Pet-Friendly Holiday Travel Destinations
Traveling with your furry family member during the holiday season can turn a getaway into an unforgettable tradition. From festive parades and twinkling lights to seasonal markets and snowy trails, these pet‑friendly holiday travel destinations offer holiday‑centric activities that both you and your companion will love. Below are five top spots where holiday cheer meets pet‑friendly fun.
Top 5 Pet-Friendly Holiday Travel Destinations
1.) San Diego, California
San Diego shines during the winter holidays with its temperate climate and joyful pet‑centric events. One standout seasonal celebration is the Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade & Pups in the Pub Party, where pets of all kinds strut through the historic Gaslamp Quarter in festive costumes alongside marching bands and holiday floats — and there are free photo ops with Santa Paws, Rudolph, and Frosty.
Beyond the parade, the Gaslamp Quarter’s holiday bucket list includes festive pop‑ups, themed menus, and dazzling décor that you can enjoy from dog‑friendly patios. For outdoor lovers, San Diego’s mild winter weather makes exploring Ocean Beach Dog Beach and other leash‑friendly outdoor spaces a delight any time of year, even during the holidays.
Holiday Travel Tips: Register your pet for the parade in advance and plan to stroll the festive streets afterwards at your own pace.
2.) Bar Harbor & Acadia National Park, Maine
For a cozy and scenic winter escape, Bar Harbor and nearby Acadia National Park transform into a charming holiday wonderland. The town hosts a Village Holidays Celebration, complete with a tree lighting ceremony, hot chocolate on the Village Green, and the chance to see Santa kick off the season — perfect for creating heartwarming holiday memories (pets on leash can join outdoor strolls around town).
While Acadia’s carriage roads and trails may be more wintry this time of year, they offer peaceful winter hiking and scenic drives through snowy landscapes. Downtown Bar Harbor’s holiday craft fairs, light displays, and local shops decked out for the season make it easy to spend quality time together exploring the festive spirit of coastal Maine.
Holiday Travel Tips: Dress warmly and check trail conditions before heading out with your pet, as winter weather can make some paths icy.
3.) Portland, Oregon
Portland’s holiday season is brimming with lights, markets, and outdoor strolls that are perfect for pet owners and their companions. Many of the city’s seasonal attractions — like holiday light displays and festive markets — are outdoors and pet‑friendly. Portland’s holiday light walk events invite you and your leashed dog to enjoy illuminated displays together at places like Winter Wonderland at Portland International Raceway.
In the heart of the city, festive displays on Peacock Lane offer a classic holiday stroll past elaborately decorated homes — and well‑behaved leashed pets are welcome on many outdoor walks through the neighborhood’s charm. Meanwhile, seasonal events like holiday markets, street light displays, and Christmas tree lightings provide plenty of cheer for humans and pups alike.
Holiday Travel Tips: Dress your pet warmly for evening light walks and plan plenty of breaks for treats and photos.
4.) Carmel‑by‑the‑Sea, California
Carmel‑by‑the‑Sea’s enchanting coastline makes it a magical holiday escape, and the town’s famously pet‑friendly atmosphere is perfect for seasonal exploration. Stroll hand‑in‑paw along Carmel Beach, where dogs can play on the sand and enjoy sunset views over the Pacific year‑round. Though smaller than a big city, Carmel’s holiday charm comes alive with local seasonal events and decorated boutiques worth exploring.
Local venues often host seasonal pet‑friendly happenings like Pups & Pints: Holiday Edition, where you can snap festive photos with Santa alongside your four‑legged friend. With holiday inn tours and charming seasonal décor in the background, Carmel’s fairy‑tale streets are ideal for immersive winter walks and festive shopping.
Holiday Travel Tips: Bring a cozy blanket for beach outings and check local event dates ahead of your trip.
5.) St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis may not be the first place you think of for a holiday getaway with pets, but its lively seasonal spirit and pet‑friendly offerings make it a great choice. The city consistently ranks high on pet‑friendly lists thanks to abundant dog parks, pet‑welcoming outdoor restaurants, and a walkable urban core.
During the holiday season, you can enjoy festive light displays at spots like the St. Louis Zoo Lights, take winter strolls through Forest Park with your leash‑friendly companion, and explore seasonal markets and festivals that bring local cheer throughout December. The city’s combination of urban holiday festivities and pet‑friendly spaces makes it an easy place to include your pup in the seasonal fun.
Holiday Travel Tips: Check event pet policies in advance — outdoor light shows and markets often welcome well‑behaved dogs on leash.
Final Holiday Travel Thoughts
When planning a holiday travel trip with your pet, always check local leash laws, weather conditions, and seasonal event details. Pack winter gear and familiar comforts for your furry companion, and you’ll be set for a joyful, pet‑centric holiday adventure together.
