5 Dog-Friendly Cities to Visit in the U.S.

We all know it’s true: Everything’s better with a dog. Vacations, beach days, morning walks — they’re just a lot more fun with your dog along. Because we take this fundamental fact to be self-evident, we’ve scoured the nation to find dog-friendly cities for you and your best friend.

Check out our list of the dog-friendly cities to visit in the US!

Tucson, Arizona

John Nachazel and his 2 ½ year old rescued American Staffordshire Terrier/Boxer/Chow Chow/Rottweiler/ “and a lot of other stuff” mix, Ginger, think Tucson, Arizona, has gone to the dogs.

According to Nachazel, Tucson offers “many off-leash dog parks, and even more parks with dog-friendly trails within city limits.” In the year and a half since he rescued Ginger, Nachazel has taken her to seven or eight parks and five dog parks in the city. “Additionally, there is a 12-mile long dog- (and horse-) friendly trail that cuts across the northern part of the city,” Nachazel said. If that isn’t enough to convince you of Tucson’s merit as a dog-loving city, the town is surrounded by Saguaro National Park, several national forests, and Mt. Lemmon, all of which include dog-friendly trails. One of Nachazel and Ginger’s many favorites is Agua Caliente Hill.

“Aside from parks and hiking,” Nachazel said, “most restaurants have patios that are dog-friendly. Ginger has been everywhere from several of the bars to pretty fancy restaurants in the Catalina Foothills.” Some of the best restaurants for dogs, according to Nachazel, include Blanco, No Anchovies, Goodness, and Barrio Brewing Co. Many stores also welcome dogs, including La Encantada, a large outdoor mall.

“The biggest factor in favor of Tucson,” Nachazel said, “is the 350 days of sun a year. Although it does get hot, even on the hottest days, it will only be in the upper 70s or low 80s first thing in the morning.”

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Sarah and Bryce Livingston and their two dogs, Cary, a retriever, and Scarlett, a lab mix, think Colorado Springs deserves a spot on our list. “Everyone is so active in Colorado Springs that as a result, their pets are, too!” Mrs. Livingston said. “It’s hard to drive, walk, hike, or ride your bike anywhere without seeing individuals out with their pets.”

According to Mrs. Livingston, Colorado Springs offers lots of open spaces for a vacation with the dog. One of her pack’s favorites is Bear Creek Dog Park, which features 10 fenced-in acres. “Our dogs love to run around at the park and wade in the creek to cool off.” Red Rock Canyon is another dog-friendly open space that offers trails and a designated dog park. Mrs. Livingston also recommends the 16-mile Pike’s Peak Greenway Trail, where her dogs enjoyed running with her as she trained for a half-marathon.

Colorado Springs also offers dog-friendly venues for the thirsty. “Most of the breweries in Colorado Springs are dog friendly. Phantom Canyon, Colorado Mountain Brewery, and Goat Patch Brewing all have dog-friendly patio areas.”

In addition to outdoor adventures and dog-friendly dining, you and your dog can participate in a host of dog-friendly events, one of which is Pawtoberfest, put on each year by the Colorado Springs Humane Society. The event includes a 2-mile dog walk “followed by a festival full of beer tastings from local breweries for the humans and dog tents for free treats, toys, veterinary information, and doggy hygiene items,” Mrs. Livingston said. “I’ve also noticed that at the parades downtown there are many dog groups and dogs allowed in costumes.”

St. Petersburg, Florida

Charlie McCarson and his dogs, Diggle, a border collie mix, and Ollie, a pitbull mix, love living in dog-friendly St. Petersburg. According to McCarson, it “is a beautiful city chock-full of dog owners. There are tons of public dog parks, dog trainers, and even a dog water park,” Love My Dog Resort and Playground, helping pooches and their parents make the most of the summer heat in the sunshine state. McCarson, Diggle, and Ollie are also regulars at The Dog Bar.

McCarson also said there are “well over 100 pet-friendly restaurants.” He enjoys taking Diggle and Ollie to Three Birds Tavern. If you like puns, you’ll appreciate the names of two of McCarson’s favorite local dog-friendly businesses, St. Petersbark, a local pet shop, and Sit Happens: Dog Training and Behavior Modification. The latter “is where I take Ollie and Diggle,” McCarson said. “It’s fantastic.”

In McCarson’s mind, “St. Pete is a dog lover’s fantasy. Moving here with your pups will give you countless amenities to entertain, train, and stimulate your pups.”

Belmont, North Carolina

Lucy, a terrier/shitzu mix, and Olive, a pointer/lab/border collie, live with their family in Belmont, North Carolina. According to their dog mom, Yasaman Back, “Belmont residents are generally outdoorsy and dog-loving. Businesses and other venues have taken note of this— which has created a very dog-friendly town!” One prominent example is the White Water Center (WWC). “Dogs rule the WWC. It’s a dog-lover’s dream,” said Back. The venue offers sporting activities, hiking, live music, food, and beer to make your vacation with the dog endless. “You can even pack your own picnic and set up an all-day blanket, hammock, or tent with your pups,” Back said.

If you and your canine companion are the athletic type, Back recommends Crowders Mountain. “We have taken our dogs a couple of times. There are several trails, with various intensities. All are dog friendly.” After your hike, you and your pup might crave an ice cold drink together. Not to worry; Belmont has that covered, too. According to Back, “several of the restaurants allow dogs. Oftentimes, you will notice water bowls set out for thirsty pups.” In addition, “The Thirsty Dog, Belmont’s first dog-friendly brewery, is slated to open soon,” Back said. “This is very exciting for dog lovers who like throwing back a cold one with their favorite pooch.”

In Belmont, Back said, there are “many dog-friendly venues and activities. Dog-lovers can bring their human and dog family members along. There’s no need to leave your best friend at home!”

Austin, Texas

If the southwest is more your style, Josh Cross and his dogs Shake and Winston recommend Austin, Texas, a “no-kill city with many residents owning dogs.” Because so many families in Austin include canine members, “most places in the city have accommodations for dogs.” According to Cross, these include on- and off-leash hiking trails, dog parks that offer food and alcohol, and dog-friendly pub runs.

While Cross said of the many dog-friendly businesses in Austin, a few standouts are Yard Bar, “an old mini golf property converted into a dog park, which also serves food and alcohol,” and Bangers, “a restaurant that has delicious food, a large beer selection, and a play pen for the pooches.”

If you and your pup are looking for some outdoor adventures, Cross recommends Walnut Creek Hiking Trail. Another favorite outdoor destination is Barking Springs for a vacation with the dog, “the unofficial name given to the area just outside of Barton Springs.” The spring-fed swimming hole is “free to the public and always bustling with puppers.”

Red Bud Isle offers both hiking and swimming. The trail stretches roughly a mile, and features “water access points for dogs to jump in the water and cool off.”

Have you been to any of these dog-friendly cities?