Top Dog Friendly Cities in the United States

Do you want to take your dog on a vacation but don’t know where to go? This post includes the top dog friendly cities in the United States including some of the best dog parks, trails, and dog friendly restaurants you can find there.

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How were these cities chosen?

The top dog friendly cities were chosen based on the following key components:

Climate
Walking trails and dog parks
Dog friendly hotels and accommodations
Dog friendly restaurants

St. Petersburg, Florida

St. Petersburg is located on a peninsula, which gives it a mild climate with temperatures ranging from 65-91 degrees. There are many beaches nearby, including Fort De Soto, which offers two fenced in areas where dogs are free to run off leash. Many local businesses have water bowls sitting out to keep dogs hydrated on hot days. St. Petersburg has places specifically designed for dogs such as Mutts & Martinis, where your dog can take a swim in their pool, The Dog Bar, which has a large fenced in area for dogs to play, or Small Batch Creamery, where your dog can join you inside the ice cream shop and enjoy a pup cup filled with whipped cream. St. Petersburg also has several pet-friendly hotels to choose from so you can easily find a place to stay.

Seattle, Washington

Seattle has many great hiking trails including Warren G. Magnuson Park Loop and Schmitz Preserve Park as well as several dog friendly parks. If you are a coffee fan, consider visiting Bark Espresso, where dogs are welcomed in the outdoor seating area. Seattle is home to the first Starbucks located in the Pike Place Market, where they give away several “Puppaccinos” (whipped cream in a small cup) each day to their furry visitors. The average temperature in Seattle ranges from 46 to 72 degrees and there are about 150 days of rain, which is more than most U.S. cities. Luckily, there are over 300 dog friendly restaurants in Seattle, so you can stay dry while you and your dog enjoy a meal on a covered patio.

San Francisco, California

San Francisco has many dog friendly trails including Bernal Heights Park Trail and Fort Funston, where your dog will enjoy the ocean waves. The average temperature in San Fransisco ranges from 58 to 71 degrees, so you can visit the over 30 different dog parks any time of the year. If you are looking for an open space where your dog can run, Golden Gate Park and Baker Beach both offer large green areas for dogs to run and play. San Francisco locals are very welcoming to dogs and there are over 100 dog friendly restaurants in the Bay Area. Many public transportation options also allow dogs, with specific restrictions for the time of day dogs can ride and other policies, such as requiring your dog to sit in your lap and remain on a leash at all times.

Denver, Colorado

Denver has a mild climate with temperatures that typically range from 45 to 90 degrees. There are dog parks located in downtown Denver such as Railyard Dog Park, Fuller Park Dog Park and Berkeley Lake Dog Park, all of which have fenced in areas for dogs to run. If you are looking for scenic walks and trails Denver has many options including Washington Park, where you will find two lakes and a flower garden, or Confluence Park, where you can see views of the two converging waterways and downtown Denver. There are a variety of coffee shops, restaurants and breweries with dog friendly patios in Denver including Highlands Cork & Cafe and Romero’s K9 Club & Tap House.

Austin, Texas

Austin has many dog friendly parks including Zilker Park, Barton Springs, and Onion Creek Metropolitan Park, just to name a few. Many restaurants and bars in Austin have outdoor patios that allow dogs, and some even allow your dog to join you indoors. Some breweries have fenced in grass areas that allow you to watch your dog play with other dogs, while you enjoy a cold beverage. Have you ever wanted to do yoga with your dog? You can bond with your dog by going to Austin Doga. The weather in Austin typically ranges from 60 to 96 degrees, so depending on the time of year, you might want to bring extra water or go to one of the outdoor dog parks that has water to cool off.

Portland, Oregon

The average temperature in Portland ranges between 46 and 80 degrees, making it the perfect weather to explore the outdoors. There are several dog friendly trails including Tryon Creek State Natural Area and Forest Park. Portland also has dog parks where your dog can run off leash such as Brentwood Park and Delta Park. Local businesses love to spoil dogs with treats and they often have water bowls sitting outside. Many restaurants with outdoor patio seating welcome dogs, and the Tin Shed Garden Cafe even has a dog menu. Portland is also home to the Dogtoberfest, held by the Lucky Labrador Brewing Company each September.

San Diego, California

San Diego has mild weather with temperatures ranging from 66 to 77 degrees. San Diego has Dog Beach which was one of the first and most famous dog beaches where your dog can run off of their leash. There are several other beautiful beaches that you can explore while walking your dog on a leash including La Jolla Shores Beach, Misson Beach and Cardiff State Beach. San Diego has many nature hiking trails with great views, or you can explore Balboa Park, which takes up over 1,000 acres. Many local restaurants in San Diego are dog friendly and have outdoor seating options available year round. The Embarcadero is another great place to walk your dog along the bay where you will see ships and submarines and the “Unconditional Surrender” statue right next to the water.

Bar Harbor, Maine and Acadia National Park

Bar Harbor is located on the coast of Maine and has many stunning ocean views. The average temperature ranges between 30 and 80, which is perfect for dogs who like to stay cool while hiking. Many Bar Harbor restaurants have dog friendly patios, but you will want to check their website ahead of time, as some restaurants close during the off season (typically November-April). Acadia National Park offers many great hiking trails, but you need to keep your dog on a 6 foot leash at all times and always clean up their waste. The best trails in Acadia National Park for dogs include Jordan Path Pond, Gorham Mountain Loop, Cadillac North Ridge Trail and Ocean Path Trail. Make sure to bring plenty of water and check yourself and your dog for ticks after your hikes.

Scottsdale, Arizona

Scottsdale is a great place for dogs to explore the outdoors on hiking trails such as Javelina Trail and Tom’s Thumb, or at dog parks such as Chaparral Park or Papago Bark Park. Scottsdale has many days of sunshine each year, which provides great Vitamin D for your dog. Be careful about spending time outside in late summer when temperatures may reach as high as 110 degrees. Scottsdale temperatures range between 67 and 106 degrees, so there are plenty of days that you can enjoy the outdoors with your dog. Explore Scottsdale parks and trails in the morning or evening, and avoid the hottest times of day between 2 and 5 pm. Scottsdale has many dog friendly restaurants, including Diego Pops, Snooze an A.M. Eatery and OHSO Brewery and Distillery.

Summary

From the coast of Maine to California, there are many cities that welcome dogs and have great treats and outdoor activities. If you plan on bringing your dog on your next vacation, be sure to check the weather, read the pet policies and pack everything your dog needs when traveling.