Dog-Friendly Raleigh: Things To Do in Raleigh with a Dog

Raleigh may be a tech and research hub, but this doesn’t mean the City of Oaks isn’t dog-friendly!

This dog-friendly guide to Raleigh highlights the best pet-friendly spots, from parks to cafes. Plus, if you're looking for house sitting opportunities in Raleigh or need a Raleigh pet sitter, we’ve got tips to help.

Best dog parks in Raleigh

Take your barking buddy to stretch their legs at one of these parks, then explore more dog-friendly places in Raleigh.

Oakwood Dog Park

Located in historic Oakwood, this off-leash park offers shaded areas, fresh water, and a double-gated entry.

Location: 910 Brookside Dr, Raleigh, NC

Millbrook Exchange Park

This spacious park features separate sections for large and small dogs, agility equipment, and lots of seating for owners.

Location: 1905 Spring Forest Rd, Raleigh, NC

Carolina Pines Dog Park

A hidden local dog park on Hargett St. that offers a mix of open spaces and wooded areas.

Location: 2305 Lake Wheeler Rd, Raleigh, NC

Dog-friendly restaurants in Raleigh

These dog-friendly restaurants in Raleigh welcome both two-legged and four-legged diners:

Morgan Street Food Hall

A bustling food hall in downtown Raleigh, it has an outdoor patio and a variety of delicious eats.

Location: 411 W Morgan St, Raleigh, NC

Rush Bowls

Rush Bowls serves nutritious smoothie bowls and pet-friendly treats, such as a pup cup!

Location: 2811 Hillsborough St Suite 105, Raleigh, NC

Irregardless

This restaurant is famous for its locally sourced ingredients, live music, and welcoming attitude toward four-legged guests.

Location: 901 W Morgan St, Raleigh, NC

Fun dog-friendly activities in Raleigh

There’s no shortage of fun and memorable dog-friendly activities in Raleigh:

Camping at Kerr Lake State Recreation

Enjoy a weekend under the stars with your doggos at one of the pet-friendly campsites, as well as other outdoor activities like boating, fishing, and hiking.

Cost: Varies (depending on each activity & camp option)

Date and time: Open year round (8 AM - 6 PM)

Location: 6254 Satterwhite Point Rd, Henderson, NC

Reading together at Quail Ridge Books

If you love novels, this bookstore must be your go-to, as it allows well-behaved dogs inside.

Cost: Free to enter

Date and time: Open daily (Mon-Sat, 10 AM - 9 PM; Sunday, 10 AM - 6PM)

Location: 4209-100 Lassiter Mill Rd, Raleigh, NC

Visiting the North Carolina Museum of Art

Stroll through the outdoor art park of this iconic, dog-friendly museum in Rayleigh and find creative inspiration.

Cost: Free

Date and time: Wednesday - Saturday (10 AM - 5 PM)

Location: 2110 Blue Ridge Rd, Raleigh, NC

Best dog-friendly walking trails in Raleigh

Lace up your sneakers and explore these dog-friendly walks in Raleigh:

Jordan Lake State Recreation Area

An easy and calming dog-friendly trail in Raleigh that offers breathtaking lake views.

Location: 280 State Park Rd, Apex, NC

Length: 2 km

Neuse River Trail

A paved greenway traverses woodlands and wetlands, making it ideal for a leisurely walk.

Location: Parking, lot 1721 Riverview Rd, Raleigh, NC

Length: 55 km

Sycamore Trail

A peaceful, wooded route that offers a challenging yet dog-friendly hike in Raleigh – great for adventurous pups.

Location: Raleigh, NC

Length: 12 km loop

The best dog-friendly cafes in Raleigh

These dog-friendly cafes in Raleigh will keep you caffeinated while spoiling your pups:

Flying Biscuit Cafe

This laid-back chain is famous for serving Southern comfort food, and your barking bestie is welcome on the outdoor patio.

Location: 2016 Clark Ave, Raleigh, NC

Morning Times

A hip coffee shop with an upstairs gallery and outdoor seating. Dogs are of course welcome!

Location: 10 E Hargett St, Raleigh, NC

The Optimist Raleigh

A trendy, dog-friendly coffee shop in Raleigh, offering fresh pastries and chill vibes.

Location: 1000 Brookside Dr STE 109, Raleigh, NC

Annual dog events in Raleigh

One of the best dog-friendly things to do in Raleigh is head out to a dog-friendly event. Let your dog stretch their paws and meet other four-legged friends.

Day of the Dog: Run, Walk or Jog

A fun event for dogs and their owners to get active together by completing a 1-mile, 5K, or 10K distance.

Cost: $20

Date and time: Annually on August 26th (Dog’s Day)

Location: Raleigh, NC

Dog-Gone Egg Hunt

Take your wet-nosed friend to sniff out treat-filled eggs and browse local vendors.

Cost: $10/dog

Date and time: Typically in March or April (around Easter)

Location: Rock Quarry Park

Raleigh St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Dress your pawed pal in green and join this festive celebration!

Cost: Free

Date and time: Typically in March

Location: Hillsborough St, Raleigh, NC

The best dog-friendly bars in Raleigh

Grab a cold one with your hound at these dog-friendly bars in Raleigh:

Raleigh Beer Garden

A three-time Guinness World Records holder, this rustic-chic bar serves over 386 beers on tap and welcomes pooches in its outdoor area.

Location: 614 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC

Raleigh Times Bar

A historic downtown spot serving Belgian beers, microbrews, and American pub grub with a dog-friendly patio.

Location: 14 E Hargett St, Raleigh, NC

Flying Saucer Draught Emporium

This tavern-like pub hosts stand-up comedy events and serves a fantastic selection of Raleigh beers.

Location: 328 W Morgan St, Raleigh, NC

Dog-friendly wineries in Raleigh

These places offer the best wine-tasting experiences that will satisfy every dog and wine lover:

Cloer Family Vineyards

A family-owned winery that grows its own grapes, produces its own wines on-site, and welcomes on-leash dogs during the tour and wine tasting.

Location: 8624 Castleberry Rd, Apex, NC 27523

Davesté Vineyards

This award-winning vineyard provides wine-tasting tours and live music. Spanning 60 acres, it welcomes leashed dogs and offers a complete winery package, including a tasting room, an art gallery, an event pavilion, and a microbrewery.

Location: 155 Lytton Farm Rd, Troutman, NC 28166

ZincHouse Winery & Brewery

A great place serving craft beer and a vast selection of wines, this winery has a calming ambiance and an outdoor area where dogs are welcome.

Location: 6225 Wake Forest Hwy, Durham, NC 27703

Dog-friendly beaches in Raleigh

When it’s time for some sun and sand, head to these dog-friendly beaches in Raleigh:

Seaforth Beach

A peaceful beach along Jordan Lake where dogs can splash and play.

Location: Seaforth Beach Rd, Pittsboro, NC

Freeman Park Beach

A short drive from Raleigh, this off-leash beach is every water-loving dog’s dream.

Location: 1800 Canal Dr, Carolina Beach, NC

Lake Johnson Park

Although not a beach, this recreation park features a beautiful lakeside trail and water access for adventurous dogs.

Location: 4601 Avent Ferry Rd, Raleigh, NC

Tips for pet parents in Raleigh

Raleigh is a fantastic city for dog parents, with plenty of parks, trails, and pet-friendly spots to enjoy. Here are some top tips to help you and your pup make the most of life in this vibrant, dog-friendly community.

Check out dog-friendly businesses

Many breweries, cafés, and even stores welcome dogs, making it easy to enjoy a day out with your pup. Grab a coffee to go, and enjoy the busy bustle of the city with your fur-ever friend.

Join local dog groups & events

Want to really feel a part of the pet parent Raleigh community? Dog groups such as walking meet-ups are the best way to do it! Meet fellow pet lovers and introduce your pup to some new furry friends.

Be in-the-know of dog-friendly accommodation in Raleigh

If you're a pet parent that’s decided to take a holiday to Raleigh with your pup pal, don’t worry!, There are plenty of options for dog-friendly accommodation in Raleigh, from pet-friendly hotels to vacation villas your pet bestie will love.

Find a great pet sitter

When the time comes for you to go on vacation without your furry friend, we know that pets are happiest at home – and vets agree. Why not consider welcoming an in-home pet sitter to keep your home and pets safe while you're away? To find out more, click below:

Finding a pet sitter

How it works

Tips for pet sitters

Dog sitting in Raleigh? You’re in for a treat. With green spaces like Dorothea Dix Park and plenty of dog-friendly patios downtown, this North Carolina city is perfect for enjoying the outdoors with a four-legged companion. Here’s how to make your pet-sitting stay a success for you and the pup.

Respect the owner's home like it’s your own

As well as caring for the dog, you’re also a guest in someone’s space. Follow any house rules, tidy up after yourself, and leave things just as you found them. A thoughtful approach—like washing pet bowls or leaving a quick thank-you note—can go a long way.

Learn the dog's routine and personality

Some pups are full of energy and up for a jog around Lake Johnson; others prefer a leisurely sniff through the local greenway. Ask the owner about their dog’s routine, quirks, and any off-limit spots (including that one cupboard where the treats are strictly out of bounds!).

Explore dog-friendly Raleigh together

There’s no shortage of places to explore. Take your furry charge for a stroll at Pullen Park, pop by one of Raleigh’s dog-friendly breweries, or stop at a local pet bakery for a treat. Just be sure to stay within the dog's comfort zone and follow any guidance from the owner.

Finding a house sit