It's no big surprise that here at Apartment Therapy, we're wild about our pets. And since we're ringing in Travel & Escapes month, what better time to turn our attention to pet-centric vacations. If you'd rather travel with your pup by your side, and without sneaking them in (yes, guilty!), here are a few accommodating getaways.
Shown above, left to right:
1 Nantucket - Although it's 30 miles out to sea, whether you travel by plane or ferry, your pet will travel free or for a small fee when flying. Book a waterfront Woof Cottage and your dog will be in the lap of luxury. Welcome basket of pet treats and play toys, a dog bed, doggie massages, walking services, and even a "yappy hour". Hike some of the many walking trails, or take in the scenic views of Nantucket Sound by beach or boat tour, where leashed pets are welcome. Quench you thirst at Cisco Brewery and Distillery. You can grab snacks from the farm stand next door and enjoy them with your pup on the patio.
2 Asheville - Speaking from experience, Asheville was a gem of a city to visit with a pet. If you want to stay downtown try Haywood Park Hotel, a boutique hotel with turndown service with personalized doggie biscuits. You'll also find many B&B's that cater to dogs, but otherwise I would suggest trying a nights sleep in a yurt, slightly outside of town. Spend a day with your pet wandering the grounds of the famous Biltmore Estate. While dogs aren't allowed in the Mansion, there are many trails as well as kenneling for them while your taking the tour. Stop by Three Dog Bakery for Fido and 12 Bones for the best barbecue. Finish the day off with a romp at French Broad River Park which has a large fenced in one-acre space. Situated in the Blue Ridge Mountains, be sure to plan your visit during peak foliage time!
3 Seattle - There are many great reasons to visit Seattle with your pet. Throughout the city, getting around will be a breeze since you can travel by bus, train, or water taxi with your pet. There are many places to lodge, but worth noting is Pensione Nichols B&B. It's situated in the ideal location and your dog won't be lonely with Theo, the cavilier King Charles spaniel, as the official greeter. For eats or a little bar trivia, hit up Norm's Eatery & Ale House. To make your trip one-of-a-kind, take in the historical Blake Island State Park, an ancestral campground of the Suquamish Indian Tribe. Both dog and master will enjoy the hiking, beaches, and especially the Chinook salmon cooked over a wood fire in the traditional Northwest Coast Indian style.
4 Carmel-by-the-sea - This California town has definitely gone to the dogs. Boasting an off-leash beach and dog-friendly restaurants, you won't be pressed to leave your pup in the car or at the hotel. Try staying at the notable Cypress Inn, where all 44 rooms will welcome your pet with open arms (yes, cats too!). They even have a fireplace in the lobby for your dog to curl up in front of. Take in the gorgeous scenery with a walking tour of the town, followed by dinner at The Forge in the Forest, where your pup can order off of the "Dog Pound" menu.
5 Austin - With 12 off-leash parks, a stellar music scene, and the super-hip dog-friendly Hotel San Jose, I sure wished I had brought my pooch along. There's a plethora of outdoor eateries and you can check out the city in a horse-drawn carriage tour, all with your dog in tow. Finish off the day by watching bats fly out from under the Congress Ave Bridge and dessert at the kitschy Hey Cupcake.
Do you have a fabulous pet-friendly vacation or accommodation you'd like to recommend?
Images: 1: The Cottages, 2: Campfire Lodgings, 3: Pensione Nichols, 4: Cypress Inn, 5: Apartment Therapy: Los Angeles






White Enamel Flatwa...
if you're in NYC, the Tribeca Grand is totally pet friendly (would guess that the SoHo Grand is as well). a lot of B&Bs in Vermont ski towns are pet friendly too. Montauk on LI has some dog friendly places too and the main beach is dog friendly as long as they are on a leash.
My suggestion is to avoid the Chicago Loop, though it's one of our favorite destinations when we are traveling pet-less. The dog-friendly Hotel Monaco was wonderfully hospitable to our great big greyhound but the surrounding neighborhood was not. Green spaces where a pup could relieve himself (without raising the ire of hotel doormen or Millennium Park security) were few and far between. And the sidewalks can be very congested during the business day.
The dog in the first shot is such a KISSY FACE!!! I love him!
I love those borzois!
W hotels are pet-friendly.
Was just in Portland, Maine and the Eastland Park Hotel has a pet package. That, and a penthouse bar with a view of the city and bay...
Wickaninnish Inn - Tofino, British Columbia is EXCELLENT. They more than tolerate dogs, and the restaurant is am-az-ing.
Also, I love the first dog here and want to nom-nom on his little paws!
Loew's Santa Monica -- right on the beach. You can take your dog for a walk on the strand, but don't let him go on the sand -- big fine for that.
Any suggestions for the midatlantic (dc, b'more, va beach, ocean city, etc.)? Anyone? Anyone?
@pbysura i live in old town alexandria, va, which is about 5 miles outside of DC. it's VERY dog friendly and has great shops, restaurants, etc. not sure about the pet friendly hotel situation, but i imagine that most are accommodating. hope this helps!
CAVALIER! (in the 3rd photo)
Nice post and comments. I have 2 dogs and haven't traveled with them much but this article is a great start.
The Hotel Preston outside of Nashville also caters to pets. You pay a decent one-time fee ($50 maybe) but it covers them for life, so you can return fee-free next time. They also give your pooch a free bag of treats. The hotel also has lots of unique and fun design elements as well as quirky service options (like just about any religious book you want in your drawer) that make it fun to stay at. Only bummer is that it's out by Nashville's airport, so it's about a 15 minute drive to the heart of the city.
Bar Harbor, Acadia National Park, ultra dofg friendly, lots of outdoor dining, dogs allowed, most shops dog friendly,infinite hiking trails