re in a carrier bag or wearing a muzzle. Many paid NYC cruises are also dog-friendly.

Depending on your budget, choose from some of the fanciest dog friendly NYC hotels that welcome pups alongside human guests (such as the Peninsula Hotel on Fifth Avenue), or find pet-friendly vacation rentals on Airbnb.

Living in Arizona, it’s pretty common to head to sunny San Diego for weekend getaways. Meaning, everyone in the state seems to have the same idea at the same time. That results in highway traffic, crowded beaches, and long lines everywhere.

That’s exactly why we go to Oceanside, about an hour north of San Diego in the northernmost part of the county. It’s a rare hidden gem in SoCal, one of the last coastal towns where locals still outnumber tourists and prices are relatively affordable. For a West Coast city, anyway.

O’side is also one of the most dog friendly cities in the US, with the entire community catering to pups and their people.

Water dishes and even little doghouses outside of shops aren’t at all uncommon, and there are a dizzying number of options for Fido-friendly restaurants in Oceanside. After at least 10 trips, I have a few favorites. Bonus: they’re all locally-owned.

Local Tap House (LTH), Flying Pig Pub, Stratford at the Pier, and Belching Beaver are all extremely dog friendly — and have legitimately great food and brews for pet owners, too.

Technically, there are no dog friendly beaches in Oceanside. However, you’ll find beach access for your pup at Cardiff State Beach in Encinitas/Solana Beach and the Del Mar “Dog Beach,” both just a short drive away.

You can also walk your pup on “The Strand” in O’side, the paved boardwalk-esque path that runs parallel to the ocean for over one mile. This is an excellent activity at sunset, as there’s nothing quite like the sun setting over the ocean on the west coast.

Phoenix is well-known for its desert landscape and insanely hot weather. What many people don’t realize is that the entire, enormous metro area, commonly called “the Valley,” is exceptionally dog friendly.

From hundreds of dog friendly restaurants across the valley and “Bark at the Park” Diamondbacks games to dog friendly hiking trails and dozens of off-leash dog parks, Phoenix should be high on your list of dog friendly weekend getaways. Just not during the summer months. Seriously.

Hiking is truly a way of life here, so introduce your pup to the magic of the Southwest desert with one of the many dog friendly hikes in Phoenix.

We hike a lot with our dog and I highly recommend McDowell Mountain Regional Park, the Treasure Loop and Hieroglyphic trails in the Superstitions, or any of the dog friendly trails at South Mountain.

There’s truly nothing like a desert sunset and all of these trails are excellent viewing points.

After hiking, head to one of the many Phoenix dog friendly restaurants.

OHSO (which, fun fact, stands for Outrageous Homebrewer’s Social Outpost) is one of my personal favorites. They have excellent beer and several locations, all with an awesome pet-friendly patio. I also love The Macintosh, Arizona Wilderness, and SanTan Brewing Company.

A visit to dog-friendly Provincetown, Massachusetts is a treat for both you and your pooch. The beautiful seaside town at the end of Cape Cod has rolled out the welcome mat for dogs and their people, making it one of the most dog friendly cities in the US.

There are over 20 dog friendly restaurants in Provincetown where you can enjoy ocean breezes while dining al fresco with your pup.

In addition, many shopkeepers even put out water bowls for thirsty dogs. Dogs are also allowed in many of the charming shops on Commercial Street, the main shopping thoroughfare.

If you’re looking for beach access with Fido, Provincetown has you covered. The Provincetown Cover Town Beach allows off-leash dog play. Watch as your dog frolics in the surf with other dog friends.

Other dog friendly beach options include the many Cape Cod National Seashore beaches, which allow leashed dogs outside the lifeguarded areas. Stroll over the gorgeous sand beaches, some of the best East Coast hikes, for quality time with your canine best friend.

There is also a Provincetown dog park. Pilgrim Bark Park is a popular spot with beautiful art statues and separate off-leash areas for small and large dogs.

Interested in pet-friendly accommodations in New England? Provincetown also has many dog friendly hotels or inns on the Cape, perfect for retiring after busy days.

Renowned for its overall pet-friendly atmosphere, Raleigh is one of the most dog-friendly cities in the US. It consistently earns accolades as a top destination for dog owners and their four-legged friends, but it was crowned THE most dog-friendly US city in 2024.

The city has a ton of dog parks (there are at least four just downtown), including the indoor West Street Dog, a great place to head on especially cold or hot days.

Raleigh is also home to several businesses tailored specifically to dogs, from groomers to boutique pet stores and even a dog ice cream bar.

Maybe best of all, many (many!) breweries and coffee shops in Raleigh welcome canine patrons. Most have inviting dog-friendly patios, but some, like Boxcar Bar + Arcade and the Raleigh Beer Garden, permit pups inside, too.

For a sweet treat for both dogs and humans, pop into the locally-owned Videri Chocolate Factory. They’ll cure your coffee and chocolate cravings, and even offer Fido a ‘pup cup.’

Raleigh’s year-round outdoor events, such as the Raleigh Night Market and Jazz in The Square, are the perfect place to not only enjoy the city, but also make some new dog-loving friends.

Seattle is one of the most pet-friendly cities to visit in the US. With countless tech companies — which frequently operate dog-friendly offices — the city itself has become a playground for pups.

There are at least 14 off-leash dog parks, a public transportation system that welcomes dogs, and many restaurants that welcome dogs to even eat inside with you. Local favorites include Norm’s Eatery and Alehouse and the aptly-named Bark Espresso.

If you’re a beer lover, make sure to check out the Ballard neighborhood — there are 11 breweries within one square mile, most of them with dog-friendly patios! Here, you and your furry best friend can enjoy some microbrews and that famously crisp Pacific Northwest air!

Cap off your sightseeing in the Emerald City with a visit to a dog friendly beach in Seattle.

Magnuson Park is an excellent choice, with scenic walking trails, a fenced dog park, and a stretch of beach on Lake Washington specifically for dogs. There’s even a hose and rinsing station for washing your pup after playing in the water! This park is also very close to Norm’s!

Want to do more exploring with your pup while you’re in Seattle? Just 90 miles north, there are tons of cool dog-friendly things to do on San Juan Island. Even the ferry welcomes dogs!

Not only is Washington D.C. filled with history but it is also one of the most dog friendly cities in the US!

For example, you frequently find dog owners walking their four-legged friend along the National Mall. That’s right, it’s just one of the uber-famous Washington DC landmarks that also happens to be dog-friendly!

DC also has many pup-friendly outdoor beer gardens and restaurants, scattered all over the city. 

Many shopping centers are also dog friendly and offer treats and water to your dog while you shop.

Interested in exploring the many parks or dog parks in Washington D.C.? Experience the variety of dog friendly hiking trails in Rock Creek Park or stop by the Yards Park in the Navy Yard, where dogs frequently enjoy outdoor activities with their owners.

The Washington Nationals even offer “Pups in the Park” baseball games. Your dog can go to the games with you, but even better, the proceeds from the ticket sales are donated to the Humane Rescue Alliance!

Looking for a relaxing experience for both you and your dog? Pack a picnic and head to Gravelly Point in Arlington, Virginia. Here, you can relax outdoors while spotting the airplanes taking off and landing at Ronald Reagan National Airport.

Gravelly Point is just north of the airport along the Potomac River and offers some of the best airplane spotting in the country.

Considering Washington D.C. for one of your next dog friendly vacations? Check out this three day itinerary!

So there you have it—15 of the most dog friendly cities to visit in the US. Have you been to any of them, or is there one you would add to the list? Let us know in the comments!

And be sure to pin this post for planning your dog friendly weekend getaway!

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