Dog-friendly Atlanta: Things to do in Atlanta with a dog
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 through furpetvo.com ensures your pup’s in good hands while you’re away.
Dog-friendly restaurants in Atlanta
Why should humans have all the fun when it comes to dining out? Atlanta boasts plenty of dog-friendly restaurants where four-legged diners are welcomed with a scratch behind the ears and a bowl of fresh 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 - 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 available for purchase!
Location: 1374 Arkwright Pl SE, Atlanta, GA 30317 - 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 - DAS BBQ
This Grant Park barbecue joint specializes in slow-smoked meats, homemade sides, and Southern hospitality. The spacious outdoor seating area offers plenty of room for pups, with water bowls readily available.
Location: 350 Memorial Dr SE, Atlanta, GA 30312 - 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 enjoys a pup cup and some bacon.
Location: 1402 North Highland Avenue Northeast, Atlanta, GA 30306 - 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 ideal place to unwind with your furry friend.
Location: 1000 White St SW, Atlanta, GA 30310
Dog-friendly activities in 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 vibrant network of trails looping around the city. Enjoy scenic views, public art installations, and easy access to diverse neighborhoods—all while walking, jogging, or cycling with your leashed pup.
- Cost: Free
- Hours: Anytime
- Location: Atlanta, GA
Visit Piedmont Dog Park
Piedmont Park features a spacious off-leash dog park with separate areas for large and small dogs—making it easy for pups to socialize safely. Amenities include water stations, benches, and shaded rest spots.
- Cost: Free
- Hours: Anytime
- Location: Park Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30309
Stroll through Centennial Olympic Park
Located in downtown Atlanta, this 21-acre park offers open lawns, interactive water features, and stunning skyline views—all perfect for a leisurely leash walk with Fido.
- Cost: Free
- Hours: Anytime
- Location: Atlanta, GA 30313
Attend Doggy Con at Woodruff Park
Every October, Doggy Con invites pups and their pawrents to dress up and join fun activities like dog yoga and agility courses. It’s a joyful celebration of canine personality and community spirit.
- Cost: Free to watch; $5 to enter the costume contest
- When: October
- Location: 91 Peachtree St, Atlanta, GA 30303
Hunt for #TinyDoorsATL
Discover whimsical “Tiny Door” art installations scattered across Atlanta—from alleyways to storefronts. It’s a delightful scavenger hunt for curious pups and their observant humans alike.
- Cost: Free
- Hours: Anytime
- Location: 225 Chester Ave SE Suite B, Atlanta, GA 30316
All aboard the Pooch Pontoon
The Pooch Pontoon offers dog-friendly boat trips around Lake Lanier—perfect for exploring secluded islands and enjoying breezy waterfront views together. Reservations are required.
- Cost: From $110
- When: Available year-round
- Location: Gainesville, GA 30506
Visit Krog Street Tunnel
Famous for its ever-evolving graffiti and murals, the Krog Street Tunnel is a favorite photo spot for locals and visitors alike. Keep your pup leashed and enjoy the colorful energy of this iconic Atlanta landmark.
- Cost: Free
- Hours: Anytime
- Location: 1 Krog St NE, Atlanta, GA 30307
Dog-friendly trails near Atlanta
For pups who prefer dirt paths over sidewalks—and the scent of pine and river water over city fumes—the dog-friendly hikes Atlanta has to offer are pure adventure. Leash up and hit the trails!
East Palisades
Multiple moderate trails follow the Chattahoochee River, offering peaceful forest walks and safe, shallow areas where pups can dip their paws and cool off.
- Trail length: 5 miles
- Location: 4058 Whitewater Creek Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30327
Sweetwater Creek State Park
Just west of Atlanta, this beautiful state park features trails winding through forests and alongside the picturesque Sweetwater Creek. Highlights include whitewater rapids and the historic New Manchester Mill ruins.
- Trail lengths: 2–6 miles
- Location: 1750 Mt Vernon Rd, Lithia Springs, GA 30122
Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area
Situated east of Atlanta in Lithonia, Arabia Mountain offers over 30 miles of trails across granite outcrops, wildflower meadows, and wooded forests. The Mountain Top Trail—a 1.3-mile loop—leads to breathtaking panoramic views, especially magical at sunset.
- Trail length: 1.3 miles (Mountain Top Trail)
- Location: 3350 Klondike Rd, Stonecrest, GA 30038
Morningside Nature Preserve
Nestled in Atlanta’s Morningside neighborhood, this 30-acre preserve features a serene 2-mile loop trail ending at a sandy beach along South Peachtree Creek—affectionately known as “dog beach.” Leashes are required, but many owners let their pups swim under close supervision.
- Trail length: 2 miles
- Location: Parking lot, 2020 Lenox Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30324
