The Best Dog-Friendly Trips to Take in 2026

By Matador Creators

Photo: Anna Averianova/Shutterstock

Traveling with a dog has never been easier, more fun, or more widely embraced by hotels and other tourism businesses than it is now. In the United States, the number of people hitting the road with their pets has grown by leaps and bounds: as of 2025, at least 78 percent of pet owners reported traveling with their pets at least once a year, compared to 45 percent in 2019. That means more and more destinations are rethinking what family tourism looks like, and realizing that for many, dogs are an essential part of the family.

That shift means travelers have more choices than ever, but it also means deciding where to go can be a bit overwhelming. Not every “pet-friendly” destination is actually set up to be comfortable or convenient for dogs, and you don’t want to book a dog-friendly hotel in a destination, only to find your pup isn’t allowed at any area parks or outdoor cafe patios.

Fortunately, Matador Network‘s editorial team thinks our dogs are family (because they are), and rounded up the best dog-friendly destinations to visit in 2026 where you can not only bring your dog, but explore with them by your side. Whether that’s a high-elevation mountain getaway, a weekend at the beach, or a brewery-hopping urban escape, the destinations below all stand out for their dog-friendly culture, wide range of dog-friendly lodging, and natural attractions that understand dogs make the outdoors better.

We’re firm believers that road trips are better with dogs, and that there’s nothing more heartwarming than hearing the happy, sleepy snores of a pup tired after a long day of romping, frolicking, or zooming with their best friend (you!)

These are the best dog-friendly trips to take in the year ahead, where pups are just as welcome as people.

— Suzie Dundas, Matador Network commissioning editor

The Best Dog-friendly Mountain Towns


Photo: State of Washington/Mark Downey

Bellingham, Washington


Bellingham stands out as a dog-friendly town even in the Pacific Northwest, which is full of dog-friendly escapes. Here, pups can romp on shoreline beaches, wander forested parks, and join trips to brewery patios overlooking the Salish Sea.


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Photo: Liam Doran

Breckenridge, Colorado


Breckenridge is a dog-friendly mountain town in a state full of them. With water bowls outside many storefronts and a generally welcoming atmosphere for (good) dogs, Breck is a high-altitude getaway where your dog can go almost everywhere you can.


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Photo: Suzie Dundas

Whistler, British Columbia


Whistler, BC, is a community that was clearly planned by dog owners. The entire town is connected by dog-friendly trails, stores and hotels throughout the pedestrian village welcome pups, and happy dogs chasing their owners down trails or swimming next to paddleboards are a common sight.


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The Best Dog-friendly Urban Escapes


Photo: The Cypress Inn, Carmel

Carmel & Monterey, California


Carmel-by-the-Sea is more than dog-friendly: it’s designed with dogs in mind. The artsy town has laws specifically allowing off-leash dogs on beaches, boutique hotels with doggy room service and pet stroller rentals, and restaurants and wine bars with their own dog tasting menus.


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Photo: MelWood/Shutterstock

Portland, Oregon


Portland is an epic destination for dogs, with more than 80 miles of trails, plus dog-friendly cafes, breweries, and food cart pods scattered throughout the city. From off-leash areas to scenic waterfront walks, the canine-friendly culture makes it easy for people and pups.


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Photo: Janson George/Shutterstock

San Diego, California


Few large cities make traveling with a dog so simple. San Diego offers leash-free beaches, bayfront trails, and a long list of excellent pet-friendly stays. You’ll see dogs everywhere from the Ocean Beach farmer’s markets to the sprawling Balboa Park — and sometimes even on surfboards.


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The Best Dog-friendly Beach Destinations


Photo: MelWood/Shutterstock

Cannon Beach, Oregon


You’ll see dogs just about everywhere in Cannon Beach, from the miles of sandy shore to the cafes, galleries, restaurants, and bar. Expect low-key artistic vibe and long stretches of walkable coastline that make it a restorative trip for anyone who wanta to bring their dogs along for the ride.


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Photo: Khairil Azhar Junos/Shutterstock

Dewey & Rehoboth beaches, Delaware


Delaware may be small, but it packs a bunch when it comes to dog-friendliness. Rehoboth Beach has a dog ice cream shop and Dewey Beach is home to a brewery that runs an Instagram account featuring its most adorable canine visitors. Need we say more?


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Photo: Hilton Head Island VCB

Hilton Head, South Carolina


Hilton Head Island is a coastal retreat with more than 60 miles of scenic trails, dog-friendly beaches, and parks like Mitchelville Freedom Park and Chaplin Community Park for on-leash adventures. Many of the island’s restaurants and cafes welcome pups, too.


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Photo: Jaimie Tuchman/Shutterstock

Jupiter, Florida


Jupiter is home to one of the very few dog-friendly and off-leash beaches in Florida. In fact, the whole town is a pet-loving haven. With well-equipped dog parks, as well as dogs-allowed hotels and restaurants, you can take your pooches just about everywhere in this coastal town.


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Photo: Nick Hines

Kiptopeke State Park, Virginia


Kiptopeke State Park on Virginia’s Eastern Shore is a quiet, nature-rich escape where dogs can join their humans on beaches, wooded trails, fishing piers, and campgrounds overlooking the Chesapeake Bay. It’s an ideal place for dogs who enjoy camping, plus their people.


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Photo: Stacie Stauff Smith Photos/Shutterstock

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina


Myrtle Beach is one of the East Coast’s most dog-friendly beach cities, with oceanfront parks and a long boardwalk that welcome four-legged travelers. There are seasonal beach rules to be aware of, but overall, Myrtle Beach is a breezy escape for dogs and their owners.


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The Best Dog-friendly National Parks


Photo: Michael Carni/Shutterstock

Acadia National Park, Maine


One of the most dog-friendly national parks in the United States, Acadia allows leashed pups on 100 miles of hiking trails and 45 miles of historic carriage roads — so you and your four-legged companion can explore forest, shoreline, and mountain together.


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Photo: Destination Canada

Banff National Park, Alberta


Banff is one of the few national parks in North America where your dog is as welcome on the gorgeous alpine trails as you are. Nearly all trails in the park are dog-friendly, as are hotels, campgrounds, restaurants, and even some canoe rental companies.


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Photo: Lauren Paul Photography/Shutterstock

White Sands National Park, New Mexico


Along with Acadia, White Sands National Park in southern New Mexico is arguably the most dog-friendly national park in America, allowing leashed dogs on trails and across its namesake gypsum dunes. And if your pup is a hiker, they can even accompany you to the top of these dunes.


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