Pet parent or house sitting in Atlanta? Looking for the best places to eat, play, and explore with your pup? From scenic trails and buzzing beer gardens to dog-friendly restaurants, Atlanta is full of spots that welcome four-legged friends.
And if you’re heading out of town, finding the right Atlanta pet sitter ensures your pup’s in good hands while you’re away. Dig into our guide to dog-friendly Atlanta to find out more!
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Dog-friendly restaurants, Atlanta
Why should humans have all the fun when it comes to dining out? There are plenty of dog-friendly restaurants in Atlanta, where four-legged diners are welcomed with a scratch behind the ears and a bowl of water.
Ladybird Grove Mess Hall
Don’t miss this BeltLine hotspot, featuring “elevated campfire cuisine” like smoked meats, hearty sandwiches, and craft cocktails. Your furry friend can even join you for a game of ping pong in the outdoor beer garden.
Location: 684 John Wesley Dobbs Ave NE Unit J, Atlanta, GA 30312, United States
El Tesoro
Settle into a shaded spot on the gravel or grass and dig into authentic Mexican cuisine. Don’t forget to treat your pup – Big Daddy Biscuits are for sale!
Location: 1374 Arkwright Pl SE, Atlanta, GA 30317, United States
Grindhouse Killer Burgers
There’s something for every gourmet burger fan here, from creative toppings to plant-based options, and Fido’s welcome on their pet-friendly patio.
Location: 701 Memorial Dr SE, Atlanta, GA 30316, United States
DAS BBQ
This Grant Park barbecue joint specializes in slow-smoked meats, homemade sides, and Southern hospitality. The big outdoor seating area offers plenty of room for pups, with water bowls readily available.
Location: 350 Memorial Dr SE, Atlanta, GA 30312, United States
The Family Dog
Come here for tasty bar snacks, local craft beers, and a relaxed vibe. Their dog-friendly patio is the perfect spot to sip a drink while your pooch pal enjoys a pup cup and some bacon.
Location: 1402 North Highland Avenue Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30306, United States
Boxcar at Hop City West End
Located on the Westside BeltLine, this gastropub serves comfort food like meatloaf and fish & chips. The upstairs patio is the place to be with your furry friend.
Location: 1000 White St SW, Atlanta, GA 30310, United States
The Atlanta BeltLine
Dog-friendly activities, Atlanta
Looking for dog-friendly things to do in Atlanta? There’s something here for every tail-wagging adventurer.
Explore the Atlanta BeltLine
Once a railway corridor, the Atlanta BeltLine is now a network of trails that loop around the city, with scenic views, public art installations, and access to various neighborhoods. It’s a popular place for walking, jogging, or cycling with furry friends on a leash.
Cost: Free
Date & time: Anytime
Location: Atlanta, GA, USA
Go to Piedmont Dog Park
Piedmont Park has a spacious off-leash dog park with separate areas for large and small doggos to make friends. Amenities include water stations, benches, and shaded areas.
Cost: Free
Date & time: Anytime
Location: Park Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, United States
Stroll through Centennial Olympic Park
Located in downtown Atlanta, Centennial Olympic Park has 21 acres of open lawn, water features, and skyline views of the city for you to enjoy with Fido on the leash.
Cost: Free
Date & time: Anytime
Location: Atlanta, GA 30313, United States
Go to Doggy Con at Woodruff Park
Every October, Doggy Con invites pups and their pawrents to dress up and join activities like yoga and agility courses.
Cost: Free to watch, $5 to enter the costume contest
Date & time: October
Location: 91 Peachtree St, Atlanta, GA 30303, United States
Hunt for #TinyDoorsATL
Hunt down each of the “Tiny Door” art installations scattered across unique locations throughout the city.
Cost: Free
Date & time: Anytime
Location: 225 Chester Ave SE Suite B, Atlanta, GA 30316, United States
All aboard the Pooch Pontoon
The Pooch Pontoon offers dog-friendly boat trips around Lake Lanier, giving you both the chance to explore uninhabited islands and enjoy the water.
Cost: From $110
Date & time: Available all year round, reservation required
Location: Gainesville, GA 30506, United States
Visit Krog Street Tunnel
Known for its array of graffiti and murals, the Krog Street Tunnel is a popular place for photos.
Cost: Free
Date & time: Anytime
Chattahoochee River
Dog-friendly trails, Atlanta
For pups who prefer dirt paths over sidewalks and the scent of trees over city fumes, the dog-friendly hikes Atlanta has to offer are the perfect escape. Leash up and hit the trails!
East Palisades
Various trails of moderate difficulty follow the Chattahoochee River, where pups are welcome to dip their paws in certain areas.
Length: 5 miles
Location: 4058 Whitewater Creek Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30327, United States
Sweetwater Creek State Park
Just west of Atlanta, this state park features multiple trails that wind through forests and along the picturesque Sweetwater Creek, offering views of whitewater rapids and historic mill ruins.
Length: 2 – 6 miles
Location: 1750 Mt Vernon Rd, Lithia Springs, GA 30122, United States
Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area
Situated in Lithonia, east of Atlanta, Arabia Mountain has over 30 miles of trails that traverse granite outcrops, meadows, and forests. The Mountain Top Trail is a popular 1.3-mile hike leading to panoramic views, especially stunning at sunset.
Length: 1.3 miles
Location: 3350 Klondike Rd, Stonecrest, GA 30038, United States
Morningside Nature Preserve
Nestled in Atlanta's Morningside neighborhood, this 30-acre preserve features a 2-mile loop trail that leads to a sandy beach along South Peachtree Creek, affectionately known as “dog beach.” Leashes are required, but many visitors allow their pups to swim off-leash under supervision.
Length: 2 miles
Location: Parking lot, 2020 Lenox Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30324, United States
Cochran Shoals Trail
This 8.5-mile round-trip trail connects two parts of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. The path winds through forests, along the river, and past historic Civil War-era mill ruins.
Length: 8.5 miles
Location: 1956-2068 Eugene Gunby Rd, Marietta, GA 30067, United States
Piedmont Dog Park
Dog-friendly places, Atlanta
These dog-friendly places make it easy to explore the city with your pup in tow.
Freedom Park
This 200-acre space is known as Atlanta’s Public Art Park, providing a scenic environment for leashed dogs and their humans to explore.
Location: Moreland Ave NE & North Avenue NE, Atlanta, GA 30308, United States
Historic Fourth Ward Park
Adjacent to the Eastside Trail of the BeltLine, this park features open green spaces, a lake, and walking paths for leashed pups to trot along.
Location: 680 Dallas St NE, Atlanta, GA 30308, United States
Chattapoochee Dog Park
Situated inside Rogers Bridge Park, this dog park has separate areas for small and large pups, water fountains, seating areas, and agility equipment.
Location: 4291 Rogers Bridge Rd, Duluth, GA 30097, United States
Newtown Dream Dog Park
This dog park really is the dream – water sprinklers and obstacle courses make this a firm favorite for furries and their pawrents, meaning there’s always plenty of friends to be made!
Location: 3150 Old Alabama Rd, Johns Creek, GA 30022, United States
Dog-friendly bars, Atlanta
Raise a glass to your furry best friend at one of these watering holes, where Fido might even be treated to their own bowl of water.
The Bucket Shop Cafe
This casual sports bar in Buckhead is known for its late-night hours and American comfort food, including wings, burgers, and hearty salads. Their pet-friendly patio is great for unwinding with a cold drink.
Location: 3475 Lenox Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326, United States
The Brewhouse Cafe
Head to the spacious pup-friendly patio of this lively English-style pub for classic pub fare like fish and chips, burgers, and hearty sandwiches.
Location: 401 Moreland Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307, United States
The Local
This laid-back bar has a reputation for its smoked wings, loaded tater tots, and rotating beer selection – oh, and there’s a dog-friendly outdoor area.
Location: 758 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306, United States
Park Tavern
After a romp around Piedmont Dog Park, head to the covered, heated patio at Park Tavern to feast on beer and burgers.
Location: 500 10th St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, United States
The Midway Pub
Grab a table in the pet-friendly outdoor area of this converted auto shop, where Fido can slurp on a bowl of water while you enjoy some pub grub.
Location: 552 Flat Shoals Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30316, United States
Sweetwater Brewery
Here, furry friends are treated to plenty of fuss and a bowl of water as humans sample some of the delicious beer on tap.
Location: 195 Ottley Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30324, United States
Monday Night Garage
Pizza and beer are always a good idea, especially somewhere your furry friend’s bound to get some love!
Dog-friendly cafes in Atlanta
From morning coffee runs to afternoons spent sipping espresso and nibbling pastries, these dog-friendly cafes have a seat waiting for both of you.
Cafe Intermezzo
This European-inspired cafe in Midtown has a huge selection of coffee, pastries, and savory dishes such as crêpes and pasta, plus a Parisian-style patio that welcomes dogs!
Location: 1065 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309, United States
ParkGrounds
This dog-park-come-cafe is the perfect place to sip on locally roasted coffee while your pooch plays in a fenced-in area.
Location: 142 Flat Shoals Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30316, United States
Dancing Goats
This well-loved cafe offers expertly brewed coffee and a spacious, covered patio where dogs are welcome.
Location: 650 North Avenue NE, Atlanta, GA 30308, United States
Chrome Yellow
Known for its carefully curated selection of coffees (roasted in-house) and fresh pastries, here, you can enjoy a brew with your pup beside you in the outdoor seating area.
Location: 501 Edgewood Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312, United States
Atlanta at sunset
Tips for pet parents in Atlanta
Here are a few things to remember when exploring Atlanta with your furry family member:
Use pet-friendly public transit
While MARTA allows small pets in carriers, rideshare services like Lyft and Uber may allow larger pups at the driver’s discretion. Always check beforehand.
Keep up with flea & tick prevention
Atlanta’s mild climate means fleas and ticks are a year-round concern. Make sure your furry friend is protected before visiting parks or hiking trails.
Check leash rules
Many parks and trails in Atlanta welcome dogs, but most require them to be on a leash. Always check local regulations before letting your furry friend roam freely.
Plan ahead for your vacation
Next time you plan a trip out of town, why not find a loving, in-home pet sitter to take care of your pup while you’re away? Our verified sitters will give your furry family members all the care and attention they need in the comfort of their own home, leaving you to enjoy your time away stress-free.
Tips for pet sitters in Atlanta
Make the most of your time in Atlanta by keeping these tips in mind:
Explore the BeltLine early
The Atlanta BeltLine can get crowded, especially on weekends. For a more relaxed walk, visit in the early morning when it’s cooler and less busy.
Look for pet-friendly patios
Many Atlanta restaurants and cafes allow pups on their patios – call ahead or check online to confirm before heading out.
Keep water handy
Always carry a portable water bowl and extra water for your pup to keep them hydrated.
Explore Atlanta through house and pet sitting
Are you a pet lover looking for a unique way to explore the world? Exchange dedicated pet care for a place to stay on your travels – click below to find out more!
