Dog owners around Music City agree that the roster of things to do in Nashville includes plenty of chances for fun with four-legged friends. People who live in Nashville homes can bring their dogs to fantastic neighborhood parks, relaxed restaurant patios, charming shopping areas, and even a few swanky hotels. Want your dog to accompany you on your daily adventures? Keep reading to learn all about Nashville dog parks and dog-friendly activities.

The Top 8 Dog Parks in Nashville

Some of the best neighborhoods in Nashville feature dog-friendly amenities. For example, people shopping for new construction homes in Nashville may even find private dog parks within their community. However, the pup-loving city has several public pooch zones with top-rated parks.

Centennial Dog Park

Pups can get wild and connect with a few buddies in the off-leash area at the Centennial Dog Park. There are distinctive areas that cater to small and larger dogs, and pups can take a trek with owners along several walking trails or amid the spacious fields.

The park is fenced in and boasts double-gated entrances and exits for added security. Pets must be licensed and vaccinated, and fines are fully enforced at Centennial Dog Park. There is ample seating for human guests, so they can make new friends, too, while keeping an eye on their furry companions.

There are several trash cans, water fountains, and waste stations in the dog park at Centennial, along with containers filled with tennis balls for the community to share. It should be noted that pit bulls and pit mixes are not allowed into the dog park zones but are welcomed on-leash to the trails and the rest of the park.

Gulch Dog Park

The Gulch Dog Park opened its gates in late 2019. Located proximal to The Turnip Truck grocers, this spot has quickly become beloved by locals and their pups. The space is divided into two sections of fenced off-leash zones with 3,500 square feet dedicated to large dogs and 1,500 square feet for the smaller canines.

This special place is for pups and serves the community with gathering places, food trucks, and murals by local artists. Keep a look at their calendar for special events that are slated each month. This green space is an excellent perk for people and pups living in The Gulch condos.

Edwin Warner Dog Park

Head out to Edwin Warner Dog Park to find play areas for small and large dogs. This leash-free park's enclosed areas let pups meet and greet at their own pace, and the park's perimeters allow dogs on leashes. Dual open and closed gates secure the dog park to keep pets contained as others come and go. The rules are strictly enforced, so have tags, licensing, and waste bags on hand when visiting.

Fair Park Dog Park

The Nashville Fairgrounds is home to a new dog park known as Fair Park Dog Park that delights locals and their pups. This entertainment complex also boasts a flea market, speedway and hosts numerous events, but the dog park is packed daily.

The park is filled with agility trials that include tire hurdles, tubes, teeter-totters, and lots of space for dogs, both small and large. People come here frequently to train their dogs for agility competitions or to allow them the chance to learn some new skills.

Two Rivers Dog Park

Two Rivers Dog Park gets massive paws of approval from dogs and owners, and it features a double-gated entrance, pet water fountains, trash cans, benches for companions, and waste bag stations. By far, it is one of the largest off-leashed dog parks in the state, with seven acres of fenced zones and open space.

Dogs are welcome to explore the rest of the park on-leash, where almost 375 acres of mature trees, trails, rolling lawns, and walkways are joined by picnic areas and pavilions for those wanting to soak in the views. There is also a skate park, streams, a golf course, and quick access to the Cumberland River.

Stones River Dog Park

The Stones River Dog Park is an excellent trail for a long walk for dogs and people with a taste for adventure. This ten-mile trail connects Shelby Bottoms to the homes near Percy Priest Lake, and the road is paved for easy walking. Walk along with your furry friend through the trees and over the bridges and see what there is to see. There are plenty of spots along this multi-use trail to stop and take a break, including a large dog park at the pathway entrance. A dog fountain is located just outside this park to ensure that your pup stays hydrated for the long walk ahead.

Nashboro Village Dog Park

The Nashboro Village Dog Park is a great place to keep your dog active in several different ways. This green space features a wide-open area where dogs and their owners can play fetch together for as long as their hearts desire. The park also features agility equipment for a different kinds of play, including a ramp, a small tunnel, and a hoop for dogs to jump through. This is a very friendly area, so it's a great place to bring your dog to make friends.

BarkPark

Treat your dog to the life of luxury they deserve at BarkPark. This park has tons of fun stuff for canines and their people to enjoy, including a fenced-off area for dogs to run without leashes, paddling pools and splash pads for cooling off, and snacks and toys for the pups. There are hangout spots for the humans to sit while watching their dogs, with free Wi-Fi offered to visitors. All of these fun features come with a small price tag, as only members have access to the park and its year-round events: a $15 daily pass grants access to one dog and two humans, and monthly passes are available as well.

Dog-Friendly Nashville Activities

Get with your friends to paint a custom portrait of your puppy in a welcoming environment at a two-hour pet portrait painting class in Nashville. No need to be nervous, as the enrollment fee covers supplies and no experience is required, and you're likely to get some guidance from the host as well as other attendees.

Locations change from month to month and are hosted in pet-friendly boutiques and breweries, and even craft stores across Nashville. Registration is required in advance, and classes fill up reasonably fast after they are announced! Pets with good demeanors and a friendly attitude are a must, and sometimes hyperactive pups can be challenging to paint. Bring a photo of Fido along just in case they get restless.

Take a tour for the day at The Shelby Bottoms Greenway to take advantage of the multi-use trail that will get Fido moving and walking in Nashville. This rail to trail conservancy project is within the Bottoms Nature Center and has multiple access points for visitors' convenience. There is no charge to visit the park, but those who want to enter the Shelby Bottoms Nature Center are encouraged to leave a small donation to benefit the park and preservation efforts.

Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Nashville

There are plenty of places to grab a bite with canines in tow in Nashville. From breweries, breakfast diners, and barbecue joints, here are some top dog-friendly restaurants to consider.

Tailgate Brewery

Tailgate Brewery is an independently owned and operated craft brewery in Music City. They have three taprooms across Nashville that serve up premium beers, cocktails, and delicious food. Pups can join owners on the covered patios and outdoor seating areas. Popular dishes are their appetizers, gourmet pizza, and loaded fries. Bring a water bowl for Fido and head out to one of these watering holes.

Biscuit Love

Biscuit Love is all about biscuits for humans and dogs, and three locations in Nashville fill up daily with hungry patrons. This is the best place to go to enjoy breakfast or brunch any time of the day. The freshly made biscuits are known nationally, and they are made fresh daily with locally sourced ingredients.

Biscuit Love donates a portion of the proceeds from their food and merchandise sales with regular donations to local non-profits and local purveyors and farmers. Bring Fido gives them 4 out of 5 bones and has been touted as one of downtown Nashville's top dog-friendly patios.

Edley's Bar-B-Que

There are several Edley's Bar-B-Que locations across Nashville, and this dog-friendly eatery routinely wins "best barbecue" awards in local polls. This friendly spot invited dogs and guests to try out their smoked meats and sides made from scratch daily while enjoying groovy tunes on the jukebox.

Shops That Welcome Dogs in Nashville

Dog-friendly Nashville shops and boutiques are easy to find, but a few seem to stand out with local dog owners. Here are a few retailers that welcome well-behaved pups to their stores.

White's Mercantile

White's Mercantile has a little bit of everything up for sale in their pet-friendly shop in Nashville, TN. Essentials for the home and goods, including clothing, are offered for everyone in the family—including pups and felines. Organic dog treats, pet foods, handcrafted home decorations, and other treasures like antiques and jewelry. Leashed dogs are welcome to enter the store!

Draper James

Owned by Nashville native Reese Witherspoon, Draper James offers classic fashions at reasonable prices. Inside, there are murals and clothing to enjoy or purchase. Several areas are invitingly decorated with fluffy pillows for pups and cozy chairs and couches for human customers. Complimentary treats and water are ready for dogs, while sweet tea shouldn't be missed at the kitchen island wrap.

Finnleys Boutiques

Finnleys has three local Nashville boutiques that cater to trendy folks and their pups with top trending styles and fashion-forward accessories. Dogs on leashes can visit the store to pick out a new collar or sweater for their wardrobe, too.

Bink's Outfitters

In Nashville, shoppers looking for outdoor gear and sporting goods can bring their leashed pet to Bink's Outfitters. This massive store has all the interests for camping, fishing, hunting, hiking, biking, and all that locals love to do around Tennessee. There are four locations around middle Tennessee, as well as one in Nashville proper.

Pet-Friendly Lodging in Nashville, TN

When traveling in Nashville, there's no need to leave pets at home for overnight stays. Here are some stellar pet-friendly lodging options around Music City that welcome pets with open arms.

The Hermitage Hotel in Nashville

Pet owners seeking the ultimate in luxury accommodations can check into the Hermitage Hotel in Nashville, TN. From the grand foyer in the lobby and the plush amenities in each room, pets are also made cozy with special organic treats and more. Guests can pay a bit extra for the Pampered Paws Program, which also gets pets their luxurious bedding, food, filtered water, and pet turn-down service. They even have a pet masseuse on-call at The Hermitage!

Holston House Nashville

The Holston House Nashville is a glamorous historic art deco hotel that offers glittering skyline views. Pets are welcome in rooms and on the rooftop pool and bar areas when on their leashes. For just a $75 fee, pets up to 25 pounds can enjoy a week of perks that include bowls, treats, and a deluxe bed. More extended stays will incur a deep cleaning fee as well.

Noelle Nashville

Those who love culture will adore staying at Noelle, where artists, writers, and other creators come to visit and play. Noelle welcomes pets and is a high-energy hotel with several pet-friendly indoor and outdoor spaces for their enjoyment. The best part is that there are no additional fees for pet stays and no size restrictions. However, only one pet is allowed per room without extra charges.

Love Dogs? So Does Nashville!

Whether living in a Nashville condo or a luxury home, Music City welcomes all of your furry friends. There's no need to stay stuck with a backyard adventure every day with so many local parks near top neighborhoods in Nashville, Tennessee. Check out these local parks and dog-friendly shops and diners, so Fido never feels left out of the action.

If the opportunities of Nashville excite you, contact The Ashton Real Estate Group of RE/MAX Advantage with Nashville's MLS at (615) 603-3602 to get in touch with local real estate agents who can help find the perfect Nashville home for you today.