With a pleasant climate, parks galore, and an abundance of dog-friendly businesses, Georgia’s capital city is a sweet spot for pups and pet parents alike.
Partaking in dog-friendly activities with your floof isn’t just fun; it provides priceless canine enrichment, helping your hound live his best life.
Below, we’ll dig into the best dog-friendly activities in Atlanta and share must-know etiquette about taking your pooch in public.
9 Best Dog-Friendly Activities in Atlanta
Atlanta is one of the best cities for dogs in the United States, so there’s no shortage of entertainment for you and your floof. We’ve rounded up the best of the best, so let’s get after them!
1. Travel a trail with your terrier.
Atlanta is full of walking trails to enjoy with your dog, including many near urban areas, for a taste of the city’s greatness and greenery. Routes range from short, paved pathways to longer, rugged roads through forested areas, letting you pick what works best for you and your woof.
Walking trails allow you and your canine to stretch your legs but use caution during warmer months. Atlanta’s summers can be downright dangerous when high temperatures and humidity creep in, particularly for brachycephalic dog breeds. Avoid walks on hot days and pack water for you and your doggo in a dog water bottle or similar gear. A dog cooling vest may also help your canine stay comfier.
Curious about what trails Atlanta has to offer?
Check out three of the best dog-friendly trails in Atlanta:
Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail
About: This path carves through 3 miles of the city from Piedmont Park to Reynoldstown, with plenty of neat stops to explore with your four-footer, including the Ponce City Market and Krog Street Market. Paved and level, the easy-to-navigate trail is a top-notch choice for dogs old and young, even after rain.
Address: 10th Street NE and Monroe Drive NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
Phone Number: N/A
Website: https://beltline.org/places-to-go/eastside-trail/
Special Notes:
- Frequented by cyclists, which may startle some sniffers
- Busiest of the BeltLine trails, so skip peak hour visits to avoid crowds
Cheatham Hill Trail
About: Located just outside Atlanta in Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, this looped trail extends over two miles and offers a smattering of monuments and informational plaques to observe during your woof walk. The unpaved path has a mix of full-sun and tree-covered portions and varying terrain, making it best suited for active pet parents and pooches.
Address: 699 Cheatham Hill Dr, Marietta, GA 30064
Phone Number: (770) 427-4686
Website: https://www.nps.gov/kemo/planyourvisit/hours.htm
Special Notes:
- Open sunrise to sunset
- The trail gets muddy after rain and stays soupy for a bit, particularly in shaded areas
Cascade Springs Nature Preserve Trail
About: Want to escape the concrete for a dose of nature without traveling far? Head to this trail with your hound to explore an unpaved oasis of trees, water formations, and fresh air a mere seven miles from downtown Atlanta.
Address: 2852 Cascade Road, Atlanta, GA 30311
Phone Number: (404) 546-6744
Website: https://www.exploregeorgia.org/atlanta/outdoors-nature/hiking/cascade-springs-nature-preserve
Special Notes:
- Open daily from dawn to dusk
- Pack dog towels just in case your mutt gets wet or muddy
- This is a more remote trail, so stay vigilant of wildlife risks (mostly snakes and coyotes)
2. Cheer on your team with your woofer at a dog-friendly sports bar.
Love bonding over sports with your barker? Why not catch a game at a dog-friendly sports bar? Just slip on your sniffer’s favorite dog sports jersey and visit one of these establishments for cold drinks and plenty of screens covering the gameday action.
Health code rules ban dogs indoors at businesses serving food (aside from service animals), but you can still find pooch-friendly patios, with many offering classic sports finger foods like wings. Some even have mutt-specific menus, awnings blocking out the elements, and heaters to keep you toasty during winter!
Now, the raucous cheering and enthusiastic fans aren’t a great fit for every four-footer, so you want to be sure your dog is well-mannered, friendly, and confident around loud noises before enjoying the big game together at a bar.
Cypress Street Pint & Plate
About: The covered patio of this bar and restaurant is perfect for cheering on your favorites with Fido with its collection of tables, screens, and overhead fans for beating the heat. The menu features classic appetizers like wings and nachos, more substantial eats like burgers and smoked salmon, and a stacked bar of bottled and tap beers, wines, and spirits.
Address: 817 West Peachtree Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30308
Phone Number: (404) 815-9243
Website: https://cypressatl.com/
Special Notes:
- Open Monday to Friday from 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM
- All visitors must be 21 or older after 7:00 PM from Thursday to Saturday unless accompanied by a parent or guardian
Hampton + Hudson
About: Four-footed fans are welcome at this bar’s patio, where you’ll find big screens, fans, and a variety of seating, including standard chairs and bench-style accommodations. Drafts, cocktails, wine, and game day greats like burgers, cheesesteaks, and wings are on the menu.
Address: 299 North Highland Avenue Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30307
Phone Number: (404) 948-2123
Website: www.hamptonandhudson.com
Special Notes:
- Open Monday to Friday from 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM and Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM
- Cashless business, so be sure to bring along your credit or debit card
Dantanna’s
About: This covered pup-friendly patio serves better eats than you’d expect from a sports bar, including filet mignon, lamb chops, and rainbow trout. Boozy offerings of beer, wine, cocktails, and more are available to wet your whistle while you take in the latest games on the smattering of screens.
Address: 3400 Around Lenox Drive, Suite 304, Atlanta, GA 30326
Phone Number: (404) 760-8873
Website: https://www.dantannas.com/
Special Notes:
- Open 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM Monday to Thursday, 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM Friday and Saturday, and 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM Sunday
- Fans help keep the space cooler
ATL is home to countless canine-friendly businesses that serve beer, wine, cocktails, and more, whether you’re after a doggy dive or an upscale spot. Check out our list of the best dog-friendly bars in Atlanta and see which matches your desired vibes.
3. Scarf down something tasty at a dog-friendly restaurant.
Few activities offer as supreme of a sensory experience for your pooch as dining at a dog-friendly restaurant. These establishments are rich in new (often mouthwatering) scents your dog will love, with several having a mutt-friendly menu with foods safe for canines to enjoy.
While almost any dog will appreciate the eats of a dog-friendly restaurant, not every pup can coexist with others when food is around, with resource guarding a serious disqualifier. Restaurants also aren’t ideal for unfriendly floofs or those still learning basic dog obedience.
Want to learn more about Atlanta area restaurants welcoming Rovers? Check out our list of the best dog-friendly restaurants in Atlanta.
4. Slip out for a swim with your sniffer.
Not much is more beloved to water-loving woofs than swimming, and Atlanta’s packed with sniffer-friendly spots to explore, from pools to ponds and even rivers!
The right location for your woof’s water adventures depends on his age and swimming skills, with professional paddlers doing best in rivers and lakes while amateurs are safest in dog pools or small ponds. A dog life vest is recommended if your pup is a poor swimmer or tires easily, and remember that many public sites require dogs to be tethered at all times, so consider a long leash to give your pup ample slack for swimming.
Swimming is an excellent exercise that puts less stress on your Rover’s joints than running and bouncing around, making it a good choice for seniors or mutts with mobility issues. You can also make your pooch’s time splashing more enriching by bringing along dog water toys.
Check out these dog-friendly swimming spots around Atlanta.
Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
About: Dogs are welcome to dip in the Chattahoochee and wander the trails of this pooch-friendly park, with the East Palisades area a particular favorite for pet parents. Several paths snake along the river, giving your doggo the chance to pop in for a swim, but be sure he’s on a leash that’s 6 feet or shorter, per park rules.
Address: 8800 Roberts Drive, Sandy Springs, GA 30350
Phone Number: (678) 538-1200
Website: https://www.nps.gov/chat/index.htm
Special Notes:
- Open year-round from dawn to dusk
- A daily park pass is $5, and an annual pass is $40
- Dog waste cleanup stations dot the park, but always pack pup poop bags (plus extras) just in case
Atlanta Dogworks
About: Rent out the saltwater pool of this pooch-centered facility for private pooch swims spanning a half hour or more. If you have a social sniffer, join other dogs in water fun at the weekly Pool Pawty from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM on Saturdays. Just be sure to call in advance to book your spot.
Address: 1690 Julius Bridge Road, Ball Ground, GA 30107
Phone Number: (770) 735-6200
Website: https://atlantadogworks.com/
Special Notes:
- The pool measures 40 feet by 22 feet
- Regulation size dock diving feature available on the pool for practicing a new pupper sport
- Pool Pawty is $15 per dog
Murphey Candler Park
About: Located in Brookhaven, this park centers around a lake perfect for pups to splash in after a walk around its winding trails. Remember to keep your canine clipped on a leash, and check for floof-friendly events, like Doggy Dip Days that permit pooches to swim at the park’s pools instead of the lake.
Address: 1551 West Nancy Creek Drive, Brookhaven, GA 30319
Phone Number: N/A
Website: https://www.brookhavenga.gov/parksrec/page/murphey-candler-park
Special Notes:
- Open from dawn to dusk daily (pool and other amenities hours vary)
- Several picnic tables dot the park that are perfect for enjoying a midday meal with your mutt
Not every dog is an instant fan of the wet stuff. Some four-footers need encouragement before they’ll give swimming a try. Check out our tips on how to teach your dog to like water and get his water-friendly journey started on the right paw.
Have a canine who can’t swim but loves water? Try a dog splash pad at home!
5. Pop into a dog park with your pooch.
Atlanta’s packed with green spaces for outdoor fun, including dog parks allowing woofs to play with other friendly fur kids. These pupper parks range from fully fenced, secure play spaces to open areas for off-leash fun, so double-check a dog park’s enclosure before letting your doggo run free. You don’t want a runaway dog situation!
Check out our list of the best dog parks in Atlanta if you’re interested in a collection of the most amazing pupper play zones around the city.
Dog parks aren’t a great fit for every four-footer or pet parent. Maybe your mutt isn’t a fan of rowdy retrievers, or perhaps you’re not into small talk with other pawrents. Either way, there are plenty of dog park alternatives to explore that offer just as much fun in a way that better matches your needs.
6. Bring your barker to a dog-friendly brewery.
Traveling to a brewery with your best fur buddy gives you both a chance to unwind and experience something new. While you’ll appreciate a cold one, your canine will love investigating fresh scenery and relaxing at your side.
Many breweries are dog-friendly today, with some permitting pooches on outdoor patios while others allow dogs indoors. The difference usually hinges on whether an establishment serves food.
Breweries generally offer plenty of elbow room in a laid-back setting, making them ideal hangout spots for you and your hound, as you’ll both likely be more comfortable than cramped in a dive bar or similar drinking hole.
Visiting a brewery lets you sample beer, but remember to keep a clear head and not overdo it when drinking with a doggo in tow. It’s also vital that your dog doesn’t have any alcohol.
Browse these barker-friendly breweries around the Atlanta area.
Monday Night Brewing
About: Bring your barker as you sample this brewery’s year-round, seasonal, and limited edition beers like Space Lettuce, Taco Tuesday, and Drafty Kilt. Well-behaved, leashed fur friends are more than welcome on the patio.
Address: 670 Trabert Avenue NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
Phone Number: (404) 352-7703
Website: https://mondaynightbrewing.com/
Special Notes:
- Open Monday to Wednesday from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM, Thursday from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM, Friday and Saturday from 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM, and Sunday from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM
- There’s also a location on Lee Street in Atlanta
Eventide Brewing
About: Pooches are permitted on the patio of this brewing stop’s taproom while you sip on selections like Coorsweiser, Superfecta, and Spirit Bomb. The on-tap selection rotates a bounty of unique brews, while limited offerings of packaged options are always available to bring home for future at-home nightcaps with your canine at your side.
Address: 1015 Grant Street SE, Atlanta, GA 30315
Phone Number: (404) 907-4543
Website: https://www.eventidebrewing.com/
Special Notes:
- Open 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM Wednesday to Friday, 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM Saturday, 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM Sunday, and 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM Monday
- Closed Tuesdays
Mutation Brewing Company
About: Located in Sandy Springs, this 10,000-square-foot brewery permits your pooch to tag along as you sample wheat ales, stouts, lagers, and more. You can also dig into tavern-style eats or catch a game on one of the many screens throughout the taproom.
Address: 5825 Roswell Road NE, Sandy Springs, GA 30328
Phone Number: (404) 600-3950
Website: https://www.mutationbrew.com
Special Notes:
- Open 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM Tuesday to Thursday, 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM Friday and Saturday, and 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM Sunday
- Closed Mondays
7. Take in the sights with a scenic walk.
Sometimes, the best way to bond with your best fur friend is to walk around and appreciate where you live, so why not take a stroll together to embrace Atlanta’s history and architecture?
Walking your dog provides physical exercise, of course, but it also stimulates your mutt’s mind, especially when you visit a new place with fresh sights, sounds, smells, and textures. Sightseeing walks are great for pooches old and young, as you can cater your itinerary to your canine’s needs, with short treks suiting seniors and longer routes ideal for more active floofs.
If your dog can’t travel far on foot, consider a dog stroller or carrier to give him a break as needed, and if he needs a challenge here and there, add dog walking games to give his brain extra workouts.
Discover Atlanta with your doggo with these three sightseeing opportunities.
Centennial Olympic Park
About: Spanning 22 acres, this downtown park is loaded with landmarks to take in with your leashed dog, including Fountain of Rings Plaza, Gateway of Dreams, and Quilt of Nations. Open year-round, the greenspace is home to shady trees, walking paths, sprawling lawns, gardens, and more that make for quite the sensory experience for your pup.
Address: 265 Park Avenue West Northwest, Atlanta, GA 30313
Phone Number: (404) 223-4412
Website: https://www.gwcca.org/centennial-olympic-park
Special Notes:
- Open daily from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- The Visitor Information Center is open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Buckhead
About: Buckhead doesn’t sound like somewhere rich in high-end shops, hotels, and restaurants, but this neighborhood is home to plenty of swanky spots you can stroll by to window shop with your woof, plus architecture you can’t help but ogle over. For more laidback landscape exploration and fresh air, check out Path400, a 5.2-mile paved path within the neighborhood.
Address: 3376 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30326 (Waldorf Astoria on the famous Peachtree Road)
Phone Number: N/A
Website: https://discoveratlanta.com/explore/neighborhoods/buckhead/
Special Notes:
- Not all Buckhead businesses are dog-friendly, so be sure to check in advance before entering any establishments with your canine
- Plan a route in advance to ensure it’s walkable for you and your pooch (Buckhead Village District is a great option!)
Jackson Street Bridge
About: Looking for an iconic selfie of you, your sniffer, and the city skyline? Visit this pedestrian-friendly bridge that offers unmatched views of skyscrapers and greenery above the John Lewis Freedom Parkway. To nail your doggo selfie and future furry shots, check out our dog photography tips.
Address: 433 Freedom Park Trail, Atlanta, GA 30312
Phone Number: N/A
Website: https://discoveratlanta.com/partner/jackson-street-bridge/
Special Notes:
- While there is a railing, we recommend avoiding the edge with your woof to be as safe as possible
- Some dogs may find the traffic noise from below to be too much
8. Have a sniffer sleepover at a dog-friendly hotel.
Why not make a whole day (and night) of the best dog-friendly activities in Atlanta and stay over at a hound-welcoming hotel?
A night at a hotel lets you unwind with your woof without worrying about battling traffic to get home and provides a chance to pamper yourself and your pooch.
Loews Atlanta Hotel
About: This floof-friendly hotel charges a flat rate of $75 per accommodation and gifts visiting pets with bowls, placemats, and treats for their stay. The hotel prides itself in its Loews Loves Pets program, providing “Pet in Room” signs, dog walk route suggestions, nearby pet amenities, and more to pet parents.
Address: 1065 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA, 30309
Phone Number: (404) 745-5000
Website: https://www.loewshotels.com/atlanta-hotel
Special Notes:
- Limit of 2 pets per room
- Gourmet, pet-friendly room service options are available
- All visiting pets must be current on necessary vaccinations
Hyatt Centric Buckhead Atlanta
About: Your floof can stay for free with your family at this lavish Buckhead lodging. The onsite Centric Paws Park gives pups a chance to enjoy an enclosed patch of greenery, while the hotel’s mere minutes on foot from heaps of walking trails for stretching your sniffer’s legs.
Address: 3301 Lenox Square Parkway NE, Atlanta, GA 30326
Phone Number: (470) 391-1234
Website: https://www.hyatt.com/hyatt-centric/atlct-hyatt-centric-buckhead-atlanta
Special Notes:
- Maximum of 2 pets per room
- Valet parking is available for $40
Hotel Indigo Atlanta Midtown
About: A flat $75 fee per room applies to pet parents staying in with a sniffer, and the place allows pups of any size for the price! Onsite, you’ll also find a petite dog park for guests, permitting your pooch to burn off steam and do his business leash-free within the gated area.
Address: 683 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30308
Phone Number: (404) 874-9200
Website: https://www.ihg.com/hotelindigo/hotels/us/en/atlanta/atlfx/hoteldetail
Special Notes:
- Check-in starts at 3:00 PM
- Close to parks for walking for floof
You aren’t limited to small-town hideaways when traveling with your canine. Many dog-friendly hotel chains dot the U.S. (and even the world!), giving you plenty of destinations to explore with your doggo.
9. Have a pup-friendly park picnic.
Are you looking to soak up some sun and make awesome memories with your mutt? Why not visit one of the city’s many dog-friendly parks for a picnic?
A picnic stirs up your Rover’s routine, offering heaps of mental stimulation that benefits dogs old and young alike. It’s also a great bonding opportunity between you and your barker, allowing you to step away from the hustle of everyday life to unplug with your pupper for a spell.
What should your doggo eat? That depends on your doggo’s tastes, but as a general rule, skip food made with toxic ingredients for dogs and anything that may trigger your canine’s allergies or intolerances. Bringing prepared goodies for your dog from home is the most convenient, including jerky chews, treats, and pig snouts.
You can make a pupper picnic even better by preparing DIY doggy delicacies like pumpkin treats and dog treat chews. We recommend packing a portable cooler with heat-beating goodies, like homemade dog ice cream and ice block treats for warmer days.
Want to bring food you can both enjoy? Check out bonus ingredients for dogs you can find in your pantry!
See which of these Atlanta area locations will make the perfect setting for your four-footed picnic.
Chastain Memorial Park
About: This spacious swath of greenery is perfect for an afternoon picnic with your pooch. There’s plenty of grass to stretch a cloth out on for dining with your doggo, plus walking paths for a leashed post-meal stroll.
Address: 140 Chastain Park Avenue NW, Atlanta, GA 30342
Phone Number: (404) 546-6788
Website: https://discoveratlanta.com/partner/chastain-memorial-park/
Special Notes:
- Open 6:30 AM to 11:30 PM daily
- Restrooms are available in the park
Grant Park
About: Atlanta’s oldest park is rich in history and cool places for a puptastic picnic, like the banks of a pond and open green space. Paved paths through various shaded and full-sun areas make it a great place to burn off your sniffer’s steam with a walk, too.
Address: 759 Boulevard SE, Atlanta, GA 30312
Phone Number: N/A
Website: https://www.atlantaareaparks.com/parks/grant-park/
Special Notes:
- Open daily from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- Paid parking lots and free street parking are available nearby
Freedom Park
About: Spanning over 200 acres, this park’s the perfect setting for a four-footer picnic with its open green areas, eye-catching sculptures, and miles of trails. Among the winding paths and natural beauty, you’ll see pops of city views and enjoy shaded spaces to beat the heat during afternoon outings.
Address: North Avenue NE & Moreland Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
Phone Number: (404) 480-3018
Website: https://freedompark.org/
Special Notes:
- Open daily from sunrise to sunset
- All visiting dogs must be leashed
The Basics of Dog-Friendly Activity Etiquette
Dog-friendly activities flourish when four-footers and pet parents are on their best behavior and can dry up if they’re not. Keep the fun rolling for everyone by following basic barkin’ etiquette when out with your pupperino.
Remember these Rover rules when out in Atlanta with your doggo:
- Check your dog’s vaccination validity. A current rabies vaccination is the bare minimum for your dog before going in public. Distemper and parvo shots are also recommended by many vets, with others suggesting bordetella, leptospirosis, and even rattlesnake vaccines in some situations.
- Make sure public outings are suitable for your pooch. Pups that are people or pet-selective aren’t good candidates for many dog-friendly activities around Atlanta, as most are in social settings that can be unpredictable. Anxious dogs may also find these adventures more stressful than fun. When considering activities, consider whether they’ll be fun for you or your doggy, and plan accordingly.
- Clean up after your canine. Your dog’s poop is your problem. Mind his messes and properly dispose of dog waste to keep Atlanta nice for everyone. Unscooped poop risks spreading bacteria and parasites like giardia to people and pets.
- Leash your dog where applicable. Atlanta law requires dogs to be leashed in public places unless within a designated off-leash area. Use a leash strong enough for your floof and firmly attached to his collar or harness with quality hardware, with metal clasps best for large, powerful pups.
- Pack pup necessities. Poop bags are an obvious sniffer must, but you’ll also want to bring training treats to get his attention and a leash. It’s also a good idea to consider extras that match the day’s adventure, such as a hiking harness for trail travel or fetch toys for retrieving at the park.
- Respect other people and public spaces. Don’t let your dog bark at, jump on, or pester others while you’re out and about. Don’t allow him to damage or disrespect public spaces by shredding property, digging, or lifting his leg on any monuments, either.
- Ensure your dog is pest-free. Flea-carrying canines spread the ickies to others, so always keep your pup up-to-date on flea treatments. We also recommend tick and heartworm preventatives to protect your pooch.
Do you and your dog enjoy any of our best dog-friendly activities in Atlanta picks? Is there another pooch-positive plan you partake in with your pup? Share your experiences with us in the comments! We’d love to hear how you have fun with your floof in the ATL.
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