8 Last-Minute Summer Getaways Where Pups Stay Free

Posted by Jessica Roberts

Sometimes you’ve just got to get away. If you’ve decided last-minute to give in to the summer wanderlust and don’t want Fido to miss the fun, check out these pet-friendly hotels that don’t charge a fee for your canine companion. Whether you’re looking for a well-deserved vacation or a quick weekend getaway, these eight destinations will be a true treat for both you and your best friend.

1. Boston, MA

Boston, MA
“You mean to tell me I get treats AND toys here?” Photo by @aloft_boston

The all-day mild temperatures make late summer the “pawfect” time of year to take a trip to the Cradle of Liberty with your canine. It’s easy to see why Boston makes our list of the 12 most pet-friendly cities in the U.S. Beantown offers tourists on two legs and four tons of options for restaurant patios and breweries to patronize, and excellent guided walking tours covering the rich history and culture of the city.

Aloft Boston Seaport is a cool and convenient spot for you and your pooch to call home during your vacay. Aloft hotels understand that Animals Are Fun. Their ARF pet program means pups up to 40 lbs are always welcomed for no pet fee and treated to a branded bed and bowl, complimentary dog cookies and toys. Nightly rates at Aloft Boston Seaport start at $132.

2. Goleta, CA

Goleta, CA
California dreamin’ in Goleta. Photo by @chloeacockapoo

If you’re tired of being cooped up indoors, pack your stuff and your pup and head off on a last-minute adventure just outside of Santa Barbara in Goleta. Embrace the endless California summertime on the off-leash stretch of Arroyo Burro Beach Park (the locals call it Hendry's Beach). Fill your bellies at one of the area’s many pet-friendly restaurants, like the large, covered patio at Jane at the Marketplace. And be sure to spend at least one evening taking in the epic sunsets over the Pacific with an evening hike on the Coal Oil Point Trail.

Check into your room at The Goodland, a Kimpton Hotel, and head over to CAYA, the on-site, dog-friendly restaurant. Here, you can order up typical SoCal fare like bao buns, halibut tacos and oysters, alongside one of their famous craft cocktails, with your pooch at your side. Pets of any size, breed and weight are welcome for no additional fee at The Goodland. Nightly rates start at $128.

3. Oklahoma City, OK

Oklahoma City, OK
“And the wavin' wheat can sure smell sweet...unlike your tushy.” Photo by @dallaspartyof2

Itching to get out of town on a vacay that won’t eat up your savings? Hitch on your boots and cowboy hat and git along with your little doggy to Oklahoma, where the winds come sweepin’ down the plains. While you’re embracing cowboy culture with your “pawtner” on Oklahoma City's Wild Western Art Scavenger Hunt Tour, be sure to check out the city’s mid-century modern architecture. Get in a workout by SUP-ing with Fido on the Oklahoma River at Boathouse District before filling up on gourmet barbeque and tea on the pet-friendly patio of Earl's Rib Palace.

Nightly rates at La Quinta Inn & Suites OKC North Quail Springs start at just $89. While La Quinta’s pet policies vary by location, the OKC North Quail Springs property welcomes two pets of any size for no additional pet fee.

4. Saco, ME

Saco, ME
You and Fido could be enjoying an east coast sunset stroll. Photo by @saco.maine

New England towns like Portland, Kennebunkport and Bar Harbor are supremely “pupular” destinations during the hottest months of the year. If you’re booking a last-minute trip to the coast, try heading for one of the lesser-known towns. Charming Saco may only have a third of the population of nearby Portland, but the doors of local businesses open just as wide to welcome visitors and their furry friends. Grab a $1 doggie dish at the Saco Scoop, enjoy walking through the historic downtown and along the riverwalk trail, or play on picturesque and pet-friendly Bay View Beach, Ferry Beach State Park, or Camp Ellis Beach. Dogs are required to be on leash on the beaches from April 1 until September 30 to protect at-risk and endangered wildlife.

Rest up at the centrally located Hampton Inn Saco Old Orchard Beach. While the hotel does charge a refundable pet deposit, there are no additional pet fees. Rates start at $113 per night.

5. Chicago, IL

Chicago, IL
“Ready for my bedtime story, ma!” Photo by @yggiyggi_miniaussie

If you decide to escape the late summer heat in the Windy City, you’ll find no shortage of pet-friendly activities to fill your time. Don’t miss the fantastic photo ops at the Coliseum Dog Park, take in the sites at the boardwalk at Navy Pier, or treat yourself and your pup to some retail therapy along The Magnificent Mile, the city’s famed stretch of shopping where four-legged shoppers are welcome. While the weather is nice, take the opportunity to see the famous Chicago skyline from the vantage point of Lake Michigan with Kayak Chicago or on a leisurely Shoreline Sightseeing lake cruise. Fido will also want to spend a morning (or all of the mornings) playing at Chicago’s first off-leash dog beach, Montrose Dog Beach.

Staying in a luxurious room at the chic Hotel EMC2, Autograph Collection is a vacation in and of itself. Located along The Magnificent Mile, the hotel is close to many of the attractions on your furry friend’s must-see list. Two dogs of any size are welcome for free, and nightly rates start at $199.

6. Winston Salem, NC

Winston-Salem, NC
How much is that doggy in the window? Photo by @jimmyim

For a last-minute vacation destination that will please every type of traveler, Winston Salem, NC is the perfect option. The outdoorsy type will love to spend the day exploring the pristine trails at Pilot Mountain State Park or frolicking through the fields at Frogholler Lavender Farm. History buffs and their mutts will especially enjoy touring the historic downtown and popping in to shop at Mast General Store. And foodies on two legs and four will be thrilled with the number of outdoor patios for dining and drinking. Fido can even get in on the nightlife fun in Winston Salem and join you for a game of pool at Recreation Billiards.

Situated in the heart of downtown and featuring beautiful views of the city, the Kimpton Cardinal Hotel is a gem for human and canine visitors looking to explore Winston Salem. Nightly rates start at $239 and pets are permitted to stay for no additional fees.

7. Dallas, TX

Dallas, TX
“I’m never leaving this cozy bed.” Photo by @thepetscoutshop

BBQ, southern charm, shopping and sweltering heat are all hallmarks of summer in the Big D. Let your pup cool off in the fountains while you grab lunch from a food truck at My Best Friend's Park at Klyde Warren Park. Visit the 19th-century pioneer and Victorian homes at Dallas Heritage Village. Shop for some cool finds and new reads at Half Price Books. And of course, Fido won’t permit a trip to Dallas without a stop at the one-acre off-leash dog park, beer garden and restaurant at Mutt’s Canine Cantina..

The Joule Dallas is truly a jewel of a spot and the first designer hotel in Dallas. Rooms start at $195 a night, and pets of any size are welcome for no additional fee. The Main Street Garden Urban Dog Run is just two blocks away.

8. Ocean Springs, MS

Ocean Springs, MS
Canines at the seaside. Photo by @tabithafayeking

What is summer without a trip to the beach? If you haven’t treated your best friend to the seaside this year, it’s not too late! Grab your towel and sunscreen, tell your Pug her bikini bod is as ready as it gets, and take off for a last-minute trip to Ocean Springs Beach, one of the 10 Best Dog Beaches on the Gulf Coast. Spend the day at this quiet, peaceful “pawradise,” and de-sandify at the outdoor showers before heading to the next attraction. The nearby historic Biloxi Lighthouse and adjacent park are worth a visit before you stop for the night.

Motel 6 Ocean Springs is friendly to pets and your wallet. Nightly rates start at just $53, and two pets up to 60 lbs are welcome for free.

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Banner photo by @parksfordowntowndallas.