Our 20 Favorite Dog-Friendly Cities

When it comes to dog-friendly destinations, some cities know what it takes to make tails wag and spirits soar. We're talking about cities brimming with super-fun dog parks, breweries boasting open-air patios and restaurants that roll out the red carpet with dedicated dog menus. With expansive green spaces and endless walking trails to explore together, these spots are sure to make your furry friend leap for joy. Here are the cities we think you’ll love the most when you and your four-legged pal are ready for even more fun times side by side.

San Diego is a paradise for pups and their people. At Dog Beach, your furry friend can run off-leash, splash in the waves and make new pals. For a scenic stroll, Balboa Park’s trails wind across one of the country’s largest green spaces. Several local breweries, like Burgeon Beer Company and Amplified Ale Works, welcome doggos on their open-air patios. For a bite to eat, Lazy Dog has a special pup menu, including a grilled hamburger patty bowl. At Petco Park, catch a game from the ballpark’s “Barkyard” with your favorite four-legged Padres fan.

Tucson is a paws-itively wonderful destination for pups. Hit the scenic desert trails at Catalina State Park or let your pup get out the zoomies at Miko’s Corner Playground, an expansive fenced-in dog park. Madera Canyon and Rillito River Park are also top spots around town for sniffing and strolling. At the Pima Air & Space Museum, pups are welcome to explore both the air field and the hangars full of historic aircraft. Wind down with a craft beer at Barrio Brewing Co., where the patio is dog-friendly and you can snag some cool merch, like collapsible dog bowls and plush toys.

Wilmington is a tail-wagging good time. With lush green spaces, like Empie Park and Long Leaf Park, there’s plenty of room to roam (and sniff, of course). Doggos can also live their best lives catching waves during the off-season at Carolina Beach State Park and Wrightsville Beach. Wilmington’s Riverwalk along the Cape Fear River is tops for leashed walks and water views, as is the Loop, a 2.5-mile scenic path around town. Wilmington’s craft brew scene shines with dog-friendly outdoor patios, like Ruff Draft, which is the city’s first dog park and bar.

San Francisco, a doggone dream for pups and pup lovers, is bursting with green spaces, public beaches, even a few secret gardens. You won’t want to miss Golden Gate Park, which made-over its fenced-in dog park to add drinking fountains, extra benches and doggie bag dispensers. Pups adore Crissy Field, where they can run wild and play off-leash while soaking in stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge. If you’re looking for an all-day menu and a place to relax, Park Chalet in Golden Gate Park offers plenty of grassy spots for you and your furry friend to lounge side by side.

Knoxville is a paws down pick for outdoor-loving pups and people. With Great Smoky Mountains National Park nearby, it’s an ideal base for all kinds of outdoor adventures. In town, Ijams Nature Center offers 12 miles of walking trails with scenic river views. Knoxville also has plenty of dog parks, like The Bark, an indoor and outdoor dog park with ample space for pups to run, play, sniff and socialize. For bites and brews, check out the dog-friendly patios at Alliance Brewing and Printshop Beer Co. Don’t forget Market Square, which often hosts pet-friendly community events.

Bend is truly a pup’s paradise, offering endless outdoor fun and dog-friendly spots all around town. With more than 50 miles of scenic trails along the Deschutes River and in the Cascade Mountains, dogs can hike, run and even swim in the great outdoors. Popular off-leash parks, like Alpenglow Dog Park and Riverbend Dog Park, let pups get social and make new four-legged friends. Bend’s craft breweries, like 10 Barrel Brewing, welcome good dogs on their patios. In winter, hit the snowshoe or ski trails at Wanoga Snow Play Area Sno-Park, and for a little pampering, head to Bend Pet Express for a wash and fluff, even a mud bath.

Boise is kind of a paws-ome city for dog lovers. Off-leash parks, like Cypress Park and Sunset Park, offer plenty of room for pups to play, while the Boise River Greenbelt has miles of scenic trails. For adventurous doggos, the foothills, especially Table Rock, have off-leash options, too. Downtown, brew pubs like Payette Brewing Company and Western Collective welcome dogs on their open-air patios, and nearby Sawtooth Winery is great for a dog-friendly day out. More than 110 restaurants in Boise welcome dogs with outdoor seating, according to BringFido.

Colorado Springs is a peaked paradise for outdoor-loving doggos thanks to miles of hiking trails and plenty of parks to explore. Bear Creek Dog Park is a standout, boasting 25 acres of off-leash fun where your furry friend can splash in a creek and navigate an agility course. For on-leash adventures, North Cheyenne Cañon Park offers stunning trails where pups can sniff out all the natural beauty around them. At Pub Dog Colorado, you and your dog can enjoy a meal together inside. Their dog menu impresses with tasty treats like bark bowls, puppucinos and pupsicles.

Tampa will have tails wagging and pups jumping for joy thanks to a treasure trove of parks, beaches and attractions that welcome fun-loving doggos and their humans. Take a leisurely stroll on the Tampa Riverwalk, a favorite spot for waterside walks. Davis Island Dog Beach is a must-visit where dogs can splash around and frolic in the bay. When it’s time to re-fuel, many local restaurants, like Ulele and Whiskey Joe’s, happily welcome pups on their patios. Keep an eye on the event calendar at Hyde Park Village for tail-wagging events like pet parades and monthly pet adoption events, even a “yappy hour” to celebrate National Dog Day.

Portland is a dog lover’s dream, and it’s an absolute paradise for pups, too. Forest Park, which covers 5,200 acres, is one of the largest urban parks in the US. There are endless trails just waiting for you and your furry pal to explore. If your dog has energy to spare, check out favorite off-leash parks, like Wallace Park and Mt. Tabor Park, where they can run freely and enjoy stunning city views. After a day of adventures, treat your pup to a meal at a dog-friendly patio like Tin Shed, where the two-item dog menu features the options of Fido Food and Doggie Dessert.

Arlington is a waggy wonderland for good doggos, featuring fantastic spots like Shirlington Dog Park, where pups can romp in off-leash areas and splash around in a refreshing stream. For more adventure, Gravelly Point Park offers plenty of space to run free. Enjoy a scenic walk on the Mount Vernon Trail, which winds through the park, then relax on the expansive grassy area and watch the planes take off and land at Reagan National Airport. Afterward, head to the dog-friendly patio at Copperwood Tavern for farm-to-table dining and a special Dog Wall of Fame. Don’t forget to enter the Dog of the Month competition. Your pup could be the next superstar.

Las Vegas is a dog-friendly oasis, complete with miles of hiking trails at breathtaking recreation areas, like Red Rock Canyon and Valley of Fire State Park. Soak up the big views and tackle some rock scrambles together. If you want to stroll the Strip, keep in mind that you can only take your furry friend for a walk between 5 a.m. and noon. For off-leash fun, head to Desert Breeze Dog Park or Dog Fancier’s Park to let your pup run wild and free. When it’s time to unwind, kick back with a pint while your pup enjoys the laid-back vibes at Big Dog’s Brewing Company.

In Madison, the Lakeshore Path adjacent to the Memorial Union Terrace is the paw-fect spot for you and your furry friend to soak in the lakeside vibes together. For energetic doggos, the sprawling 213-acre Warner Park offers miles of scenic trails and a dog park right by a lagoon — ideal for water-loving pooches. If your dog is up for a challenge, head over to Badger Prairie County Park. There, a small agility course with jumps and tunnels awaits. After a day of fun, unwind at The Boneyard, which combines a dog park with a beer garden so your pup can roam off-leash while you enjoy a craft brew.

Flagstaff is a dog lover’s paradise, without a doubt. Take your pup for a leisurely stroll along the scenic two-mile loop trail at Buffalo Park or explore the Arboretum at Flagstaff where on-leash dogs are welcome to sniff out all the beauty. Plus, the Grand Canyon is a 90-minute drive, making it paw-fect for a day trip filled with outdoor adventures. Downtown Flagstaff rolls out the red carpet for good doggos, with many shops providing water bowls and treat jars for your furry companion. To cap off the day, settle in on the dog-friendly patio at Historic Brewing Company.

Georgetown is a haven for dogs and their humans. With plenty of dog-friendly parks, you can let your furry friends run wild at Bark Park or show off their skills on the agility course at Cedar Bark Park. When the Texas sun gets a little too hot, cool off at Barton Creek where your pup can splash and swim. For more fun, head to the Dog House Drinkery, a fun combo of bar and dog park that makes for a tail-wagging good time. Another fantastic spot is Barking Armadillo Brewing, which welcomes well-behaved pups both inside and outside.

Albuquerque boasts more than two dozen parks where furry friends can frolic to their heart’s content. North Domingo Baca Dog Park is a fan favorite, featuring lots of space to romp around and separate off-leash sections for small and big dogs. For on-leash strolls, the Paseo del Bosque Trail is a win, offering a scenic pathway that hugs the beautiful Rio Grande. Plus, many local spots like Tractor Brewing Co. and the Flying Star Café welcome dogs on their patios, making it easy to grab a bite or relax with a drink while enjoying quality time with your four-legged pal.

New York City might be best-known for its towering skyscrapers, but it’s also a dog-friendly metropolis. With plenty of green spaces, walking paths and off-leash areas, your pup will find endless spots to play. Plus, they can hop on the subway (small dogs only) to explore the city with you. Brooklyn Bridge Park offers a scenic backdrop for playtime, while Prospect Park is perfect for social pups, complete with its very own dog beach. Keep your dog’s vaccination records handy; all city pups must be up-to-date on their shots. Check out Dog Spotted, a handy directory that helps you find dog runs, pet shops and other dog-friendly places across the Big Apple.

Sacramento is packed with tail-wagging adventures. Start at William Land Park where expansive walking paths and the adjacent Sacramento Zoo make for a delightful adventure. For a leisurely stroll, the 32-mile American River Parkway offers plenty of scenic spots to explore. If your furry friend loves to make a splash, head to Granite Bay or Discovery Park where good doggos can get in a swim. After a splash, stop in Salt & Straw to order a scoop of ice cream for yourself and a pup cup for your pooch. With nearly 200 dog-friendly restaurants in Sacramento, according to BringFido, you’ll have no shortage of places to grab a bite.

Atlanta may be a bustling urban hub, but it’s also a pup’s paradise with plenty of spots to stretch their legs. The Atlanta Beltline is the crown jewel for canines, offering a 22-mile loop of multi-use trails that connects various neighborhoods and city parks. For a little more green, Piedmont Park is the city’s largest green space, boasting miles of walking paths and dedicated off-leash areas where your fur baby can roam free. If your pup loves to splash around, look to the Morningside Nature Preserve for a popular dog beach where they can enjoy water play. The Virginia Highland district has lots of dog-friendly restaurants and cafés, like The Family Dog and Egg Harbor Café, that invite your pups to join you on their patios.