When temps aren’t as hot as the sun or as cold as an Alaskan winter, casual patios and walking trails are just waiting to be explored by you and your pup.
Here are 7 pet-friendly places to take your dog in Dallas.
7. Visit the Dallas Farmers Market
Dogs are welcome in the open-air Shed and on the Market patios of the Dallas Farmers Market, so grab your leash and head on over. The Market Shops are open daily and are where you will find specialty foods, restaurants, and vendors. This is a great space to relax with your pup while you’re enjoying lunch.
If you’re looking for seasonal produce and ingredients for a homemade dinner after a long day, wait until Saturday or Sunday to visit The Shed. Farmers and ranchers descend upon this space on the weekends to sell locally grown and produced food from the region.
During the summer months, the interior of The Shed has misters and ceiling fans to keep temperatures comfortable. Bring along a water bowl and waste bags for your pup and keep an eye out for vendors selling organic dog treats. You might find a new favorite snack for your good boy!
6. Explore the Bishop Arts District
Dallas is known for its distinct neighborhoods, each with its own vibe. Bishop Arts District was once the site of one of Dallas’ busiest trolley stops. Today it is the home to art galleries, boutiques, restaurants, and coffee shops. Billed as “Dallas’ Most Independent Neighborhood,” Bishop Arts is a fun mix of Dallas history and modern local art.
While your dog may not be welcome inside all the galleries in Bishop Arts, the neighborhood features cool and colorful murals on almost every street that will capture your attention and make a visit to the area worthwhile. Have your good dog sit and stay while they pose for an Instagram pic in front of your favorites.
Stop at the dog-friendly patio at Paradiso or Tejas restaurants when you need a break and watch the world go by.
5. Enjoy Klyde Warren Park
In the middle of Downtown Dallas sits one of the most popular parks in the region, Klyde Warren Park. Tucked into the 5 acres of green space are a butterfly garden, children’s park, and a rotating offering of food trucks serving anything from ice cream to pizza to salad assortments.
When your dog is ready to run, check out My Best Friend’s Park on the corner of Pearl Street and Woodall Rogers Freeway. Let your dog meet new friends in this shady fenced-in spot at Klyde Warren.
4. Check Out White Rock Lake
One of the most used parks in Dallas is White Rock Lake, 5 miles northeast of Downtown. Along the shore is a 9.4-mile paved trail that is perfect for a long walk with your dog. Use proper trail etiquette and stay to the right so runners and cyclists can pass by safely.
White Rock Lake Dog Park is doggy heaven, with 2 acres of fenced area for large dogs and 1 acre for small pups. Each side has plenty of drinking stations to keep your dog hydrated and ready to play for hours. If they’re feeling adventurous, there’s even a dog launching site for them to take a dip in the lake.
3. Hit the Katy Trail (and the Ice house)
Another terrific trail in the heart of Dallas is the 3.5-mile Katy Trail. This tree-lined path will take you from Downtown to Uptown yet make you feel like you’re far outside the city. What was once the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad (MKT) is now a gorgeous greenbelt maintained by Friends of the Katy Trail.
The Katy Trail Ice House is a super fun restaurant and beer garden that sits adjacent to the trail. Relax with your dog at one of the laid-back picnic tables and chow down on some of the best Texas BBQ you’ll ever have. Oh, and don’t sleep on the drinks here. D Magazine ranked Katy Ice House one of the best beer gardens with Dallas’ best margarita!
2. Go Fish!
Nearly 60 lakes and reservoirs surround the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, so it’s no wonder fishing is a popular pastime in North Texas. There’s nothing like cruising a big lake in a pontoon boat with your dog next to you in the captain’s chair. Most boat rental companies allow dogs on board. You’ll need to protect the boat by covering your pup’s paws with booties and protect your dog with a fun and functional life vest.
If a full-sized boat isn’t your jam, head out on the water in a kayak with your doggy at the helm. He’ll love the new perspective from the water and might even help you catch a release a fish or two.
1. Rest and Relax at the Joule
Whether you’re looking for a staycation accommodation or are an out-of-town guest, The Joule Hotel is a destination that you and your dog won’t soon forget. This unique boutique hotel’s Gothic architecture makes a statement in the heart of Downtown Dallas.
Be sure to review their pet policies and get familiar with the Main Street Garden Dog Park, conveniently just two blocks away for those early-morning potty breaks.
You’ll be grateful for a relaxing place to snuggle up with your four-legged companion after a long day exploring the Big D.
