12 Pet‑Friendly Memorial Day Escapes Where Fido Is Welcome

Memorial Day weekend marks the start of summer adventures, and for pet parents, leaving furry family members behind can dampen the holiday spirit.

Thankfully, destinations across America are rolling out the red carpet for four-legged travelers. From coastal retreats to mountain getaways, these pet-friendly escapes ensure your Memorial Day weekend creates memories for everyone in your pack.

1. Asheville, NC – Blue Ridge trails

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville welcomes pups with open arms and treats in hand. The city boasts over 220 dog-friendly establishments, from breweries to boutiques.

Hiking enthusiasts will love the accessible trails at the North Carolina Arboretum, where leashed dogs can explore 10 miles of paths through stunning gardens and woodland areas. After your adventures, grab a bite at one of the many pet-friendly patios downtown.

Many local hotels offer special pet amenities – some even provide dog beds, bowls, and welcome treats. The Aloft Asheville Downtown is particularly famous for its dog adoption program that houses adoptable dogs in the lobby!

2. Carmel, CA – Dog-friendly beaches

Carmel-by-the-Sea might be the most dog-loving town in America. This charming coastal village allows dogs to run free on its pristine white sand beach – one of California’s few truly off-leash beaches.

Your pup can splash in the Pacific while you enjoy spectacular views of Pebble Beach and Point Lobos. The town itself is equally welcoming, with many shops providing water bowls and treats for four-legged visitors. Several restaurants with outdoor seating happily accommodate dogs.

Cypress Inn, co-owned by famous animal lover Doris Day, stands out among numerous pet-friendly accommodations. They host a daily “Yappy Hour” where dogs and their humans can socialize in style!

3. Austin, TX – Outdoor patios galore

Austin’s laid-back vibe extends to its furry visitors too! The city’s famous motto “Keep Austin Weird” could easily be “Keep Austin Woofed” given how dog-friendly this Texas capital is.

Zilker Park offers 350 acres of open space where your dog can socialize at the dedicated off-leash area. When hunger strikes, head to one of Austin’s 350+ restaurants with pet-friendly patios – try Yard Bar, a combination dog park and restaurant where you can sip craft beers while your pup plays.

Red Bud Isle provides another perfect Memorial Day adventure – this peninsula park juts into Lady Bird Lake and offers swimming opportunities for water-loving dogs. Most local hotels welcome pets for a small fee.

4. Bar Harbor, ME – Acadia National Park

If coastal hiking with your furry friend sounds like heaven, Bar Harbor delivers paradise. This charming Maine town serves as the gateway to Acadia National Park, where leashed dogs are welcome on 100+ miles of hiking trails and 45 miles of carriage roads.

Memorial Day weekend typically marks the beginning of Bar Harbor’s busy season, though temperatures remain pleasantly mild. Your pup will love exploring the rocky shoreline, smelling the fresh salt air, and watching seabirds along Ocean Path trail.

After adventuring, many local restaurants welcome dogs on their patios with water bowls and occasional treats. The Balance Rock Inn and Acadia Hotel are just two of many pet-friendly lodging options in town.

5. Bend, OR – Off-leash river trails

Bend has earned its reputation as Dog City USA with good reason! This outdoor paradise boasts the highest per capita dog population in the world alongside seven off-leash areas and countless dog-friendly trails.

The Deschutes River Trail system offers miles of scenic paths where your leashed companion can enjoy riverside adventures. For swimming fun, head to the designated dog beach at Riverbend Park where pups can splash safely. Many local breweries welcome dogs both inside and out – try 10 Barrel or Crux Fermentation Project.

Where to stay? McMenamins Old St. Francis School is a quirky hotel that welcomes pets for a small fee. Bend’s natural beauty and dog-loving culture make it an ideal Memorial Day escape for active pups and their people.

6. Savannah, GA – Walkable historic streets

Southern hospitality extends to four-legged visitors in Savannah’s historic district. The city’s 22 charming squares provide perfect rest stops during your walks, with many featuring water fountains where dogs can refresh themselves.

Forsyth Park, the crown jewel of Savannah’s public spaces, welcomes leashed dogs throughout its 30 acres of moss-draped oaks and manicured gardens. Ghost tours, carriage rides, and riverboat cruises often allow well-behaved dogs to join the fun – just call ahead to confirm.

Many cafes and shops along Broughton Street provide water bowls and dog treats. For accommodations, try The Thunderbird Inn or The Kimpton Brice Hotel, both known for their exceptional pet-friendly policies and minimal pet fees.

7. Lake Placid, NY – Pet-friendly lodges

Hidden among the majestic Adirondack Mountains, Lake Placid offers a refreshing escape for you and your furry hiking partner. Memorial Day typically brings mild temperatures – perfect for exploring the region’s countless trails without summer crowds or bugs.

Mirror Lake’s 2.7-mile paved walkway provides an easy stroll with stunning mountain views. For more adventure, tackle the pet-friendly trails at High Falls Gorge or Whiteface Landing. After a day of exploration, several restaurants welcome dogs on their patios – try Lisa G’s or Top of the Park for great views.

Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort stands out for its exceptional pet program, offering dog beds, treats, and a private beach section where pups can swim. The rustic charm of Lake Placid’s lodges creates the perfect setting for bonding with your best friend.

8. Sedona, AZ – Scenic red rock hikes

Sedona’s mystical red rock landscape creates an otherworldly backdrop for adventures with your four-legged hiking buddy. The cooler May temperatures make Memorial Day weekend ideal for exploring before summer heat arrives.

Bell Rock Pathway and Baldwin Trail offer moderate pet-friendly hikes with breathtaking views. Your pup will love sniffing the desert plants and spotting local wildlife while you soak in the famous vortex energy. After hiking, cool off at Oak Creek’s Red Rock Crossing, where dogs can splash in the shallow water.

Many Sedona restaurants welcome dogs on their patios – Creekside American Bistro and ChocolaTree offer particularly pleasant outdoor spaces. For accommodations, El Portal Sedona and Hyatt Residence Club Sedona provide upscale pet-friendly options with minimal fees and special amenities.

9. Charleston, SC – Waterfront dog parks

Charleston’s southern charm isn’t limited to humans – dogs receive a warm welcome throughout this historic coastal city. Memorial Day weekend offers pleasant temperatures before the summer humidity sets in.

James Island County Park features a 4-acre off-leash paradise with dog beaches, trails, and separate areas for small and large dogs. For history buffs, leashed dogs are welcome at many historic sites, including The Battery and White Point Gardens, where you can stroll beneath ancient oak trees overlooking Charleston Harbor.

Poogan’s Porch, named after a neighborhood dog, naturally welcomes four-legged guests on its veranda. Many local accommodations cater to pets – The Restoration hotel even offers a “Pampered Pooch Package” with custom beds and locally-made treats.

10. Flagstaff, AZ – Forest adventures

Flagstaff’s towering ponderosa pine forests and high-altitude location (7,000 feet) create an unexpected Arizona escape that dogs and humans alike will appreciate. Memorial Day temperatures typically hover in the comfortable 70s – perfect for outdoor exploration.

Coconino National Forest surrounds the city with over 1.8 million acres of dog-friendly wilderness. The Fatman’s Loop and Buffalo Park trails offer scenic, moderate hikes where leashed dogs can explore alongside their humans. For swimming opportunities, head to Lake Mary where dogs can cool off after a forest adventure.

Historic downtown Flagstaff features numerous pet-friendly patios – try Diablo Burger or Lumberyard Brewing Company. Little America Hotel Flagstaff stands out among the pet-friendly accommodations with its 500-acre property offering plenty of on-site walking opportunities.

11. Key West, FL – Island beach fun

Key West’s laid-back island vibes extend to its four-legged visitors. This southernmost point in the continental US offers a tropical getaway where dogs are part of the local culture.

While most beaches in Key West prohibit dogs, Higgs Beach Dog Park provides a fenced beach area where your pup can play in the sand and splash in designated swimming zones. The famous Duval Street welcomes leashed dogs, with many shops putting out water bowls and offering treats.

Don’t miss sunset at Mallory Square – dogs on leashes can join the nightly celebration. For accommodations, Eden House and The Gardens Hotel offer pet-friendly rooms with tropical garden settings. Memorial Day in Key West typically means warm temperatures, so plan morning and evening outings for your furry friend’s comfort.

12. Seattle, WA – Puget Sound trails

Seattle might be known for rain, but Memorial Day typically brings improving weather to this dog-loving Pacific Northwest city. With over 350,000 dogs calling Seattle home, you’ll find no shortage of pet-friendly amenities.

Discovery Park offers 534 acres of natural beauty with miles of pet-friendly trails and beach access where leashed dogs can explore tide pools and watch for seals. Magnuson Park features Seattle’s largest off-leash area at 9 acres, including shoreline access to Lake Washington where dogs can swim freely.

After adventures, head to Fremont Brewing or Norm’s Eatery & Ale House – both welcome dogs inside and out. Hotel Monaco stands out among Seattle’s pet-friendly accommodations, offering pet beds, bowls, and even a Director of Pet Relations who greets four-legged guests.