Table of Contents
Introduction
Solo travel destinations that welcome pets in public spaces: There is an enrichment element to traveling solo with a pet as well, the company of your furry friend and the chance to share new places together makes the experience go up one gear.
Unfortunately, it depends on where you are going since some places are not really pet-friendly (in particular, in parks, cafés or sites of tourist interests) — yena.
If you’re ready to travel for the next adventure, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best solo travel destinations wherein pets are allowed in public places so that you can have an enjoyable journey with your furry friend without any worries.
From the hustle and bustle of urban exploration to scenic trail walks, these areas have something unique to add for pet owners.
Austin, Texas
Solo travel destinations that welcome pets in public spaces: Austin is a city filled with music, culture and lots of pets.
Super friendly toward pets Texas City, with many parks and open-air restaurants where the four-leaved ones can accompany you on a walk, even bars that allow animals.
Zilker Park is a large park located near downtown Austin, and it is one of the most popular parks used by locals and tourists.
You have a leash free area for dogs to run and of course the nice biking trail along Lady Bird Lake that you can take your pet on.
With dozens of dog friendly patios across the city and some eateries offering water bowls and dog treats.
After a day of fun discovering the sights, if you are thinking of chilling out with your furry friend in tow, try Banger’s Sausage House & Beer Garden can Yard Bar to soak up some pet friendly atmosphere.
Austin is the ideal city for solo travelling pup owners because of its large number of outdoor attractions and pet-friendly businesses along the way.
Portland, Oregon
Portland has the most dog parks per capita of any city in America. If you are a traveler who prefers to go alone but would like to take your dog out for an adventure.
Portland also has many pet-friendly outdoor spaces and trails from Forest Park hiking areas, to riverside walks alongside the Willamette.
Many of Portland’s breweries and cafes, where pets are often welcome on patios, also contribute to its pet-friendly vibe.
Portland is also home to the well-known dog friendly brewery, The Lucky Labrador Brewing Company where you can sip on your craft lager while your canine relaxes nearby.
Sellwood Riverfront Park is another terrific place to take four-legged friends for some off-leash romping by the river.
If you coordinate your travel plan right with a little help from finding pet-friendly hotels, Portland has plenty of room to welcome both of you inside.
San Diego, CA
Solo travel destinations that welcome pets in public spaces: If you are looking for bright San Diego weather, beautiful beaches, and a more chill destination to do solo pet-based travels this is the best bet for you.
San Diego has lots of dog-friendly beaches, including the ever-popular Ocean Beach Dog Beach where dogs can run around off-leash.
If you’re looking for a little more stimulation, check out Balboa Park, which is home to several museums, gardens and dog-friendly trails to explore with your pup.
The city also features many restaurants with pet-friendly patios. Many places do cater toward pets, such as the Patio on Lamont Street in Pacific Beach that often has treats and water bowls outside for our furry friends.
With its numerous pet-friendly areas and open-air activities, the beach and city life in San Diego is a fantastic slice of heaven for those solo travelers who need to visit down with their pets.
Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville is a lovely town set at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains that is popular for its beautiful views, an artistic culture, and they are extremely pet-friendly (which I love).
This is a great spot for the solitary adventurist who wants fresh air and R&R. The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most beautiful drives in America, and pets are allowed along this road with a leash on many trails.
A few more dog friendly restaurants and breweries exist in Asheville as well. The city is known for its Dog City USA program that encourages pet-friendly businesses, so you should be able to find lots of places that allow non-purring guests.
Many people love the Asheville Brewing Company and you can also find many shops and cafes that are pet-friendly in Biltmore Village, often allowing pets on their patios.
Asheville — where natural beauty meets pet-friendly businesses — is a great destination for solo travelers and their furry travel companions.
Seattle, Washington
Solo travel destinations that welcome pets in public spaces: Seattle has the reputation of being a rainy city but Seattle is also one of the most pet friendly cities on the West Coast.
If you are a solo traveller with pets, then Seattle has got your back from sprawling parks to coffee shops that welcome pets.
Located in Discovery Park, the largest green space in Seattle, hundreds of miles of trails surround sweeping views Puget Sound. And Magnuson Park, that has an off-leash area as well as a dog-friendly beach.
Seattle, a city known for its abundant coffee, also boasts multiple cafes that welcome pets.
Seattle Barkery has both human and pet treats available Pike Place Market is a must-do while in the city, and though pups aren’t allowed inside the market, there are plenty of spots where your pup will be welcomed with open arms.
Seattle is a city with beautiful nature around, and pet-friendly vibes in the heart of the city, making it a great destination for solo traveling lovers like me who love both nature and cityscapes.
Denver, Colorado
Denver, the Mile-High City is a great destination for travelers with pets who love the outdoors. Located in the mountains, Denver is near some of the finest hiking trails (many allow pets) in the nation.
In fact, leashes are required for furry friends at many popular hiking destinations such as Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre. There’s also a big off-leash area for dogs at Cherry Creek State Park located just outside the city.
Denver has a great craft beer scene, and the majority of breweries in the city are dog-friendly. Some local favorites include the Prost Brewing Company, and Denver Beer Co, which both allow pups on their patios.
For pet owners who love the outdoors and want to experience a big city adventure, Denver is 2nd most solo traveller friendly city with pets in America.
Chicago, Illinois: Parks and Lakefront
While Chicago is known for being a big city, it is also one of the most pet-friendly cities in all the Midwest.
There are several parks and lakefront areas throughout the city where pets are allowed. Montrose Dog Beach, Chicago’s only official dog beach along Lake Michigan, is a great spot for dogs.
They also have plenty of patios where pets are welcome to join you, particularly in areas like Lincoln Park and Wicker Park.
Mercury Cruises is one of the handful which allow you to take your dog on-board with you for a unique experience in an architectural boat tour.
With its mix of city offerings and outdoor spaces, Chicago provides a fun and pet-friendly experience for solo travelers.
Savannah, Georgia
Savannah boasts Southern charm alongside a plethora of picturesque squares, as well as dog-friendly spaces.
The city is also pet-friendly, as most of its public squares and parks allow pets that make it easier for you to explore the old districts with your four-legged friend. The iconic fountain is in Forsyth Park where you can walk your dog.
Aside from its parks and public spaces, savannah has several cafés and restaurants that welcome pets. One example would be Foxy Loxy Cafe, which has a spacious courtyard that accommodates pets.
A great solo-friendly pet escape in the South, if you ask us, thanks to that friendly vibe and those walkable streets.
Final Thoughts: Solo travel destinations that welcome pets in public spaces
Still, if traveling solo with a pet your destination possibilities are not necessarily limited. Publicly pet-friendly places abound, so there are many cities and even mountain towns to visit where your furry friend can tag along on all the fun without being left behind.
From the San Diego shores to the Denver trails and historic Savannah, solo travelers and their pooches alike can never forget these indoor-outdoor destinations for non-stop fun.
As you plan your road trip, just make sure to look up local regulations and pet policies at each place you are stopping along the way.
Be prepared as there are often regulations for leashes and pet-friendly hours at most parks or public areas, which will make your time in the (great) outdoors much better.
So, with proper planning ahead of time, you and your furry friend can create memories that will last a lifetime while traveling to far off places. Happy travels.
