Trails, Ales, and Tails: Discovering Pup-Friendly Charlotte
Looking for places to take your furry friend in the Queen City? Charlotte has plenty of tail-wagging options. From big parks to fun hangouts, here’s the scoop on the best dog-friendly Charlotte spots.
Parks and Outdoor Spaces
Freedom Park is the #1 pick for many local dog owners, and for good reason. This 98-acre urban park near Uptown is perfect for a lazy afternoon with your dog — you’ll find serene walking trails, open fields, and a sparkling lake.
At Freedom Park, however, you’ll need to keep Fido on a leash, so check out William R. Davie District Park for off-leash fun. Here, you’ll find Davie Dog Park, the biggest dog park in Charlotte, with a full 5 acres of fenced-in space. Davie has three separate play areas, including one for small dogs — which means pups of all sizes can run and play.
Reedy Creek Park is another popular spot for dog owners in the know, chiefly because of Barkingham Dog Park — another 4 acres of fenced-in space where dogs can run free. Water stations, plastic pools, and enticing toys keep the pups entertained, with separate areas for large and small dogs so everyone stays safe and happy.
Social Spots for You and Your Pup
Sometimes you want to grab a drink and hang out with friends — but if they call dogs “man’s best friend,” why should you have to leave yours at home?
Lucky for you, Charlotte has Lucky Dog Bark & Brew, a “why didn’t we think of that” combination of a dog park and a bar. Yes, now you can sit back and have a cold one while your dog plays in the indoor/outdoor space. It’s a great spot to meet other friendly dog owners over a brew while your pup makes some new pals.
Meanwhile, Skiptown takes things to the next level. This massive 24,000 square-foot facility has indoor and outdoor play areas for dogs — and they even serve dog-friendly “bone-broth beer” for your thirsty four-legged friend.
Dog-Friendly Dining
After all that playing and exploring, you and your pooch might work up an appetite. Fortunately, Charlotte has many restaurants with dog-friendly patios, like Tupelo Honey and The Brass Tap. Some spots, such as The Dog Bar, even have “pup menus” with special treats for your most distinguished dining companion.
Unique Experiences
Believe it or not, you can bring your leashed dog to the UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens and walk through 10 acres of beautiful greenery with your pup by your side. Pets are even allowed in the greenhouse if you can carry them.
For water-loving dogs, AquaPups Charlotte is a must-visit. This indoor pool facility offers swim lessons and fun-filled group sessions year-round, which is a great way to keep your dog active.
Sleepy Poet Antique Mall also allows dogs if you feel like looking for treasures with your companion by your side. They even provide snacks and water. (Yes, for two-legged and four-legged visitors alike.)
Finally, don’t forget that Charlotte also has several dog-centric events throughout the year. Keep a paw out — sorry, keep an eye out — for Bark in the Park at Truist Field, where you can take your dog to a Charlotte Knights baseball game. Or catch the annual Pet Palooza Festival for even more pet-friendly activities and contests.
Let’s Let Rover Roam
With all the “paw-some” dog-friendly spots in Charlotte, you never have to leave your best friend behind when you’re out and about in the Queen City. From parks and trails to unique social spots, there’s always somewhere new to try with your faithful furry friend. So leash up and get ready to explore!
