4 Dog-Friendly American Vacation Spots and Hotels

Traveling is always exciting, but one thing that makes it a hundred times better is doing so with a loved one, no matter the city you choose to visit. The most important thing about a travel buddy—whether a significant other, a BFF or even your four-legged child—is that they’re ready for adventure and new experiences at the drop of a hat.

Dogs, just like us, enjoy some activities more than others. Whether yours is the laziest or most active pooch, we’ve got you covered with some vacays that are sure to leave you both satisfied.

For Pups Who Love to Party: Key West, FL

The Gates Hotel on Roosevelt Ave. is dog-friendly, and even hosts a monthly Yappy Hour at its pool bar in partnership with the Florida Keys SPCA. This includes drink specials, animals for adoption (you could always leave with one more than you came with, right?) and a raffle—with $1 from every cocktail donated back to the organization.

The Gates takes their love for dogs a step further in a blog post about pet-friendly spots in the city. There’s an off-leash dog park nearby, as well as a dog beach. Many bars and restaurants will welcome Fido with open arms and a biscuit. Pets are even allowed to visit the Key West Aquarium with you as long as they’re kept on a leash.

For Beachy, Laid Back Pups: Fort Lauderdale, FL

Maybe your fur baby’s a little older and looking for a chill waterfront getaway instead of a bar crawl. Spoil that good boy (or girl!) with a luxe beach getaway at the W Fort Lauderdale.

Presented upon check-in, the Dog Gone It Pet Suite comes with a limited-edition dog bandana, food/water doggie bowls and a plush in-room doggie bed to curl up on. In the room, you’ll also find doggie bags (to, you know, clean up after your pooch on walks) and a new Bark Box filled with toys and treats.

Go for a leisurely stroll on Fort Lauderdale Beach or hang on your balcony, where there’s a Tinkle Turf pad in case you’re not in the mood for the elevator ride downstairs. The resort even offers a gourmet dog menu at its Sushi Bar and Steak 954 restaurants (menu items include hamburger patty with diced pineapple, salmon fillet with steamed asparagus, kosher beef hotdog with broccoli, steamed edamame and more).

The Pet Suite package also waives the W’s daily clean-up fee and requires no pet deposit.

For Canines Who Like to Hike: Adairsville, Georgia

A somewhat athletic vacation is nice, especially when you know you’ll be doing a lot of eating/drinking while out of office. At the 3,000-acre mountainside Barnsley Resort (the storybook site of an 1840s Southern manor), pups of all sizes are welcome. The hotel’s Garden Suites, Meadow Suites and Arbor Cottages include pet beds, bowls, bottled water and treats.

Explore hiking trails in the Blue Ridge Mountains with your BFF or leave him/her with the resort’s pet sitting service while you get a spa treatment or take a horseback trail ride.

One thing I love about Barnsley is its partnership with PAWS Atlanta. The resort will waive its $75 pet fee for guests on the special Pampered Pets for PAWS rate and will instead donate that fee to PAWS—which provides love, nutrition, medical care and basic training for orphaned animals until they get adopted.

For Hippie Desert Dogs: Palm Springs, CA

In Southern California (specifically the Coachella Valley), overlooking the Santa Rosa Mountains, you’ll find the 11-acre Miramonte Indian Wells Resort & Spa—a newly renovated dog-friendly property that boasts rose-lined walkways, fresh citrus trees and stunning sunset/mountain views.

Dog-friendly rooms come with in-room doggy beds and treats. There are fire pits perfect for evening lounging with a cocktail in hand while Fido gnaws on a bone. Don’t forget to explore the grounds with your pooch—local hiking trails abound.

Miramonte also hosts a monthly Cocktails and Canines mixer with proceeds benefiting a local animal shelter. What’s not to love?