A vibrant 1,100-acre chain of green space known as the Emerald Necklace, rousing Revolutionary War history, and an iconic harbor. From the Back Bay to Dorchester, the Boston area is just bursting with landmarks and scenic sights. Fortunately, furry friends are always welcome in Beantown.
Follow along to discover the very best of Boston, MA’s pet-friendly hotels, restaurants, and activities.
Walk Rover past Paul Revere's house or pause for a midday pick me up at the Polka Dog Bakery. Then, cruise through the sparkling waters of the Charles River via kayak, or scope out the tantalizing array of food trucks at the Rose Kennedy Greenway.
There is never a shortage of dog-friendly options in Boston, from heart-pumping hikes to pup welcoming patios.
Pet-Friendly Boston Hotels
Hotel Commonwealth
Urban sophistication featuring enviable amenities, the Hotel Commonwealth delivers cosmopolitan luxury at the footsteps of The Fenway. Generously sized, light-drenched guest rooms feature Malin + Goetz bath amenities, marble bathrooms, and Smart TVs.
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Feast on sushi at the Boston debut of Blue Ribbon, or slurp down delicious noodles at TsuruTonTan Udon Noodle. The official hotel of the Boston Red Sox is also pet friendly and accepts fluffy friends for an additional fee of $125.* Fido will feel more than welcome at this Fenway adjacent lodging, as they receive treats, dog bowls, and beds upon check-in.
Terriers and Poodles can even get pampered as the concierge will be more than happy to arrange for pet-sitting, grooming, walking, or even doggie massage services at the hotel.
*Service dogs can stay for free
photo credit: Hotel Commonwealth Boston via Facebook
XV Beacon Hotel
Unparalleled service, boutique furnishings, and scenic Beacon Hill views make the XV Beacon Hotel an ideal choice for the discerning traveler. So treat your pup and yourself to some quality TLC when you reserve one of 63 rooms in this turn-of-the-century landmark Beaux-Arts building.
The building’s elevated style marries perfectly with its sleek accommodations, a mesmerizing mix of modern and classic. Pamper yourself in a suite complete with a gas fireplace, rainforest showerhead, Frette linens, and cashmere throws. Dine on mouth-watering steak at Moo, or sneak in a Peloton workout at their 24-hour fitness center. Well-behaved pooches of any size are permitted at the Beacon for a $50 pet fee.
Hotel guests can schedule dog sitting services with the concierge or walk their pup to the nearby Boston Commons. Warm-hearted animal lovers will be happy to know that 50% of the pet fee proceeds are donated to a local animal charity.
photo credit: XV Beacon via Facebook
Boston Omni Parker House Hotel
Calling all history buffs! Want to sleep just steps away from the Freedom Trail? Immerse yourself in Revolutionary War History when you stay at the Boston Omni Parker House Hotel. Traditional, refined furnishings dripping in mahogany lend gravitas and old-world charm to this iconic Beantown establishment.
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For over 160 years, the Omni Parker House has delighted visitors and locals with its heritage and convenient Beacon Hill location. With easy access to the Boston Common, Quincy Market, and Faneuil Hall Marketplace, the Omni occupies an ideal location to explore the Cradle of Liberty. Sample the Parker House restaurant’s infamous Cream Pie, or grab Spot for a stroll through the Boston Massacre Site.
The Omni is an extremely pet-friendly establishment and allows both dogs and cats under 25 lb for a fee of $125 per stay per room.
photo credit: Omni Parker House via Facebook
The Colonnade Hotel
Refreshing dips in Boston’s only rooftop pool, plush lodgings, and the quaint neighborhood charm of Back Bay come together to make the Colonnade Hotel an arresting escape. Unwind from the hustle and bustle of the City on the Hill with an expertly crafted cocktail or a serene siesta in a private cabana.
Indulge in some world-class retail therapy at nearby Copley Square or Newbury Street before preparing for an evening at the Symphony or Hynes Convention Center. Pets are welcome in a number of select rooms and suites, and you can expect a full red carpet experience.
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Receive a complimentary pet bed, bowl, and access to three different varieties of food upon check-in. Don’t forget to inquire about their positively paw-fect VIPet Services map.
photo credit: Colonnade Boston via Facebook
InterContinental Boston
Soak in searing waterfront views of Fort Point Channel as you explore the very heart of Boston from the InterContinental. Take in the piping hot history of the nearby Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum or marvel at marine life at the New England Aquarium.
Linger over delicacies at the acclaimed Miel Brasserie, or celebrate with a glass of bubbly at the Rumba Rum and Champagne Bar. Sprawl out in a presidential suite complete with fireplace, or melt away muscle aches in a deep soaking tub. Distinguished dogs and cats will feel right at home here as owners need only pay a deposit of $100 per stay.*
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The front desk can also assist in scheduling both dog sitting and walking services if required.
*Pets must weigh 25 lb or less
Human-Friendly Activities
Cruise through the Boston Harbor, check out the USS Constitution or gaze in wonder at the aquatic enchantment of the aquarium. Once your canine companion is settled into their new digs, it’s time for the humans to have some fun.
Don’t forget to carve out time for some sensational sightseeing and tours in the Cradle of Liberty:
From the Freedom Trail to Faneuil Hall, this memorable amphibious tour will take you to the top Beantown sites on both land and sea. View the birthplace of the Crimson Sea, scout awesome souvenirs at Quincy Market, or pay your respects to Fenway Park with the Best of Boston Tour.
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Sea Turtles, sea lions, and sharks, oh my! Visit all of the creatures that live under the sea when you head to the New England Aquarium. An educational and entertainment-filled excursion, little ones will love learning about everything from coral reefs to little blue penguins.
Dig into the most infamous evening in American Revolution History with a visit to the acclaimed
Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum. Sip colonial varieties of tea, examine centuries-old artifacts, and enjoy costumed reenactments of America’s most famous political protest.
photo credit: Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum via Facebook
Pet-Friendly Boston Activities
Freedom Trail
Let your leashed dog in on the magic of American history with a spirited hike through the Freedom Trail. An ideal primer into the Revolutionary heritage of the Puritan City, this iconic 2.5-mile red line trail contains 16 nationally significant sites.
Experience the wonder of the Old State House, the Boston Common, and Paul Revere’s homestead as you bring your hound along on this renowned 17th-century adventure. While well-behaved and leashed mutts are embraced on the trail, pets are not allowed inside any buildings.
Boston Common
Grab Fido’s favorite tennis ball and slap on some SPF when you spend a sun-soaked day at the Boston Common. One of Beantown’s premier green spaces, this verdant oasis is also America’s oldest public park.
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The Boston Common contains 50 acres of lush greenery, ponds, statues, and trees. Settle in for a picnic at the Frog Pond, or let your pup loose in the designated off-leash areas.
photo credit: AbhiSuryawanshi CC BY-SA 4.0
Paddle Boston
Perfect your paddle with your pup in tow when you effortlessly sail through the sparkling waters of the Charles River. Work on that upper body strength and witness the majesty of the Boston skyline as you kayak or paddleboard with Paddle Boston.
Feel free to bring along your water-loving dog. Just be prepared to dive in if Fido jumps ship! Dog Life Jackets are available for use at all locations.
Rose Kennedy Greenway
Located in the Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park, the Rose Kennedy Greenway is a nirvana of fragrant blooms, public art, and grassy knolls. Wander throughout the five parks nestled within this mile-long stretch as you picnic and play among the wildflowers and pollinating plants.
Eat your way through a diverse assortment of international cuisines as you sample food truck delicacies ranging from gyoza to tacos. But, of course, trusty mutts are always welcome at the Rose Kennedy Greenway, so long as they are leashed.
photo credit: Rose Kennedy Greenway via Facebook
RUFF North End Dog Park
Dog-loving locals in the know can’t stop raving about this ravishing North End Dog Park. Playful pups of all sizes can live out their athletic fantasies as they jump, tumble, and sprint through tunnels, artificial grass, and decking.
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The RUFF North End Dog Park is a perfect Beantown destination for when the temperatures creep higher. The RUFF North End Dog Park features kitschy fire hydrants that let off a cool mist to refresh overheated hounds.
Polka Dog Bakery
All-natural, handcrafted, and responsibly sourced dog treats that are delicious enough to tempt even the pickiest of terriers? Polka Dog Bakery has made a name by selling superior dog treats and food. So spoil spot with some chicken strip jerky or peanut butter wonder nuggets when you stop by one of the Polka Dog’s Boston locations.
photo credit: Polkadog via Facebook
SoWa Open Market
Celebrate the local flavors, cultures, and crafts of the South End when you support the creative accomplishments and expressions of SoWa (South of Washington). This vibrant art and design district is known for its slew of galleries, showrooms, and sublime Sunday Open Market.
Stroll through rows of vendors, viewing inventive artwork, hear hypnotic live music, and savor tasty farm-fresh treats. Clothes hounds will be in heaven as they scour through the incredible SoWa Vintage market or surprise Rex with a uniquely crafted leash, collar, or homemade treat.
Pet-Friendly Boston Restaurants
The Friendly Toast
A boozy brunch in Back Bay? Say no more! Snag a spot in their virtual queue, and skip the rush hour when you and your pup head to the Friendly Toast for a fabulous lunch or brunch.
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With an extensive menu containing veggie, gluten-free, and seasonal offerings, everyone in your party can devour a ‘from scratch’ meal here. Intrigue your taste buds with a sugary
‘Doughnut Stop Believing, a breakfast sandwich made with French toasted donuts and served with sides of chipotle maple sour cream and strawberry habanero jam. Or, keep it classic with a fiery plate of Huevos Rancheros washed down with a margarita flight. Finally, sit pretty with your pup on the patio featuring several outdoor tables with umbrellas.
photo credit: The Friendly Toast via Facebook
Stephanie’s on Newbury
Craving a spot of culinary sophistication? Swing on by Stephanie’s on Newbury for some upscale ambiance and elevated comfort food, overlooking Boston’s trendiest street. A Back Bay institution, Stephanie’s outdoor area, welcomes well-behaved pooches.
Cheers to a successful Boston getaway with one of their signature cocktails! Try the heavenly ‘smooth sailing’ featuring an intoxicating mix of blended whiskey, lemon, lavender, and honey. Once you’ve piqued your appetite, prepare to munch on luscious cheesy cornbread with maple butter, avocado, burrata toast, or an enchanting spring shrimp scampi.
South End Buttery
Coffee, croissants, and cracking bagel sandwiches make the South End Buttery a must-visit for any caffeine fiend. Get your fill of neighborhood charm and carbs at this quaint pet-friendly cafe. Savor a Caprese biscuit sandwich. Or opt for a luscious ricotta toast spread high with strawberry jam, honey, and sea salt. Meanwhile, stock up on gourmet goodies such as high-end olive oils and unique wines.
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Coppa
Mama Mia! Carbo load before your morning dog run, or heed your need for pizza when you make a date at Coppa. This South End Italian eatery is famous for its wood-fired pizzas, pasta, and Italian-only wine list. Savor a smooth glass of Chianti as your cocker spaniel chills out on their charming patio.
Devour small plates constructed by the minds of James Beard Award-winning Chefs. Meanwhile, debating whether to order the Bucatini or Fettuccine con Tartufo.
Finally, end your evening with a kiss of ‘dolce’ with a slice of their exquisite olive oil Cake. It's served with roasted grapes, mint, yogurt, and fennel pollen.
photo credit: Boston Only (Tim Sackton / Flickr) via Facebook
Moonshine 152
Locals may be surprised to hear of an award-winning eatery in South Boston, but Moonshine 152 has created pure culinary magic with its interpretation of street foods with East coast and Asian accents. So embrace the unlikely mashup with your mutt as you break bread on their plant-accented patio.
First, kick things off with the Patron Saint of Southie Cocktail. Then order one of their famous appetizers—bicker over who gets the last bacon-wrapped stuffing bite. Or go crazy for their caramelized onion roasted beet dip. It's served with crispy corn tortillas and chickpea papadums.
Marvelous artisanal markets, charming carousel rides in the Rose Kennedy Greenway, and languid afternoons strolling through the Boston Common. Beantown's attractions are timeless, whether your interests lie more in Revolutionary War heritage or the rousing outdoors.
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Take an afternoon to observe the sight of the Boston Massacre. Or make a multitude of furry friends at the RUFF Dog Park. From bloody mary-filled brunches to bespoke dog treats, the Cradle of Liberty caters to all manner of creatures.
So, what are you waiting for? Begin planning your pet-friendly Boston adventure today!
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