By Stacey Wittig
Grab the leash and load up the treats—2026 is shaping up to be a banner year for exploring with your furry co-pilot. From splash-worthy lakeshores to parade routes filled with wagging tails, these destinations prove that travel is better with a four-legged explorer by your side.
Petoskey, Michigan
Set along Lake Michigan’s breezy shoreline, Petoskey’s pet-friendly beaches, eateries, and trails make it a top pick for canine travelers. You and your furry friend can dip your paws in the surf or stroll through the charming downtown filled with fresh air and friendly faces.
For a cozy stay, check in at The Highlands Resort, a real tail-wagger among Petoskey accommodations. With plush dog beds, shiny stainless-steel bowls, and a complimentary chew toy, this resort pampers your pooch as much as it spoils you. After a day of sniffing, splashing, and sightseeing, stretch out together on the sand at Petosky State Park—nothing says “good dog” like a Lake Michigan sunset.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania earned its spot on the list for its nature-filled escapes and pet-friendly trails. It earns bonus points for all America250 festivals celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands region, part of the Appalachian Mountains, invites you and your adventure buddy to sniff out miles of hiking trails, waterfalls, and forest scents. Ohiopyle State Park alone boasts more than 20,000 acres of natural wonder. From there, a road trip to pet-friendly York, Pennsylvania, is in order. You’ll experience the colonial town where the signers hid out after the revolution was in full swing.
Lafayette, Louisiana
Lafayette, Louisiana, named the Happiest City in America by The Wall Street Journal’s MarketWatch.com, offers many happy places for your four-legged traveling companion, including parks for off-leash fun and socializing.
Check ‘Walk in a Mardi Gras Parade’ off your bucket list by registering you and your four-legged traveling companion in the Krewe des Chiens Mardi Gras parade. The parade rolls during the day on February 7, 2026, with dogs, strollers, families, and fun.
Épernay, France
Raise a glass—and a paw—at the Champagne houses in Épernay, located in the sparkling heart of France’s Champagne region.
This elegant town celebrates the 10th anniversary of its Avenue de Champagne as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and there’s no better place for a scenic stroll with your furry globe-trotter. French hospitality shines here, with countless hotels and cafés rolling out the red carpet (and sometimes a water bowl) for visiting canines. Santé to that!
Concord, California
When the California sun calls, Concord answers with wag-worthy parks, trails, and patios galore. Whether you’re tossing a ball at Baldwin Dog Park or sniffing around The Paw Patch, there’s plenty of room for zoomies.
Pet-friendly hotels across town make it easy to rest those paws, and for a refreshing treat, stop at Epidemic Ales. This local craft brewery welcomes pups in the taproom, where you can sip a flight while your furry sidekick laps up the love. It’s the perfect way to end a day of adventure—tails relaxed and spirits high.
Stacey Wittig is a travel writer and adventurer based near Flagstaff, Arizona, who loves discovering pet-friendly places to stay, play and explore. Find more adventures at UnstoppableStaceyTravel.com. Inspiring wanderlust one pawprint at a time.
