If your dog’s 2025 New Year’s resolution is to travel more, we’re here to help! We’ve scoured the U.S. in search of some of the most pet-friendly cities to visit this year. Exploring new places together is a wonderful way to strengthen the bond between you and your best friend. Take a look at these 10 pet-friendly travel destinations for 2025.
10 Pet-Friendly Cities for a Weekend Getaway in 2025
Posted by Lauren Barker
1. Boise, ID
Offering the perfect blend of outdoor adventure and urban amenities, Boise, ID is a top-paw destination for anyone looking to travel with their dog in 2025. The city boasts over 25 miles of trails on the Boise River Greenbelt, or you can spend some quality time along the Boise River at Together Treasure Dog Island, an off-leash dog park located inside Ann Morrison Park. Four-legged art lovers will also enjoy a stroll through the open-air Freak Alley Art Gallery.
Boise's vibrant downtown features numerous dog-friendly patios, breweries, and coffee shops. Grab a bite at Westside Drive-In where the neon lights and monster burgers have beckoned Boiseans since 1957 or head to Big Bun Drive-In for a taste of Americana and a doggy cone. For breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up, visit the cozy patio of The District Coffee House, and swing by Mother Earth Brew Co. on a Friday or Saturday to enjoy an all-day Yappy Hour. When your pooch is in need of some off-leash time, head to Clubhound where he can make new friends while you sip on beer, wine or coffee from the onsite bar.
Stay at The Riverside Hotel BW Premier Collection, the city’s largest full-service hotel, located on 14 acres along the Boise River. You’ll be within walking distance of Boise’s most dog-friendly restaurants and attractions.
2. Nantucket, MA
Located off the coast of Cape Cod, the enchanting island of Nantucket is ready for four-legged tourists. Make your way by plane with Cape Air, or by sea on Steamship Authority’s high-speed ferry or on Hy-Line Cruises. When you arrive, visit Young’s Bicycle Shop to rent a bike and a dog-friendly Burley Trailer. Take it for a spin to Sandbar at Jetties Beach for a beer with a view of the Nantucket Sound. After your refreshments, drop the bike off and head to Tupancy Links by foot (and paw). This 73-acre grassland conservancy area with off-leash dirt and gravel trails is considered Nantucket’s unofficial dog park. If you have time, head to Straight Wharf to charter a dog-friendly boat tour with Endeavor Sailing Excursions. Captain Jim Genthner will take you out for a 1- to 1.5-hour cruise and share his knowledge of the area. Then swing by Millies, the best spot to catch the sunset over dinner with Fido.
Check in at one of The Cottages at Nantucket Boat Basin’s pet-friendly “Woof Cottages.” Pets are welcome from mid-April through October.
3. Denver
Denver should be high on everybody’s 2025 travel list. Start off with a big dose of Vitamin D(enver) on a free morning Denver Walking Tour with your pup. After this excellent introduction to the Mile High City, hop on a cruiser from Wheel Fun Rentals and traverse the city by bike. On your two-wheeled adventure, take in a local brewery--there are 150, after all, and many of them welcome furry customers. Denver Beer Co. even serves up a dog “beerscuit!” to canine connoisseurs, and you can pick up swag for Fido after lunch on the patio of BrewDog. After the bike ride, hop in your car to discover some of Colorado’s vast and unblemished backcountry. Be sure to visit Red Rocks Amphitheatre & Park, named for its towering 300-foot sandstone rock formations. There are many dog-friendly restaurant patios to choose from in Denver, but you won’t want to miss the chance for a cozy dinner around the fire pit at Forest Room 5.
The Kimpton Hotel Monaco Denver is a welcoming place to lay Fido’s head. This boutique hotel pampers canine guests with loaner beds, bowls and mats in the room.
4. Santa Barbara, CA
While many Southern California cities welcome four-legged visitors, Santa Barbara goes the extra mile to find a place on our list in 2025. With dog-friendly beaches like Arroyo Burro Beach (often called "Hendry's Beach"), your pup can enjoy the sand and surf alongside you. The city also boasts scenic trails, such as the Douglas Family Preserve, perfect for on- or off-leash exploration and Santa Barbara City College Trails which features cliffside hikes and coastal views. Downtown, many restaurants and cafes like The Cruisery, Breakwater Restaurant and Helena Avenue Bakery provide dog-friendly patios, and places like Figueroa Mountain Brewing Company and The Brewhouse Santa Barbara offer large craft beer selections. If you prefer wine over beer, schedule a wine tour with Golden Limo Santa Barbara.
Coupled with a variety of pet-friendly accommodations, Santa Barbara ensures a relaxing and memorable getaway for both you and your four-legged friend. Stay at Casa Del Mar Inn, a pet-friendly bed and breakfast conveniently located within walking distance of restaurants, shopping and beaches.
5. Minneapolis, MN
A diverse midwestern city with a big heart, Minneapolis' stunning riverfront skyline is a sight to behold. Start your trip with a cultured tour of the 11-acre Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, then rent a dog-friendly stand-up paddleboard or kayak from Wheel Fun Rentals to explore Lake Harriet. Don’t miss out on pleasant walks around the Twin Cities’ 13 lakes, and blow off some steam in the fun-filled dog parks. If his paws get tired, tour the city in a horse-drawn carriage with The Hitching Company down cobblestone streets and along the Mississippi River. When it’s time to eat, head to Pizzeria Lola which dishes up some pizza-inspired dog treats, or swing by Stanley’s Northeast Bar Room’s year-round paw-tio where Fido can order a three-course meal from the restaurant’s dog menu.
Spend the night in comfort at Radisson RED Minneapolis and meet Baxter the Boston Terrier, the hotel’s canine mascot. Baxter makes sure visiting canines receive complimentary bandanas, beds and bowls as part of the pet program.
6. St. Augustine, FL
Plan a getaway with your pup to America’s oldest city, St. Augustine. With historical landmarks, beautiful beaches and parks, and eclectic dining options as well as year-round mild weather, it’s the “pawfect” destination for your next vacation with Fido! If he’s itching to get his paws wet, head to Vilano Beach where he can splash in the surf, or enjoy a serene boat tour with St. Augustine Eco Tours. History “ruffs” can expand their knowledge at Castillo de San Marcos National Monument or during a visit to the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park. And when it’s time for Fido to get his fill, enjoy dinner on the sand at Beachcomber, let him order a “yappetizer” from the Puppy Menu at Barley Republic, or dine while watching the koi fish swim in the courtyard of The Raintree.
Make the most of your “Ancient City” getaway by staying at The Saint Augustine Beach House. Located along the A1A Scenic highway, the inn’s rooms feature oceanfront views and balconies, and the property boasts a fenced dog run and a dog wash station for easy clean-up of sandy fur and paws.
7. Nashville, TN
Known for its vibrant country music scene and Southern hospitality, Nashville is a must-visit dog-loving destination for 2025. Mosey on down to the Riverfront Park Dog Park, a 13,000-square-foot fenced park with eco-friendly artificial turf and views of the Cumberland River. Learn about some of the country music greats on a tour with Walkin’ Nashville or swing by the Johnny Cash Museum to see unique memorabilia. When you need a break, lounge on the patio of the Cafe at Bobby and order Fido something off the hotel’s “Dog-Friendly Haute Dogs Menu,” featuring five chef-prepared meal options. A visit to Nashville wouldn’t be complete without live music. Get a true honky tonk experience at The Stage on Broadway, or head over to Tennessee Brew Works for some tunes and a local brew on the outdoor patio.
Check in at the pet-friendly Bobby Hotel. You’ll be greeted upon arrival by the hotel’s resident pet ambassador, a rescue dog in training to become a U.S. Veteran’s furry friend.
8. Santa Fe
America’s second-oldest city (founded around 1607) is famous for its delicious wine, gorgeous natural scenery and traditional art, and you can experience it all with your pup by your side in 2025. Start your trip off with an Early Morning Ride & Hike Tour from Santa Fe Mountain Adventures. The pet-friendly adventure starts in an ATV and ends with a brisk walk along a creek in the New Mexico Mountains. It’ll be 5 p.m somewhere by the time the tour finishes, which equals wine time. Noisy Water Winery’s Santa Fe tasting room welcomes canines. The highest-awarded winery in New Mexico will teach you a few classic tasting techniques when you visit. You’ll also want to get a taste of the city’s artistic side. Consider taking a two-hour, guided painting class at Santa Fe Art Classes.
La Fonda on the Plaza offers a convenient and comfortable place to stay with your pooch on the historic Santa Fe Plaza. Dogs receive a gift bag stuffed with liver treats and toys upon arrival. Best of all, 20 percent of the pet fee benefits Española Humane.
9. Raleigh, NC
A visit to North Carolina’s capital city should be at the top of every dog’s travel goals in 2025. Raleigh offers a variety of dog-friendly activities, including over two miles of trails at the North Carolina Museum of Art, picturesque paths at the Raleigh Municipal Rose Garden, and open-air shopping at City Market. Downtown boasts several dog-friendly patios at restaurants and breweries, including Raleigh Brewing Company and Raleigh Beer Garden which features beautiful courtyards and space for pups to lounge. Canines in need of off-leash play have plenty of options, too. While you enjoy a beverage, your pooch can let loose at West Street Dog, an indoor dog park bar. Or, for outdoor fun, the Dog Park at Dorthea Dix Park and the Dog Park at Carolina Pines Park offer ample space to run.
Stay close to the action at Hyatt House Raleigh North Hills, which has a neighboring dog run and provides treats for furry guests at the front desk.
10. Louisville, KY
With plenty of dog-friendly activities, restaurants and accommodations, Louisville is a fantastic destination for canine travelers and their humans in 2025. Stroll with Fido through Iroquois Park’s scenic trails and discover history and architecture on The Original Old Louisville Walking Tour. Shop together for antiques at Fleur de Flea Vintage Market, plants and pottery at Mahonia, unique gifts at White Elephant Vendor’s Market or new reads at Half Price Books. For off-leash fun, visit one of the many dog parks like Vettiner Dog Run and Morton Avenue Dog Park, or grab a drink and let your pup play at PG&J Dog Park Bar or Club K9 Dog Park. When Fido’s belly starts rumbling, grab a Bark Bowl from the dog menu at Better Blend Louisville. Then head to the pet-friendly outdoor patio at Down One Bourbon Bar & Restaurant, or order Southern comfort foods at Merle’s Whiskey Kitchen.
When night falls, head back to your room at Hotel Distil Autograph Collection where Fido can curl up in a Bourbon Barrel dog bed and enjoy treats and toys from the front desk.