A guide to dog-friendly places in Nashville

Dog parks in Nashville

Centennial Park

A 132-acre park featuring the iconic Parthenon replica, walking trails, and a dedicated off-leash dog park.

Location: 2500 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37203, United States

Shelby Park

Located along the Cumberland River, this expansive park offers playgrounds, baseball fields, and a dog park.

Location: Shelby Ave & S 20th St, Nashville, TN 37206, United States

Warner Parks

Comprising Edwin and Percy Warner Parks, this area provides extensive hiking trails and open spaces for on-leash exploration.

Location: 50 Vaughn Rd, Nashville, TN 37221, United States

Dog-friendly restaurants in Nashville

Butchertown Hall

Enjoy smoked meats, tacos, and margaritas on their pet-friendly patio.

Location: 1416 4th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37208, United States

The Pharmacy Burger Parlor & Beer Garden

One of Nashville’s most famous burger spots, The Pharmacy features a beautiful outdoor beer garden where dogs are welcome. Their handcrafted burgers and extensive beer selection make it a must-visit for dog owners.

Location: 731 Mcferrin Ave, Nashville, TN 37206, United States

Edley’s Bar-B-Que

A beloved BBQ joint serving up smoked meats and Southern sides. Edley’s has dog-friendly patios at multiple locations, making it a great place to enjoy authentic Nashville barbecue with your pup.

Location: 2706 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204, United States

Acme Feed & Seed

Located on Lower Broadway, Acme Feed & Seed is a four-story restaurant, bar, and music venue with a rooftop that welcomes dogs. Enjoy live music, Southern comfort food, and skyline views with your pet.

Location: 101 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201, United States

The Southern Steak & Oyster

A refined yet casual spot in downtown Nashville serving seafood and Southern cuisine. Their heated, covered patio is dog-friendly year-round, making it a great place for a high-quality meal with your furry companion.

Location: 150 3rd Ave S #110, Nashville, TN 37201, United States

Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint (Germantown)

This laid-back Germantown burger joint offers unique burger creations and a dog-friendly patio. Their selection of craft beers and casual vibe make it an excellent stop for you and your pup.

Location: 1123 3rd Ave N, Nashville, TN 37208, United States

The Row Kitchen & Pub

A classic Nashville eatery featuring Southern comfort food, live music, and a dog-friendly patio. The Row is a great place to experience local flavors while hanging out with your pet.

Location: 110 Lyle Ave, Nashville, TN 37203, United States

Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint (Belmont)

A staple for Tennessee barbecue, Martin’s features a spacious dog-friendly beer garden and serves up whole-hog BBQ, brisket, and classic Southern sides.

Location: 3108 Belmont Blvd, Nashville, TN 37212, United States

Urban Grub

A chic yet relaxed eatery in 12 South, Urban Grub serves seafood, smoked meats, and craft cocktails. Their outdoor seating is dog-friendly, making it a great place for a date night with your pet.

Location: 2506 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204, United States

Fun dog-friendly activities in Nashville

White's Mercantile (Green Hills)

A modern general store that welcomes leashed dogs, offering a variety of unique items, including pet products.

Cost: Free entry

Date and time: Everyday 10 am - 6 pm

Location: 4015 Hillsboro Pike #104, Nashville, TN 37215, United States

Draper James

Founded by Reese Witherspoon, this boutique allows leashed dogs inside and even provides water bowls for thirsty pups.

Cost: Free entry

Date and time: Monday to Saturday 10 am - 6 pm, Sundays 11 am - 5 pm

Location: 2608 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204, United States

Cooter's Place Nashville

A museum dedicated to "The Dukes of Hazzard," where leashed dogs are welcome to join you as you explore memorabilia and displays.

Cost: Free entry

Date and time: Everyday 9 am - 5 pm

Location: 2613B McGavock Pk, Nashville, TN 37214, United States

Dog-friendly walking trails in Nashville

The Trails at Fontanel

Situated near Whites Creek, The Trails at Fontanel offer a serene environment with well-maintained paths winding through lush forests and along the creek. This trail provides benches along the way, allowing for restful breaks with your leashed dog.

Location: Unnamed Road, Whites Creek, TN 37189, United States

Stones River Greenway

This 10-mile paved trail system connects several parks, including Two Rivers Park and Percy Priest Lake. The greenway features diverse scenery, such as river views, forests, and wetlands. Along the way, you'll find off-leash dog parks, making it ideal for extended outings with your dog.

Location: Nashville, TN, USA

Shelby Bottoms Greenway

Located in East Nashville, this multi-use trail offers miles of paved paths meandering through wetlands, fields, and along the Cumberland River. The greenway is perfect for leashed dogs and provides ample opportunities for wildlife viewing and enjoying nature.

Location: Nashville, TN 37206, USA

Dog-friendly cafes in Nashville

Frothy Monkey (12 South)

A local coffeehouse chain offering a dog-friendly patio, perfect for breakfast or brunch with your pup.

Location: 2509 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204, United States

Barista Parlor (West Nashville)

A trendy coffee shop with a reputation for high-quality coffee and beautiful interiors. Dogs are welcome in their outdoor seating areas, making it a great morning stop before a walk in the city.

Location: 300 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203, United States

Annual dog events in Nashville

Pet Photos with Bunny at Opry Mills

Capture a professional photo of your pet with the Easter Bunny. Photo packages will be available for purchase near Entry 2, between Coach and Ann Taylor. 

Cost: Photo packages available on their website

Date and time: March 30th, 2025, 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Location: 433 Opry Mills Dr, Nashville, TN 37214, United States

Hoppin' Hounds Easter Egg Hunt

Join an Easter egg hunt tailored for dogs, with separate sessions for small and large breeds. Enjoy vendors, food trucks, and photos with the Easter Bunny. Check out their Facebook page for more info!

Cost: $15 pet dog

Date and time: April 12th, 2025, 2 pm - 4 pm

Location: 1120 Hillsboro Rd, Franklin, TN 37064, United States

Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival

Experience Tennessee's premier Japanese cultural festival featuring music, dance, martial arts demonstrations, and a variety of vendors. Leashed dogs are welcome to join the festivities.

Cost: Free entry

Date and time: April 12th, 2025, 9:30 am - 5 pm

Location: Union St & 3rd Ave N, Nashville, TN 37201, United States

Dogs & Dogwoods

Celebrate Arbor Day weekend with your four-legged friend at Cheekwood. Enjoy dog vendors, food trucks, and live music in the Beer Garden. The first 500 visitors on Saturday will receive a dogwood tree to take home.

Cost: Free entry

Date and time: April 26-27, 2025

Location: 1200 Forrest Park Dr, Nashville, TN 37205, United States

Dog Day Festival

Hosted by the Nashville Humane Association, this festival features various activities, vendors, and entertainment for dogs and their owners. Stay tuned to their social media pages for more information as the event approaches. Head to their website for all the details!

Cost: TBC

Date and time: October 18th, 2025

Location: 2500 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37203, United States

The best dog-friendly bars in Nashville

The Filling Station

A craft beer store and tasting room where you can relax with your dog at their outdoor tables.

Location: 1118 Halcyon Ave, Nashville, TN 37204, United States

TailGate Brewery (Music Row)

TailGate Brewery has several locations in Nashville, each featuring a pet-friendly outdoor space. Enjoy their rotating craft beer selection and delicious pizzas while your dog relaxes at your side.

Location: 1538 Demonbreun St, Nashville, TN 37203, United States

Von Elrod’s Beer Hall & Kitchen

A German-inspired beer hall in Germantown, Von Elrod’s boasts a large dog-friendly patio where you can sip on craft brews and enjoy house-made sausages and giant pretzels.

Location: 1004 4th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37219, United States

Diskin Cider

For cider lovers, Diskin Cider is a must-visit. This cidery offers a pet-friendly outdoor patio where you can enjoy craft ciders, small bites, and a relaxed atmosphere.

Location: 1235 Martin St, Nashville, TN 37203, United States

Neighbors (Sylvan Park)

A relaxed neighborhood bar with pet-friendly patios, perfect for catching a game or enjoying a drink with friends and your pup.

Location: 4425 Murphy Rd, Nashville, TN 37209, United States

Tips on dog-friendly things to do in Nashville from dog owners and pet sitters

Tips for pet parents

With its many dog-friendly parks, eateries, accommodations, and shops, Nashville is a fantastic destination for you and your four-legged friend. Here’s how to make the most of exploring Music City together!

Keep your dog leashed in public areas

Nashville has a few designated off-leash zones, otherwise it’s an on-leash city.

Be mindful of Nashville's weather

The combination of intense sun and humidity can make Nashville feel like an oven, and if you’re feeling it your pup definitely will be. Make sure to keep them hydrated throughout the day, offer them frequent cool shade breaks when possible, and be aware of overly hot sidewalks.

Plan ahead for your vacation

If you're planning to travel, leaving your pet at home with a trusted sitter is often the most stress-free option. Staying in familiar surroundings can help your pup feel secure. TrustedHousesitters connect pet parents with reliable sitters who’ll treat your pet like their own. This approach - which is approved by vets - helps pets stay comfortable and stress-free while you’re away. Find a dog sitter in Nashville, today!

Tips for pet sitters

Nashville is a dog lover’s paradise, making it an incredible destination for pet sitters. From off-leash parks and vibrant cafes and eateries, pet sitting in Nashville gives you the chance to explore the city like a local while caring for a furry friend. Here’s how to make the most of your experience as a pet sitter in this pet-friendly city.

Always check the specific pet policies of venues

Before visiting, it's recommended to check the specific pet policies of each location, as rules can vary. Additionally, downloading the "Bring Fido" app can help you find pet-friendly restaurants and events in the Nashville area.

Bring water and waste bags

Always carry water for your dog, especially during the warmer months, to prevent dehydration, as well as waste bags to keep Nashville clean!

Experience Nashville destination through house sitting

There’s nothing quite like experiencing a place as a house sitter. There are often plenty of options for pet sitting in Nashville, particularly over holiday periods. Go on, have a look, and find your Nashville pet sitting adventure today!

Useful resources

• Is my dog drinking enough water?
• What to do in Tennessee while house and pet sitting
• Must-have dog hiking gear for outdoor adventures