Top 7 US Dog-Friendly Destinations for a Winter Vacation


Winter vacations can be just as much fun as summer vacations, especially during the holidays, or just to get away from the chill. Of course, you’ll want the entire family to join you, and that means also taking your dog. Hey, your best friend deserves a vacation too, but believe it or not, they aren’t welcome everywhere. To that end, here is a list of the top seven US dog-friendly destinations for your winter vacation that even your four-legged buddy will love.

The list is in no particular order, so pick one that suits exactly what you are looking for and have a fun-loving pet-filled vacation.

Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort

If you love fun in the snow, on the slopes, on skis or hiking trails, then the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort might be the place for you. This dog-friendly resort will put you into designated doggie rooms and you can still enjoy all of the amenities that beautiful Lake Tahoe has to offer.

The Hyatt is located right on the lake shore so the view for you and your pet will be nothing short of outstanding. Better still, if you make reservations and a dog room is not available, they will search their database and come up with the nearest dog-friendly hotel for you to stay in. That kind of service makes any vacation to the Hyatt Regency Dog-Tastic!

Pet-Friendly Wilderness Retreat in San Diego County

If you like to ‘rough it’, there’s no better place than Warner Springs in lovely San Diego County, California. You’ll be sleeping on a platform tent on a private ranch where the porch is literally open to the stars above. Bring your own sleeping bags and other camping gear, and both you and your dog will love the adventure.

This is the most unique place for a winter vacation, and the tent comes with a fireplace, a full kitchen for those who love to cook, and a bath with a clawfoot tub. If you love being in the outdoors with your favorite four-footed friend, this is a ‘must’ for a winter vacation getaway.

La Quinta Inn & Suites, Naples, Florida

If you enjoy being a snow bird and want to run away to Florida, then the La Quinta in Naples, Florida may just be your ticket. This is one of the few places that will allow you to bring two of your favorite friends, any size, for no extra fee.

Located in downtown Naples, you’ll be only a couple of miles from the airport, close to the Naples pier, parks and gardens, and even the Everglades are nearby. Naples is on the Caribbean side of Florida, it’s warm and friendly and is a perfect place for you and your pooch to relax on a winter junket.

Soho Grand Hotel, New York, New York

Winter can be a lot of fun during the off-season in New York, and that’s what the Soho Grand Hotel gives you. It’s near China Town on Canal Street, and it is next to Little Italy. And if you know anything about these areas, you’ll know they have some of the best restaurants in the world.

You’ll get many deals on all sorts of things during the winter, and there are plenty of places to take your dog for a walk nearby. Plus, you’ll get a taste of New York City, and even the subway is close at hand. For a special trip to New York for you and your pet, you can’t go wrong with the Soho Grand.

Ten Thousand Waves, Santa Fe, New Mexico

Based on a traditional Japanese-styled inn, Ten Thousand Waves features classic Japanese-inspired ryokan guesthouses for you and your pet. These houses are surrounded by hot tubs, juniper, and pinion trees, and the resort is located about ten minutes away from Santa Fe proper.

There is plenty of space to run your dog, and each house comes with its own doggie bed. This is a very neat place for you and your buddy, and you’ll have fun in the sun during the day while hot-tubbing at night.

Salamander Resort & Spa, Middleburg, Virginia

The Salamander Resort and Spa is a converted horse ranch that is a favorite with dog owners. They pride themselves on sustainable practices, healthy lifestyles, equestrian programs and fine dining. If you are an equestrian lover and have your own horse, this is the place for you and your dog too.

Every room features a pet bed, organic doggie treats, a toy and waste bags for your convenience. The view is lovely, with rolling hills that some say look better when there’s snow. It may be a bit off the beaten path, but you and your dog will enjoy every minute there.

Dahlonega Spa Resort, Georgia

If you’re looking to get away somewhere warm but don’t want to go to the coasts, consider the Dahlonega Resort in Georgia. The temps in the winter are cozy, you will have your own dog-friendly cabin, and the Blue Ridge Mountains, hiking trails and seventy-two acres of meadows and woodlands are right on your doorstep.

The Dahlonega Spa Resort was named one of the top twenty-five romantic places to be in the entire U.S. It features yoga, healing massages, and aromatic body wraps. Bring your dog and your partner for a getaway that will warm your heart and soul. For you, your best four-legged friend and a loved one, it doesn’t get any better than this.

Whether you like snow, mountains, sun, if you just want to be someplace warm, or if you want to rough it, one of these winter vacations will suit you, a loved one and your favorite pooch. Click on the links provided on the resort name, make your reservation and create a vacation and adventure for you and your dog that you will never forget.

About the Author

Mary Nielsen is a passionate dog lover, blogger, and music teacher. She founded MySweetPuppy.net to share her ups and downs of being a pet parent to a bunch of adorable mutts. When she is not playing with them or teaching, you can find her experimenting in the kitchen.