During the last few years, pet adoptions soared, and shelters and rescues worked around the clock to help match pets with new families. Now, if you’re like us, you want to take your four-legged pals with you when you travel, but it can be hard to know where to start. We’ve compiled a list of cities where you can find inspiration for your next pet-friendly vacation with spots like:

Pet-friendly in Portland, Oregon

If you’re looking for a reason to vacation in pup-friendly Portland, Oregon with your faithful furry friend, then the fact that the city has the most dog parks in the country (per capita) should persuade you. Portland boasts around 33 designated off-leash, dog-friendly green spaces, so there are plenty of playful opportunities for pups of all sizes. And while traveling with pets can be challenging, it’s outright celebrated here — especially at outdoor spots such as Forest Park, where visitors will find 70 miles of trails to hike, run or bike along with your pooch.

Tail wag in Washington, D.C.

Traveling with pets to the country’s capital is a wonderful idea. Owners should grab the leash and take Fido to the outdoor monuments and hike the pet-friendly parks along the Potomac River. These range from the tranquil, reflective pond on the National Mall to smaller, curated gardens, and most of these green spaces are open to the public and welcome leashed dogs.

When dog-walking, savor the blooming cherry blossom trees or the few miles of nature trails that wind around Theodore Roosevelt Island. Rock Creek Park has 1,800 acres of space to run around in, and Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens will delight two- and four-legged visitors alike.

Dog-friendly beaches in San Diego, California

The excitement and freedom of a long drive along the Pacific Coast Highway is hard to beat for you and your pet. Charming and scenic beach communities are idyllic vacation destinations to stop and frolic with your pooch on the sands. Oceanside boasts a historical pier and some incredible comfort food at a 1950s-style diner, the 101 Cafe. Carlsbad has spacious, sandy beaches and picturesque lagoons, and San Diego even has Dog Beach, where pups can roam freely. Fiesta Island, Batiquitos Lagoon and Ocean Beach offer similarly exciting landscapes for all visitors.

Un-leash your inner animal in Las Vegas, Nevada

Gambling on a dog-friendly Vegas vacation with your pup is actually a much safer bet than you might think. While it’s humans-only at the roulette tables, there are plenty of places for your four-legged friend to play in this exciting destination. Close to The Strip, for instance, there’s the Dog Fanciers’ Park, which is a slice of heaven for pups with its 12 acres of greenery and no leash restrictions. Dog-friendly restaurants abound, and there are even pet-friendly tours of the Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon.

Play with the pup in Key Largo, Florida

The Florida Keys are the ideal dog-friendly vacation for indulging in the luxurious side of life, and Key Largo is especially welcoming to dogs and their owners. You can all enjoy the endlessly explorable beaches or take to the waters on a pet-friendly tiki cruise that will have you both basking in the invigorating sea breeze. There are even island-based pet motels where dogs can play for hours, with open yards, toys and treats aplenty.

Terms and Conditions apply. Hotels may require an additional pet fee and size limit. Pet fee and size limit vary by hotel and guests are encouraged to check their local property website for more information.

Paul Oswell is a British award-winning journalist and published travel author based in New Orleans, Louisiana in the United States. His books include Bucket List North America and The Great American Road Trip, as well as New Orleans' Historic Hotels. He has also been an editor of and contributor to several guide books/editions published by Dorling Kindersley (owned by Penguin), including New Orleans, Florida, Orlando, Los Angeles, California and The United States. His work has appeared in Conde Nast Traveler, Travel & Leisure (both of which he has written multiple online travel guides for) and The Guardian, as well as dozens of international newspaper and magazine titles, and inflight magazines for major airlines.