Durham isn’t just Bull City—it’s also Dog City, AKA Dog-Friendly Durham! From breweries and parks to patios and trails, there’s no shortage of spots where your pup is just as welcome as you are. From doggy days out to opportunities to do dog sitting in Durham, or if you fancy some time away from your pup to explore, find a local Durham pet sitter. Let’s find out more…
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Dog parks in Durham
Piney Wood Dog Park
This off-leash, fenced dog park also has separate areas for large and small dogs, along with shaded seating, water fountains, and plenty of open space for running.
Location: 400 E Woodcroft Pkwy, Durham, NC 27713, United States
Northgate Dog Park
Located in Northgate Park, this fenced-in dog area offers agility structures and benches. It has a great community vibe with lots of regulars and social pups.
Location: 300 W Club Blvd, Durham, NC 27704, United States
Rock Quarry Dog Park
This is a fully enclosed off-leash park with water access and some shaded areas.
It’s a bit more rustic, but great for dogs who like to romp and socialize.
Location: Museum Life and Science Bike Path, Durham, NC 27704, United States
Dog-friendly restaurants in Durham
Local 22
Southern food with global influences made with local products. Menu includes BBQ pork chops, chicken tamales, lamb burgers, and pan-seared Scottish salmon. Outdoor seating is dog-friendly.
Location: 2200 W Main St, Durham, NC 27705, United States
Geer Street Garden
A neighborhood pub offering dishes like Buffalo wings, Reuben sandwiches, and fried chicken plates. Spacious outdoor patio welcomes dogs.
Location: 644 Foster St, Durham, NC 27701, United States
Picnic
A casual barbecue joint serving dishes like Chopped Brisket Cheese Fries and Fried Chicken Sandwiches. Pet-friendly outdoor tables are available.
Location: 1647 Cole Mill Rd, Durham, NC 27705, United States
The Blue Note Grill
Enjoy hickory-smoked BBQ, burgers, burritos, quesadillas, and wings in a dog-friendly environment. The large outdoor patio welcomes dogs.
Location: 709 Washington St, Durham, NC 27701, United States
Foster's Market
Offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner with dishes like lump crab cakes and Southwestern chicken with mango salsa. Outdoor patio seating is dog-friendly.
Location: 2694 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd, Durham, NC 27707, United States
Fun dog-friendly activities in Durham
Explore Eno River State Park
With nearly 28 miles of trails, this park provides hours of adventure along the Eno River. Dogs are welcome on all trails but must remain on a leash no longer than 6 feet.
Cost: Free entry
Date and time: Wednesdays to Mondays: 7 am - 7 pm, Tuesdays: 7:30 am - 7 pm
Location: Durham, NC 27705, United States
Visit Sarah P. Duke Gardens
Leashed dogs are allowed to explore the paved pathways and lawns before 10 AM and after 5 PM. Note that certain areas, such as the Discovery Garden and Blomquist Garden, are off-limits to pets.
Cost: Free entry
Date and time: Every day, 8 am - dusk
Dog-friendly walking trails in Durham
American Tobacco Trail
This is a long, historic, multi-use trail ideal for walking, jogging, or biking with your leashed dog. Flat and shaded in many sections, with rest stops and scenic views.
Location: Durham, NC, USA
Length: 22.6 miles (36.4 km)
Duke Forest
Leashed dogs are welcome on these beautiful, scenic forest trails. Peaceful walks, wildlife sightings, and plenty of sniffing opportunities.
Location: Durham, NC, USA
Length: 7,060 acres (2,860 hectares)
Dog-friendly cafes in Durham
Parker and Otis
Offers hearty breakfast and lunch food made with fresh and local ingredients, and porch seating that welcomes dogs. Tasty options include toasted bagels with smoked salmon, scrambles, open-faced egg sandwiches, shrimp BLTs, grilled cheese on sourdough, and peanut butter and bacon paninis.
Location: 324 Blackwell St Bay 4, Durham, NC 27701, United States
Tobacco Road Sports Café
A local hangout serving sandwiches, salads, seafood, and burgers. Semi-enclosed, heated patio is pet-friendly.
Location: 280 S Mangum St #100, Durham, NC 27701, United States
Annual dog events in Durham
Canine Field Day
Enjoy a day in the park with your furry friend at Canine Field Day, featuring activities such as an agility course, 50-yard dash, Frisbee catch, ball fetch area, bobbing for treats, and a treasure hunt. The event also includes a pet market and food trucks. Check out their website for all the details.
Cost: Free entry
Date and time: Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Location: Rock Quarry Park, 701 Stadium Drive, Durham, NC
Barktoberfest
Barktoberfest is a free, rain-or-shine event that brings together the community for a day of canine fun, festive activities, and delicious treats. Organized by Durham Parks and Recreation in partnership with Beyond Fences, the event aims to promote a dog-friendly community.
Cost: Free entry
Date and time: Saturday, October 26, 2024, at 3:30 PM
Location: Durham Central Park, 501 Foster Street, Durham, NC
The best dog-friendly bars in Durham
Ponysaurus Brewing Co.
A local hangout welcoming dogs in the beer garden and on its two-story covered outdoor area. Enjoy Belgian and Indian pale ales, saisons, or stouts, along with offerings like garlic knots and pizza.
Location: 219 Hood St, Durham, NC 27701, United States
Fullsteam Brewery
A family-friendly brewery and tasting room that welcomes dogs at outdoor tables. Enjoy craft beer and burgers with your leashed pup by your side.
Dog-friendly wineries near Durham
ZincHouse Winery & Brewery
Spanning 87 acres, ZincHouse offers a selection of over 400 wines, craft beers, bourbons, and cigars. The expansive outdoor areas provide ample space for you and your leashed dog to relax and enjoy the scenic views.
Location: 6225 Wake Forest Hwy, Durham, NC 27703, United States
Tunnel Creek Vineyards
Located approximately 30 miles north of Durham, Tunnel Creek Vineyards features locally grown wines and picturesque views. While they offer a beautiful setting, it's advisable to check their current pet policy before visiting.
Location: 1333 Berryhill Rd, Roxboro, NC 27574, United States
Cloer Family Vineyards
Situated about 20 miles south of Durham, this family-owned vineyard offers a serene setting with locally produced wines. They have outdoor spaces where leashed dogs are welcome, making it a pleasant spot for both wine tasting and spending time with your pet.
Location: 8624 Castleberry Rd, Apex, NC 27523, United States
Tips on dog-friendly things to do in Durham from dog owners and pet sitters
Tips for pet parents
Follow local leash laws
Always presume somewhere is a leash-on area. Keep your dog leashed unless you’re at a designated off-leash area.
Keep the streets and parks clean
Always clean up after your pet—most parks have bags, but bring extras!
Be weather prepared
Be mindful of hot pavement in summer—it gets toasty. And, of course, freezing walkways in winter. Similarly, remember to stay hydrated in all weathers, too. Remember to always bring water for you and your pup, especially on the trails.
Get your vacation pet care sorted
Now that you’re in the know on where you can take your canine pal for a day out in the city, why not get ahead and plan your pet care for your next vacation? As vets agree pets are more content at home, it’s worth considering an in-home, verified pet sitter to look after your canine pal. Find a pet sitter in Durham, NC, or click below to find out more.
How to connect with pet sitters in Durham
Tips for pet sitters
Find a nearby dog park
It’s not a pet-friendly day out without a game of fetch at a local dog park! Get acquainted with local dog owners in a place your pooch pal can run free.
Ask for pet parent recommendations
When it comes to where to take a dog in Alexandria, pet parents are the experts! Ask where their pup is comfortable going in the city, and if there are any dog-friendly hangouts you could try together.
Follow dog park restrictions
That being said, if you do decide to allow your new pup pal to bounce around a local park, remember to keep your pooch safe by following park rules, as many are complete with a fenced area for smaller dogs.
Experience Durham through house sitting
So, want to get to know the city with a four-pawed pal by your side? Exchange in-home pet care for a place to stay by house sitting in Durham - click below to find out more.
How to find house sits in Durham
