Finding the perfect pet friendly vacation rental can be challenging at times. Get inspired by these top pet friendly destinations and plan the perfect getaway with Tripping.com!
10) Destin, Florida
Within Destin, your four-legged friend can come along to Henderson Beach State Park (on leash) and explore the nature trails and picnic area. Henderson Beach State Park is also one of the best places to view the Florida sunsets, and you definitely won't want your furry friend to miss out on those stunning, colorful views! Your canine buddy can enjoy Destin's famous seafood on the patio at Joe's Crab Shack, Dewey Destin Seafood, or Hammerhead's, which have special offerings for dogs. Tail-waggers are welcomed by several boat rental companies and cruises, including Destin Vacation Boat Rentals, Crab Island Cruises, and Dockside Watersports, so go ahead and plan that boating day trip! However, while most beach vacation rental accommodations in Destin are pet-friendly, the beaches are not. Because this Florida beach town is so popular among humans, dogs will have to stick to the Destin Dog Park for off-leash fun. Nearby Pensacola allows dogs off-leash at the Bayview Dog Beach, so your pet can still get a chance to frolic in the water!
9) Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Popular for cabin rentals, this woodland area of Tennessee is the perfect place to bring your dog for some outdoor fun. The Oconaluftee River Trail and Gatlinburg River Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park are open to pets and have beautiful spots for your dog to splash around in the river. Wide open spaces for your pooch to run free include Cades Cove in Smoky Mountains National Park and local Patriot Park in the heart of downtown. Take note, however, that pets must be on a leash at all times due to the high chance of a coming across wildlife like turkeys, bears, and deer. Dollywood, one of Tennessee's biggest attractions, has a luxury kennel and called Doggywood, so you can enjoy the theme park without worrying about your pup. Ride on!
8) Breckenridge, Colorado
At 9,600 ft Breckenridge is one of America's Top 10 highest towns above sea level. Even at a staggering elevation, there is still a plethora of activities for you and your pet to take part in together. Breckenridge is a popular location for dog sledding, so the village is largely built around four-legged friends. During the winter, the Arapahoe Basin Ski Area is the place for pet parents to hang out. With tons of free space for your pooch to play in the snow with new friends and a lively barbeque going most days, there is something for every species to do. Explore Colorado's natural beauty during any season at dog-friendly McCullough Gulch, Crystal Lakes, or Carter Park. There are several shops and restaurants in town that welcome canine friends, the most popular of which is Motherloaded Tavern; it even has a separate dog menu!
7) Paris, France
Paris? Pet-friendly? Oui, oui! Animals are generally allowed in more places in Paris than in the United States. Small dogs can ride the metro for free (if in a handbag), and large dogs can ride for the price of a child's ticket. Legendary gardens like the Luxembourg and Tuileries at pet-friendly in certain sections, and Buttes Chaumont Park welcomes pets everywhere. Most cafes and brasseries will let dogs dine on their patios, and some will allow small dogs inside if you ask. However, take note that dogs are technically supposed to be on a leash at all times and are not allowed in museums (even in a handbag).
6) Barcelona, Spain
Ah, Barça! This popular Catalonian city is a great option for a pet friendly vacation. The best way to get around Barcelona is to walk, and your pooch will definitely appreciate this. Major attractions like Parc Guell, Gaudà houses, Gothic Quarter, and the Barcelona Fish are all structures that you will likely pass during one of your many walks around the city. Plus, many of Barcelona's famous tapas restaurants are pet-friendly and there are also a few specialty dog cafes. Just off Las Ramblas, you can shop like local at the Boqueria, an open-air market that pets frequent with their owners. Even though dogs are not allowed on beaches, they can run along the nearby boardwalk, so your four-legged friend will not miss out of the refreshing sea breeze and beautiful view.
5) Hilton Head, South Carolina
This popular island destination loves your furry companions as much as you do! Dogs are allowed on the beaches, as long as they have a leash or are close enough to the owner to be under voice command. Meet other dogs at the Chapin Park (aka Best Friends Dog Park) or take a relaxing stroll through the Sea Pines Forest Preserve. Many restaurants are pet friendly, including Crazy Crab, Bistro 17, and Captain Woody's. Several charter and cruise companies allow dogs aboard (Vagabond, Captain Mark's, Runaway), so your tail-wagger can enjoy the salty wind in its hair, too.
4) Rome, Italy
Rome's pet friendly atmosphere has blossomed in part thanks to the legend that the founders of Rome were raised by a she-wolf after being abandoned at birth. Because of this history, you and your pooch can enjoy seeing countless art pieces depicting and honoring dogs throughout Rome. Another perk of bringing your dog to Rome is that many of the iconic sightseeing spots, such as the Trevi Fountain, Piazza de Popolo, and the Spanish Steps, are free and outdoors. Similar to Paris, dogs, cats, and birds are allowed on designated lines on the buses and trains if on a leash or in a cage for the price of an adult ticket. It is recommended that dogs are kept on a leash while walking around the busy streets of Rome, but most dogs will run off-leash in the large public parks like Villa Doria Pamphilj, Parco Della Villa Borghese, and Bau Beach (just outside Rome). Throughout Rome, restaurants and shops allow animals to share a pizza on the patio or wait patiently at “dog parking" while the pet parent shops for groceries. Some restaurants will even permit dogs inside, and others like Millenium offer specialties like doggie ice cream. Don't be surprised if you see a four-legged companion sitting in a chair while dining alfresco!
3) Lake Tahoe, California
“The Lake" is famous for it warm embrace of furry friends. In August, the annual “Peaks & Paws" event at Squaw Valley gives pet parents the chance to enjoy pet-friendly activities, live music, and wine tasting after running a 10K. Kiva Beach and the Camp Richardson marina are popular summer spots for humans that are also popular among the canine community. When there's snow on the ground, make sure to bring Fido to the Tahoe City Winter Sports Park so he or she play along as you dogsled or cross-country ski. For some year-round dog fun, visit the South Lake Tahoe Dog park, Bijou Community Park, and Scraps Dog Bakery.
2) Miami, Florida
Miami might as well be named the “Dog Park Capital of the United States." Among its list of pet friendly romping grounds are the Dog Park At Haulover Park, Lago Mar Dog Park, Perrine Wayside Dog Park, Amelia Earhart Dog Park, and Dog Chow Dog Park, not to mention all of the other “normal" parks that are also pet friendly. While Florida law prohibits animals from going inside restaurants, most restaurants allow dogs on their outdoor patios. Some restaurants going above and beyond for canine crowds are LoKal Burgers and Beer (YeYo the French Bulldog greets customers), Shake Shack (offers a “Pooch-ini" sundae), and Michael's Genuine Food and Drink (provides doggies with organic treats for free). The fun doesn't stop there! Take your furry companion shopping at Doggie Bag Cafe and Pet Boutique for some afternoon retail therapy.
1) San Diego, California
Surf's up! Dogs in this sprawling Pacific Coast city are known to ride in the waves alongside the human surfers. The most popular dog beach in the city, fittingly named Dog Beach, is located in the Ocean Beach neighborhood and is leash-free 24/7. Surf dogs prefer Coronado, while pups looking for a more relaxed day will chill out in Del Mar. Fiesta Island, located within Mission Bay, is entirely leash-free, too! Upgrade your usual trip to the dog park by instead bringing your furry friend to famous Balboa Park or Old Town State Historic Park. Restaurants are particularly willing to work with pet owners in San Diego. For example, Cafe Americana (Del Mar) has dog friendly menu items, Sally's Seafood on the Water (Downtown) provides free water and biscuits to dogs, and Caffe Italia (Mission Hills/San Diego Bay) allows dogs inside and has treats for purchase. San Diego pooches certainly have something to wag their tails about!
No matter where in the world you're traveling, the perfect pet friendly vacation rental is waiting on Tripping.com!