Pet-Friendly Travel Destinations in 2025: A Guide for Your Furry Friend

Traveling with pets is no longer a hassle or an afterthought. In 2025, more destinations, hotels, and services are catering to the needs of pet owners, making it easier than ever to travel with your furry companions. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach getaway, an adventurous mountain retreat, or a city escape, these pet-friendly destinations offer a warm welcome to you and your pets.

1. San Diego, California: The Ultimate Pet Paradise

San Diego has long been a favorite for pet owners, and in 2025, it’s only getting better. The city boasts numerous dog-friendly parks, beaches, and even restaurants. Your dog can romp around at Ocean Beach Dog Beach, a leash-free area where dogs can swim and play in the sand. For an exciting hike, head to Mission Trails Regional Park, which allows pets on leashes and offers trails with beautiful views. If you’re looking to relax with your pup, check out The Pet Friendly Hotel in downtown San Diego, known for its welcoming atmosphere, dog beds, and treat stations.

Must-Visit Spots:

• Ocean Beach Dog Beach
• Mission Trails Regional Park
• The Pet Friendly Hotel (Downtown San Diego)

2. Asheville, North Carolina: A Blend of Nature and Culture

Asheville is perfect for pet owners who want a mix of culture and outdoor adventures. This charming city is surrounded by the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, offering plenty of hiking trails that are perfect for dogs. The Biltmore Estate allows pets on its 8,000-acre grounds (but not inside the house), so you can explore the beautiful gardens and trails with your pet by your side. The city also has an impressive pet-friendly brewery scene, with places like The Wedge Brewing Co. offering dog-friendly patios.

Must-Visit Spots:

• Blue Ridge Parkway
• Biltmore Estate Grounds
• The Wedge Brewing Co.

3. Austin, Texas: A Pet-Lover’s Dream

Austin is one of the most pet-friendly cities in the U.S., known for its lively music scene, thriving culture, and outdoor spaces. Pets are welcome at many restaurants, cafes, and bars, including the famous The Dogwood, a bar with a dedicated dog-friendly patio. For outdoor enthusiasts, Austin offers trails like those at Zilker Metropolitan Park, where dogs can run freely. You can even take your dog along for a kayak ride at Lady Bird Lake!

Must-Visit Spots:

• Zilker Metropolitan Park
• Lady Bird Lake
• The Dogwood

4. Vancouver, Canada: A Green City for Pets

Vancouver is a paradise for pet lovers, offering stunning scenery with a mix of urban and natural beauty. The city features miles of hiking trails, beaches, and parks, many of which are pet-friendly. Kitsilano Beach is known for allowing dogs to run off-leash, and Stanley Park offers multiple trails perfect for a walk with your furry friend. Many of Vancouver’s hotels, including The Fairmont Pacific Rim, are pet-friendly and provide amenities like dog beds, water bowls, and a special pet concierge to ensure your pet’s comfort.

Must-Visit Spots:

• Kitsilano Beach
• Stanley Park
• The Fairmont Pacific Rim

5. Portland, Oregon: A City that Loves Pets

Portland is renowned for being one of the most pet-friendly cities in the U.S., with its laid-back atmosphere, extensive green spaces, and pet-friendly businesses. The city’s public parks, like Washington Park, allow pets on leashes, while Powell’s Books has a special pet-friendly section for those who want to shop with their furry friends. If your dog enjoys swimming, visit Willamette Park, which features a designated dog-friendly beach.

Must-Visit Spots:

• Washington Park
• Powell’s Books
• Willamette Park

6. Paris, France: A Pet-Friendly European Escape

Paris is not only the city of romance but also a haven for pet owners. The French capital has long embraced pets, and in 2025, it continues to offer numerous accommodations, cafes, and parks that welcome dogs. Stroll along the Seine River or take your pet to the Luxembourg Gardens, where dogs are allowed on a leash. Many Parisian cafes, like Les Deux Magots, offer outdoor seating where pets can join their owners for a meal.

Must-Visit Spots:

• Luxembourg Gardens
• Seine River Walk
• Les Deux Magots Café

7. Copenhagen, Denmark: An Innovative City for Pets

Copenhagen is famous for its green spaces and sustainable living, and in 2025, it continues to prioritize pet-friendly services. Fælledparken, one of the largest parks in the city, has designated dog areas where pets can run off-leash. The city is also home to numerous pet-friendly cafes and restaurants, like Café Norden, where you can sip coffee while your pet relaxes by your side. The Copenhagen Zoo even allows dogs in certain areas, making it an exciting adventure for pet lovers.

Must-Visit Spots:

• Fælledparken
• Café Norden
• Copenhagen Zoo

8. Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada: An Outdoor Adventure

If your dog enjoys outdoor adventures, Lake Tahoe is the perfect destination. Nestled in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the area offers stunning lakeside views, hiking trails, and pet-friendly beaches. Your dog can enjoy Kiva Beach in California, where leashed dogs are welcome, or hike the Tahoe Rim Trail for scenic mountain views. Many of the lodges and resorts in the area are pet-friendly, such as The Landing Resort & Spa, which offers pet amenities like beds and treats.

Must-Visit Spots:

• Kiva Beach
• Tahoe Rim Trail
• The Landing Resort & Spa

9. Barcelona, Spain: A Mediterranean Escape for You and Your Pet

Barcelona is a vibrant, pet-friendly city that combines Mediterranean charm with modern conveniences. The city has a reputation for being very accommodating to pets, from cafes to beaches and parks. Dogs are welcome on the Barceloneta Beach during the off-season, and Parc Guell offers pet-friendly paths for walks. The city’s hotels, including Hotel Arts Barcelona, offer pet-friendly rooms with amenities like dog beds, bowls, and grooming services.

Must-Visit Spots:

• Barceloneta Beach
• Parc Guell
• Hotel Arts Barcelona

10. New Zealand: A Country-Wide Adventure for Pets

New Zealand is a dream destination for pet owners, with its pristine natural beauty and vast landscapes. Whether you’re looking to explore beaches, forests, or mountains, New Zealand has something to offer. Queenstown is a fantastic spot for active pets, offering hiking and biking trails with stunning views. The city of Wellington is also known for being very pet-friendly, with plenty of outdoor spaces and pet-welcoming cafes. Several accommodations across the country, like The Rees Hotel, are happy to host pets.

Must-Visit Spots:

• Queenstown Trails
• Wellington Botanic Garden
• The Rees Hotel (Queenstown)

Tips for Traveling with Pets in 2025:

• Plan Ahead: Always check the pet policies of hotels, airlines, and attractions in advance.
• Pack Pet Essentials: Don’t forget food, bowls, leashes, waste bags, and any medication your pet needs.
• Keep Them Safe: Ensure your pet is microchipped and has proper identification in case you get separated.
• Respect Local Rules: Be aware of leash laws, designated pet areas, and cleanliness expectations at your destination.

Conclusion

The world is becoming more pet-friendly, and 2025 promises a year filled with exciting travel options for you and your furry companion. From outdoor adventures in natural landscapes to exploring pet-friendly cities, these destinations offer the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. So, pack your bags (and your pet’s favorite toy), and get ready to create unforgettable memories with your four-legged friend at one of these incredible pet-friendly destinations.