20 Pet-Friendly Travel Destinations - Travel Zone by Best Western

20 Pet-Friendly Travel Destinations

By Best Western
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Do you take your pup everywhere? At Best Western® Hotels & Resorts, we get it. That’s why many of our hotels are pet-friendly! If you’re thinking of going on an escape with your pal, take your furry friend to one of these 20 pet-friendly travel destinations. It’ll certainly make their tail wag!

Huntington Beach, California

Voted as one of California’s dog-friendliest cities, catch sun rays with your pup in Huntington Beach, California. Discover dog paradise at Huntington Dog Beach, a 1.5 mile beach where your pet can leave sand-printed paws freely along the waves. Grab lunch at Park Bench Café, a restaurant that has a “Canine Cuisine” menu of treats for your doggy. Special events include Surf City Surf Dog, which showcases surfing dogs, and SoCal Corgi Beach Day, which celebrates corgis, in the fall.

Book your stay at Newport Mesa Inn.

Photo by @hannahovereemphotographypet.

Johnsbury, Vermont 

If you’re looking for a haven where leashes are optional and furry friends are free to roam, look no further than Dog Mountain in St. Johnsbury, Vermont. Founded by Stephen Huneck and Gwen Huneck, this immersive space is set on 150 acres. Dog Mountain is filled with hiking trails, dog ponds, and wildflowers, and your pet is encouraged to play with other doggies and sniff the best of what nature has to offer. There’s also Dog Chapel that attracts visitors worldwide.

Book your stay at Best Western Plus Waterbury – Stowe.

Photo by happyvermont.com

Grand Haven, Michigan

The Grand Haven area is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. From the sandy Lake Michigan beaches to the hiking trails with scenic dune overlooks, get ready to exercise with your favorite pal. Visit Kirk Park, which features an off-leash dog beach and on-leash hiking trails, but don’t forget to bring a picnic to share while enjoying the water. Afterwards, enjoy an afternoon of pet shopping at Must Love Dogs, which carries all-natural dog food, or Ebby’s Pet Bakery and Boutique, your go-to dog bakery, where both stores will be certain to spoil your pet.

Book your stay at Best Western Beacon Inn.

Photo by Visit Grand Haven.

Birmingham, Alabama

The mountains are calling, and you and you pup must go– to Birmingham, Alabama. Nestled at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Birmingham offers numerous parks to visit. The Ruffner Mountain National Preserve offers over 11 miles of scenic hiking trails and wildlife viewings. The park is leash-on, pet-friendly so you and your nature loving buddy can go explore. After a day of adventure, grab your pup and a pint at Avondale Brewing Company, a venue that was once a pharmacy and saloon, or at the Birmingham District Brewing Company, where dogs are allowed inside and outside.

Book your stay at Bessemer Hotel & Suites.

Photo by brewcruizer.com

Wilmington, North Carolina

As a sandy, historic, beach city, Wilmington, North Carolina should be your list for your next pet-friendly vacation. Take a stroll along the Riverwalk in historic downtown Wilmington for nearly two miles along the bank of the Cape Fear River. There are several pet-friendly shops and restaurants along the way. In addition, you can set up camp with your car and your canine on the beach at dog-friendly Freeman Park. Watch the sunrise and the waves with your furry buddy on this beachy getaway.

Book your stay at Best Western Plus Westgate Inn & Suites.

Photo by Sunny Way of Life.

Key West, Florida

Do you and your four-legged pal love to play in the water? Visit Key West, Florida and book a tour with Lazy Dog Adventures. Whether you choose to kayak or stand up paddle board as a pair, or in a tour group, you’ll be sure to have a fantastic time exploring the clear, blue waters surrounding Key West.

Book your stay at Best Western Hibiscus Motel.

pet-friendly destinations
Photo by Lazy Dog Adventures.

Savannah, Georgia

History buffs will love taking your furry friend to uncover the history of Savannah, Georgia. Explore seven of Savannah’s iconic squares, historic Bull Street and other historic landmarks with your four-legged friend on the 1-mile Oliver Bentleys Historic Savannah Dog Walking Tour. Your tour guide will even point out dog-friendly establishments along the way, to enjoy during your stay in Savannah.

Book your stay at GLō Best Western Savannah-Gateway I-95.

Photo by Amanda Surowitz.

Chicago, Illinois

Take your pooch on a boat! With Mercury’s Canine Cruise, voyage Lake Michigan and the Chicago River – soaking the sights and city of Chicago with dog-friendly highlights. If you travel at the beginning of October, there is a themed Halloween Canine Cruise with pumpkin dog treats and awards for best doggie costumes.

Book your stay at ACME Hotel Company Chicago.

pet-friendly destinations
Photo by Mercury’s Canine Cruise.

Alexandria, Virginia

“George Washington loved dogs, and so do we,” boasts Mount Vernon. If you’re a historic buff with a pup, George Washington’s home at Mount Vernon is the perfect place to visit. Explore four beautiful gardens covering more than six acres, visit the farm and livestock or take a stroll by the Potomac River.

Book your stay at Best Western Plus Mount Vernon/Fort Belvoir.

pet-friendly destinations
Photo by Mount Vernon.

Lodi, California

If you’re a wine connoisseur and would like to indulge while you bring your furry best friend, travel to Lodi, California. Known as the Zinfandel Capital of the World, you can taste over 100 different award-winning varietals at 85+ boutique wineries – many of which are dog-friendly. Jeremy Wine Co. is a place where you can try a wine flight and is also known for embracing furry friends, so much so that they used to have a social page dedicated to dogs that visit their winery.

Photo by Jeremy Wine Company.

Book your stay at Best Western Galt Inn.

Durango, Colorado

The perfect getaway for you and your pet is Durango, Colorado! With hundreds of miles of beautiful dog-friendly trails at The Colorado Trail and river access for dogs at the five-acre off-leash Durango Dog Park, Durango offers adventure for you and your pet! Take a stroll in the historic downtown Durango and enjoy the many outdoor cafes and picnic areas.

Book your stay at Best Western Turquoise Inn & Suites.

Photo by the Colorado Trail Foundation.

San Antonio, Texas

Home of The Alamo, this fascinating city is a must-see for all! Bring your pet along to one of the most popular pet-friendly places in San Antonio, the River Walk. The 15-mile-long River Walk provides direct access to the city’s historical and cultural sites with local shops and restaurants along the way! Allow your furry friend to support your scares at the top rated Sister Grimm Ghost Tours, offering 90-minute dog friendly tours.

Book your stay at Best Western Alamo Suites.

Photo by Photo by Katherine Ripley.

Sun Valley, Idaho

The beautiful city of Sun Valley offers fun for everyone! Yes, your pet, too. Take a hike on one of the many dog-friendly trails: Trail Creek (1.5 miles), Draper Preserve (1 mile), Greenhorn Gulch/Cow Creek- Mid Valley (2 mile loop), or Taylor Canyon (4 mile loop). If you plan to visit during the winter, snowshoeing and Nordic Skiing with your dog in the great trail systems of the North and South Valleys is an amusing option. When the weather is a little warmer, swim in the gorgeous water of the Big Wood River by with your dog.

Book your stay at Best Western Plus Kentwood Lodge.

Photo by Photo by Big White Dog Photography.

Louisville, Nebraska

With small-town comfort and great hospitality all around, mark this cute town on your list to visit with your furry friend! Visit Platte River State Park and hike through grasslands, river bottoms, and woods. The park also offers a picturesque waterfall and two observation towers with a spectacular view of the Platte River Basin. Stop by B’s Diner and Bakery for homemade biscuits and gravy or other yummy diner options.

Book your stay at Best Western Plus Lincoln Inn & Suites.

Photo by Photo by Platte River Trails.

Shawnee, Kansas

From dog-friendly restaurants and beaches to pet-friendly tours and attractions, you and your pet will enjoy your time in Shawnee! Take a beach day at Shawnee Mission Dog Beach, a 53-acre off-leash dog park that allows for beach access at the lake. Satisfy your taste buds at Barley’s Kitchen + Tap and enjoy their pet friendly patios!

Book your stay at Best Western Plus Lee’s Summit Hotel & Suites.

Photo by Sally, Through the Lense Daily.

Knoxville, Tennessee

“Scruffy City” also known as Knoxville, is known for their southern hospitality and love for four-legged friends! It is a must visit for you and your furry friend. Explore the beautiful 47-acre public Botanical Garden and Arboretum, featuring walking trails, display gardens, unique historic horticulture, and over 2 miles of distinctive stone walls and buildings. Hike, bike, climb, paddle, and swim at the Ijams Nature Center. For delicious unique cuisines with dog-friendly patios, checkout downtown Knoxville! The Tomato Head located downtown offers pizza, beer, eccentric cocktails, and a patio for your pup to come along. Be sure to check out the dog-friendly events that occur throughout the year!

Book your stay at Best Western Knoxville Suites – Downtown.

Photo by Photo by Lorea Thomson.

New Orleans, Louisiana

Don’t leave your best pal behind on your trip to New Orleans! Go for a picnic or a nice walk along the beautiful Woldenberg Riverfront Park. Discover New Orleans’ infamous and eerie locations on the Haunted History Tours and bring your furry friend to snuggle with. Visit The French Quarter and bring your pet to tag along to the restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops!

Book your stay at Best Western Plus French Quarter Courtyard Hotel.

Photo by BringFido.

Lutsen, Minnesota

Take Lucy and Max with you to Lutsen, Minnesota! Enjoy the beautiful, natural waterfalls at Cascade River State Park and see the sights at Judge C.R. Magney State Park. After a full day of adventure at local state parks, wind down and relax at the North Shore Winery. Complete with tasting flights, a full selection of wine and cider, a wide array of snacks, the North Shore Winery is the perfect location to enjoy with friends, family, and of course your furry, four-legged best friend.

Book your stay at Best Western Plus Superior Inn.

Photo by wine dogs.

Seattle, Washington

A laid-back atmosphere with a great number of attractions and lush forestry, welcome to the “Emerald City”. Take an early morning stroll along the Seattle Waterfront with a collection of lively restaurants, shops, and the well-known Great Wheel. Rent a boat at Green Lake Park and bring your pup along or take a scenic seaplane tour and see the city like never before with Kenmore Air. Take your pup to an indoor/outdoor dog park, while enjoying a cider or beer at Voff Dog Park or Dogwood Park Play.

Book your stay at Best Western Plus Pioneer Square Hotel Downtown.

Photo by Born For Pets.

Belfast, Maine

A charming city with unique shops, historic buildings and a lively art scene have made this small town a popular tourist destination! The city’s oldest park, Belfast City Park, is a wonderful place to explore with your pet while enjoying a sweeping view of Penobscot Bay. Enjoy the beauty of nature on 30 miles of dog-friendly hiking trails at the Camden Hills State Park featuring views of the rocky shoreline. Travel a few miles north to Belfast & Moosehead Lake Railroad for a pet friendly joy ride!

Book your stay at Best Western White House Inn.

Photo by Greg Mellen.