Things To Do With a Dog Near Me in Atlanta
It's Atlanta... Unleashed! (well, sometimes...)
by Lu Ann Wall, OTL Seat Fillers
I have the cutest little Maltipoo you’ve ever seen. Her name is Daisy, and I just love her and love spending time with her. Now, that doesn’t mean I’m putting her in a bag and pushing her around the grocery store. But I do love walking with her and taking her to Lazy Dog in Las Vegas. Lazy Dog has an amazing pet-friendly patio and chicken or beef and rice for the fur baby patrons.
It's a fun treat to eat out and have Daisy there, too. But I don’t know about too many pet-friendly spots in Vegas (I guess that’ll come in another blog post). So I thought there might be other pet parents in the same boat. That’s why I’m excited about this new “things to do” series, starting with “Things to do with a dog near me in Atlanta.”
Do you have a dog-friendly venue or activity in the Atlanta area? Shoot me an email and fill me in, so I can add it to the list.
Jump to:
TL;DR: Looking for dog-friendly things to do in Atlanta? From off-leash dog parks like Piedmont Park Dog Park and Fetch Park to scenic trails along the Atlanta BeltLine and Chattahoochee River, there are plenty of ways to explore the city with your pup. Enjoy pet-friendly patios at Lucky’s Burgers & Brew or ParkGrounds Café, or attend special events like the Atlanta Pet Expo. 🎭🐶
10 Dog-Friendly Atlanta Hotspots
1. Piedmont Park Dog Park
Piedmont Park is located in Midtown and offers a spacious off-leash dog park spanning three acres. It features separate enclosures for large and small dogs, shaded areas, benches, and dog water spigots. After playtime, you can explore the park's scenic walking trails or relax in the open green spaces. The park also hosts various dog-friendly events throughout the year.
Here are just a few of the dog-friendly, dog parent-friendly features:
- Three acres for dogs to run off-leash
- Separate enclosures for large (30+ lbs) and small dogs (<30 lbs)
- New trails and landscaping
- Benches and restrooms for loyal owners
- Shaded areas
- Dog water spickets
- Weekend concessions including King of Pops with Dog Popsicles!
The Piedmont Dog Parks are located under the Park Drive bridge and adjacent to the Education Garden and Six Springs Wetlands.
Website: Piedmont Park Dog Park
2. Fetch Park
Fetch Park is a unique off-leash dog park combined with a full-service bar, creating a social hub for both dogs and their owners. The park features artificial turf, cooling stations, and plenty of seating. They host regular events, including live music and themed parties. Membership options are available, but day passes can also be purchased.
A list of things to do with dogs in Atlanta must include Fetch. The trailblazing dog park bar and social hub that has been featured by the likes of The Travel Channel, Discovery Channel, Magnolia Network, ESPN, GoDaddy, Mercedes-Benz and more...
Website: Fetch Park
3. ParkGrounds Café
ParkGrounds is a dog-friendly café in the Reynoldstown neighborhood, known for its inviting atmosphere and delicious menu. The café features a fenced-in off-leash area where dogs can play while owners enjoy coffee, breakfast, or lunch. It's a perfect spot to relax and socialize with fellow dog lovers.
You might not know it from the website (don't 'ya hate that...), but there's a dog on the menu and a reviewer describes the cafe as:
“Dog-friendly spot for specialty coffee drinks & light bites including breakfast served all day.”
Website: ParkGrounds Café
4. Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail
The Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail is a popular multi-use trail that welcomes dogs as long as they're on a leash (always a good idea). Stretching through several vibrant neighborhoods, the trail offers scenic views, public art installations, and access to numerous dog-friendly patios and parks. It's an excellent way to explore the city with your canine companion.
Website: Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail
5. Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
Leashed dogs are more than welcome at the expansive natural area offering a variety of trails along the Chattahoochee River where leashed dogs are welcome. Popular spots include the East Palisades and Whitewater Creek trails, which provide scenic river views and opportunities for your dog to splash in the water. It's a great destination for both of you to hike and enjoy nature.
Website: Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
6. Krog Street Market & Dog-Friendly Patios
While the indoor area of Krog Street Market is not dog-friendly, many of the surrounding establishments offer pet-friendly patios. After exploring the nearby BeltLine, you and your dog can relax at spots like Ladybird Grove & Mess Hall, which provides a welcoming atmosphere for pets and their owners.
Bring Fido shares: "Ladybird Grove and Mess Hall boasts a 4,000-square-foot patio where pups can dine with their owners."
Website: Krog Street Market
7. Atlanta Pet Expo
The Atlanta Pet Expo is an indoor event held at the Gwinnett County Fairgrounds on April 6th and 7th, with free parking and admission. It features tons of exhibitors, prize giveaways, and fun for both two and four-legged attendees.
The expo includes a mega-adoption event with dozens of rescue groups, discounted vaccinations and microchipping, free nail trims (gotta love that!), agility and obedience demonstrations, live entertainment, and author readings. You'll also find the latest pet products and learn about pet care, volunteerism, grooming, behavior, training, and more.
Website: Atlanta Pet Expo
Let's Keep Going with More Things To Do With a Dog Near Me in Atlanta!
8. Murphey Candler Park Trails
Located in Brookhaven, Murphey Candler Park offers shaded walking trails around a serene lake. Leashed dogs are welcome to join you as you explore the paths, enjoy the natural surroundings, and perhaps spot some local wildlife. The park also features open fields and picnic areas.
Website: Murphey Candler Park
9. Lucky's Burger and Brew
Inspired by the owner's golden retriever, Lucky's Burger and Brew is a dog-friendly restaurant offering a casual dining experience. With a menu featuring a variety of burgers and a dedicated dog menu, it's a great place to enjoy a meal with your furry friend. The restaurant has multiple locations, including Roswell and Marietta.
Lucky's was established in 2010 as a local watering hole for dog-loving folks. It offers a variety of freshly prepared burgers, sandwiches, salads, wings, and refreshing ice-cold brews (not for the fur babies!), in a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.
Website: Lucky's Burger and Brew
10. Park Tavern
Situated at the southeast corner of Piedmont Park, Park Tavern offers a dog-friendly patio with stunning views of the park and Midtown skyline. It's an excellent spot to relax after a day of exploring, with a diverse menu and a welcoming atmosphere for you and your dog. It sounds like the perfect day, doesn't it?
Website: Park Tavern
Sit!
OK, our seat filling events in Atlanta aren’t typically pet-friendly. But you can treat your pup to a day out and then treat yourself to a free night out as an Atlanta seat filler. Not sure what I’m talking about? Check it out!
