Why These Pawfect Pet-Friendly Destinations Are Getting All the Tail Wags

April 11 is National Pet Day, and what better way to celebrate than with a bunch of pet-friendly destinations? 

A recent Spring Trends report by Airbnb shows a 40% increase in solo travelers’ searches for trips with pets. For all travelers, searches for trips with pets have increased by 30%.

Since we don’t like to leave our pooches behind, we rounded up some pet-welcoming vacation spots, including pup-pampering hotels and “pawties” for the whole family.

Virginia

Virginia is the state for lovers, so it makes a lot of sense that it’s a wonderful destination for pet lovers, offering pet-friendly and fun experiences for travelers and their four-legged companions. Visit pet-friendly historic sites and enjoy a cocktail on the patio of the local pet-friendly breweries.

From doggy spa days and custom treats to off-leash beaches and scenic trails, these stays go above and beyond to make sure your pet feels just as welcome as you do.  Here are a few that caught our attention that go above and beyond with extra amenities like homemade dog treats, toys, and plenty of open space. 

In Middleburg, the Salamander Resort rolls out the red carpet for pets with in-room beds, organic treats, and even a photo opp spot just for dogs. If you’re looking for seaside fun, Sunset Beach Resort is one of Virginia’s rare finds with an off-leash beach and an on-site dog park.

Graduate Hotels in Charlottesville and Richmond offer fun touches like custom BarkBoxes and cozy pet amenities delivered to your room. Meanwhile, the Kimpton Forum Hotel in Charlottesville sticks to Kimpton’s pet-welcoming policy of no pet fees, no size restrictions, and all animals are welcome, whether furry, feathery, or scaly.

On 38 acres, Fox Hill Bed & Breakfast near Lexington has dog-friendly trails and welcome kits for pets. In Staunton, The Blackburn Inn’s pet-friendly accommodations have 80 walkable acres to explore with the pooch.

Cleveland

For those looking for an urban escape with pets, Cleveland has you covered.  These Cleveland pet-friendly hotels and short-term rentals include welcome treats at check-in, hot tubs (for you), game rooms, and indoor dog parks.  The city also offers everything from dog-friendly breweries to off-leash fun at Bow Wow Beach.

From bungalows, modern apartments, and spacious homes with hot tubs and game rooms, Cleveland’s Airbnb rentals have plenty of options for traveling with pets. Cottage52 is a cute spot with community charm, and Otto’s House is a beautifully designed stay with high-end finishes.

On the hotel side, options range from luxury to budget-friendly. The Kimpton Schofield welcomes dogs of all sizes with no fees, while Metropolitan at The 9 has a 24-hour indoor dog park on the 29th floor. Aloft, Hyatt Regency, and The Ritz-Carlton are options for pet-friendly stays right in the heart of Downtown Cleveland.

Minneapolis, Minnesota

In Minneapolis, travelers with pets have to choose from 113 pet-friendly lodging options, according to Bring Fido, including cozy boutique hotels and modern downtown stays.

Hotel Emery, where cats and dogs stay free, with no breed or weight restrictions, is just steps from scenic Mississippi riverfront trails. The Aloft Minneapolis pampers pets with a free VIP (Very Important Pup) experience that includes treats, beds, and bowls, just around the corner from Gold Medal Park. Radisson RED also stands out with its no-fee, no-restriction policy, offering puppy beds, bandanas, and lobby treats in a trendy Mill District setting. For travelers who don’t mind a fee, Hewing Hotel spoils pups with their names on a VIP board, plus chew toys and bowls, while Canopy by Hilton accommodates up to three dogs per room with welcome bags and snacks on arrival.

Minneapolis truly lives up to its “City by Nature” nickname with 180 parks, 22 lakes, and miles of riverfront trails. It’s easy to find a scenic route or off-leash space for your pup. Local favorites include Minnehaha Falls Off-Leash Dog Park, Franklin Terrace Off-Leash Recreation Area, and Lake of the Isles Dog Park.

Minneapolis also offers an impressive range of dog-friendly breweries (over 20!) and patios. Grab a drink with your pup at Unleashed Hounds & Hops, a unique indoor/outdoor dog park and bar with events and meet-ups for dog lovers.

For non-beer drinkers, sip a latte on the patio at Dogwood Coffee Northeast or Aster Café.  For a literary adventure, head to one of the city’s dog-friendly bookstores like Inkwell Booksellers or Birchbark Books.

Georgia

Georgia is a fantastic option for travelers with pets, with a wide range of dog-friendly experiences from the mountains to the coast. Many of Georgia’s state parks allow dogs on trails, campgrounds, and even in select cottages. The parks often host fun events like ranger-led hikes and pup pool parties. The Golden Isles, including Jekyll Island and St. Simons Island, have pet-friendly beaches, hotels, and eateries, though note that Tybee Island’s beaches do not allow animals. In Atlanta, dog parents will find many pet-friendly hotels, patios, and attractions.

Savannah is also a great choice, especially along the historic and scenic River Street, where cobblestone paths lead to pet-welcoming boutiques and restaurants. It’s especially fun during lively seasonal events like Christmas on the River. For outdoorsy travelers, the Chattahoochee River Outpost has tubing adventures, hiking trails, and riverfront fun that pets can enjoy, too. 

On the coast, The Westin Jekyll Island Beach Resort provides a welcoming escape with its pet-friendly guest rooms and access to the island’s 10 miles of peaceful, pet-approved beaches. Dogs up to 40 pounds (maximum two per room) enjoy a Heavenly® Dog Bed, food bowls, and a welcome kit. While pets aren’t allowed in dining areas or by the pool, the island’s trails and shoreline make for the perfect outdoor playground.

For a countryside retreat, Barnsley Resort in Adairsville invites pets of all sizes to enjoy its 3,000-acre property in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Dogs can experience Southern-style hospitality with custom seasonal bandanas, treats, and access to most of the resort grounds, including the Biergarten, gardens, and scenic trails.

Trilith Guesthouse is a chic, modern option in Fayetteville with spacious rooms and dedicated pet-friendly spaces. With walkable green areas and a community vibe, it’s a relaxing base for exploring Georgia.

Medford and McMinnville, Oregon

Medford is an underrated gem for outdoor lovers with its scenic nature and pet-friendly patios.  It’s an ideal stopover for road-trippers on the West Coast. Portland is four hours north, and San Francisco is six hours south, so Medford is the ideal halfway point for PNW explorers.

Just an hour from Portland’s airport, McMinnville blends small-town charm with a sophisticated culinary and wine scene. Its historic downtown is walkable, filled with boutiques, tasting rooms, and restaurants, many allowing four-legged guests. 

For a laid-back stay in Medford, the Compass Hotel by Margaritaville offers pet-friendly accommodations with a resort feel. In McMinnville, find a mix of charm and comfort at the Atticus Hotel, a Michelin Key-awarded boutique stay that welcomes dogs, and the McMenamins Hotel Oregon, an iconic downtown spot known for its quirky character and pet-friendly policies.

Newport Beach, California

Newport Beach is the perfect place to enjoy the sun and sand, and there are several pet-friendly resorts where dogs can join you for scenic views, dog beds, and treats. Visitors can take their pups to Crystal Cove State Park or other dog-friendly trails. There are also plenty of pet-friendly patios. It is the perfect place for visitors and their pets to unwind by the beach.

From upscale resorts to waterfront adventures, Newport Beach offers a variety of pet-friendly places to stay. Balboa Bay Resort pampers pups with in-room dog beds, bowls, and treats from a local boutique, all while offering sunset views over the harbor. Right on the sand, Balboa Inn Resort allows dogs up to 75 lbs. and is ideal for long boardwalk strolls.

Inland, the Renaissance Newport Beach Hotel welcomes pets with designated relief areas and a pet-loving staff, while the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach has 26 lush acres for you and your dog to explore, along with special pet amenities like beds and treats. Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina offers affordable pet fees, scenic shoreline walks, and even an off-leash dog run.

Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville, a certified Better Cities for Pets™ by Mars Petcare destination, has become a favorite destination for pet owners. The city offers plenty of pet-friendly spots, from scenic stops like Centennial Park and Radnor Lake to walkable neighborhoods such as 12South and Germantown. You’ll find pups lounging on patios at local favorites like Park Cafe, Bartaco, and The Pharmacy and joining their human buddies for brewery visits at places like Monday Night Brewing. The Tennessee Whiskey Trail has a “Pawsport” program that maps out all the dog-friendly stops along the way.

For boutique charm or modern luxury, Nashville has plenty of pet-friendly accommodations that make traveling with furry friends easy and enjoyable. W Nashville rolls out the red carpet with full VIP treatment for pets, while the Germantown Inn offers an intimate stay with walkable access to nearby dog-friendly patios and parks. In 12South, The Gilmore by AvantStay features stylish, pet-friendly rooms and connects guests to the neighborhood’s best outdoor dining and green spaces. AvantStay also manages various pet-welcoming homes in top neighborhoods like Germantown, East Nashville, and Midtown, which are ideal for those looking to feel at home while exploring the city with their pooch.

Maine

Maine has earned its reputation as one of the most pet-friendly states in the country thanks to its peaceful dog parks, well-maintained trails, and dog-welcoming beaches.  In Scarborough, dogs are welcome to explore the sandy shores of Ferry Beach, Higgins Beach, and Pine Point Beach.

Maine’s scenic trails offer plenty of options for all skill levels, and dogs are welcome to join. In Portland, you can even treat your pup to a “Doggy and Me” Foodie Tour, with strolls through town sampling healthy snacks and learning wellness tips at pet-friendly stops.

As far as pet-friendly lodging, Maine has options that are as charming as they are welcoming. In Ogunquit, The Admiral’s Inn offers the “Bring Your Best Bud” package for dog owners looking to stay near scenic beaches and walking paths. Pet-friendly rooms come with outdoor decks or patios, perfect for pups who enjoy people-watching or lounging in the salty breeze.

In Portland, The Francis combines boutique luxury with pet amenities in a restored Victorian mansion. In the Parkside neighborhood, the hotel pampers visiting pups with welcome signs, treats, bowls, and curated city guides made just for pet parents. And just a short drive away in Cape Elizabeth, Inn by the Sea offers one of the most adorable pet-friendly experiences in the country. Dogs are treated to handmade treats, L.L. Bean blankets, and even a seasonal “Pool Pawty.” Also, through a partnership with the Animal Refuge League, the inn fosters adoptable dogs on-site, allowing guests to bring home another furry family member.

Fort Wayne, Indiana

Fort Wayne, Indiana, is an unexpected, charming destination for pet-loving travelers. The city has Midwestern friendliness with an increasing amount dog-friendly experiences, from scenic parks to riverside adventures. Nature lovers can explore over 600 acres at Fox Island or enjoy peaceful walks through Bicentennial Woods. Lakeside Park and Rose Garden are serene escapes just minutes from downtown, with open green spaces, ponds, and picnic spots. More centrally located, Promenade Park is known for its skyline views along the Tree Canopy Trail and an easily accessible kayak launch spot, with Fort Wayne Outfitters nearby for water sports rentals.

Be sure to get the Fort Wayne Outdoor Pass, a free digital guide that includes 20 hikes, paddles, and bike trails around the area, making it easy to plan dog-friendly outings. Find plenty of restaurants, cafés, and breweries welcoming pets. Don’t miss Paws and Claws Nights at Parkview Field, where fans can bring their dogs (or cats!) to enjoy a TinCaps baseball game on select Wednesdays. Bonus: discounted White Claw for the humans.

The Bradley, located in the heart of Fort Wayne, is a stylish boutique hotel co-founded by Vera Bradley’s Barbara Bradley Baekgaard. This vibrant hotel with a rooftop bar and on-site restaurant reflects the brand’s signature flair for color and design, while pets indulge in comfy beds, tasty treats, and a thoughtful welcome kit with a toy and local resources. 

Also downtown, The Hilton Fort Wayne at the Grand Wayne Convention Center is a good option for a pet-friendly stay close to attractions like Parkview Field. Note: Dogs must be under 75 pounds, and there is a $50 non-refundable deposit. Pet perks include a generously sized bed, food and water bowls, and a super-cute placemat.

Aspen, Colorado

Aspen, Colorado, loves its four-legged visitors. At certain times of the year, dogs can ride gondolas marked with paw prints and come along for mountaintop hikes or patio dining at scenic spots like the Sundeck and Elk Camp.

Around town, Aspen is full of dog lovers, as many shopkeepers keep treats on hand, and there are several off-leash areas, including the scenic Smuggler Mountain Road hike.

Leashed dogs are welcome at John Denver Sanctuary, and brave pups can even join their humans on the spooky and dog-friendly Ghosts of Aspen tour.

For those missing their furry companions, Aspen Animal Shelter’s unique “Rent-a-Pet” program lets visitors borrow a dog for the day, sometimes leading to a forever home.

The Aspen Meadows Resort, on 40 acres in Aspen’s residential West End, is a chill, pet-friendly retreat with access to scenic strolls and splashes along the Rio Grande Trail. The resort welcomes pets year-round, but if you’re visiting in July, don’t miss their Community Pet Day on the 6th, a celebration of pet wellness, adoption, and community connection.

For a more homey stay, 733 Francis St W is a charming three-bedroom house in Aspen where dogs of any size are welcome with no extra fee, and cats may be allowed with prior approval. 

For the ultimate five-star pampering, The Little Nell takes pet hospitality to a whole new level. This luxury hotel provides in-room food and water bowls, pet menu selections, plush pet beds, gourmet treats, personalized brass ID tags, and even a Puppy Jet Lag Kit.