Dog-Friendly Nashville, TN: A Pet Owner’s Guide to Hotels, Parks, Patios & Events
Whether you’re visiting or building a home, life in a big city can feel incompatible with pet ownership. Nashville, Tennessee, however, is the exception. Although certainly a fast-growing and well-frequented city, Nashville is set apart by its small town feel, with family-friendly neighborhoods, green spaces, and community events that make the the big city feel a whole lot smaller. In conjunction with this, the layout and culture of Music City makes it not just a great place for people, but also for pets! Below you’ll find an ideal guide to taking on Nashville with man’s best friend.
W Nashville, P. A.W. Program
Where to Stay (With Pets)
Nashville has quickly become one of the hottest vacation spots in the country, with people coming from all over the world to experience the neon lit honky-tonk bars and incredible live music scene. If you’re looking to bring along more than just your favorite pair of cowboy boots, there are great pet-friendly lodging options in some of the most well-known corners of Nashville. Between classic hotel rooms and Airbnb, there are hundreds of pet-friendly choices across the city. Here are some neighborhood front runners to help you narrow down the search for where to stay:
The Gulch: W Nashville in The Gulch goes above and beyond to welcome up to 2 pets per room (up to 60 pounds each) for an additional $100 pet fee. Their P. A.W. (Pets Are Welcome) Program supplies guests with dog beds, food and water bowls, bones, waste bags, and toys. The hotel is just 5-minutes away from The Gulch Dog Park, and is surrounded by a variety of dog-friendly patios and shopping opportunities. As an added bonus, The Restaurant at the W has a pet-friendly patio, complete with a menu just for your dog.
Bonus: Learn more about The Gulch, Nashville’s vibrant, family-friendly commercial district.
12 South: The Gilmore by AvantStay is a new addition to Nashville’s 12 South neighborhood, and the first full-service hotel in the area. The Gilmore offers luxury, Mediterranean-style accommodations, complete with courtyards, rooftop terraces, and front-and-center access to dining and shopping on 12 South. The new establishment is a hybrid of European and Southern charm, and your pet is more than welcome to tag along. The additional pet fee is $75 per pet.
Bonus: Learn more about 12 South shopping, restaurants, and things to do.
Broadway: The Union Station, located just a 5 minute walk from the heart of Broadway, is one of the coolest hotels in Music City. A grand, one-of-a-kind place to stay, dine, or host an event, The Union Station was once home to Nashville’s central train terminal. Guests are welcome to bring up to 2 dogs (weighing up to 65 pounds) to the hotel for an additional fee of $100 per pup, who can be accommodated in any of the 125 suites available.
South Broadway: Margaritaville Hotel is right in the heart of it all. Located in the South Broadway area, Margaritaville is a place committed to providing a comfortable and fun stay for both you and your pup. While human guests of the hotel are greeted with a complimentary margarita, dogs are welcomed by custom treats, bowls, and toys. They welcome dogs of all sizes, and 10% of the $100 pet fee goes straight to Nashville’s Humane Association.
Bonus: Learn more about Broadway history, honky-tonks, and hidden gems.
East Nashville: Waymore’s Guesthouse & Casual Club is a chic, boutique hotel that perfectly pairs with the stylish, artistic vibe of East Nashville. Dogs of any size are welcome to stay for an additional fee of $35 per night. Waymore’s offers a thoughtful, artist-driven stay. Alongside comfortable rooms, guests can also enjoy their all-day cafe and rooftop cocktail bar, Tall Tales. An added bonus, the hotel offers discounted rates for Tennessee locals, making it the perfect spot for a nearby staycation—and your pup can tag along!
Bonus: Learn more about the coolest spots in East Nashville.
West End: Hutton Hotel is Nashville’s original boutique hotel, located just a few blocks away from Vanderbilt University in the West End area of the city. An award-winning stay, Hutton Hotel is also home to a classic, Americana restaurant called Evelyn’s and, in true Music City fashion, an on-site, intimate live entertainment venue, Analog. Thanks to the hotel’s Paws-itively Perfect Program, pet-friendly rooms are located on the 5th and 6th floors. There is a one-time pet fee of $75 for stays of up to 7 days and there are no size restrictions.
Germantown: The Germantown Inn is a charming boutique hotel located in historic Germantown, which is Nashville’s oldest neighborhood. The historic, Federal-style home (circa 1865) features 10 suites named after American figures, where guests can enjoy the intersection of historic charm and modern luxury. 2 of the suites, The Adams and The Parks Suites, are pet-friendly, with a non-refundable service fee of $50 for the first pet and an additional $25 for the second.
Nashville Dog Parks
Nashville is much more than the downtown scene. Across the city, there are some fantastic parks and green spaces great for hiking, running, walking, or playing with your dog. For a serene escape or a sunny afternoon, these parks and trails are idyllic spots to spend some active, quality time with your pup. You can familiarize with the rules and locations of Metro Dog Parks here.
Centennial Dog Park is located within the well-known Centennial Park, made famous by Nashville’s very own Parthenon replica. The dog park is open dawn to dusk, and offers a fenced-in area for off-leash play. There is a separate area for small dogs. Address: 2500 West End Avenue, Nashville, TN 37203
Warner Dog Park is located in Edwin Warner Park—part of Nashville’s expansive Warner Parks—and offers a fenced-in, off-leash play area for dogs. The area is well shaded and has a pet-friendly water fountain. Address: Edwin Warner Park, 50 Vaughn Road, Nashville, TN 37221
The Gulch Dog Park is the neighborhood’s first public dog park, with areas to play and find community. The area includes 2 fenced-in sections to divide small and large breeds. The park is open daily from 7 a.m. to 1o p.m. Address: 1216 Pine Street, Nashville, TN 37203
Shelby Dog Park is located in East Nashville, behind the Shelby Park Community Center and near the popular Shelby Bottoms Greenway. Open dawn to dusk, the dog area is fenced-in, double-gated, and has plenty of room for off-leash play. There’s also an on-site dog water fountain and waste bag dispensers. Address: Shelby Avenue South, 20th Street, Nashville, TN 37206
Fair Park Dog Park is a popular destination for pups, complete with Astro-turf play areas, agility tires, and water stations. The park is split into 2 sections in order to better accommodate active and shy dogs. It’s open from dusk to dawn and is located conveniently close to downtown. Address: 300 Raines Avenue, Nashville, TN 37203
Riverfront Dog Park at Ascend is situated downtown, adjacent to the Cumberland River and Ascend Amphitheater. The dog park includes a fenced-in area with eco-friendly turf, water fountains, and waste bags if needed. The park is open from sunrise until 11 p.m. Address: 200 1st Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37201
Percy Priest Dam Dog Park is in close proximity to Percy Priest Lake. The fenced-in dog park is open dawn to dusk, and has plenty of space for play, a water fountain, and waste bags, alongside benches and picnic tables. Address: 3778 Bell Road, Nashville, Tennessee, 37214
Two Rivers Dog Park is located off of McGavock Pike and has plenty of wide open space for dogs to play. Open dawn to dusk, the park has a wooded area for shade, a walking track, and a 2-part gate to ensure the safety of your pets. Address: 3150 McGavock Pike, Nashville, TN 37214
Frankie Pierce Dog Park is located near the state building, and is part of the largest green space in Downtown Nashville, Frankie Pierce Park. The dog park is open from sunrise to 11 p.m. and offers a fenced-in play space with a paved walkway and artificial grass. Address: 130 Lifeway Plaza, Nashville, TN 37203
Other great places to take your dog for a walk in Nashville include Radnor Lake State Park, which offers Otter Creek Road, a 1.05 mile, paved loop around the lake (Keep in mind that Otter Creek Road is currently under constriction), and Percy Warner Park, part of one the largest municipally administered parks in the state, Warner Parks. Alongside its hiking trails, Percy Warner also happens to be the site of the annual Iroquois Steeplechase, Nashville’s Rite of Spring. Other popular recreational spots where dogs are welcome include Sevier Park on 12 South and Shelby Bottoms Greenway, which runs along the Cumberland River.
Scout’s Pub: Photo courtesy of Amy Whidby
Pet-Friendly Restaurants & Bars in Nashville
Music City’s culinary landscape is vast and exciting, with plenty of opportunities to try something new. Among a variety of dining choices, Nashville is most well-known for its Southern cuisine, in particular its barbeque and Nashville hot chicken. While these dishes might not be on the menu for your dog, there are several places around the city that are more than happy to accommodate pets—and their owners—when dining out. Please keep in mind that, per restaurant law, most dining spaces require pets to be leashed and do not allow pets indoors unless they are service animals.
Scout’s Pub is a favorite in both Franklin and Nashville, and is especially welcoming to furry friends. Not only are their patios dog-friendly, they also have a menu just for pups. The Good Dog Menu features crowd-favorites like grilled chicken, beef, bacon, and more.
SuperNormal is a new addition in the heart of the Sylvan Park neighborhood, featuring creative twists on casual, All-American eats including burgers, hotdogs, and more. The retro-style outdoor patio includes a pet-friendly turf lawn, perfect for the whole family.
Germantown Café is a neighborhood favorite for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a menu full of beloved Southern classics. Pups are welcome to join in the fun on the café’s outdoor patio. Park Cafe, another Nashville staple, is owned by the same hospitality group, Up Hospitality. The cafe has a similarly dog-friendly policy on their outdoor patio. Up Hospitality also operates Brentwood’s Karrington Rowe, which opened in January of 2025.
Redheaded Stranger is a neighborhood taco spot in East Nashville whose menu features fresh brisket, tacos, margaritas, and other Southwestern favorites with a Nashville twist. Their outdoor dining area is a fun and vibrant space that wouldn’t dare leave your dog out of the fun.
Sunflower Cafe is one of Nashville’s top vegan and vegetarian restaurants. Their extensive, plant-based menu is perfect for those with dietary restrictions or food allergies. Dogs are allowed on the outdoor patio, but please keep in mind that they cannot accompany their owners indoors to order.
Hunter’s Station is East Nashville’s premier food hall, featuring a variety of local dining options including Hugh Baby’s, Music City Gyros, Turmeric & Co, everbowl, Vui’s Kitchen, and Radish. The eclectic, casual spot has plenty of outdoor seating on their dog friendly patio. There is also dedicated parking for the food hall.
Von Elrod’s Beer Hall & Kitchen is a popular local beer garden located in Germantown. Von Elrod’s serves up quality sausage, pretzels, and other German-inspired food alongside a world-class selection of beer. Dogs are extremely welcome in their expansive outdoor section.
Edley’s Bar-B-Que is one of the go-to spots for Nashville-style barbeque, with several locations across our region. The restaurant locations in the Nashville neighborhoods of Sylvan Park and 12 South are particularly dog-friendly, with room for everyone on their covered, outdoor patios.
Waldo’s Chicken & Beer simply serves up fantastic rotisserie and fried chicken and a selection of of local, regional, and imported beers, with no less than 7 locations across Nashville and Williamson County. Alongside dog-friendly patios across locations, Waldo’s Chicken & Beer Germantown will celebrate National Dog Month with a special “Yappy Hour” (treats included) hosted August 1st from 4-7 p.m.pm. A percentage of yappy hour sales will be donated to Crossroads Pets, an organization whose mission is to transform the lives of both people and pets facing hardship.
Yappy Hour: Waldo’s Chicken & Beer
If you’re grabbing a casual drink or planning a night out on the town, Nashville is the place to be. While you’ll definitely want to leave your pup at home if you’re planning a Broadway bar crawl, there are several great places to enjoy a beverage that welcome pups—though they should probably stick to water.
Sandbar Nashville brings the beach to Music City, complete with fruity beverages and sand volleyball courts. Alongside volleyball games, recreational leagues, and human-centric events, Sandbar also hosts Dog Paw-ties (cake included) to celebrate your pet, as well as regular dog meet-ups from spring to fall.
Urban Dog Bar not only welcomes dogs, it’s built around them. Located in The Nations neighborhood, Urban Dog Bar is an off-leash dog park and a bar wrapped into one. Keep in mind that, while humans enter free (with a signed waiver), canine guests require a daily, monthly, or annual pass, available for purchase via the Urban Dog Bar Mobile App.
Diskin Cider is Nashville’s first and only craft cidery, dedicated to creating authentic, locally crafted cider and a laid-back place to gather. The cidery is located in the Wedgewood-Houston area of Nashville, and their patio is extremely dog-friendly.
Love & Exile is a bar, venue, and winery located in East Nashville in what was once an abandoned car garage. The winery, which also has an impressive food and cocktail menu, welcomes dogs on their outside patio, which features plenty of seating and a fire pit.
Pancho & Lefty’s Cantina is a Nashville favorite for Mexican food, serving incredible “NashMex” cuisine and their signature margaritas have been voted #1 in the city. Their Sylvan Park location has a pet-friendly outdoor patio.
The Treehouse Nashville in East Nashville is an All-American eatery and bar with a revolving farm-to-table menu, craft cocktails, and an atmosphere that speaks for itself. Dogs are more than welcome on their outdoor, tree-house inspired deck.
Tailgate Brewery is an independently owned brewery, serving great beer and pizza, with over 30 taps and a variety of menu items to choose from. Dogs are welcome at all Tailgate Brewery locations (there are 5 in Nashville). The brewery also offers a special Mutt Club Membership for 4-legged regulars.
Fat Bottom Brewing Co. prides itself on serving Nashvillians simple, quality craft beer. Their taproom has a community-centered patio and beer garden where they host weekly events and specials, and your dog is more than welcome to join in on the fun.
Jackalope Brewing Company was the first Nashville craft brewery to can its beer, which is now distributed across 43 states. The bar at Jackalope Brewing, nicknamed “The Ranch,” offers great brews, live music, sports viewing, and a dog-friendly patio in the Wedgewood-Houston area.
Neighbors of Sylvan Park is the original location of the regional favorite. The sports bar is a great place to gather with friends and catch a game. The Sylvan Park location is especially dog-friendly, with an outdoor patio that welcomes pups.
For an expanded list of dog-friendly dining spots, check out 30 Restaurants With Dog-Friendly Patios and Delicious Fare in Franklin & Nashville, Tennessee.
Dog-Centric Events in Nashville
There’s no question that Nashville is a fun, lively place to visit or to call home. There is always something to do, no matter what kind of day or evening you plan on having. Don’t leave your pups out of the fun! There are several local events that cater to pet-owners, in hopes that Nashville’s canine population shows up for a good hang.
Dog Nights of Summer at Cheekwood are hosted on Thursdays during the month of August, offering a summer night out for the whole family. Alongside dedicated drink stations for your pets, local vendors will offer dog treats, apparel, and more. The events are ticketed and take place from 5-9 p.m. Additionally, though this year’s event has passed, Dogs & Dog Woods at Cheekwood is a weekend-long event that welcomes dogs to the Cheekwood grounds for an Arbor Day celebration. The 2025 event took place on April 26-27th, 2025.
Pooch Pool Party at Nashville Shores is a dog only swim party that will take place on September 27th, 2025 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. A percentage of ticket sales will be donated to New Leash on Life of Middle Tennessee, a non-profit and animal rescue dedicated to the welfare of companion animals.
Nashville Humane Association’s Dog Day Festival will be held October 18th, 2025. More information about Dog Day will be available closer to the event. In the meantime, you can keep up to date with event and general information about the Nashville Humane Association via their social media.
Nashville Pups & Pints is a beer festival that welcomes both dogs and their owners. The Howl-o-ween Fest includes food, vendors, a beer garden, play areas, and a costume contest. The event takes place on October 25th, 2025 at the Yard at OneC1ty from 12-4 p.m. Admission is free!
Movement Lounge By Yoga Muttz is a Nashville studio offering regular yoga and aerial classes. In support of the studio’s mission to serve local shelters and rescues, they regularly host yoga classes with senior and shelter dogs. To date, their classes and events have raised over $20,000 in support of animal rescue in Nashville.
An adoption event will be hosted on August 1st from 4-6 p.m. at at The Restaurant at W Nashville. The event takes place on-site at the restaurant’s pet-friendly patio and will support the Nashville Humane Associate with a happy hour adoption event, helping local fosters find a home. If you’re looking to provide a loving home for a new pet this summer, find more adoption information here: Tennessee Whiskey Trail Hosts Dog Adoptions and Community Drives This August.
Music City Mutts
August is National Dog Month, and our pets deserve all the attention. Come celebrate man’s best friend in Music City! No matter what month it is, dogs make our lives sweeter. Having communal spaces that welcome both you and your pet encourages an active, social lifestyle for pet owners and their beloved canines, making it easy to build the best possible life for both you and your pet right here in Middle Tennessee.
Although Nashville is without a doubt a big city, living an urban life (even for the weekend) doesn’t mean you have to give up the joy of having a pet. With so many accommodating spaces and resources available in each area of the city, there is ample opportunity to take good care of your pet while experiencing all that Music City has to offer.
If you’re curious about pet-friendly spaces here in Franklin and Williamson County, check out Dog-friendly Franklin, TN: A Pet Owner’s Guide to Local Places, Parks, and Resources. For more local, family-oriented fun that can accommodate both the kids and the dogs, be sure to check out the incredible Family-Friendly Outdoor Activites in Williamson County. Whatever adventures you decide to embark on, take every opportunity for the whole family to be together, pup included!
