As a world-traveling Yorkie, I am always on the sniff for dog-friendly cities – spectacular places I can easily explore with my humans.
For the last six years, I’ve left my mark in some world-famous destinations, from Paris to Rome to Rio de Janeiro. Luckily, I don’t always have to hop on a long-haul international flight to find places that welcome my furriness with open paws. The USA is full of dog-friendly gems!
Sniff out my paw-picked list of 10 BEST Cities to Visit in the U.S. with Your Dog!
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Side Note: This post was written from personal experience by Talek with the help of her Yorkie friend, Roger Wellington of Wet Nose Escapades. Read more about Talek in the author’s bio at the end of this post!
Table of Contents
Top US Cities to Visit With Your Dog
1. New York City, NY
- Dog-friendly highlights: Staten Island Ferry (caged or muzzled), Central Park, Times Square, Brooklyn Bridge
- Where to Stay with Your Pup: Renaissance New York Times Square (up to 51 pounds) or Virgin Hotels NYC (no weight restrictions).
WOOF, the Big Apple needs no introduction! As the largest city in the U.S., NYC is jam-packed with dog-friendly attractions.
Dogs can run loose in the 23 off-leash areas at the 843-acre Central Park (with a total of 50 dog parks across five boroughs), hop on the Staten Island Ferry to get a closeup of the Statue of Liberty, and meander along the Hudson River.
Although it can be a bit of a madhouse, the exuberant Times Square is also a landmark that you can explore with your dog – as long as you do so carefully during non-peak hours (for your dog’s safety and comfort).
As a former furry New Yorker, I am wagging my tail to have barked the Upper East Side as my home. My favorite neighborhood streets are 5th and Madison Avenues, two of the most expensive shopping streets in the world where I’ve done my fair share of “window” shopping (or sniffing).
And, of course, dog-friendly activities are not limited to Manhattan; one of my favorite things to do is to walk my paws across the Brooklyn Bridge. Regardless of the borough you’ve set your paws in, you can easily find restaurants with dog-friendly sidewalk seating, ranging from upscale brunch spots in SoHo to hipster joints in Williamsburg.
2. Miami, FL
- Dog-friendly highlights: Hobie Island Beach, Bayfront Park, Sugar, Lincoln Road, Wynwood Walls, and Little Havana
- Where to Stay with Your Pup: Miami Mariott Biscayne Bay
Resting on the southern coast of the Sunshine State, Miami is one of the best beach vacations in the U.S. you can take with your dog. With year-round sunshine, gorgeous beaches, and posh nightlife, it’s no surprise why travelers flock to The Magic City every year.
There is no debate that Miami is a real playground for dogs. From dog-friendly beaches (Haulover Beach, Bark Beach, Hobie Island Beach) to dog-friendly scenic parks (Lummus Park, Bayfront Park) to dog-friendly rooftop bars (Sugar, Serena), there is no shortage of places that welcome your dog with open paws.
I love hitting up South Beach, the city’s esteemed neighborhood with so much to offer for four-legged visitors. The main thoroughfare Lincoln Road is filled with dog-friendly establishments, including boutiques, luxury retail shops, art galleries, and trendy eateries with outdoor seating.
Showcasing Miami’s funkiest street art and murals, Wynwood Walls is one happening place to take your dog.
And, if you want to visit Miami’s renowned Little Havana, there’s no need to leave your dog behind to get a glimpse of Cuba. This vibrant Cuban neighborhood makes for a fascinating stroll; you can take your dog to a walk-up coffee window, stop by a cigar factory, and grab a paw-lickin’ Cuban sandwich.
3. Savannah, GA
- Dog-friendly highlights: Downtown Savannah, Black Dog General Store, District Smokehouse, ghost tours
- Where to Stay with Your Pup: Foley House Inn
One of the most historic cities in the South, Savannah is home to centuries-old religious sites and innumerable live oaks. Separated from South Carolina by the Savannah River, this coastal city of about 150K people draws a whopping 14 million visitors annually. Although dogs are not allowed inside museums and religious sites, they are welcome to walk the cobbled streets of Downtown.
The city’s historic Downtown is truly a one-of-a-kind attraction with 22 iconic cobblestoned squares, mesmerizing Gothic/Greek Revival-style architecture, antique and collectible shops (Black Dog General Store), and over 100 fantastic restaurants (many with dog-friendly outdoor patios like District Smokehouse)
If your dog loves frolicking in the water, you can take him kayaking and paddle boarding around the Savannah River. If your dog prefers exploring on land, you can take him on a walking tour like the popular ghost tour.
Better yet, take him on the Oliver Bentleys Historic Dog Walk Tour; this mile-long tour specifically caters to four-legged visitors who want a sniff of the city’s rich history and culture. Furry tour participants even get a complimentary bag of treats. Wag your tail to that!
Find more dog-friendly things to do around the USA using my (ever-growing) map!
4. Boston, MA
- Dog-friendly highlights: Boston Common, Freedom Trail, Boston Harbo
- Where to Stay with Your Pup: Canopy by Hilton
ARF, who doesn’t love Beantown? One can never bark about the East Coast without barking about Boston. This city is so “wicked” that it even has its own lingo! Boston’s significance in American history is already worthy of a visit, and it’s certainly no surprise that Boston is also one of the best cities to visit in the U.S. when traveling with a dog.
It is home to the Boston Commons, America’s oldest park founded way back in 1634. With an impressive 50 acres of urban oasis, this long-lived park makes one a mesmerizing place to walk your dog, hit up an off-leash dog park, or relax to some people-watching.
There are plenty of easy to moderate-level dog-friendly trails and walks throughout the city, including the Boston Public Garden and Rose Kennedy Greenway.
You can also walk the famous Freedom Trail with your dog, which encompasses 16 locations pivotal to the foundation of America. If your dog wags his tail for water excursions, he can hop on a dog-friendly kayak, canoe, or paddleboard around the Boston Harbor.
5. Seattle, WA
- Dog-friendly highlights: Discovery Park, Washington Park Arboretum, Heather Lake Trail
- Where to Stay with Your Pup: Sheraton Grand Seattle
Although I dislike rain on my silky fur, it doesn’t stop me from leaving my mark in Seattle. It’s no secret that Seattle rains so frequently that it is nicknamed “Rain City.”
Serving as the headquarters to giant corporations like Starbucks, Microsoft, and Amazon, this seaport city in the Pacific Northwest is surrounded by pure natural beauty – an evergreen landscape, two mountain ranges, and several bodies of water (including the Pacific Ocean).
As you can imagine, urban hikes are the best ways to take in some jaw-dropping panoramic views while traveling with your dog.
Although not every trail is dog-friendly, there is still an abundance to choose from in the area, such as Discovery Park (the largest park in the city) and Washington Park Arboretum.
Looking for mountain hikes with your dog? Check out Heather Lake Trail and Twin Falls, just right outside the city limits. And, your dog can mingle with the furry Seattleites at one of the city’s 14 well-maintained off-leash parks, with the largest one spanning 9 fenced-in acres at Magnuson Park.
Dog-friendly restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and breweries are ubiquitous in every neighborhood, from my favorite Belltown to the University District.
Read this complete guide to all things dog-friendly in Seattle!
6. Kansas City, MO
- Dog-friendly highlights: Weston Bend State Park, the grounds of the National World War I Museum, Bar K Dog Bar, Swope Park.
- Where to Stay with Your Pup: Hotel Kansas City
Straddling the border of Kansas state on the western side of Missouri, Kansas City seems to have it all – history, architecture, jazz music, fountains, and mouthwatering barbeque!
The largest city of Missouri, Kansas City boasts a plethora of tail-waggin’ places for dogs to chase butts, from green fields like Swope Park and Loose Park to off-leash dog parks like West Terrace Dog Park in Downtown.
A quick drive out of the city brings you to one of the best dog-friendly scenic trails at Weston Bend State Park, where you and your dog can enjoy sweeping views of the Missouri River.
Dog-loving history buffs can visit the National World War I Museum, where the outdoor area is dog-friendly and presents incredible views of the Kansas City skyline.
Besides the typical bars, BBQ joints, and restaurants with dog-friendly outdoor seating, Kansas City is also home to the extraordinary Bar K Dog Bar, a prime hang-out for dogs and dog pawrents.
An establishment meticulously designed with dogs and dog lovers in mind, Bar K Dog Bar features a massive 2-acre, fully-staffed dog park (along with a small dog park) and a dog-friendly modern outdoor bar, restaurant, and coffee house.
This creative space even hosts a variety of adoption events and live music. While the humans grab drinks, dogs can run around and have the time of their lives.
7. New Orleans, LA
- Dog-friendly highlights: St. Charles Streetcar (small dogs in carriers), City Park, Lafayette Square, Magazine Street, Algiers Ferry, & many bars and restaurants.
- Where to Stay with Your Pup: The Royal Sonesta
NOLA a.k.a. the BIG EASY took me by surprise! A rich blend of French, African, and American cultures, New Orleans is indisputably considered the single most unique city in America. Despite its Bourbon Street debauchery and round-the-clock nightlife, this foodie destination in the Deep South is super dog-friendly.
PRO TIP: Instead of spending all your time in the congested French Quarter, explore the ultra-hip Magazine Street in the more laid-back and walkable Garden District, which has dog-friendly antique stores and cool eateries.
During my very first visit, I was astonished to find that dogs are generally allowed INSIDE bars throughout the city. Not to mention, there is a myriad of restaurants with dog-friendly patios, ranging from good ole Southern cooking to no-frills po-boy shops.
A few restaurants even welcomed me to dine inside for no apparent reason, which leads me to believe that a dog’s entry may ultimately depend on the staff of the hour.
In addition to the aesthetically pleasing dog-friendly green spaces and double-gated dog parks, this historical city provides free poop bags in many neighborhoods for dog pawrents to clean up after their dogs.
When I’m not marking up the city streets, I am sniffing out Louis Armstrong Park, Lafayette Square, and Lee Circle. Within the massive New Orleans City Park, Bark Dog Park belongs to an elite class of dog parks where a permit must be paid for your dog’s entry.
Small dogs (in carriers) can take the St. Charles Streetcar to see Queen Anne-style mansions while all leashed dogs can ride Algiers Ferry over the Mississippi River.
8. Tampa, FL
- Dog-friendly highlights: Tampa Riverwalk, Ybor City, Waterworks Park, Two Shepherds Brewing Company
- Where to Stay with Your Pup: Le Meridien Tampa
Resting on Tampa Bay on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Tampa is a dynamic city with a retro vibe and an eclectic mix of rich Latin cultures.
Founded by immigrant cigar workers, Tampa’s treasured neighborhood of Ybor City is known for Cuban and Latin American eateries (and the birthplace of the Cuban sandwich).
With hundreds of dog-friendly hotels, restaurants, coffee shops, and breweries, Tampa is a top destination for furry travelers. In fact, it has been ranked as the “#1 City To Be A Dog” by Honest Paws, which found 15 dog parks, 52 pet-friendly breweries, and 6 dog-friendly beaches in Tampa. WOOF!
To walk and socialize your dog, head to the Tampa Riverwalk, a frequently-visited path along the tranquil Hillsborough River.
Along the way, your dog will encounter several local dog parks at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park, Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, and Water Works Park. In Ybor City, Tampa Bay Brewing Company is a fun place to grab a beer and chill with your dog on their inviting outdoor patio.
The largest dog-friendly bar in the city is Two Shepherds Taproom, which features a gigantic outdoor dog park and indoor play area.
9. Washington, D.C.
- Dog-friendly highlights: Tampa Riverwalk, Ybor City, Waterworks Park, Two Shepherds Brewing Company
- Where to Stay with Your Pup: Lyle Washington D.C.
ARF, the U.S. capital is not just about government buildings, monuments, and memorials! About a 4-hour drive from NYC, Washington D.C. is an international destination that draws more than 25 million visitors yearly.
At first sniff, D.C. may not sound like an exciting destination to take your dog since indoor museums and government buildings strictly prohibit dogs (except for service animals).
However, you can still find plentiful dog-friendly attractions like President’s Park, Lincoln Park, and National Mall – all of which offer grassy fields for dogs to play in. Plus, dog parks are found all over the city and metro, from S Street Dog Park to Shaw Dog Park.
Even though dogs are NOT welcome inside The White House Visitor Center or Capitol Visitor Center, they can still join their humans in other top attractions. For instance, pedicab tours like Wheel The People are dog-friendly and stop at all the monuments.
Dogs are also allowed on the grounds of famous memorials like the prominent Lincoln Memorial. If you’re looking for a lively place to hang out with the D.C. dog community, you should definitely spend an afternoon at Barkhaus.
Located in Alexandria, VA (right outside of the city), Barkhaus is D.C. Metro’s first dog bar & restaurant, featuring both indoor and outdoor off-leash parks.
10. Asheville, NC
- Dog-friendly highlights: Tampa Riverwalk, Ybor City, Waterworks Park, Two Shepherds Brewing Company
- Where to Stay with Your Pup: The Omni Grove (up to 60 pounds)
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains in western North Carolina, Asheville is an enchanting little city known for its lively arts district, architectural treasures, and craft beer scene.
From the Basilica of Saint Lawrence to the Biltmore Estate, this dynamic city possesses some of the greatest architectural beauties in the country. Although dogs are NOT allowed inside places of worship or museums, they are more than welcome to explore the outside.
Situated over 800 acres, the 250-room Biltmore Estate is “America’s largest home” and boasts lush exterior dog-friendly grounds. Dogs are also welcome to dine on the patio of the estate’s restaurant Bistro and Cedric’s Tavern.
The Blue Ridge Mountains offer miles and miles of dog-friendly mountain trails for athletic dogs who enjoy a good trek.
If your dog’s not a hiker, be sure to take a stroll Downtown to admire public art, visit a doggie boutique, hit up the nearby dog parks, or wine and dine at one of the many trendy dog-friendly eateries and breweries.
WOOF, I hope you enjoy my list of the 10 BEST Cities to Visit in the U.S. with Your Dog! Where is your favorite dog-friendly destination?
Markin’ it up,
Roger Wellington a.k.a. The Doob
More Dog-friendly Cities to Visit in the USA
Looking for more wonderfully dog-friendly cities? Check out some more of my favorites below. AND be sure to download this (forever growing) map to find the best dog-friendly gems near you!
- Chattanooga, TN
- Dallas, TX
- Los Angeles, CA
- Stowe, VT
- Salt Lake City, UT
- San Diego, CA
- Oceanside, CA
- Unique Dog-friendly Attractions in the USA
- Grants Pass, OR
- Most Dog-friendly National Parks
About the Author!
Talek Nantes is a best-selling author, tour operator, digital content creator, and founder of the travel blog, www.travelswithtalek.com. She loves sharing travel tips and advice to help travelers create their own unique travel adventures. Talek lives with her husband in Miami, Florida.
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