From wooded off-leash trails to breweries offering doggie snacks, Washington is the perfect place for a dog-friendly getaway. Many destinations enthusiastically embrace dogs of all sizes, welcoming well-behaved pups into shops, restaurants, parks, and hotels. From the bustling streets of Seattle to the quiet shores of Long Beach, you’ll find plenty of options for your next trip.
Know Before You Go: As of Aug. 1, 2024, those entering the U.S. with dogs must complete an online CDC Dog Import Form. The dog must also meet new CDC requirements, including being at least 6 months of age and appearing healthy upon arrival. Read the full requirements here.
Here are some great destinations for a dog-friendly vacation in Washington State.
City Trips
Seattle
Washington’s largest city is crazy for canines, with an impressive selection of welcoming parks, brewpubs, and restaurants. Several of Seattle’s green spaces offer off-leash areas, and city pups and their owners can also enjoy world-class art viewing at the outdoor Olympic Sculpture Park nestled along Elliott Bay.
While pet-friendly restaurants abound, the neighborhoods along the north side of Lake Washington Ship Canal are especially popular. Don’t miss hangouts like Mean Sandwich and Reuben’s Brews in Ballard. A bit north overlooking the shore of rippling Green Lake, Bongos has a casual beach vibe, a pet-friendly sandpit with games, and tasty Caribbean fare.
Among the city’s many hotels that welcome four-legged guests, Kimpton’s three properties have long been pioneers in pet hospitality. The Kimpton Hotel Monaco Seattle welcomes all breeds with in-room water bowls, pet beds, and treats, and the concierge can arrange pet-sitting and dog-walking services.
Spokane
Lively, historic downtown Spokane is anchored by one of the best urban greenspaces in the state: Riverfront Park. This 100-acre city oasis created for the Expo ‘74 World’s Fair boasts bridges and pathways overlooking dramatic Spokane Falls and is perfect for an adventure with your pooch. Nearby Kendall Yards Night Market (held Wednesdays mid-May through September) welcomes shoppers and their pets, as do the botanical gardens of 90-acre Manito Park.
Wine lovers can bring their dogs to a few different wineries, including Barrister Winery in the Cork District and Latah Creek Wine Cellars in nearby Spokane Valley. Bark, a Rescue Pub, partners with the local Humane Society to help match rescue pups with new owners. Stop in to visit with sweet adoptable animals while enjoying tasty sandwiches, salads, charcuterie boards, and local beers.
Rest your head at the stately Historic Davenport Hotel, which was built in 1914. This distinguished member of Marriott’s Autograph Collection welcomes guests with dogs.
Vancouver
With miles of pet-friendly trails alongside the Columbia River, including the tree-shaded Waterfront Renaissance Trail, vibrant Vancouver is a terrific base for an urban dog-friendly getaway with access to outdoor recreation. The city itself has numerous parks and walkways popular with folks who have four-legged friends, including downtown’s Esther Short Park and nearby Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. Although pets aren’t permitted inside the building, leashed dogs are welcome for walks along Officers Row.
In the city’s upbeat Uptown Village neighborhood, Trap Door Brewing is a great spot for sipping ales and noshing on delicious pub fare alongside your canine companion, as is downtown’s Locust Cider taproom. At the Vancouver Waterfront, you’ll find a bounty of restaurants and winery tasting rooms with patios, including Ruse Brewing & Crust Collective for pizza and beer and Airfield Estates Winery.
Spend a comfy night at the Heathman Lodge, with its airy rooms and a small but dedicated leash-free outdoor area for walking and playing.
Bellingham
With its compact and walkable downtown plus easy access to beaches and woodlands, the friendly collegiate city of Bellingham is ideal for a pet-friendly vacation in Washington. As one of the state’s premier craft beer destinations, it’s no surprise several local brewpubs have canine-friendly decks or patios, including Aslan, Kulshan, Wander, and Gruff.
For outdoor fun, many parks and trails include off-leash sections and dog-friendly areas, including scenic Lake Padden and Whatcom Falls Park. Leashed pets are welcome to join their owners on anything from a short ramble to an arduous hike at Larrabee State Park, with its sunset views of the Salish Sea.
For a meal overlooking Bellingham Bay, bring your pup to the patio at Bellingham Cider Company, which turns out contemporary Pacific Northwestern fare and house-made ciders. Rest comfortably at the hip Heliotrope Hotel, a stylishly converted mid-century modern property with large rooms, a pet-walking area, and grain-free treats.
Small-Town Getaways
Walla Walla
Plenty of vintners in Walla Walla tout their affection for canine guests, including Balboa Winery, Foundry Vineyards, and Amavi Cellars, which even provides treats and water bowls in its outdoor dining areas. Fans of well-crafted beer should head to Burwood Brewing for a pint; you can bring your pup along or play with the resident labradoodles, Lola and Molly.
In this town known for its terrific restaurants, you’ll also find several first-rate spots with pet-friendly seating, including AK’s Mercado, Colville Street Patisserie, and Saffron Mediterranean Kitchen, which has a lovely covered patio and serves flavorful Mediterranean fare. Spend your evenings at The Finch, a sleek and airy updated late 1960s motel with 80 whimsically designed rooms and a fun contemporary art collection.
Leavenworth
Dogs can live it up in Bavarian-style Leavenworth, nestled in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains. Pets are welcome on many scenic hiking and walking trails, including Waterfront Park along the winding Wenatchee River, the Icicle Ridge Trail, and the Peshastin Pinnacles Loop. After working up an appetite, head to München Haus’s festive beer garden, which seems to have a dog at every table.
With its pool, hot tub, and day spa, Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort offers plenty of creature comforts for humans and dogs. Perks include pet food and water bowls, treats, and plush dog beds.
Port Townsend
The historic waterfront town of Port Townsend on the Olympic Peninsula is one of the most inviting dog-friendly vacation spots in Washington. The bustling, compact downtown is perfect for strolls, with many shops providing water bowls on the sidewalk. You’ll also find a number of green spaces where dogs can frolic, including Mountain View Dog Park and the small off-leash area at beautiful Chetzemoka Park, which is perched on a tree-shaded bluff overlooking the Salish Sea.
Enjoy cocktails and Hawaiian-inspired gastropub fare on the deck at Quench Waterfront Kitchen & Bar before bedding down at the charming Swan Hotel, which has rooms and cottages steps from Point Hudson Marina.
Outside of Port Townsend, you can explore coastal beaches and state parks or take a hike in the Olympic National Forest. Download a handy map and explore more dog-friendly destinations here.
Travel Tip: If you’re getting to Port Townsend by ferry, keep in mind that pets are welcome on Washington State Ferries (although they must remain in your car or on a leash on an exterior deck; they’re permitted in interior passenger areas only in a carrier). If you’re planning to visit Olympic National Park, please read the park’s BARK guidelines.
Outdoorsy Adventures
Long Beach Peninsula
With its miles of wide, sandy beaches (where leashed dogs can frolic) and many pet-friendly hotels and vacation rentals, the Long Beach Peninsula makes an excellent ocean getaway. Stroll along the seaside Discovery Trail or hike along the spectacular oceanfront trails of Cape Disappointment State Park.
Several pubs and restaurants on the peninsula and along the Columbia River in Ilwaco welcome dogs, including Cove Restaurant at the acclaimed Peninsula Golf Course, which offers its very own “patio pup” menu. Just steps from the beach, the hip and homey Adrift Hotel & Spa allows pooches in all its smartly appointed rooms.
Columbia River Gorge
This scenic corridor of the Columbia River boasts jaw-dropping scenery, hiking trails, and local wine. Wine connoisseurs traveling with their pups can stop into tasting rooms such as AniChe Cellars, Hawkins Cellars in Underwood, Domaine Pouillon Winery in Lyle, Jacob Williams Winery in Wishram, and Maryhill Winery in Goldendale. For dining, Clark and Lewie’s is a laid-back spot in Stevenson with fantastic views of the river and a big patio, while Walking Man Brewing has a dog-welcoming patio.
Most of the dramatic hikes in the Gorge are suitable for leashed dogs, including Hamilton Mountain at Beacon Rock State Park and Catherine Creek Recreation Area. Bonus: On the famed Coyote Wall trails, you only need to leash your dogs from December through June.
With its tranquil woodland setting and robust amenities, Skamania Lodge is an excellent option for an overnight stay.
Also See: Dog-Friendly Gorge Road Trip
Methow Valley
Just east of the North Cascades, the towns of Mazama, Winthrop, and Twisp, invite you to enjoy year-round fun in the Methow Valley. You won’t have to leave your pooch behind during winter; three non-motorized Sno-Parks within the Mount Baker and Methow area—Canyon Creek, Glacier Creek, and Mount Baker NRA—have dog-friendly trails. Bonus: There’s a good chance of seeing a dogsled team. The Methow Trails System offers another 130 miles of groomed, dog-friendly snowshoe and cross-country ski trails.
After getting some exercise, fuel up on the seasonal patio of pet-friendly East 20 Pizza, which serves up a variety of pies with fun toppings. The Patterson Lake Cabins at Sun Mountain Lodge are outfitted with porches, full kitchens, and fireplaces—perfect for a relaxing retreat.
Whidbey Island
A short ferry ride from Seattle, Whidbey Island beckons with breezy beaches, hidden coves, and charming small towns. Sip local beers at dog-friendly Penn Cove Brewing or enjoy a tasting flight at aptly named Spoiled Dog Winery. For recreation, Marguerite Brons Memorial Park offers a large fenced-in space for pups, while Double Bluff Beach boasts sweeping views of Admiralty Inlet and was named one of the best beaches for dogs in Washington.
Overlooking the scenic waterway, the historic Captain Whidbey Inn offers eco-chic rooms and cabins, many of which are dog-friendly.
About the Author
Freelance editor and writer Andrew Collins is based in Mexico City but returns frequently to the Pacific Northwest, where he is the editor of both the official Washington State Visitors’ Guide and the Visit Seattle Official Visitors’ Guide. He regularly updates several Washington chapters of Fodor’s Pacific Northwest guidebook and is the author of Ultimate Road Trips US and Canada. Collins writes about travel for The Points Guy and several other publications. You can read his work at AndrewsTraveling.com.