10 Pet-Friendly Vacations You Should Plan This Year

The Evolve Team
The Evolve Team
March 9, 2022

Let’s face it: traveling without pets isn’t as fun as traveling with them. And as more families become fur moms and dads, the demand for pet-friendly vacations continues to rise. 

In fact, a recent survey revealed 65% of travelers want to take pet-friendly getaways in the coming year. The only question is, where should you go?  

Answer: one of these dog-friendly destinations. Trust us when we say both you and your four-legged friend will be in for a real treat.

Not sure where to stay? We’ve got you covered with pet-friendly vacation rentals across the country.

In This Article:

Asheville, NC

Gatlinburg, TN

Breckenridge, CO

Fort Myers, FL

Branson, MO

Austin, TX

Atlanta, GA

Bend, OR

Provincetown, MA

San Diego, CA

1. Asheville, North Carolina

Pet-friendly vacation rental with large yard in Asheville, North Carolina

There’s nothing quite like taking an active adventure with your loyal companion, especially when it’s in a place where the views are unmatched — like in Asheville and the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. This dog-lover’s sweet spot offers countless outdoor activities for you and your pup. Start your day with a stroll through the North Carolina Arboretum, beat the heat with a float down the French Broad River, or get your hearts pumping with a hike around Craggy Gardens.

2. Gatlinburg, Tennessee

A-frame cabin rental near Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Tucked away in the Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg has tons of opportunities to connect with nature while bonding with the ones you love most — and that includes your dog. Venture to Great Smoky Mountain National Park and hike the dog-friendly Gatlinburg Trail and Oconaluftee River Trail. Or grab your swimsuit, sunnies, and four-legged buddy and enjoy a relaxing float down the Little River.

A trip to Gatlinburg isn’t complete without experiencing Dollywood either, so it’s a good thing your pup can enjoy their own version of the theme park at Doggywood.

3. Breckenridge, Colorado

Brightly-lit interior living space in a Breckenridge, Colorado vacation rental

Head to one of America’s favorite mountain towns for the pet-friendly vacation of a lifetime. There’s no shortage of exciting things to do, whether you want to ride the Breck Gondola (yes, fur-friends are allowed!), sip your worries away at the award-winning Breckenridge Distillery, or run wild at the Carter Dog Park

Plus, Denver is a short 1.5-hour drive away. There you can continue the dog-friendly fun with a day trip to Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Romeo’s K9 Tap, or Chautauqua Park.

4. Fort Myers, Florida

Large breezeway living space in vacation rental home near pet-friendly Fort Myers, Florida

If you’re in need of pet-friendly vacations in Florida (not to mention endless supplies of vitamin D), look no further than Fort Myers. It’s where you can enjoy a game of fetch on Fort Myers Beach, or head out on a guided boat tour to see local dolphins with your furry friend nearby. 

While you’re in the area, consider checking out nearby Fort Lauderdale. It’s only two hours away, and Snyder Dog Park and Coconuts are worth the road trip adventure.

5. Branson, Missouri

View of large decks in row of attached rental cabins in the pet-friendly vacation destination of Branson, Missouri

Not only a prime destination for a memorable family vacation, Branson also happens to be the perfect midwest location for you and your pets. With endless sources of entertainment, you and your four-legged companion may have trouble fitting it all in. Your can’t-miss activities: hitting the trails at Table Rock State Park, shopping at Don’t 4 Get About Me, and floating on the lake in a rented pontoon for some fun and sun.

6. Austin, Texas

Rental home with balcony overlooking lush forest near Austin, Texas

Known for its tasty food, live music, and intentional focus on easy living, Austin can deliver one of the best vacations with dogs. Take a walk around Lady Bird Lake, or soak in the city’s landscape at Auditorium Shores dog park while your treat-loving pal enjoys all the freedom to roam.

When you’re ready to grab a bite to eat, you’ll find endless pet-friendly restaurants in Austin — local pub Austin Terrier, Yard Bar, and Moonshine Grill are top picks for humans and pooches alike.

7. Atlanta, Georgia

Home with fenced-in backyard in Atlanta, Georgia, perfect for a pet-friendly vacation

A hidden treasure for dog adventures, Atlanta is an up-and-coming hotspot that’s filling up with activities fit for the best pet-friendly vacations. Take a blissful stroll around Centennial Olympic Park — a true dog-lover’s dream in the heart of downtown. You can also experience Bark at the Park with the Atlanta Braves, or snag a bite to eat at Bold Monk Brewing Co (along with a slew of other dog-friendly patios in the area).

8. Bend, Oregon

Saloon vacation rental property with large yard near Bend, Oregon

A popular destination for dog-lovers and adventurers combined, Bend is home to dog-friendly vacation rentals along the Oregon coast. Once unpacked, you can enjoy a gorgeous hike along tree-lined mountain trails, then sip on a tasty craft brew at Lucky Labrador Brewing Co. while your trusty companion takes a nap on the porch.

If a more relaxed outdoor experience is what your pup needs, you can also enjoy one of many dog parks fit for your best boy or girl — or doggy paddle in the Deschutes River until it’s time for the next adventure.

9. Provincetown, Massachusetts

Two-story pet-friendly vacation rental in Provincetown, Massachusetts

An escape to the east coast doesn’t get more fun than a trip to Provincetown. This dog-friendly destination is home to a variety of outdoor pup-tivities, including the award-winning Pilgrim Bark Park — a green space filled with local art, water fountains, and happy good girls and boys. And if you’re looking for a quieter experience, it’s easy to pack some snacks and sail around Cape Cod Bay on a guided tour.

With all this east coast hideaway has to offer, it’s really no surprise that Dog Fancy magazine once named Provincetown the most dog-friendly town in the United States.

10. San Diego, California

Modern living room in a San Diego, California vacation rental that is great for pets

What could be more on-brand for your pet-friendly vacation than traveling to Dog Beach, America’s original pup-friendly shoreline? San Diego offers nearly perfect year-round weather, miles of open beach space for you and your pal to explore and, of course, all the eats and drinks your inner vacationer could wish for. Pack up the snacks (and dog treats!) before exploring Ocean Beach, Fiesta Island, and Del Mar.

Plan the Perfect Pet-Friendly Vacations with Evolve

If exciting pet-friendly vacations are what you’re after, these destinations are sure to accommodate all of your human and canine needs. And no matter where your inner adventurer takes you and your furry friends next, you can rest easy knowing your comfort is the highest priority when you book with Evolve.

There’s more travel inspiration where that came from, too. From the most unique vacation rentals you can stay in to the best star-gazing spots and desert destinations, we have plenty of ideas to help plan your next vacation.

Get More Inspiration in Your Inbox

Sign up to get stunning locations, dreamy trip ideas, and exclusive offers so you can unleash your best vacation self.

By submitting this form, you agree to receive updates and marketing communications from Evolve. For more information, please read our privacy policy.

Featured Posts

The 12 Best Places to Buy a Ski Property Right Now

The 12 Best Places to Buy a Ski Property Right Now

Explore mountain towns across the U.S. with high profit potential, so you can find the perfect ski spot for your next investment.

How to Make a Vacation Rental Welcome Book That Impresses Your Guests

How to Make a Vacation Rental Welcome Book That Impresses Your Guests

Our free guest book template has everything you need to set visitors up for a great stay.

The Best Cozy Cabin Rentals for a Dreamy Hygge Vacation

The Best Cozy Cabin Rentals for a Dreamy Hygge Vacation

To live a hygge lifestyle, start by taking a hygge vacation. You can relax by the fire, bring the outdoors in, and enjoy life’s simple pleasures in these cozy cabins.