10 Dog-Friendly Travel Destinations in 2025 (and what to do with your pup)
Quick note: Always check local rules the week you go—leash laws and beach hours change seasonally.
San Diego, California
Why it’s great: Year-round weather and multiple sandy spots where dogs can actually run.
Don’t miss: Off-leash zoomies at OB Dog Beach (Ocean Beach)—open 24/7 in its designated zone north of Lifeguard Tower 5.
Know before you go: City pages list beaches by name; rules vary and some spots have seasonal hours.
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Why it’s great: One of the most dog-loving towns in the U.S.—with an iconic off-leash beach.
Don’t miss: Sunset strolls on Carmel Beach (voice control required).
Know before you go: Off-leash allowed on Carmel Beach/ Mission Trails Park under reliable voice control; elsewhere, leash up.
Bend, Oregon
Why it’s great: Trails, river days, snowy play, and tons of dog parks.
Don’t miss: Bob Wenger off-leash area inside Pine Nursery Park (18 acres).
Know before you go: Huge fenced areas and amenities—great for high-energy dogs.
Portland, Oregon
Why it’s great: A city with 30+ off-leash areas plus riverfront paths.
Don’t miss: Neighborhood park hops—Mt. Tabor and Sellwood Riverfront are favorites.
Know before you go: Enforcement is strict—expect tickets for off-leash outside designated areas.
Sedona, Arizona
Why it’s great: Red-rock views on pup-friendly trails (bring booties/water).
Don’t miss: Dog-friendly trails in Coconino National Forest around Sedona.
Know before you go: Hot surfaces require paw checks; start early.
Asheville, North Carolina
Why it’s great: Blue Ridge hikes + a huge number of dog-friendly patios and breweries.
Don’t miss: Plan trail mornings and patio afternoons using the city’s dog-friendly listings.
Know before you go: Many trails are leashed; breweries welcome well-behaved pups.
Bar Harbor & Acadia National Park, Maine
Why it’s great: A national park with 100 miles of trails and 45 miles of carriage roads that allow leashed pets.
Don’t miss: Carriage-road loops with ocean and lake views.
Know before you go: National park leashes must be 6 ft or less.
Austin, Texas
Why it’s great: Greenbelts, lakes, and a patio culture that welcomes dogs.
Don’t miss: Use the Austin Insider guide for dog-friendly things to do.
Know before you go: Leash rules apply except in posted off-leash areas.
Savannah, Georgia
Why it’s great: Shady historic squares and many pet-friendly patios.
Don’t miss: Square-to-square strolls from Forsyth Park to the river.
Know before you go: Leashes are required in parks and squares.
Fort De Soto Park (St. Pete/Tampa Bay), Florida
Why it’s great: One of Florida’s rare off-leash dog beaches, plus fenced play areas.
Don’t miss: Paw Playground and the designated dog beach at the park’s southwest corner.
Know before you go: Pinellas County’s only dog-designated beach; other beaches may be leash-only or no-dogs.
When to go in 2025 (quick picks)
- Spring & fall: Asheville, Sedona, Austin, Portland (mild temps, fewer crowds)
- Summer: Bar Harbor/Acadia, Bend (mountain breezes), Carmel (cool coast)
- Winter: San Diego and Tampa Bay for beach weather with your pup
Packing list for a smooth trip
- Collapsible bowl, high-value treats, and extra poop bags
- 6-ft leash (most cities/parks require it), long line for open fields where allowed
- Updated ID + microchip; copy of rabies certificate
- Tick/flea prevention, paw balm/booties for hot or rough terrain
Quick rules that rarely change
- National parks: pets are leashed ≤6 ft; check pet-allowed areas
- Cities: off-leash only in posted areas; fines are common in strict cities
- Beaches: even within “dog beaches,” follow posted zones/hours