Silhouette of a person running along a wet beach at sunset with two dogs, a leash running from the person's hand to the smaller dog

October 15, 2026 Aaron Seminoff

Dog Friendly Vacation Ideas: 9 Places and Their Dog Rules

This guide covers nine dog friendly vacation ideas, from Asheville to Gettysburg, and gives the leash and access rules that parks, cities and tourism offices publish.

A dog trip is easy to add to a bucket list, and the rules change at every stop, so check them before you pack.

Benefits Of Taking Your Pet Along On Vacation

Whether you are a crazy dog lady or not, a trip gives you and your dog time together in places neither of you sees every day.

NIH News in Health says pets can help reduce stress levels: "Interacting with animals has been shown to decrease levels of cortisol (a stress-related hormone) and lower blood pressure." It also says, "Research on human-animal interactions is still relatively new."

If the dog cannot come on a trip, read more about pet boarding facilities. Vacations built around volunteering for animals are covered in a separate guide.

Dog-Friendly Vacation Spots

Rules change, so check each place's own page before you go.

Asheville, North Carolina

Explore Asheville's page on Asheville, North Carolina says to book a pet-friendly hotel, cabin or bed and breakfast, and to map out dog-friendly hikes to mountaintops or waterfalls. It calls the city "Dog City USA".

The city's dog parks were hit by Helene. In a news release posted June 24, 2025, the City of Asheville said Helene's floodwaters "severely damaged and closed" the dog parks in Azalea Park and French Broad River Park. The release announced a temporary dog park at 100 Bleachery Blvd. in Riverbend Park. It has separate areas for large and small dogs and is open every day from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Carmel By-the-Sea, California

The tourism office for Carmel By-the-Sea, California says "dogs must have a current license, up-to-date vaccinations, respond to voice command and be in visual control." It says dogs under four months old are not permitted, and that dogs may be off leash on Carmel Beach and in Mission Trails Park only, provided they are under voice control at all times.

A brown dog running across pale sand with blurred beachgoers behind it

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve sits next to Carmel, but California State Parks says, "Dogs are not allowed anywhere within the reserve and cannot be left inside parked vehicles." Read more about the Original Dog Beach for another beach day with a dog.

Branson, Missouri

Missouri State Parks says that at its parks, "Keep your pet on a leash (not longer than 10 feet) at all times." It also bans pets from state park and historic site buildings, public swimming areas and beaches.

More about Branson is on branson.com, linked here.

Acadia National Park, Maine

The National Park Service page for Acadia National Park says, "Federal law requires that all pets must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet (2 m) at all times." It lists the Precipice, Beehive and Perpendicular trails among the trails closed to pets.

The page also says, "Planning a hike? Be sure to avoid ladder and rung trails, and bring plenty of water." Its warning on vehicles is short: "Do not leave your pet unattended, including at campsites or in cars."

Cannon Beach, Oregon

The visitor page for Cannon Beach, Oregon says dogs are free to play on the beach off leash "as long as you stay within sight of your human and come back when called." It adds that the dog should be well-behaved and not harass other people, wildlife, or other dogs, and that you should always carry a leash and fresh water.

A curly-coated dog lying on wet sand with tall rocks standing in the water behind it

The city code, as posted by the Cannon Beach Rural Fire Protection District, says a dog may be on the ocean shore only "on a leash or under voice or signal command."

Lake Tahoe, California and Nevada

LakeTahoe.com's list of places in Lake Tahoe to take a dog says this about Kiva Beach: "Here dogs can swim off-leash, but they need to be leashed on the beach." It describes the north section of Zephyr Cove as "a dog-friendly area where well-behaved dogs can play in the water and on the beach."

Seattle, Washington

Seattle Parks says, "Dogs are not allowed at any time on organized athletic fields, beaches, or children's play areas in Seattle parks, per the Seattle Municipal Code. Dogs must be on a leash at all times, unless inside the boundaries of our designated off-leash areas." The department's dog off-leash page lists the areas and has a map.

Austin, Texas

Visit Austin's guide to dog-friendly Austin, Texas says Auditorium Shores has a 4.5 acre off-leash area on the banks of Lady Bird Lake. It says the Ann & Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike trail is "paved, dog-friendly and circles the lake."

Austin Parks and Recreation says, "Austin City Code requires dogs to be on a leash in public areas, unless designated otherwise by City Code." It also warns, "Certain types of algae can produce toxins that can harm or kill dogs. These algae have been found in Lady Bird Lake and are most likely to be present during summer and fall."

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

The National Park Service page for Gettysburg National Military Park says, "Pets are not allowed in the Museum and Visitor Center, the Gettysburg National Cemetery, or other park buildings at any time." It says, "Pets must be restrained on a leash at all times while in the park." Dogs may not be tied or leashed to trees, signs or monuments.

The same page warns, "On a warm day, temperatures in an enclosed automobile can reach well over 100 degrees within five minutes."

Planning A Pet-Friendly Vacation

The ASPCA says to make a vet appointment before the trip, confirm vaccinations are up to date, and get a health certificate dated within 10 days of departure if you are flying. For a drive, it says to start with a series of short drives, and to bring the rabies vaccination record across state lines. It says "Never leave your animal alone in a parked vehicle."

Read more about taking a dog to the Caribbean if your trip crosses a border or a sea. If you’re looking for more pet-friendly destinations, check out Skyscanner’s guide to traveling with pets.

Essential Items to Bring

The ASPCA lists a travel kit of food, a bowl, a leash, a waste scoop and bags, grooming supplies, medication, first aid and travel documents. The AKC adds a spare collar and leash in the glove box, medical records, water and bowls, and poop bags.

A pug lying on a wood floor between a black suitcase and a clear box of small bottles and packets, next to a pile of dog toys

The AKC says to pack a first aid kit for your dog in addition to your human supplies, with a canine first-aid manual, copies of medical and vaccination records, and emergency phone numbers.

Safety Considerations

The ASPCA says, "A crate is the safest option for your pet in case of an accident." It says the crate should be large enough for the dog to stand, sit, lie down and turn around in, and secured so it will not slide. Without a crate, it says never to allow the dog's head outside the window, and to keep the dog in the back seat in a harness attached to a secured seatbelt.

The AKC says the dog should be "secure in a carrier or safety harness." Read more about travel crates for German Shepherds.

Tips And Tricks For Traveling With A Dog

The ASPCA suggests a light meal three to four hours before departure, no feeding in a moving vehicle, and bottled water. If you plan to hit the road for a move instead of a vacation, the linked guide covers moving with pets.

For flights, the ASPCA says, "Unless your furry friend is small enough to ride under your seat, it's best to avoid air travel with your pets." The TSA says to bring a pet to the checkpoint in a hand-held carrier and to remove it just before screening. It says, "Never place a pet in the X-ray tunnel." It adds, "Pet travel restrictions vary by airline and airport, so it is important to check with the air carrier."

Dog Friendly Vacation Ideas FAQs

What are the best dog friendly vacations?

The nine places above are Asheville, Carmel By-the-Sea, Branson, Acadia National Park, Cannon Beach, Lake Tahoe, Seattle, Austin and Gettysburg. The rules differ, from Acadia's 6 foot leash to Cannon Beach's voice command rule.

Can dogs go on every beach?

No. Seattle Parks does not allow dogs on beaches at any time, Missouri State Parks does not allow pets on public swimming beaches, and Cannon Beach allows dogs on the ocean shore on a leash or under voice or signal command.

Should my dog ride in a crate in the car?

The ASPCA calls a crate the safest option in case of an accident. If there is no crate, it says to use a harness attached to a secured seatbelt in the back seat.

What should I pack for a dog vacation?

Pack food, bowls, a leash, waste bags, medication, medical records and a first aid kit. The ASPCA and AKC lists above give the full set.

Can I fly with my dog?

Check with the airline first. The TSA says pet travel restrictions vary by airline and airport, and the ASPCA says to get a health certificate from your vet dated within 10 days of departure.

Sources

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