Reviewed by Natural Farm Pet Team · Updated January 2026
What are the most dog-friendly places in the US? The top dog-friendly travel destinations in the U.S. include the Blue Ridge Mountains (NC) for hiking, Austin (TX) for paddleboarding and dog parks, Central Oregon for outdoor camping, Chicago (IL) for urban lakefront walks, and San Diego (CA) for year-round dog beaches.
Are you seeking pawsome getaways to enjoy with your furry companions? Planning a trip with your dog requires more than just finding a pet-friendly hotel; it requires finding a city built for canine adventures. Below you will find our top 5 most dog-friendly destinations in the US, offering year-round adventures that will leave you and your pup howling with excitement!
📖 In This Article:
1. The Blue Ridge Mountains (North Carolina)
Immerse yourself in the spirit of Appalachia as you discover the Blue Ridge Mountains! Located in the eastern United States, this mountain range provides the perfect retreat for pet lovers who are interested in a destination offering a wealth of social and outdoor activities alike.
Nestled at the heart of it all is the vibrant city of Asheville, NC. Aptly referred to as "Beer City USA," Asheville is full of dog-friendly bars, restaurants, and shops. Spend the day with your pups browsing artsy boutiques, and then head to the Pisgah National Forest to swim, hike, and view waterfalls. You can also opt for a more secluded option and rent a dog-friendly cabin in the woods!
🏔️ Hiking
Pisgah National Forest
🍺 Dog-Friendly Bars
Asheville breweries
🏡 Cabins
Dog-friendly rentals
🍂 Pro Tip: Plan your visit for autumn when the leaves change hues to find your surroundings ablaze with the most satisfying fall colors you could imagine.
2. Austin, TX
Buzzing with positive energy and teeming with options for dog-friendly activities, this music mecca is a fantastic place to get away with your furry companions! Austin is ripe with dog-friendly lakes, creeks, and springs. Visit Red Bud Isle and take your pups on a swim, let them splash around, or get them out on your paddleboard or canoe.
Austin is also home to several establishments where you can work with Wi-Fi while keeping your dog by your side. You might opt to visit a staffed dog park café to let your pups play while you enjoy a cup of coffee. Indulge in yoga with your pups at Austin Doga and then swing by one of the several dog-friendly breweries to immerse yourself entirely in the exuberant Austin atmosphere.
🏄 Paddleboarding
Red Bud Isle
🐕 Dog Park Cafés
Work + play combos
🧘 Doga
Yoga with your pup
3. Central Oregon
If outdoor activities with your furry companions are what you're after, look no further than Central Oregon, where countless adventure opportunities are bound to get tails wagging! Here you will find the Cascade Mountain Range, the Deschutes National Forest, Smith Rock, waterfalls galore, and abundant opportunities for camping, backpacking, and white-water rafting with your pups!
Allow your pups to get their paws wet in the Deschutes River and then take them on a hike to Tumalo Falls. Want to plan a winter trip? Take your pups to Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort just outside of Bend to enjoy a fun-filled day of tailgating with many other dog owners and their frolicking fidos!
🏕️ Camping
Deschutes National Forest
🧗 Rock Climbing
Smith Rock State Park
⛷️ Winter Fun
Mt. Bachelor tailgating
🏕️ Travel Hack: Keeping Dogs Calm at the Campsite
After a long day of hiking, your dog needs a way to wind down around the campfire. High-value chews like odor-free bully sticks or long-lasting beef marrow bones provide intense mental stimulation that naturally tires them out, keeping them quiet and relaxed in the tent.
🏖️ Pro Tip: Since the coast is only a couple of hours away, you could pencil in a day trip to the beach while you're visiting Central Oregon!
Don't forget the travel chews
Long car rides, hotel rooms, and new environments can stress dogs out. A long-lasting chew fixes that.
Pack odor-free bully sticks or collagen sticks for calm, happy dogs on the road.
Shop Travel Chews →4. Chicago, IL
Are you seeking a metropolitan getaway to enjoy with your best friend? It might come as no surprise to find Chicago, IL, on our list of top dog-friendly destinations! Bring your dogs along on Mercury's Canine Cruise to view the city from a unique perspective and learn about its rich cultural history.
Take your pups on a walk along the riverfront and pop into several dog-friendly establishments along the way. While the city may be sprawling, there are still options to engage in outdoor activities! If you're looking to make a splash, take your dogs to Montrose Beach, which is a massive fenced-in dog beach right on Lake Michigan.
🚢 Canine Cruise
Mercury's river tour
🏖️ Dog Beach
Montrose Beach
🚶 Riverfront
Dog-friendly patios
5. San Diego, CA
Say sayonara to the dog days of summer by visiting San Diego! Known for possessing the best climate year-round in the United States, San Diego offers a plethora of options for individuals seeking a relaxing escape with their dogs.
Home to numerous dog-friendly beaches such as Ocean Beach Dog Beach, Fiesta Island, Sunset Cliffs, and Coronado Dog Beach, San Diego is the perfect location for beach-loving canines. Take a dip in the cool Pacific Ocean and then head into the mountains for some crisp, refreshing air with a weekend camping trip to Palomar Mountain.
Back in the city, you can bike, skate, or stroll with your dogs along the boardwalk that spans from Pacific Beach to Mission Beach, enjoying lots of dog-friendly restaurant patios along the way.
🏖️ Dog Beaches
Ocean Beach, Fiesta Island
🚴 Boardwalk
Pacific Beach → Mission Beach
⛺ Mountain Camping
Palomar Mountain
Pack Your Bags (And the Essential Travel Chews)
Whether you and your puppy pals are city slickers or off-griders, these destination recommendations provide options for just about everyone! But before you hit the road or board your flight, remember that travel can cause anxiety for many dogs.
The best way to keep a dog calm in a hotel room, crate, or car is through the natural soothing action of chewing. Be sure to pack a supply of long-lasting chews to keep them happily occupied during downtime.
From all of us at Natural Farm, we wish you and your dogs endless safe and joy-filled experiences. Snap some pictures of your pups on vacation and be sure to tag #LetsChewNatural so we can come along on your travel adventures!
Planning your next trip with your pup? We send one exclusive deal a week on grass-fed treats and travel-friendly chews. Join here if you're into that.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most dog-friendly city in the US?
Austin, TX and San Diego, CA consistently rank among the most dog-friendly cities in the U.S. Austin offers dog-friendly lakes, breweries, cafés, and even dog yoga. San Diego provides year-round warm weather, multiple off-leash dog beaches, and a boardwalk culture built around outdoor living with pets.
How do I keep my dog calm during travel?
The most effective strategy is long-lasting chews. Chewing is a natural stress-relief mechanism for dogs — it releases calming endorphins and redirects nervous energy. Pack odor-free bully sticks or collagen sticks for car rides, hotel rooms, and downtime at campsites. Also consider crate-training your dog before the trip so they have a familiar "safe space" wherever you go.
Are national parks dog-friendly?
It varies widely. National forests (like Pisgah and Deschutes) are generally very dog-friendly with most trails open to leashed dogs. National parks tend to be more restrictive — many limit dogs to paved roads, campgrounds, and parking areas. Always check the specific park's pet policies before visiting. State parks are typically a good middle ground with generous dog access on trails.
What should I pack for a road trip with my dog?
Essentials include a collapsible water bowl, leash and harness, poop bags, their regular food, any medications, a first-aid kit, a crate or travel carrier, and plenty of long-lasting chews for downtime. Don't forget an updated ID tag and copies of vaccination records — many pet-friendly hotels and campgrounds require proof of rabies vaccination.
Can I take my dog to the beach?
Many beaches allow dogs, but rules vary by location. San Diego is one of the best destinations for dog beaches — Ocean Beach Dog Beach and Fiesta Island allow off-leash play year-round. Chicago's Montrose Beach also has a dedicated fenced dog beach on Lake Michigan. Always check local leash laws and bring fresh water, as saltwater can cause stomach upset if dogs drink too much.
About Natural Farm
Want to see what goes into making our treats? Watch how Natural Farm brings premium, all-natural dog chews from farm to your front door:
In 2018, after years of searching for high-quality natural dog treats and coming up short, we decided to make them ourselves. Natural Farm was born out of a simple idea: dog chews, treats, and bones should be sustainably sourced, produced in human-grade FDA- and USDA-approved facilities, and lab tested for quality. No exceptions.
We're committed to pets, people, and the planet — giving back to communities, supporting reforestation, and packaging everything in recycled materials.