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Top 3 Dog-Friendly Cities for a Vacation

By April 4, 2019September 6th, 2022Arizona, Bus Travel, Florida, Oregon, Portland, Tampa, Tucson
A dog running on the beach and enjoying a beautiful dog friendly vacation with his owner.

For many individuals, pets are part of the family, so it feels wrong to go on a trip without taking them along. Fortunately, there are multiple cities across the U.S. that are just as welcoming to canines as they are to humans. If you can’t bear the thought of leaving Fido at home, book a trip to one of these three dog-friendly vacation destinations.

1. Portland, Oregon

Portland, OR, is a Pacific Northwest haven for both nature enthusiasts and dog owners. The city not only makes it easy to visit with a pet, but it also welcomes pets by offering numerous pet-friendly indoor and outdoor activities. There is a wide selection of accommodations that welcome dogs, including the Kimpton RiverPlace HotelKimpton Hotel Vintage Portland, and La Quinta Inn & Suites Portland NW. Additionally, all of the McMenamins’ brand hotels are pet-friendly, but they do require an extra charge per pet, per day.

When it comes to outdoor recreation, the City of Roses is home to a long list of parks that offer fenced and unfenced off-leash areas — many of which are open until midnight every day. Some of the most popular locations include Chimney ParkSellwood Riverfront Park, and Willamette Park. Before hitting the parks, stop by Java Hound for a cup of Joe for you and shot of whip cream for your furry friend. Furthermore, dog owners can grab local brews on the patios at any one of Lucky Labrador Brewing Company’s four locations, go wine tasting at Plum Hill Vineyards, and find unique arts, crafts, and local farm-fresh food at the Portland Saturday Market.

2. Tampa, Florida

Guests of all ages flock to Tampa, FL, for its abundance of sunshine and proximity to Tampa Bay and the Gulf coast. Fortunately, the city welcomes furry, four-legged tourists with total enthusiasm. Dog-friendly hotels in the city aren’t quite as numerous as Portland, but there are a few affordable options to choose from, including Homewood Suites Tampa Airport WestshoreHoliday Inn Express Hotel and Suites, and La Quinta Inn Tampa.

No trip to Tampa is complete without a day on the beach. Luckily, The Big Guava offers two canine beaches on the bay: Picnic Island Beach Dog Park and Davis Island Dog Beach. There are also multiple dog parks in the area, including the Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, which offers a fenced off-leash area and a water fountain designed specifically for pets. After working up an appetite, hit up one of the local pup-friendly eateries in the area like Mad Dogs and EnglishmenThe Brick House Tavern + Tap, and the Tampa Bay Brewing Company.

3. Tucson, Arizona

Offering warm days and cool nights most of the year, Tucson, AZ, is a desert oasis in the Southwest, which makes it an ideal dog-friendly vacation destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Upon arriving in the city, hit up one of the many hiking trails in the area. Ranging from easy to challenging, you can spend from as little as a few hours to an entire day trekking through the local mountains and taking in the scenery.

Back in town, there are a variety of activities available for man’s best friend and his human companion. The Tucson Botanical Gardens welcomes leashed pets from June to September for $3 a day. For an unforgettable date with Fido, book a swimming session or canine massage at A Loyal Companion. There are also multiple dog-friendly parks in Tucson, including Gene C. Reid Park, which is home to Miko’s Corner Playground — a leash-free and fenced playground offering both small and large dog areas. You can also meet local pet owners in the area by joining the weekly Meet Me at Maynards social walk where all humans and canines are welcome.

For dining, there a variety of options available for pet owners. Known for their delicious eggs benedict, Baja Cafe offers dog-friendly patio seating, as does Le Buzz Caffe, the Cup Cafe at the Hotel Congress, and Barrio Brewing CompanyHUB Ice Cream Factory, on the other hand, offers a slightly different approach by providing food options specifically prepared for canine diners. Along with a rotation of 22 ice cream flavors for humans, they offer “pupsicles” made with dog-friendly ingredients.

Save on Travel with BusTickets.com

Ready for a much-needed getaway? Cut down on vacation expenses with BusTickets.com. From Portland to Tampa, find the most budget-friendly rates with a few clicks of a button. You can even book group bus travel with ease thanks to our quick and easy online charter bus quote request. Start exploring without breaking the bank by booking your bus tickets today!

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