Happy woman and dog looking at a computer in front of an RV
 

Pet friendly vacations often involve spending much of your time outdoors. Whether you’re hiking a trail, playing on the beach, perusing the boutiques and galleries of a quaint town, or exploring a new city, your experience is more enjoyable when the weather cooperates.

The problem is that we all know you can’t control Mother Nature! But you can choose East Coast destinations where the weather is more likely to be ideal during your visit.

What Is Ideal Weather?

Everyone has their own idea of what “ideal weather” means. Some like it hot and sunny. Others prefer cool breezes and moody skies. But we can all agree that, when it comes to our pets, high temperatures and humidity can be dangerous.

We’d hate for you to spend your vacation feeling trapped in your hotel because the weather could be harmful for your pet. So we’ve chosen destinations where the high temperatures average between 65 and 75 degrees (Fahrenheit; 18-23 degrees Celsius) during the suggested month to visit.

Let’s get started with our picks for pet and dog friendly vacations in East Coast destinations with ideal weather!

January – Key West, Florida

Our pick for an East Coast destination with ideal weather in January is Key West, Florida. With daily highs in the mid-70s, balmy evenings in 60s, and just 4 days of rain … it’s hard to beat!

Key West is famous for its laid-back, friendly view of life, so it’s not surprising it has a plethora of pet friendly activities. From fantastic beaches to a great selection of pet friendly dining options, it’s a vacation spot that you and your pet will both love.

Famous Mile 0 street sign in pet friendly Key West, Florida.
 

Pet Friendly Things To Do In Key West

Urban dogs visiting Key West will love hitting the shops, bars, and pet friendly restaurant patios on Duval Street. Nature lovers will enjoy the area’s dog beaches, tropical gardens, and parks that are easy on the paws. 

The Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden offers over 15 acres of native garden and forest to stroll on trails. And right downtown, discover the mini rainforest and parrot refuge at Nancy Forrester’s Secret Garden. Residents of the garden include rare plants, a guard cat, and rescued parrots and macaws. 

Prefer to explore from the water? You will find several options to charter a boat, kayak, or paddleboard. 

And, of course, you need to celebrate Key West’s famous fiery sunsets. Mallory Square is filled with entertainers and spectators each evening to bid farewell to the sun. If your dog doesn’t mind crowds, don’t miss it.

For a quieter but just as stunning view of the sunset, head to the Higgs Beach Dog Park. Your dog will be happy to play with her new friends while you admire the sun’s dip into the ocean.

Pet Friendly Key West, Florida sunset

Planning Your Pet Friendly Vacation In Key West

Ready to plan your pet friendly vacation to Key West? Start at our Key West Travel Guide! From there, search for hotels, vacation properties, and campgrounds. Find Key West’s many bars and restaurants with pet friendly patios. Search under Activities to find attractions, parks, beaches, shops, and to enjoy with your pet.

And don’t miss our paws-on-the-ground report on Pet Friendly Fun in Key West and the Florida Keys.

 

February – St. Augustine, Florida

For an East Coast destination with ideal weather in February, we’d choose St. Augustine, Florida! Located 467 miles north of Key West, Saint Augustine’s daily highs near 70, nights in the high 40s, and just 5 days of rain make it perfect for outdoor fun. 

The oldest city in the United States, Saint Augustine has been welcoming visitors since 1565. Strolling through town you’ll admire Spanish colonial architecture. And the compact scale of the town means you can see a lot in a short time.

View of a bridge with pet friendly St. Augustine, FL in the background
 

Pet Friendly Things To Do In St. Augustine

Downtown St. Augustine offers boutique-lined streets and restaurants with pet friendly patios. History lovers will want to visit the Spanish Military Hospital Museum where dogs are welcome inside. And don’t miss the city’s oldest attraction … the Fountain of Youth. Discovered by Ponce de Leon in 1565, you can stroll the 15-acre archaeological park with your pet as well as sample from the fabled fountain.

Small pet lovers can get an overview of the town on the Red Train Trolley Tour. (Sorry, only small animals able to sit on your lap can ride with you.) For a more in-depth tour, choose one of the city’s offers pet friendly walking tours. Or plan to take a local ghost tour. Dogs are rumored to be sensitive to paranormal energy. Will your pupper sense spirits? 

A short drive from downtown is the Fort Matanzas National Monument where you can hike the shaded trails in a live oak forest or splash in the water on the dog friendly beach. 

Miniature Golden Doodle dog running in the water on a dog friendly beach in Michigan

Planning Your Pet Friendly Vacation In St. Augustine

To plan your pet friendly vacation to St. Augustine, start with our St. Augustine Travel Guide. Search for hotels, vacation properties, and campgrounds. Find St. Augustine’s many bars and restaurants with pet friendly patios. And click Activities to find attractions, parks, beaches, shops, and more to enjoy with your pet.

And don’t forget to check out Pet Friendly St Augustine—What Should You Do During Your Visit? for our pet travel expert’s opinion on the best things to do when you visit. 

 

March – Charleston, South Carolina

If you’re looking for an East Coast destination with ideal weather in March, we’d recommend Charleston, South Carolina. Located 276 miles north of Saint Augustine, Charleston is an easy one-day drive. And with average daily highs in the mid-60s, slows in the 50s, and 6 days of rain, you’re sure to get some lovely days to be outdoors.

Charleston is known for its hospitality—and that includes furry visitors, too! In The Holy City (named for all its churches), you will find beautiful parks, an open-air market, and a great food scene. Many restaurants welcome pets on their patio, and they have heaters to keep you comfortable on chilly nights.

Home along the beach in Charleston, SC
 

Pet Friendly Things To Do In Charleston

Love a good urban hike? Then stroll King Street from the West to the East. You’ll pass beautiful historic homes with stunning gardens behind wrought iron gates. When you come to the shopping district, don’t forget to stop for a treat at Woof Gang Bakery. Your pup would never forgive you for passing by without a visit!

When you arrive at the waterfront, turn south toward Waterfront Pier Park. It’s a great spot for watching people. And it’s a stop on the pet friendly water taxi. Pets ride for free, and with a day pass you can hop on and off the taxi all day. Not only does it take you to different Charleston attractions, but it’s also great for spotting dolphins!

A short drive from downtown takes you to Folly Beach. It’s one of several nearby beaches that allow dogs. The Charleston Tea Plantation is well worth a visit to learn about tea production as well as being a serene place to walk. Several Ashley River estates also offer pet friendly educational tours, gardens, and trails. 

Charleston, SC

Planning Your Pet Friendly Vacation In Charleston

What are you waiting for?! It’s time to plan a dog friendly vacation to Charleston. Start with our Charleston Travel Guide, where you can search for hotels, vacation properties, and campgrounds. Hungry? You will also find listings for Charleston’s many bars and restaurants with pet friendly patios. Click on Activities to find attractions, parks, beaches, shops, and more to enjoy with your pet.

And don’t forget to read Top Pet Friendly Things To Do In Charleston. You will find even more suggestions for a woof-tastic time!

 

April – Asheville, North Carolina

What could be better than April in Asheville?! Located 268 miles northwest of Charleston, it’s one of our favorite East Coast destinations for ideal weather. And with average daily highs in the upper 60s, nightly lows in the mid-40s and 7 days of rain, it’s a fantastic time of year to explore Dog City USA!

Whether you prefer sampling artisan beer at a pet friendly brewery or going for a mountain hike, there are plenty of ways to amuse yourself and your dog when visiting Asheville.

2018 Best City for Pet Travelers Tournament | GoPetFriendly.com
 

Pet Friendly Things To Do in Asheville

Start at the welcome center, where you can get dog treats and cleanup bags and get recommendations for great places to take your pup.

Downtown Asheville has some pet friendly shops (ask first!) and many restaurant patios where dogs are welcome. Once you have filled your bellies, stroll the Asheville Urban Trail. Or, for a more challenging hike, look for waterfalls at the nearby DuPont State Forest.

The Biltmore Estate is the most famous attraction in Asheville. Although the mansion itself does not allow pets, the grounds are pet friendly. Enjoy the gardens before dining at one of the estate’s pet friendly restaurants. You will find plenty of places to relax if your partner is touring the mansion while you wait with your pets.

Biltmore Estate - Asheville, NC

Planning Your Pet Friendly Vacation In Asheville

Want some help planning your trip to Asheville, North Carolina? Our Asheville Travel Guide lists hotels, vacation properties, and campgrounds that welcome pets. Don’t forget to check out our listing of Asheville’s many bars and restaurants with pet friendly patios. And click on Activities to find attractions, breweries, parks, beaches, shops, and more to visit with your pet.

Read about our last visit to Asheville in Visiting Biltmore With Dogs + More To Do In Asheville. It will inspire you to plan your trip today!

 

May – Philadelphia, PA Or New York, NY

Planning a trip in May and looking for an East Coast destinations with ideal weather? How about Philadelphia or New York … or both?! It’s the perfect time of year to visit to visit these big cities — just before the heat and humidity arrive.

Philadelphia is 606 miles northeast of Asheville and 94 miles south of New York City. May is truly one of the nicest weather months in Philly, with average daily highs in the mid-70s, nightly lows in the upper 50s, and 10 days with rain.

Being so close to Philadelphia, New York’s weather in May is very similar. New York’s daytime highs are a few degrees cooler, due to its proximity to the water. And it typically gets one less day with rain.

Both Philadelphia and New York are rich in history and pet friendly fun. With fantastic architecture, sprawling parks, and topnotch restaurants, they’re both ideal East Coast destinations for great weather in May.

New York's Top Pet Friendly Attraction: Central Park | GoPetFriendly.com
 

Pet Friendly Things To Do In Philadelphia

Get the lay of the land in America’s first planned city by visiting the five public squares (parks) incorporated into the city’s design by William Penn. Want more room to wander? Visit Fairmont Park—the largest city park in the United States. You will find miles of trails to hike. And check their website for special events like free summer concerts on the lawn and kite flying contests. 

Or head west to historic Bartram’s Garden, a shady retreat from the asphalt where dogs are welcome on the grounds. In addition to trails and gardens, you’ll also find a public boat launch. You can borrow a kayak for free on Saturdays (bring your dog’s life jacket), or launch your own vessel on the Schuylkill River.

Logan Square - Philadelphia, PA
Photo from VisitPhilly.com

Planning Your Pet Friendly Vacation In Philadelphia

We have plenty of help for planning your pet friendly visit to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Start with our Philadelphia Travel Guide for lists of hotels, vacation properties, and campgrounds that welcome pets. Plan your visit to Philadelphia’s bars and restaurants with pet friendly patios. And find attractions, breweries, parks, beaches, shops, and more by clicking on Activities

During your visit, follow in our paw prints here: Dog Friendly Walking Tour – Philidelphia’s Famous Squares.

Franklin Square - Philadelphia, PA
 

Pet Friendly Things To Do In New York City

Although smaller than Fairmount Park, Central Park is the third most visited attraction in the world! Don’t miss out. Take guided tours of different park areas or explore at random. Your pup will enjoy the shady trails, even on a warm day.

Walks across the East River on the Brooklyn Bridge for magnificent city views. Or go farther afield with your small dog or cat—tiny pets are welcome on public transit in New York City, if they can travel in a carrier in your lap.

A subway ride to the northern tip of Manhattan takes you to Fort Tryon Park. It’s so peaceful, you’ll have trouble remembering you’re still in the city. 

Follow your nose to find the most diverse cuisine in the world, or pick up a picnic lunch from the many food carts. Besides hot dogs and soft pretzels, you’ll also find salads, halal food, knishes, and Korean barbecue. 

You will also find loads of restaurants with pet friendly patios, as well as several fun dive bars that even welcome dogs inside. 

New York's Top Pet Friendly Attraction: Central Park | GoPetFriendly.com

Planning Your Visit to Pet Friendly New York City

Start planning your pet friendly visit to New York, New York with our New York Travel Guide. We make it easy to find hotels, vacation properties, and campgrounds that welcome pets. Choose from dozens of bars and restaurants with pet friendly patios. And don’t miss out on attractions, breweries, parks, beaches, shops, and more under Activities

Get even more advice in New York: Visiting Central Park with Dogs and Traveling with Your Dogs to New York City.

New York's Top Pet Friendly Attraction: Central Park | GoPetFriendly.com
 

June – Bar Harbor, Maine

Temperatures start climbing in June, so if you’re looking for East Coast destinations with ideal weather, plan to head north! Our recommendation would be to go 487 miles north of New York City and visit Bar Harbor, Maine, where the average daily highs are in the mid-70s, nights dip down to the low 50s, and they get 9 days of rain in June.

Bar Harbor is a small city overflowing with natural beauty and local charm. From window shopping in town to hiking national park, including dog friendly hiking trails, you will find many things to do with your pet. Nearby Arcadia National Park is one of the most pet friendly national parks in America – so allow plenty of time to explore!

Dog Friendly Restaurant - Bar Harbor, ME
 

Pet Friendly Things To Do In Bar Harbor, Maine

Arcadia National Park offers a variety of trails from easy strolls of less than 2 miles to the challenging summit of Mount Cadillac. There are only a few trails in the park where pets aren’t allowed, so pick up a map and talk to a ranger about which trails are best for furry friend and you.

Or stay in town and stroll the shore path for lovely coastal views. Seek out a lobster roll at one of the many quaint restaurants with pet friendly patios. Or explore the town by water — the ferries are pet friendly, and several boat tours allow dogs to board with you. 

Honey the golden retriever considers jumping off the sailboat onto the dock.

Planning Your Stay In Pet Friendly Bar Harbor

We have everything you’ll need to plan a pet friendly trip to Bar Harbor, Maine, starting with our Bar Harbor Travel Guide. There you can search for Bar Harbor hotels, vacation properties, and campgrounds that welcome pets. You’ll will also find bars and restaurants with pet friendly patios. And choose the attractions, breweries, parks, beaches, shops, and more that you want to visit by clicking on Activities

Get the most out of your trip with advice from our pet travel experts in Visiting Acadia National Park with Dogs

 

July – Stowe, Vermont

Finding East Coast destinations with ideal weather in July means heading for higher elevations. We recommend Stowe, Vermont, a lovely village located 310 miles west of Bar Harbor.

Stowe sits at an elevation of 889 feet with the Green Mountains to the west, and the Worcester Range to the east. In July, Stowe’s average daily highs are in the mid-60s with nightly lows in the low 50s. And with 13 days of rain, you have a better than 50-50 chance of staying dry!

Stowe draws outdoor recreation lovers to its mountains year-round. And that includes pets. With comfortable summer temperatures, even a challenging hike is enjoyable wearing fur.

Gondola Ride - Stowe, VT
 

Pet Friendly Things To Do In Stowe, Vermont 

Many pet friendly patios in downtown Stowe have heaters for chilly nights. And some stores even welcome polite pups inside.

A big summer attraction is the ride up the mountain on the Gondola Skyride. You can take a round trip ride, or just ride up and hike back down. Either way, your pup will enjoy a snooze aloft while you admire the view. 

If you stroll the Stowe Recreation Path, your water-loving buddy can cool off in the river along the way. Dogs trained to be safely off-leash can enjoy their freedom on the connecting Quiet Path, a nearly 2-mile mowed path open only to walkers and joggers.

Don’t miss the Scoop Shop at the Ben & Jerry’s factory in nearby Waterbury. Yes, they have doggie desserts too!

During your visit to Stowe, consider a day trip to Dog Mountain in St. Johnsbury. The 48-mile drive is definitely worthwhile. Dogs can roam this 150-acres former dairy farm off-leash and play in the pond. They’re even allowed inside the gallery.

Vermont's Top Pet Friendly Attraction: Dog Mountain | GoPetFriendly.com

Planning Your Stay In Pet Friendly Stowe

Start by checking out our Stowe Travel Guide. You will find listings for Stowe’s pet friendly hotels, vacation properties, and campgrounds. Seek out bars and restaurants with pet friendly patios. And choose the attractions, breweries, parks, beaches, shops, and more that you want to visit by clicking on Activities

Get more ideas for planning your trip in our Guide To Pet Friendly Stowe, Vermont.

 

August – Alexandria Bay, New York

Looking for an East Coast destination with ideal weather to hide from the dog days of summer? Plan a trip to Alexandria Bay and explore the stunning Thousand Islands region of New York! Located 487 miles west of Bar Harbor, Alexandria Bay enjoys average daily highs around 80 degrees, nightly lows in the mid-50s, and 7 days of rain in August, making it a fantastic place to spend some time!

This off-the-beaten-path vacation destination will thrill you and your pet. World-class camping, boat tours, and easy hikes offer lots of chances to enjoy nature. Lake Ontario is a short drive away. And Alexandria Bay makes a great basecamp to visit Canada, which is just across the St. Lawrence River. 

Ferry on the St. Lawrence River - Thousand Island, NY
 

Pet Friendly Things To Do In The Thousand Islands

The Thousand Islands region is an archipelago of 1,864 islands straddling the Canada–US border in the Saint Lawrence River. As you might imagine, visitors here should plan to spend a lot of time on the water.

Several state parks offer great places to launch your kayak or canoe—sometimes right from your campsite. The largest, Wellesley Island, starts filling reservations for the best campsites a year in advance, so be sure to plan ahead!

Polite pets can join you on several river cruises offered by Uncle Sam Boat Tours. Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on Heart Island, the site of the famous Boldt Castle. But you get stunning views from the water. 

Or consider a day trip to nearby Clayton or Cape Vincent where you can take a ferry to Canada! If that’s your plan, don’t forget to pack your passport and a copy of your pet’s vaccination records.

READ MORE ⇒ Tips For Crossing The Canadian Border With Pets

Power House of Boldt Castle on Hart Lake in the Thousand Ilsands region of New York

Planning Your Pet Friendly Vacation In The Thousand Islands

Stop first at our Alexandria Bay Travel Guide. Find the best places to stay in Alexandria Bay’s pet friendly hotels, vacation properties, and campgrounds. You’ll also find a few bars and restaurants with pet friendly patios. And seek out the attractions, breweries, parks, beaches, shops, and more that you want to visit by clicking on Activities

Check out other pet travels’ experience on the Canadian side of the Thousand Islands in Enjoying the Thousand Islands Region of Ontario With Your Dog.

 

September – Watkins Glen, New York

September is harvest season, making it a fantastic time to visit Watkins Glen, New York. In addition to experiencing fall at the local vineyards, the weather in this East Coast destination won’t disappoint. September brings average daytime temps in the mid-70s, lows in the mid-50s, and just 8 days with rain.

A short 181-mile drive south of Alexandria Bay, Watkins Glen sits on the southern end of Seneca Lake, one of the eleven lakes carved by retreating Ice Age glaciers. The claw-like marks crossing central New York give the region its name—the Finger Lakes.

Watkins Glen offers a wide range of outdoor recreation, a quaint downtown, and many, many nearby wineries and breweries, so it’s a convenient base for your adventures. And is an easy day trip to nearby Ithaca, Geneva, Seneca Falls, and Penn Yan.

Outdoor seating area at Boundary Breaks Winery in Finger Lake Wine Country, New York
 

Pet Friendly Things To Do In The Finger Lakes

The Finger Lakes region is known as New York’s Wine Country, and Seneca Lake offers the largest of the area’s local wine trails. Maps of local wineries can be found at the Watkins Glen Visitor Center.

Don’t miss the views from the rim trails at Watkins Glen State Park. And after your hike, cool off by renting a kayak and going for a paddle on the lake. Or hire a captain and kick back while enjoying a pet friendly pontoon boat tour.

Downtown you’ll find several restaurants with pet friendly patios. Or get carryout and head to Clute Park for a picnic on the lakeshore.

Nearby Sampson State Park offers a shoreline where your pup can take a dip (just be sure to avoid the beach with lifeguards). Or stop by the magnificent Taughannock State Park on Cayuga Lake on your way to Ithaca. It’s worth a view of the tallest waterfall east of the Mississippi (yes, taller than Niagara). 

Taughannock Falls during the Autumn leaf color change in the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York.

Planning Your Pet Friendly Vacation In The Finger Lakes

Start planning your trip with our Watkins Glen Travel Guide. Find lodgings in one of Watkins Glen’s pet friendly hotels, vacation properties, or campgrounds. Search for bars and restaurants with pet friendly patios. And choose from attractions, breweries, parks, beaches, shops, and more that you want to visit by clicking Activities

Get more ideas for your trip in our blog post, Visiting Watkins Glen with Pets—A Gorge-ous Spot to Explore

 

October – Washington DC

Looking for an East Coast destinations with ideal weather in October? We recommend a trip to our nation’s capital, Washington, DC. With average daytime highs near 70, nightly lows in the mid-40s, and six days with rain, October is a beautiful month to explore DC.

Located 302 miles south of Watkins Glen, Washington DC has a low but stunning skyline, highlighted by monuments and memorials that inspire awe. You’re literally steeped in history!

And a few steps from the National Mall and Pennsylvania Avenue, you’ll come across captivating neighborhoods, an eclectic collection of restaurants, and live music at bars and nightclubs. 

National Mall with Washington Monument, Washington DC, USA
 

Pet Friendly Things To Do In Washington, DC

This compact city is often viewed as a collection of neighborhoods. Start with the National Mall and Memorial Gardens, enjoying the walk from the Capitol building to the Lincoln Memorial. You’ll find find many interesting sites on the way. Insta-dogs will want to post a picture with Fala the Scottish Terrier at the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial. 

The next day check out the Georgetown Historic District. Take a stroll along the waterfront for views of the Potomac. Or rent a paddle board or kayak at Key Bridge Boathouse and go for a paddle on the river. (Just remember to bring your pup’s life jacket.) Then head to nearby Georgetown for upscale window shopping, nightclubs, and fine dining.

A one-day pass ($10 per dog) gives you the privilege of joining the ranks of the K9 Corp, a members-only dog-walking group at the Historic Congressional Cemetery. When you’re ready to connect with nature, hike pet friendly trails at Theodore Roosevelt Island or Rock Creek Park. And be sure not to miss Dupont Circle’s sophisticated outdoor dining, shops, and Victorian architecture.

Washington D.C.'s Top Pet Friendly Attractions: The National Mall | GoPetFriendly.com

Planning Your Pet Friendly Vacation In Washington DC

Head to our Washington DC Travel Guide to start planning your trip. There you’ll find the best DC pet friendly hotels, vacation properties, and campgrounds. You can also search for bars and restaurants with pet friendly patios. And seek out the attractions, breweries, parks, beaches, shops, and more that you want to visit by clicking Activities

Get more ideas for your trip in Visiting Washington DC’s National Mall with Dogs on our blog.

 

November – Port St. Joe, Florida

November brings a steady drop in temperatures, so to find East Coast destinations with ideal weather, you’ll have to head south! If average daily temperatures in the high 60s, lows in the high 50s, and just four days with rain sound good, we recommend trekking 956 miles southwest from Washington, DC, to Port St. Joe, Florida.

Port St. Joe is dog friendly vacation destination located on Florida’s Forgotten Coast. This relaxed town offers a gateway to many pet friendly sites along the Gulf of Mexico.

Here you will find many dog friendly hotels, beaches, boat charters, and restaurant patios that welcome pets. The laid-back vibe will have you and your pet feeling right at home in no time.

Forgotten Coast - Port St. Joe, FL
 

Pet Friendly Things To Do Near Port St. Joe, Florida

Does your dog yearn for the feeling of sand between her toes? Take a short drive to Cape San Blas Dog Beach. Or hire a private tour from Bali Hai Charters. Whether you like fishing or just watching the sunset, they will plan a trip that both you and your pet will love.

If hiking is more your jam, head to St. Joseph Park, where you can access the Wilderness Preserve Trail, which covers all 7 miles of the peninsula. For dogs with endless energy, make your next stop St. Joseph Peninsula State Park where you’ll find miles more trails. Scoring a campsite here will also give you a quiet base for visiting other nearby beach towns. 

After a day of hiking and beach fun, you’ll be ready to eat. Popular local spot Cone Heads serves up ice cream, burgers, and more in a beach shack atmosphere with pet friendly tables outside. 

Forgotten Coast - Alligator Point, FL

Planning Your Pet Friendly Vacation In Port St. Joe

Ready to plan a trip to Port St. Joe? Start with our Port St. Joe Travel Guide and choose from the pet friendly hotels, campgrounds, and vacation properties. Look for bars and restaurants with pet friendly patios. Find attractions, breweries, parks, beaches, shops, and more that you want to visit by clicking Activities. 

Need more ideas for your trip? See what we did on our trip to Port St. Joe and the surrounding area in Dog Friendly Beaches of the Florida Panhandle.

 

December – New Orleans, Louisiana

Planning a trip over the holidays and hoping to find East Coast vacation destinations where the weather will be pleasant? Look no further than the Big Easy. With daily average highs in the mid-60s, nightly lows in the mid-40s, and just 6 days with rain, December in New Orleans is anything but frightful.

A laid-back attitude permeates the atmosphere in New Orleans. Well-behaved pets are welcome to tag along for most activities. Just be sure to ask permission before bringing them inside any businesses.

You can even take small pets on the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (NORTA), which operates streetcars and buses throughout the city. They just require that pets travel in a carrier and the carrier must fit on your lap. Check out their trip planner for help navigating the city easily.

New Orleans, Louisiana, USA downtown city skyline on the Mississippi River at sunset.
 

Pet Friendly Things To Do In New Orleans, Louisiana

Although the French Quarter is the most famous neighborhood in New Orleans, you’ll also find plenty to do in the University District, Irish, Channel, and the city’s other interesting sections. 

Known for delicious Creole and Cajun cuisine (and so much more), New Orleans’ many restaurants offer a large selection of dog friendly patios. Don’t forget to order coffee and beignets at the famous Cafe Du Monde.

And you’ll want to eat up! You’ll need the energy to keep exploring. 

New Orleans is perched along the Mississippi River, and a ferry ride to Algiers is the perfect way to explore the city from the water. 

Be sure your dog get to visit City Bark, a large, off-leash play area in City Park (don’t forget to get your permit first). Recognized nationwide as the archetypal urban green space, City Park covers 1,300 acres and is also home to the New Orleans Museum of Art, botanical gardens, sculpture garden, and so much more. 

By the end of the day, you’ll be ready to relax. Head to The Fly, at Audubon Riverview Park for stunning sunset views. It’s a great place to enjoy a picnic dinner. 

If you’re a fan of the paranormal, take one of the city’s many ghost tours. Keep your eyes on your pet—some believe they are more sensitive to the ghostly realm. 

You will absolutely run out of vacation days before you run out of fun things to do with your pet in New Orleans. 

Voodoo Queen's Grave in St. Louis Cemetery - Pet Friendly New Orleans, LA

Planning Your Pet Friendly Stay In New Orleans

Start planning your pet friendly trip with our New Orleans Travel Guide. There’s a great selection of pet friendly places to stay. Check out the bars and restaurants with pet friendly patios. And find attractions, breweries, parks, beaches, shops, and more to add to your itinerary by clicking Activities

Then get our advice for what to do (and avoid) when visiting the Big Easy in Pet Friendly New Orleans—Things To Do (And What To Avoid).

 

Best East Coast Destinations For Ideal Weather

No matter what time of year you’re planning to visit the East Coast, there are destinations with fantastic weather. We’ve done the research so you can go and have fun! 

Or do us one better and string all of our destinations suggestions together for a year-long adventure in your van or RV! Who wouldn’t want to spend an entire year in perfect weather?

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  • We take our “kids” to the Cape Ann area of MA every October. The weather is still nice and we rent a place right on Long Beach. From October to April (off season), dogs are welcome to walk and play on the beach, providing the pet parents are mindful of cleaning up after them. Such a relaxing vacation for all.