5 of the Best Places to Vacation with your Dog in the United States

5 of the Best Places to Vacation with your Dog in the United States

 

Traveling is always better when your four-legged best friend is by your side. If you're planning your next getaway, skip the pet-sitter and check out these top five dog-friendly destinations in the U.S. From sandy beaches to rugged mountain trails, there is something here for every pup.

1. Wildwood Dog Park and Beach — Wildwood, NJ

If your dog loves the water, Wildwood is an absolute paradise, but there is plenty of fun for land-loving pups, too! This vibrant coastal town is incredibly welcoming to families and their pets.

  • The Main Attraction: The dedicated Wildwood Dog Park features fenced-in areas where your pup can run free and play in the summer sand. Just outside the park, dogs on leashes are welcome to swim in the ocean to cool off.
  • What to Do: Book a pet-friendly private pontoon adventure with Sandbar Joe’s, or catch a cruise with Cape May Whale Watcher.
  • Don't Miss: Stop by Salty Paws, a unique pet bakery, to treat your pup to a sweet, dog-safe snack.

2. Hocking Hills, OH

Known for its stunning forested hiking trails, cascading waterfalls, and deep recess caves, Hocking Hills is an outdoor enthusiast's dream.

  • Top Trails: * Ash Cave: A short, easy hike leading to a massive recess cave and sand pits; perfect for most dogs.
    • Cedar Falls: Offers wider trails, making it much easier to bypass other dogs along the way.
    • Ash Cave to Cedar Falls: A 5-mile round-trip trail with more challenging terrain, ideal for high-energy dogs.
  • Dog-Friendly Adventures: Take your pup for a scenic, relaxing canoe ride with the Hocking Hills Canoe Livery.
  • Where to Stay & Eat: The area boasts numerous pet-friendly cabins and local diners with outdoor seating where your dog can relax after a long hike.

3. Cape Cod & Martha’s Vineyard, MA

This classic New England vacation spot isn't just for humans. Pups are highly celebrated here, and getting to the island is a breeze since the ferries to Martha’s Vineyard allow pets to ride completely free of charge.

  • The Beach Scene: If you visit during the off-season (late September to mid-May), dogs have free roam of the beaches at any time of day. During peak summer season, just be sure to check local listings for designated dog-friendly hours.
  • Where to Explore: * Tradewinds Field Preserve: The island’s unofficial dog park, offering 72 acres of off-leash exploration (note: it is not fenced, so ensure your dog has a reliable recall!).
    • Manuel F. Correllus State Forest: Perfect for a shaded, leashed walk along endless winding trails.
  • Don't Miss: Grab a bite on a dog-friendly patio and stop by the iconic Black Dog Café for great food and fun souvenir shopping.

4. Aspen, CO

Aspen offers a luxury mountain experience full of unique thrills that are hard to find anywhere else. It’s an incredibly dog-centric town with over 20 pet-friendly restaurants and diners.

  • Mountain Views: You can actually ride the local gondolas up the mountain with your dog! At the top, you’ll find gorgeous scenic views and plenty of new trails to sniff.
  • Easy Transit: The shuttle to Maroon Bells (one of the most photographed spots in North America) is pet-friendly, saving you the stress of parking and transportation.
  • Play & Shop: Let your pup burn off some steam off-leash at Wagner Park, then head over to the Rocky Mountain Pet Shop. Established in 1970, this community staple is the perfect place to pick up unique toys, chews, and keepsakes.

5. Jackson Hole, WY

For the ultimate Western adventure, Jackson Hole delivers jaw-dropping scenery and fantastic trail systems. While not all trails in the region allow pets, the ones that do are spectacular.

  • Top Trails:
    • Cache Creek: An extensive, well-traveled trail network that gives high-endurance pups plenty of room to roam without getting lost.
    • Emily’s Pond: A wonderful, easy spot to let your dog take a quick dip to cool off after a long day.
    • Jackson Peak Trail: Best suited for athletic, high-energy dogs. It offers a moderate challenge but rewards you with a finish at Goodwin Lake.
  • Where to Stay: For a true cowboy experience, look into pet-friendly lodging like the Spotted Horse Ranch.

Pack Your Bags (and Your Pet First Aid Kit!)

Whichever destination you choose for your next seasonal getaway, safety comes first. Always travel with a pet first aid kit, have an emergency plan, and pack some RestoraPet to protect your pup from joint pain and oxidative stress before issues arise.

Wherever the nose takes you, we hope you have an amazing time!

Your Turn: Share your favorite travel pictures of your pup with us! Drop your best pet-travel tips and destination suggestions in the comments below so the whole community can join in on the fun. Bonus if you can snap a pic featuring your favorite RestoraPet product at your destination.

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