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Sun, surf, sand–the beach is as much a paradise for pooches as it is for humans. If you’re planning a beach vacation, and you’re looking for the perfect spot for you and your furkid, you’re in luck–there are many beach getaways that will welcome you and your pet.
To help you plan your trip, we’ve created a list of ten of our favorites. We’ve included the reasons these locations are great for people and pets, and noted some of the best pet-friendly accommodations in each locale. Each accommodation listed is either oceanfront or just a short walk to the beach, and we included accommodations of different price points and types. The options featured are in no particular order–they’re all fantastic in our book. Pick your fave, and head out to paradise with your pet!
Key West, FL
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Famous for conch fritters, its chill vibe, and its colorful Old Florida charm, Key West is also a paradise for pets. Dogs are welcome on Key West beaches, as long as they are leashed. Some beaches will even allow unleashed dogs as long as they are under their pet parent’s voice control. The island’s most popular off-leash beach is aptly called “Dog Beach.” Besides the beach, there are plenty of pet-friendly things together–dine at a seaside restaurant, take a kayaking tour, visit the Southernmost Point in the U.S., visit a tropical botanical garden, or even sail off into the sunset together.
PLACES TO STAY
Havana Cabana
This waterfront Cuba-inspired paradise never disappoints. The resort is just a short way from three incredible dog-friendly beaches. The on-site outdoor restaurant welcomes pet guests, and pets are also welcome in the resort shuttle, tiki hut, game areas, and even the pool area (although not in the pool itself). Pets are indulged right from the beginning: upon arrival, they’re gifted a Sandy Paws Doggie Bag - complete with dog biscuits, poop bags, a water bowl, and a doggie mat.
Up to two pets (dogs and cats) are welcome at Havana Cabana, with no breed restriction. The hotel does have a 50 pound weight limit, and charges a per-stay pet fee. Up to two pets are allowed.
Reach Key West Curio Collection
This popular pet-friendly hotel offers human and pet guests breezy luxury and an incredible beachfront experience. Private balconies allow you and your pet to take in the sunrise–or sunset. Enjoy the hotel’s large, spacious private beach with your pooch, or head out into the surf together for an onsite canoe ride.
The hotel allows pets up to 25 pounds (dogs only), and charges a per-night pet fee.
Find more pet-friendly places to stay in Key West, FL.
South Padre Island, TX
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South Padre Island in Texas is about as pet-friendly as a beach gets. Leashed, well-behaved pets are welcome everywhere on the Padre Island National Seashore, both on the beach and in the water. South Padre Island also welcomes pets at many of its shops, restaurants, and local events. You can even take a boat ride with your pooch.
PLACES TO STAY
La Quinta by Wyndham South Padre Island Beach
Located beachfront on the Gulf of Mexico, La Quinta’s South Padre Island locale provides guests with free breakfast, an in-room kitchen perfect for preparing your own meals, and room service in case you’d prefer to relax and let someone else do the work. Either way, it’s easy to have a night in with your pet, and perhaps even enjoy a hotel-provided movie or show together.
This La Quinta location allows all dogs and cats, regardless of breed. There is, however, a weight restriction of 75 pounds, and the hotel does charge a per-night pet fee.
Hilton Garden Inn South Padre Island
A mere 492 feet from the warm, tranquil Gulf of Mexico, the beachfront Hilton Garden Inn South Padre Island is designed for maximum beach enjoyment and relaxation. You and your pooch are just a short walk away from sand and surf. But if you’d rather stay in and take in the view from your room with a cup of coffee or tea, the hotel offers 24-hour front desk service and balconies with full or partial ocean views.
Bring your dog or your cat, regardless of breed. There is a 77-pound weight limit, and the hotel does charge a per-stay pet fee.
Find more pet-friendly places to stay in South Padre Island.
Portland, ME
Portland, Maine may not be one of the first places that comes to mind when you’re considering a beach getaway, but it certainly should be! The Portland area has one of the country’s most interesting seascapes, and a wealth of beautiful and scenic beaches to explore. Many, if not most, of Portland’s beaches are pet friendly. Each beach is unique and offers a different experience. Peaks Island quaint, charming, and slow-paced, making it a perfect spot to enjoy the scenery in peace and quiet. Higgins beach is another tranquil spot that’s ideal for beach combing or kayaking out into the surf. If you enjoy history, Cape Elizabeth Beach features a variety of lighthouses that are available for touring. Willard Beach offers an amazing New England experience: on this small sand-and-pebble beach, you can enjoy a swim as you watch the lobster boats go out and come in. East End Beach is a popular seaside spot that’s located in the heart of the city, close to shopping, dining, and sightseeing. Dogs are welcome on beaches, but they must be on leashes at certain times of the year.
PLACES TO STAY
Westin Portland Harborview
Nestled in the Portland city center arts and shopping district, the historic Westin Portland Harborview offers classic beauty, access to dining, shops, and the harbor, and great amenities. In this hotel, luxury is in the details: plush Marriott bedding will keep you and your pet cozy and relaxed as you take in the stunning city view through multiple wide, spacious windows.
Bring up to two pets, as long as they weigh 50 pounds or under.
Aloft Portland Maine
Aloft Portland Maine is located within walking distance (or a short driving distance) from some of Portland’s most loved attractions, including the ever-popular East End Beach. Aloft Portland also offers an array of great amenities pet parents will love, including concierge service, convenient room service, an onsite restaurant. Pet guests will love it here, too–they’ll receive a wonderful welcome package upon arrival, including an Aloft-branded pet bed and food bowl, as well as complimentary treats and toys.
The hotel limits two pets to each room, and there is a weight limit of 50 pounds. Aloft also requires a per-stay pet fee.
Find more pet-friendly places to stay in Portland, ME.
Atlantic Beach, NC
This tranquil, cozy beach, situated in coastal North Carolina, is a perfect place for you and your pooch to relax and enjoy the scenery. Dogs are allowed year round on the main strand–they just can’t venture further than 20 feet from the shore in areas protected by lifeguards. But there’s more than just an inviting shoreline; Atlantic Beach is home to pet-friendly breweries, restaurants, and attractions, including Fort Macon State Park, where you can learn Civil War history, hike a nature trail, or explore the beach area.
PLACES TO STAY
Atlantis Lodge
We love this pet-friendly beachfront place! As soon as you check-in, your dog will be greeted with local gourmet treats. On the beach, staff will provide him with his own lounge chair (and even an umbrella!) There’s even a pet wash station with premium shampoos. If that weren’t enough, the hotel has an on-site dog park where your pup can play to his heart’s content.
Atlantis Lodge does charge a per-night pet fee, and there is a limit of two pets per room. However, dogs and cats of all weights and breeds are allowed.
Doubletree by Hilton Atlantic Beach
Located beachfront to the Atlantic Ocean, Doubletree hotel offers incredible seaside views and an expansive beach area to enjoy with your pup. The hotel offers a beachside bar and grill for where you can dine with your dog. Rooms feature balconies and terraces, allowing you and your pet to taking in the ocean breeze, the sounds of the surf, and the ocean view.
This Doubletree location does charge a per-stay pet fee. You can have up to two pets in each room, but each pet must weigh 50 pounds or less.
Find more pet-friendly places to stay in Atlantic Beach, NC.
Hollywood, FL
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You don’t have to leave the country to enjoy a subtropical paradise with your pet. Simply head to Dog Beach of Hollywood for the perfect Florida getaway. Leashed dogs are welcome on the beach, and there are pet-friendly restaurants to visit and pet-friendly places to explore, like the Topeekeegee Yugnee Park, Yellow Green Farmer’s Market, or one of a number of Hollywood dog parks.
PLACES TO STAY
Costa Hollywood Beach Resort
This condo-style luxury hotel allows you to indulge in a little beachside luxury. Located just a short walk from the Hollywood Beach Boardwalk and Hollywood Beach, it offers a wealth of amenities pet parents will enjoy: a kitchenette in every room for convenient in-room dining, a private beach, complete with two provided chairs and towels, so you and your pooch can easily enjoy the sand and surf, and 24/7 concierge service to help you find all of the pet-friendly activities in the area, making it easy to plan your trip.
The hotel allows up to two dogs or cats. There is a weight limit of 75 pounds and a per-stay pet fee. Pets are not allowed in rooms unattended.
Hollywood Beach Suites and Hotel
A popular option that’s perfect for pet parents, Hollywood Beach Suites boasts a prime location just a minute or two from Hollywood Beach and the Boardwalk, and it gives you a lot of bang for your travel buck. The hotel is full of colorful Florida charm, and features a mini-kitchen, comfy beds, and a potty area for pet guests, so you and your pooch can feel right at home.
Dogs and cats of up to 25 pounds are welcome, and can stay in rooms unsupervised. There is a per-stay pet fee.
Find more pet-friendly places to stay in Hollywood, FL.
Hilton Head Island, SC
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Whether you and your pet want to run and play, or chillax by the seaside, Hilton Head Beach is the place to go. Warm year round and full of Southern charm, these scenic Lowcountry beaches welcome pets. Hilton Head Island even has its own double-gated dog park where your furry kid can safely play.
PLACES TO STAY
Beach Properties of Hilton Head
Looking to hang your hat on Hilton Head? Beach Properties of Hilton Head offers select properties for those looking to stay a while. They boast clean properties that are beautiful, well cared-for, and full of beachy charm. Your pooch will love your new digs–each property is just a short distance from pet-friendly walking trails, restaurants, and fun activities for you both.
Dogs are welcome. A non-refundable pet deposit is required.
Best Western Ocean Breeze Inn
Looking for an economical way to enjoy Hilton Head? Best Western Ocean Breeze Inn offers affordability and amenities to make your stay comfortable and fun. Its off-beach location allows for budget-friendly rates, but the beach is only a 7-minute walk away, The hotel offers a free full breakfast, which you can enjoy with your pet in your room. In the afternoon, you and your pup can head to one of the hotels' outdoor grilling stations for a delicious barbecue.
The hotel allows up to two pets. There is a pet weight limit of 55 pounds the hotel does charge a per-night pet fee.
Find more pet-friendly places to stay in Hilton Head Island, SC.
There are countless other pet-friendly beach vacay options, and you can explore them all at TripsWithPets.com. We’ll also be happy to help you find the perfect pet-friendly place to stay.
Jekyll Island, GA
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The seaside Georgia gem of Jekyll Island boasts several different beaches, and each sparkles in its own unique way. There are plenty of pet-friendly things to do here. Hang out on the pet-friendly beaches, or explore the island on a pet-friendly hiking trail. If you and your pooch are feeling adventurous, you can even head out for a dog-friendly dolphin tour! Dogs are permitted on most Jekyll Island beaches. That said, in order to protect the area’s sea turtles and migratory birds, pets are restricted from a specific area of the island. Pets must be under their parents’ direct control, and pet parents must thoroughly clean up after their pets.
PLACES TO STAY
Hampton Inn Jekyll Island
Who doesn't love staying at a Hampton hotel? This Jekyll Island location provides guests with a boardwalk leading right to the beach, so you and your pooch are just steps away from enjoying the sand and sun. A free breakfast allows you to enjoy breakfast with your pet in the room each morning, and a balcony/terrace lets you take in the beautiful views together. The hotel even offers canoeing, so you can paddle into the waves with your pooch!
This Hampton location allows both dogs and cats, with no breed restrictions, although there is a two-pet limit per room. The hotel also has a pet weight restriction of 75 pounds, and charges a per-stay pet fee.
Holiday Inn Resort Jekyll Island
The Holiday Inn is another travel favorite, and the Jekyll Island location doesn’t disappoint.The rooms boast a stunning ocean view, which you and your pet can enjoy together on the balcony or terrace. The hotel is close to pet-friendly hiking trails, perfect for exploring the island, and offers food delivery, so you can share meals together in the comfort of your own hotel room.
Dogs and cats are welcome, and there are no weight restrictions. A designated pet potty area is provided, and pets can stay in rooms unattended. The hotel charges a per-night pet fee.
Find more pet-friendly places to stay in Jekyll Island, GA.
Nags Head, NC
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This shining gem in North Carolina’s Outer Banks island crown is as scenic as it is welcoming. Pups can play on the sand and in the waves here, as long as they are leashed (leashes must be no longer than 10 feet) and supervised. There’s lots to do beyond the beach: you and your pooch will love exploring the Outer Banks National Scenic Byway, and if you enjoy history, the Wright Brothers Memorial is right nearby, and it’s pet friendly.
PLACES TO STAY
Sun Realty Vacation Rentals
If you’re looking to stay a while in Nags Head, Sun Realty Vacation Rentals has the perfect oceanfront place waiting for you. They offer a wide selection of charming, picturesque beach homes, some of which are right near dog-friendly beaches.
Pet-friendly Sun Realty properties allow up to two dogs, provided they are well-trained and under your control. Some properties sometimes allow cats as well. Sun Realty does charge a non-refundable pet fee for professional flea control. Pets are not allowed in property hot tubs or pools.
Stan White Vacation Rentals
Stan White Vacation Rentals incredibly offers 80 pet-friendly vacation homes in Nags Head and the surrounding area. Stan White offers all types of accommodations, from cozy, simple one-bedroom bungalows to sprawling 10-bedroom luxury villas. Enjoy fenced-in yards for your pets, along with easy access to pet-friendly beaches and hiking trails.
Properties allow up to two adult, well-trained dogs. Specific properties may have breed or weight restrictions. All properties do charge a per-stay pet fee.
Find more pet-friendly places to stay in Nags Head.
Huntington Beach, CA
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Known as one of America’s pet-friendliest beaches, Huntington Beach is a destination as perfect for humans as it is for pooches. Explore off-leash beaches, play in the huge dog park in the center of town, attend dog-centered event, or, if your surf-loving pup is especially adventurous, enroll him in doggie surfing lessons. If he’s a good enough student, he can hang ten (or twenty!) in Huntington Beach’s yearly dog surfing competition!
PLACES TO STAY
Kimpton Shorebreak Huntington Beach Resort
It’s no secret that we love Kimpton. It’s one of the most accommodating pet-friendly hotel chains, and Kimpton Shorebreak Huntington Beach is no exception. The hotel offers food delivery and laundry services, making it easy to stay in and relax with your pup. But that’s just the beginning. It also offers plush pet beds, food bowls, water bowls, and a concierge list of local pet-friendly spots to visit.
The hotel has no pet restrictions–if your pet can fit through the front door, it’s welcome. There are also no pet fees, and no limit to how many pets you can bring!
The Waterfront Beach Resort A Hilton Hotel
Situated just a quick walk from Huntington Dog Beach, the Waterfront Beach Resort loves pets, and welcomes them with open arms. Pet guests are given a welcome package with treats, a pet bed, and waste bags. Pets are allowed in all of the hotel’s public areas, including the pool area (just not in the pool). One of the hotel’s onsite restaurants even features a doggie menu.
The hotel does charge a per-pet, per-day fee, and there is a 75 pound weight limit.
Find more pet-friendly places to stay in Huntington Beach, CA.
Seaside, OR
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Enjoy all the unique beauty coastal Oregon has to offer at this pet-friendly hot spot. Seaside welcomes dogs with open arms–they can even play unleashed in the sand and surf! You can also enjoy other pet-friendly activities: walk along the Prom with your pooch, or head out for a hike together along Tillamook Head. Pet parents must carefully manage their pets, clean up after them, and carefully consider when and whether to allow them off-leash.
PLACES TO STAY
Coast River Inn by OYO Seaside
Situated on the Necanicum River, just a quick jaunt from the Seaside Carousel Mall, Coast River Inn offers rooms featuring kitchenettes for easy and convenient dining in with your pet. Many rooms also feature a unique and beautiful river view, which you and your pooch can enjoy side by side on a balcony or terrace.
The hotel charges a per-night pet fee. It allows up to two pets, dogs or cats, and imposes no weight restrictions. Pets may be left unattended in rooms.
Kathryn Riverfront Inn Ascend Hotel Collection
Located at the end of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, on the Necanicum River, The Kathryn Riverfront Inn offers scenic views and a prime location that’s not only close to the beach, but offers easy access to charming shops and restaurants in the heart of downtown Seaside. Whether you and your pet are up for beachcombing, people-watching, shopping, or dining, you can do it all with ease.
The hotel allows one dog of up to 50 pounds, and charges a per-night pet fee.
Need help finding the perfect beach getaway with your pet? Search here or ping us at info@tripswithpets.com.