Create Pawsome Memories at the Most Dog-Friendly Airbnbs in the US
Don't leave your favorite family member at home.
I understand that planning a vacation can be heartbreaking (not to mention expensive) if you have a pet. For us, our little boy is our baby. So, when considering going overseas, we feel immense guilt and are limited on time. That’s why we tend to take more road trips and stay on home soil more than we used to. And when we plan fun family trips, we always look to Airbnb and filter by the pet-friendly option.
This is a quick way to narrow things down. But I’ve come across listings ticking all the boxes, enough to get me off the couch to show my husband, only for him to read the description “properly” and note the extortionate pet fee. Pet fees can range from $10 to whatever the host considers fair and reasonable. Some listings also stipulate what size and breed of dog are welcome, which isn’t ideal when you have a boisterous lab in tow.
All of this can slow down your search process. But don’t let that put you off. Across the US, there are tons of pet-friendly Airbnb rentals without the sneaky small print. These tend to be found in cities that are particularly welcoming to dogs, with restaurants and bars that will allow you to bring the entire family, ample green spaces, or near dog-friendly national parks and countryside where every local has a shadow with four paws. Here are some of the best.
We hope you love the pet-friendly Airbnb rentals we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
Spacious family home with a backyard retreat in Jacksonville Beach, Florida
Jacksonville, with its miles of beaches, from the lively shores of Jacksonville Beach to the quieter stretches of Neptune and Atlantic Beach, offers ample space for all. Many of these beaches allow dogs to roam off-leash during specific hours, and there’s a network of parks, many of which have designated dog areas with agility equipment, and watering stations. There’s even a park, BrewHound, with an outdoor bar serving locally sourced brews and a splash pad for pooches. The city also has many restaurants and cafes with outdoor patios where dogs are not merely tolerated but genuinely welcomed. Water bowls are readily available, and some establishments even offer special “pup cups” and dog-friendly menu items.
For a stay close to the ocean, check out this coastal getaway with four bedrooms in a quiet neighborhood. The house is under a mile from the sand and comes with complimentary beach gear and toys. The yard has a heated pool, a grill for evening cookouts, and a putting green for hours of entertainment.
10 guests, four bedrooms
Price: $587 per night
Private lakefront home near Seattle
Seattle is another city that’s well set up for pets. There are countless green spaces, from pocket parks to designated dog areas for quick walks and playtime. Magnolia Park, with its stunning views of the city skyline and Puget Sound, offers off-leash areas where dogs can roam freely, and Discovery Park has miles of trails winding through forests and down to the beach. It’s so welcoming there are even restaurants like Norm’s that have a dedicated dog menu, and the Seattle Bakery sells healthy pet treats.
There are some killer Airbnbs in the city, but if you’d rather have some outdoor space, look to the surrounding area of Bellevue or anywhere on the water, for that matter. This private lake house is on the shores of Lake Sammamish and is a short drive from Seattle and downtown Bellevue. It offers direct access to walking trails and the lakefront and has ample space for 12 guests. You can relax in the morning with the family on the private deck and take in the breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding grounds.
12 guests, four bedrooms
Price: $750 per night
Luxury mountaintop oasis in Phoenix
Phoenix, in the cooler months, offers an excellent base for those wanting to visit Petrified Forest National Park. Dogs are permitted on all paved roads and trails within the park, opening up most of this colorful landscape for exploration. The park runs a Bark Ranger program to inform dog owners about responsible park etiquette, ensuring the preservation of the delicate ecosystem while allowing visitors and their pets to enjoy the area. You can also take in the sights and smells of the Sonoran Desert at The Desert Botanical Garden, which opens its doors to four-legged visitors during designated “Dog Days.”
If you have a well-behaved pup and don’t mind heights, check out this award-winning mountaintop home on Camelback Mountain’s south side. There’s no denying this is a luxe option, but if you have a pet that is happy to snooze by the pool, this rental will make for an unforgettable trip to Phoenix. There’s a beautiful swimming pool, hot tub, and jaw-dropping views over Papago Mountain and Downtown.
Eight guests, four bedrooms
Price: $2,900 per night
Suspended bridge house with a sauna near Denver
Denver is home to one of the highest percentage of pet-friendly rental properties in the US, making finding your dream Airbnb significantly more straightforward. The city enjoys pleasant springs and summers, creating ideal conditions for outdoor activities, especially for those with energetic dogs. There’s a genuine dog-loving culture in Colorado with a welcoming atmosphere in many local businesses, parks, and public spaces.
You’re spoilt for choice when choosing where to stay within walking distance of Denver’s amenities, but if you’re happy with a short drive, check out this cool bridge house near Evergreen. It’s around 10 minutes from Evergreen Lake and the Red Rocks Amphitheater and 30 minutes to downtown Denver. The suspended cabin has five bedrooms with a gorgeous, warm interior design. There’s a nearby creek for a morning plunge and a cedar sauna on the deck where you can warm up afterward.
Six guests, five bedrooms
Price: $950 per night
Farmhouse villa perfect for a large group near Charlotte
Charlotte’s proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains is perfect for those with an adventurous dog, and there are countless lakes and parks for swimming, kayaking, and picnicking in the surrounding area that welcome all. The city also has many dog bars that run breed-specific meetup events and offer you a place to relax with a drink while your pet plays off-leash.
For a luxurious Airbnb near Charlotte with ample outdoor space, check out this five-bedroom farmhouse villa. It caters to large groups, so it’s a great option if you’re traveling with a blended family or looking to host an event during your vacation. It’s on a quiet country road with two acres of mature forest and has a basketball court, cornhole, and hammocks for afternoon naps.
16 guests, five bedrooms
Price: $654 per night
Peaceful cottage on Hodgdon Pond in Acadia National Park
Maine’s Acadia National Park is a remarkable example of canine inclusivity within the National Park System. Unlike many other parks with restricted pet access, Acadia welcomes dogs on nearly all its trails. One hundred of the park’s 158 miles of hiking paths are open to four-legged explorers as long as they are on a leash. Acadia’s varied terrain provides a range of hiking options, from strolls to more challenging climbs. For an easy trail, check out the Cadillac Summit Path. This paved route ascends to the summit of Cadillac Mountain and offers panoramic views of Bar Harbor, the surrounding islands, and the foliage that blankets the park during fall.
This cottage on Hodgdon Pond ticks all the boxes for a nearby peaceful stay. The family-sized home is rustic and one of Airbnbs top ten percent listings. It’s ideal for those with dogs who love the outdoors (and a morning swim). There’s a private dock a few feet from the porch, and there are kayaks and a canoe for family paddles into the national park, which borders the east side of the water.
Seven guests, three bedrooms
Price: $380 per night
Remote home near Flagstaff perfect for a Grand Canyon visit
If you’re considering taking your pet to the Grand Canyon, this is doable, but there’s a couple of things to note. The trails of the south rim are accessible to dogs but the inner canyon routes are off limits. There’s a mostly paved dog-friendly circuit, the 13-mile Rim Trail, that snakes the edge of the canyon, which has some exceptional stop-off points for canyon views.
Staying near the Grand Canyon likely means you’ll be remote, which is great news for those traveling with dogs. This base camp cabin sits at an elevation of 8000 feet on five acres boarding The Coconino National Forest. It’s under an hour from the canyon is surrounded by lovely walks through a mix of ponderosa pine forest and grasslands or you can sit back on the expansive deck and take in the breathtaking scenery and solitude.
Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $429 per night
Cabin with mountain views near Colorado’s Great Sand Dunes National Park
Another option for shoulder season temperatures is Colorado’s Great Sand Dunes National Park. Just make sure you visit in spring or late fall when the sand is not too hot for your dog’s paws. This park offers an unrestrained experience as there are no designated trails, you can explore the 30-square-mile dunes together. There are also forested trails if the temperature climbs in the afternoon.
For a wild and scenic stay, have a look at this mountain view cabin in Westcliffe. Here you’ll have vistas over the Sangre De Cristo Mountain Range and Wet Mountains and it’s roughly an hour or so from the dunes. The hand-crafted lodge sleeps six, and there are four decks where you can enjoy the night sky (it’s within a Dark Sky Community) or the blankets of wildflowers when in bloom.
Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $350 per night
Unforgettable home on the border of the North Cascades National Park
Don’t let the fact that the North Cascades National Park only has one dog-friendly trail. It’s the Pacific Crest Trail, one of the most scenic hikes in the country, and around 18 miles of the route cuts through the park. Leash restrictions apply, but you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of peaks and glaciers.
Bookmark this Airbnb called The Lookout, for an equally impressive backdrop 10 minutes from the park entrance. The unique home is surrounded by over 14 acres of private walking trails, and there’s a nearby creek and a large yard where you can relax or play with your furry friends. The only rule is respecting local wildlife, flora, and fauna, but that’s a given.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $550 per night
Romantic A-frame in the redwoods of Felton, California
Felton offers redwood forest immersion, coastal access, and a laid-back atmosphere. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, a short trip from Felton, has numerous trails where dogs are permitted on leash. The park’s visitor center can provide maps and information on dog-friendly routes. Outside the park, the Santa Cruz Mountains area, in general, provides a variety of dog-friendly experiences, from quiet, less formal trails and fire roads to welcoming parks (and seasonal beaches) in Santa Cruz. Marry this with the renowned mountain biking scene, exceptional surf, and the charming small-town atmosphere of Felton, and it’s understandable why this area is so popular for a staycation.
For a convenient base for exploring the region, check out this romantic A-frame retreat within the redwoods. It’s close to everything: two miles from downtown Felton, just over a mile from Henry Cowell State Park, 15 minutes from Santa Cruz, and 20 minutes from the beach. For outdoor hangs, there’s a deck furnished with Adirondack chairs, a fire pit, and a custom picnic table. If you visit during the colder months, there’s a wood-burning fireplace and a two-person soaking tub.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $312 per night
Garden cottage near the Wainiha River on Kaua’i
While the journey to Hawai’i requires careful planning for your pet, the rewards of exploring the islands together with your dog are immeasurable. Flying to Hawai’i with your dog from the US mainland involves navigating specific regulations designed to protect the island’s delicate ecosystem. Hawai’i is rabies-free, so vaccinations must be up-to-date. Your dog must also be microchipped, and you’ll need health certificates issued by an accredited veterinarian within 10 days of arrival. If you have all your paperwork in order, you can go through Direct Release at Honolulu International Airport. This means your dog can leave the airport with you immediately after a brief inspection, avoiding quarantine. The Hawaii Department of Agriculture website provides comprehensive information and checklists to guide you through the process.
You’re in for a treat once you’ve jumped through those hoops, and Kaua’i is the ultimate playground. While some trails within state parks may have restrictions, many beaches and open spaces welcome leashed dogs, and there are lots of dog-friendly parks, especially in larger towns.
Kaua’i has some of the most beautiful Airbnbs in Hawai’i, which are surprisingly affordable. This garden cottage is on a secluded acre of land along the Wainiha River and offers stunning views of the river valley and a private pool and spa. The property is defined by its garden filled with exotic birds, flowers, and fruit trees growing papayas and bananas, and leads down to a private stream where you can swim. It’s also just two miles from some of the island’s most beautiful beaches on the north shore. If you’re looking for a restorative getaway surrounded by nature, it doesn’t get any better than this. 
Two guests, one bedrooms
Price: $504 per night
