Last Updated on January 27, 2026
Pet friendly travel continues to grow as more people view pets as integral family members rather than companions left behind.
Shifts toward remote work, increased pet ownership, and a stronger focus on experiences over possessions have made traveling together more practical and emotionally appealing. In response, I have found that more destinations and hospitality brands are adapting to meet demand, making it easier than ever to explore the world without having to leave your fur baby at home.
As such, FloridaRentals.com released its 2026 US Best Cities For Pet-Friendly Vacations, scoring cities based on 12 factors, including pet-friendly hotels, dog-friendly restaurants, dog parks, and pet health access.
1.Portland, Oregon
The West Coast city sits at top tier of pet-friendly destinations due to its exceptional combination of dog-friendly outdoor access, mild climate, and strong pet culture. Portland has built a strong reputation because it blends abundant outdoor spaces, welcoming social spots, and a cultural love for animals that makes exploring the city with pets easy and fun.
2. Albuquerque, New Mexico
Coming in at second place, Albuquerque has the highest percentage of pet-friendly hotels, with 67 percent allowing pets to stay with their owners. The Southwestern city has many dedicated dog parks and outdoor areas where pups can run, play and socialize, along with a number of off-leash and fenced spots throughout Albuquerque.
3. Phoenix, Arizona
Ranking third, Phoenix offers lots of spaces and services that welcome pets and make it easy to explore the city together. Many of the city’s hotels go out of the way to offer amenities like pet beds, bowls, and no size limits on pets and a growing number of restaurants and breweries are letting dogs join on outdoor patios.
4. San Francisco, California
In the City by the Bay, pets are woven into everyday life, not treated as an afterthought. The city has an exceptional park system, coastal trails, waterfront paths and neighborhood green spaces. It’s not unusual to see dogs riding in cable cars, relaxing in bookstores, or accompanying their owners to local cafes.
5. Tampa, Florida
Ranking fifth among the most dog-friendly destinations, Tampa boasts an impressive number of parks, trails, and designated dog areas that give pups space to run, play, and explore. The city’s dining culture embraces pets, with many restaurants, breweries and cafes offering outdoor seating, and hotels in the city offer numerous options for a pet and human stay.
6. San Diego, California
America’s Finest City, as it’s often called, boasts the most dog-friendly restaurants, with a total of 702. The only other city to come close is Chicago, with 580 restaurants. San Diego combines ideal weather, abundant outdoor spaces and a welcoming pet culture, making it easy to explore the city with a furry companion. Several beaches have off-leash policies along with many dedicated dog parks scattered throughout the city and county.
7. Austin, Texas
The city, who’s mantra is “Keep Austin Weird” loves its pets, treating them more like family. Austin offers pet-centric community events, meet-ups and services that support pet owners and bring people and their beloved fur babies together. A large share of the city’s rentals allow pets and cafes, bars, breweries and shopping centers welcome pets on outdoor patios.
8. New York, New York
Even in a big, bustling urban environment, the Big Apple has a strong pet-loving culture. NYC offers an abundance of green spaces for dogs and pets, including Central Park, Prospect Park and Riverside Park, with dog runs and off-leash areas. A myriad of restaurants, cafes and businesses have outdoor seating or indoor dog-friendly areas, and because most New Yorkers walk frequently, their furry friends can get exercise as part of a daily routine.
9. Tucson, Arizona
This charming Southwest city’s sunny weather and natural beauty provide plenty of opportunity for outdoor walks, hikes, and adventures with pets. Tucson offers many dog-friendly trails, paths and parks for exploration and daily exercise. Studies and programs like “Better Cities for Pets” and various ‘most dog‑friendly cities’ lists have recognized Tucson for its commitment to pets, highlighting parks, shelters, veterinary access, and community support.
10. Colorado Springs, Colorado
The vibrant city in central Colorado on the eastern edge of the Rockies is surrounded by scenic hiking trails, dog parks, and open spaces that welcome leashed dogs, including the incredibly picturesque Garden of the Gods. Many local eateries and breweries welcome well‑behaved dogs on outdoor patios, often with water bowls and treats, creating a relaxed dining experience for pet owners and a good selection of pet-friendly hotels and lodging make traveling with pets easier.
