Part 16 of our 25-part Southeast road trip series takes us to the Keystone State — and Pennsylvania is one of the most diverse and dog-friendly road trip destinations in the entire Northeast. From the Pocono Mountains' lakes and trails to Philadelphia's historic neighborhoods, the rolling farmland of Lancaster County, and the Laurel Highlands' stunning state parks, Pennsylvania rewards the road tripper with dogs at every turn.
🐾 Why Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania is a state of extraordinary contrasts — America's most historic city in Philadelphia, the pastoral beauty of Amish country, the rugged wilderness of the Poconos and Laurel Highlands, and the gritty industrial heritage of Pittsburgh, which has reinvented itself as one of America's most livable and dog-friendly cities. There's something for every dog and every road tripper here.
🏨 Pet-Friendly Hotels & Stays
Philadelphia has excellent pet-friendly options including the Kimpton Hotel Monaco and several boutique properties in Old City and Rittenhouse Square. Pittsburgh has the Kimpton Hotel Monaco Downtown. The Poconos have numerous pet-friendly resorts and vacation rentals. Lancaster County has charming farm stays and inns that welcome dogs.
🍽️ Pet-Friendly Restaurants & Cafés
Philadelphia's Rittenhouse Square neighborhood has extensive dog-friendly patio dining. Pittsburgh's Lawrenceville and Shadyside neighborhoods are very dog-friendly with numerous outdoor dining options. Lancaster's Central Market area has casual spots that welcome leashed dogs.
🍺 Dog-Friendly Breweries
Philadelphia has a thriving craft beer scene — Yards Brewing, Evil Genius Beer Company, and Tired Hands Brewing all have dog-friendly outdoor spaces. Pittsburgh's East End Brewing and Grist House Craft Brewery welcome dogs. The Poconos' Barley Creek Brewing has a large dog-friendly outdoor area.
🌲 Dog-Friendly Parks & Trails
Fairmount Park in Philadelphia is one of the largest urban park systems in the country with extensive dog-friendly trails. Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area has miles of dog-friendly trails along the Delaware River. Ricketts Glen State Park has stunning dog-friendly trails past 22 named waterfalls. Ohiopyle State Park in the Laurel Highlands has excellent dog-friendly hiking and whitewater viewing.
🗺️ Suggested Road Trip Route
Start in Philadelphia (Fairmount Park + Rittenhouse Square) → west to Lancaster County → north to the Poconos (Delaware Water Gap + Ricketts Glen) → west to Pittsburgh (Lawrenceville + Ohiopyle). Best enjoyed over 5–7 days.
🐶 Pro Tips
- Philadelphia's Independence Hall area does not allow dogs inside historic buildings — enjoy the outdoor spaces and nearby parks.
- Lancaster County's Amish communities are fascinating to visit — be respectful and keep dogs leashed around horses and livestock.
- Ricketts Glen's waterfall trail can be slippery — use caution with dogs on wet rocks.
- Pittsburgh's Three Rivers Heritage Trail is a beautiful dog-friendly urban walk connecting all three rivers.
Have a favorite dog-friendly spot in Pennsylvania we should add? Drop it in the comments!
🐾 This is Part 16 of 25 in our Southeast Dog-Friendly Road Trip Series.
← Part 15: Washington D.C. | ↑ Back to the Series Hub | Part 17: New Jersey →