Dog-Friendly Cottage Rentals for Spring Break

Posted by Lauren Barker

Whether you’re a parent, student, teacher, or even the teacher’s pet, you’re likely counting down the days until you can get away from the classroom and relax on the beach, by the lake or maybe in a national park. Thankfully, spring break is right around the corner. This year, get away to a cozy, pet-friendly cottage and make memories with the whole family.

Key West, FL

Watch the world go by in the Conch Republic. Photo by VRBO

If Fido is craving sunshine and a sea breeze, this two-bedroom Dreamworks Conch Cottage in Key West will have him wagging his tail to a Jimmy Buffett tune. The home is nestled in the heart of Old Town, just a few blocks from Clarence S. Higgs Beach Dog Park, the Southernmost Point of the continental U.S., and dog-friendly Cuban coffee shops, bars and restaurants like Banana Cafe. You and your pup can watch the world go by from the front porch, or grill out and enjoy a family dinner on the back deck surrounded by palm trees. If he’s itching for more ways to explore the Conch Republic, check out our dog-friendly guide to the Florida Keys. Dogs of any size are permitted at the Dreamworks Conch Cottage for an additional fee of $250 per pet, per stay.

Freeport, TX

Plenty of open space and new smells for Fido. Photo by VRBO

Spending your spring break in Texas? Let your pup put her salty paws up at the Salty Poodle, a two-bedroom cottage just steps away from the beaches of Treasure Island. Enjoy panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico from the wrap-around deck, relax with your family around the outdoor fire pit, and let the kids play on the outdoor swing set or at the neighborhood playground. When you’re ready to venture out, beach towels and chairs are provided, along with fishing gear and a kayak perfect for the paddling trails at Galveston Island State Park, home to some of the best fresh- and saltwater fishing in the South. Venture into Galveston to spend a day at dog-friendly East Beach or Stewart Beach Park, and enjoy dinner at Marina Bar & Grill, where Fido can order something delicious from the dog menu. Two dogs of any size are welcome at the Salty Poodle for an additional fee of $75 per pet, per stay.

Folly Beach, SC

Stay close to everything in Folly Beach. Photo by VRBO

Just a short drive from historic Charleston, Folly Beach allows leashed pups to play from September 30 to May 1, making it the “pawfect” addition to a spring break in South Carolina. This 1940s designer beach cottage is just two blocks from the ocean and one block from the dog-friendly shops and restaurants on Center Street, like Wiki Wiki Sandbar and the Folly Beach Crab Shack. Guests can enjoy the sunset from the rocking chairs on the front porch, and kids will love playing on the rope swings hanging from a live oak in the backyard. Beach chairs and towels are provided along with games to keep the family entertained. With prior arrangement, nearby Bert's Market will stock the house with groceries for no service fee, allowing you more time to enjoy your stay. Dogs of any size are accepted for an additional fee of $100 per pet, per stay.

Lake Tahoe, CA

Life’s Better at the Lake. Photo by VRBO

While we usually associate spring break with the beach, March and April are a great time to enjoy the stunning Sierra Mountains surrounding Lake Tahoe. Stay with Fido at Moondance Cottage in Carnelian and breathe in fresh mountain air from the spacious back deck, soak in the outdoor hot tub, or cuddle up with the family by the indoor fireplace. The open living area with large windows and partial lake views is ideal for family game nights. When you’re ready to get out and explore, spend a day skiing and sledding with your pup at Tahoe City Winter Sports Park, or take a hike through Skylandia State Park. When the weather permits, grab lunch in the sunshine at one of the picnic tables of the Old Post Office Cafe. Dogs of any size are welcome at Moondance Cottage for an additional fee of $70 per pet, per stay.

St. Simon’s Island, GA

Relax on Island Time. Photo by VRBO

Experience true southern living when you bring your family to this dog-friendly island cottage on the Georgia coast. Nestled in the live oaks and Spanish moss, you’ll feel like you’re worlds away from it all, while being just a short walk to the ocean and beaches that will allow Fido to run leash-free in the months before Memorial Day. A beach cart, cooler and towels are provided by your host, and you can rinse off in the outdoor shower after a day in the sand. Let your pup explore the fully enclosed backyard while you relax on the front porch rocking chairs, and enjoy dinner with your family on the spacious back deck. If you’d prefer to dine out, head to the dog- and kid-friendly Barrier Island Brewing. Two dogs up to 50 lbs are allowed at the island cottage for an additional fee of $80 per pet, per stay.

Gulf Shores, AL

Catch sunshine and a Gulf breeze. Photo by VRBO

Plan a spring break trip to Alabama’s gulf coast and stay at this dog-friendly beach cottage nestled on a quiet, wooded lot just one block from the ocean. The home is stocked with everything you’ll need for a week away, but dog-friendly restaurants like The Beach House Kitchen and Cocktails are just a short drive away. Sunbathing pups will enjoy the large, wrap-around deck, and leashed dogs are welcome on the public beach as well as at nearby Fort Morgan Historic Site Bayside Beach. While you’re there, your pooch can join the family on a tour of Fort Morgan State Historic Park. Two dogs up to 50 lbs are invited to relax at this cottage for an additional fee of $100 per pet, per stay.

Bend, OR

Relax riverside with your family and Fido. Photo by VRBO

You’ll have no trouble finding family- and pet-friendly activities during a delightful spring break in Bend, and this riverfront cottage provides the perfect homebase for your week away. French doors open from the kitchen to a large deck with an outdoor bar and dining set, so you can enjoy dinner overlooking the Deschutes River. Spring brings wildlife to the river including baby ducks, geese, osprey and eagles. The double-fenced backyard is safe for children and pets, and features a fire pit surrounded by Adirondack chairs. After dinner, gather the family around to enjoy the complimentary s’mores kit. With backyard river access, your pup can splash in the water, and stand up paddle boards and kayaks are available for the whole family to enjoy. The location is walkable to many downtown shops and restaurants, like the dog-friendly McMenamins Old St. Francis School. Dogs of any size are welcome at the cottage for no additional fee.

San Diego, CA

An outdoor oasis just steps from the beach. Photo by VRBO

Beautiful weather is never guaranteed during spring break, but if you want a safe bet, escape to sunny San Diego and kick back at Cheryl’s Cozy Cottage in Mission Beach. The central location makes it easy to walk to dog-friendly restaurants like Miss B’s Coconut Club and Better Buzz Coffee. The home is just one block from the Pacific Ocean and a short drive to one of the most popular canine hot spots in San Diego, the Original Dog Beach. But with a fully fenced and private outdoor lounge area complete with a built-in grill, outdoor TV and fire pit, you may never want to leave. Kids will enjoy the beach cruisers, chairs, towels, boogie boards, cornhole and kayak available for use, too. Dogs of any size are allowed at Cheryl’s Cozy Cottage for an additional fee of $225 per pet, per stay.

Dunedin, FL

Find out why furry visitors call it Dogedin. Photo by VRBO

The clear blue ocean water and white-sand beaches of Florida’s gulf coast is a favorite destination for spring breakers everywhere. Clare’s Cottage in Dunedin provides the ideal basecamp for a week of beach fun and relaxation. Located one block from Main Street and the Dunedin Marina, you can easily walk to dog-friendly stores like Poochie’s Pet Boutique and dine at restaurants like Sandpiper Cafe, followed by Strachan’s Ice Cream and Desserts for the kids and doggie ice cream from Bark Avenue of Dunedin for Fido. The expansive back deck with a dining area and sunshade has room for the whole family to enjoy a home-cooked meal outside, and the cozy living room furnishings and large TV make an ideal spot for family movie nights. If Fido came for the beach, you’ll be just a short drive to the dog-friendly beaches of Honeymoon Island State Park and Clearwater North Beach. Dogs of any size are permitted at Clare’s Cottage for an additional fee of $125 per pet, per stay.

Kanab, UT

A red cottage among the red rocks. Photo by VRBO

If visiting a national park with your family is on your agenda this spring break, book a stay at the Little Red Cottage in Kanab, UT. Centrally located near Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks as well as Grand Staircase Escalante and Vermilion Cliffs National Monuments, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to explore the area’s many natural wonders with Fido. Take everyone sand sledding at Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park, tour Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, or explore the desert with Windows of the West Hummer Tours. After a day of adventure, ride the complimentary bikes into town for dinner on the heated patio of Peekaboo Canyon Woodfired Kitchen, or grill out and enjoy a meal on the patio. Dogs of any size are accepted at the Little Red Cottage for an additional fee of $50 per pet, per stay.

Where would you like to bring Fido for spring break? Leave a comment or tweet us @BringFido!

Banner photo by VRBO.