10 Pet-Friendly Vacation Rentals in the Most Dog-Friendly Cities Across the Country
The breeze in your hair. The sand in your toes. The sun on your back. Ahhhh, you're finally thinking about traveling again. Well, kinda. There are some stipulations—you want to travel as safely as possible, which probably means a domestic destination it is! If you can turn it into a road trip, even better. And then, of course, there's Willy Wonka, your beloved pudgy bulldog who hasn't left your side for the last 365+ days. Maybe he was an independent pup pre-Covid, but quarantine life has made everyone in your family co-dependent on each other—including the dog. All this to say: You're not leaving home without him. The travel industry may not have always been the most pet-forward biz, but these days there seem to be more and more options to lug our furry family members along for the ride. So if you're looking for pet-friendly vacation rentals—and an even dog-friendlier destination for a toe-dip trip—we've found ten awesome vacation rentals in some of the most dog-friendly cities in the U.S. According to Expedia, those cities include:
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Door County, Wisconsin (not a city, per say, but we're counting the region as one stop)
Key Largo, Florida
Alexandria, Virginia
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Bar Harbor, Maine
Provincetown, Massachusetts
Austin, Texas
San Diego, California
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1. Beachfront Cottage in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Starting at $686/night
Sleeps 6 / 3 beds / 1.5 baths
This dreamy dog-friendly vacation town is known for its rich artistic histories (you must check out the galleries around the city center), and its unmatched natural beauty—just look at that oceanfront. And this two-level getaway is just a few steps from the famous Monastery Beach where dogs are (surprise!) allowed off-leash.
2. Historic Waterfront Home in Door County, Wisconsin
Starting at $280/night
Sleeps 8 / 3 beds / 2 baths
This adorable summer hotspot in Wisconsin happens to be home to Whitefish Dunes, a dog beach where Fido can call the shore his own. And when you're spent from running laps in that Lake Michigan surf, head back to your Eagle Harbor cottage with its own private waterfront.
3. Dockside Getaway in Key Largo, Florida
Starting at $525/night
Sleeps 7 / 2 beds / 2 baths
Situated in the very dog-friendly city of Key Largo, this 1,200-square-foot Vrbo vacation rental is located on Tarpon Basin, where fishermen will delight in catching mangrove snapper right on property! As for your Maltese who's afraid of the water? No problem. She'll enjoy the single-story home (a vacation from stairs is a great vacation) and the sunset views.
4. Gorgeous Colonial House with Oasis Backyard in Washington D.C.
Starting at $257/night
Sleeps 4 / 2 beds / 1.5 baths
Do us a favor and show Rocky a photo of this back porch—doggie heaven, no? Don't worry, the interior of this luxury Colonial is modern, fresh and clean too. Plus, you're only 20 minutes from Alexandria, where you can stroll down King Street for window shopping, and your dog will, no doubt, have his fair share of water bowls and treats to devour.
5. Foothills Home with Amazing Views in Albuquerque, New Mexico
Starting at $413/night
Sleeps 8 / 4 beds / 2 baths
According to Expedia, you'll see dogs everywhere you turn in this Southwestern city, from the Boxing Bear Brewing Co. to the ABQ Trolley tour. But in this Santa Fe-style foothills property with expansive backyard and patio...you—and Babe the pit mix—might never want to leave.
6. Oceanfront Pet-Friendly Property in Bar Harbor, Maine
Starting at $675/night
Sleeps 6 / 3 beds / 2 baths
Did we just drop into an Olive Kitteridge novel? A stay at this incredibly quaint (albeit 3,000-square-foot) cottage on Bass Harbor, means views of the iconic local lighthouse and a 15-minute drive the to the lovely town of Bar Harbor. Your dog will love the rugged, Maine landscape, and you'll love all the lobster you can possibly eat.
7. Waterfront Haven in Hyannis, Massachusetts
Starting at $263/night
Sleeps 6 / 3 bedrooms/ 3 baths
An hour from Provincetown, another super dog-friendly destination, this oceanfront three-bed, three-bath haven offers stunning ocean views, large bay windows, a kid-friendly lawn and picnic area and, yes, even a foosball table.
8. Mountain Crest Luxury Estate with Pool in Austin, Texas
Starting at $1,831/night
Sleeps 14/ 5 bedrooms / 5.5 baths
Austin has more than 500 pet-friendly restaurants, and some of them, like the Yard Bar even offer a dog menu! (Ruff life, huh?) The pet perks of Austin might make the price tag on this pet-friendly (on request) enclave in the hills all the more enticing—and c'mon, if you split with your 13 best friends? Not too bad. Especially considering this hidden estate offers a private pool, tennis court, children's play area and the secluded R&R you probably need.
9. Sunny, Tranquil Duplex with Beautiful Ocean View in San Diego, California
Starting at $673/night
Sleeps 10/ 3 bedrooms / 2 baths
Similar to Austin, this SoCal city ranks high in dog-friendliness, with, according to Expedia, over 530 dog-friendly restaurants! Plus, it's also got several local dog beaches. Not too shabby. Neither is this unbelievable coastal getaway, where you (and Misty the pug) can lounge on the deck or walk to the Mission Beach Boardwalk—just try and warn Misty about the skateboards, mmk?
10. Romantic Downtown Rooftop Apartment in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Starting at $420/night
Sleeps 3/ 1 bedroom / 1 bathroom
Another Carmel-by-the-Sea destination (because, c'mon, the place is magical), this romantic rooftop apartment is straight out of a Nancy Meyers film. The private balcony, the vintage accents and the short walk into town might be just the thing you, your partner and your beloved pup need before you head back to a chaotic work week.
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