Top Dog Spots in Seattle

Dog-Friendly Guide to Seattle: Best Dog-Friendly Activities in Seattle

Is Seattle a dog-friendly city? You bet it is. There are so many fun dog-friendly activities in Seattle, you will run out of energy long before you run out of things to do with your dog. This dog-friendly guide to Seattle has everything you need to enjoy the Emerald City with your favorite pooch.  

7 Best Dog-Friendly Activities in Seattle

There are hundreds of dog-friendly places in Seattle where dog-owners are encouraged to bring their puppies. Here are the best dog-friendly activities to do with your dog in Seattle the next time you're in town.

Dog-Friendly Hiking in Seattle

From the coast to the mountains, there are countless hiking options to enjoy with your dog in the Seattle area. Here we've listed some of our favorites.

• Sugarloaf and Mount Erie Loop Trail - Just outside of Anacortes sits one of the prettier, more nicely groomed hikes in Washington. Mount Erie isn't particularly hard, but it contains some steep elevation points that will make you feel the burn. The reward at the top is spectacular, featuring some of the best views of the San Juan Islands that both you and your pup can take in once you reach the lookout.
• Discovery Park - Magnolia's Discovery Park is the largest park in the city, and unlike most of the other trails on the list, it’s relatively unpopulated. The massive grounds give way to wild grass clearings, thorny blackberry bushes, and sweeping views overlooking the Puget Sound.  
• Washington Park Arboretum - Seattle's own version of a Central Park, the Washington Park Arboretum might be the closest thing we have in terms of a wide open, natural habitat nestled right in the city. A sprawling wetland that boasts one of the most diverse plant habitats in the country, it's also a wonderful place to spend time with your pup.
• Coal Creek Trail - Just across Lake Washington on the east side of Newcastle is a casual, enjoyable trail on Cougar Mountain. The Coal Creek Trail name refers to the area's coal mining industry in the 1800s, and you can still see some of the mine shafts and even some steel carts if you poke around enough. 
• Heather Lake Trail - A pristine, picturesque lake that’s also conveniently close to the city, Heather Lake can be a challenge for the uninitiated. But if you can make your way through the 4.2 miles and more-than-1100-foot elevation, the reward is well worth the trip.
• Rattlesnake Ledge - Rattlesnake Ledge is one of the Seattle area’s favorite daytime hikes, as evidenced by the scores of hikers of all shapes, sizes, and age groups on the trail. The switchbacks are moderately challenging, yet short enough that doggies of pretty much any size can make it up with little issues.
• Lake Twenty-Two Trail - One of the prettier hikes on the list, Lake Twenty-Two is perched above an old growth forest adjacent to Mount Pilchuck. Once you reach the top, you'll find a tranquil, serene lake where you and your dog can be one with nature.
• Mount Si Trail - Mount Si is not for the faint-hearted; 7.1 miles and 3,200-foot elevation is nothing to sneeze at. It's difficult, but a mostly shaded forest should keep you and your pal cool on a hot summer day. If you decide to brave it, bring lots of water and a highly active dog that could use the extra energy burn.
• Twin Falls - Twin Falls is a breezy, family-friendly hike if you’re looking for something chill and nothing super strenuous. A short drive takes you just past North Bend, and the 3.6-mile hike is a pleasant stroll past rivers, switchbacks, and cascading waterfalls.
• Franklin Falls Trailhead - A brief but rewarding hike with little elevation, Franklin Falls is a nice, quick destination situated right off of I-90 in the Snoqualmie area. The trail is fairly easy, so your dog likely won't have any issues with it, particularly in the summertime.

Dog Beaches and Dog-Friendly Swimming in Seattle

The Seattle area is blessed with great dog-friendly beaches and swimming. Here are five tail-wagging off-leash beach options where your dog can let their fur down within thirty minutes of Seattle. Remember that off-leash play requires your dog to be friendly, under your control, and within sight.

• Magnuson Park - Magnuson Park, located in the Sand Point neighborhood in northeast Seattle along the shore of Lake Washington, has the largest off-leash area in the city. Almost nine acres of fully fenced land includes walking trails, a spacious flat play area, a water station, and a special section for small and shy dogs.
• Fort Ebey State Park - Fort Ebey State Park is just southwest of Oak Harbor on the island’s western shoreline. The park’s 645 acres include two miles of spectacularly beautiful saltwater beach where dogs are allowed on leashes. The inland portion of the park has 28 miles of hiking trails through wooded areas and along sea bluffs to explore with your canine companion.
• Fay Bainbridge State Park - A comfortable ferry ride takes you west across Elliot Bay in Puget Sound from Seattle to the city of Bainbridge Island, located on the eastern shore of its namesake island. Fay Bainbridge State Park is on the northeastern corner of the island less than 10 miles from vacation rentals in town.
• Ocean Shores Beach - The city of Ocean Shores lies on the coastline of the Pacific Ocean in western Washington State. The city faces a six-mile stretch of wide flat sandy beach. At the end of Taurus Boulevard in town is a Dog Beach where canine friends can run leash-free provided you keep them under control.
• Cape Disappointment State Park - The city of Ilwaco is at the southern end of Long Beach Peninsula in the southwestern corner of Washington State. Cape Disappointment State Park is at the southern side of the city and has 27 miles of beaches on the Pacific Ocean shoreline to the west and the Columbia River to the east. Dogs are allowed on the beaches as long as they are on leashes.

Best Places to Walk Your Dog in Seattle

There is no shortage of terrific walking spots in Seattle for you and your dog to enjoy. Here are the best places to walk your dog in Seattle.

• Kubota Garden - Visitors with pets enjoy bringing them to the Kubota Garden. This stunning 20-acre park and botanic garden, which features Japanese designs and native Northwest plants.
• The Center for Wooden Boats - Go on self-guided tours of Lake Union on one of the available wooden row-boats, located at the Center for Wooden Boats. Pets are welcome to join their owners as they walk around and even ride in the boats.
• Howarth Park - If you’re looking to take your dog to the beach, Howarth Park has a long beach area which has a generous amount of sand to run on during low tide. Dogs are allowed to run off-lease in the beach area, but they must be leashed in other parts.
• Green Lake Park - Green Lake Park is popular with visitors who want to go for a jog or stroll with their dogs. Many people enjoy picnicking on the grass with their pets and enjoying the natural scenery.
• Olympic Sculpture Park - The Olympic Sculpture Park was created by the Seattle Art Museum and includes a nine-acre outdoor sculpture museum and a beach. Admission to the park is free and dogs are welcome on leashes.
• Gas Works - Located on the site of the former Seattle Gas Light Company gasification plant, Gas Works Park is a unique and interesting place to bring dogs on leashes for a nice walk. In addition to great views and paved paths, occasionally you'll be lucky to find geese walking around.

Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Seattle

Seattle is home to some of the best food in the world. Fortunately for dog-owners, many of the restaurants in Seattle are also dog-friendly. These dog-friendly restaurants in Seattle all feature outdoor patios, or dog-friendly dining rooms, where dogs and diners alike can enjoy a delicious experience.

• Reckless Noodle House - Reckless Noodle House in the Central District serves everything from spicy braised beef cheek noodles to pastrami fried coconut rice with chili jam. And they just reopened their patio. Maybe if your dog is on their best behavior, you'll even sneak them a little hunk of rockfish.
• Super Six - Super Six has Hawaiian things like pancakes with macadamia nut butter, french fries topped with kalua pork, and eggs benedict with kimchi hollandaise. There are also bottomless mimosas - but your dog can't have any, even if they're 21 in dog years.
• Mean Sandwich - Go to Mean Sandwich, where the patio's nice and big for your dogs. The delicious deli creations come out really fast, and their “Buon Appetito” sandwich has enough delicious brined and fried chicken cutlet to tear a little shred off and “accidentally” drop it on the floor. 
• Can Bar - Whether you’re in the mood for a breakfast burrito and a hard cider or fish and chips with roasted jalapeño tartar, Can Bar is a great pub in White Center for a calm meal outside alongside your four-legged friend. Their patio has a bunch of spaced-out tables, a firepit, string lights, and our favorite piece of patio decor in Seattle - walls made out of different types of doors.
• Fiddler’s Inn - Fiddler’s Inn Pub has the best patio you probably didn’t know about. It’s really just a bunch of umbrella-covered picnic tables in a pleasant backyard, but your pup will love anywhere they can lick artichoke dip off of concrete. Not like you’d notice, on account of being occupied with a tasty plate of nachos.
• King's Hardware - If you're in the food for a solid cheeseburger, hot wings, maybe some waffle fries, and alcoholic slushies, Kings Hardware is the place. Their dog-friendly patio is a nice size, too.
• Chuck's Hop Shop - If you want to drink from a great selection of beer while getting your dog to socialize with someone other than Instacart delivery people, Chuck’s Hop Shop is a great idea. It’s part taphouse, and part convenience store where you can snack on gummy worms and chips while playing board games.
• Beer Star - Beer Star is pretty similar to Chuck’s, except instead of ice cream pints and Chex Mix, you can buy cheese, meats, and crackers to go with your beer. Better yet, your dog can chill near you and wait to see if you’re going to fling some salami across the picnic table. 

Dog-Friendly Attractions in Seattle 

Seattle is one of the most dog-friendly cities in the country. One reason why Seattle is so great is Pike’s Place market. The market itself does not allow dogs, but that shouldn’t stop you from taking in all the sights and smells of the harbor. 

• Ruff Lounge - House of Ruff is the perfect place to socialize both you and your dog. The “Indoor Canine Social Club” has a large, climate-controlled indoor dog park that’s ideal for that typical overcast Seattle weather. Their Ruff Lounge allows your dog to play, run, and socialize with other dogs while you have a beer. Ruff Lounge also hosts events like Sunday Sunrise Tacos and Seahawks game viewings. Just be sure to check out their requirements, like membership and behavior assessment. 
• Voff Bark & Brew - Greenwood’s Voff Bark & Brew is similar to Ruff Lounge, but better suited to visitors opposed to residents. For a small entrance fee, your pup can enjoy the huge yard to play in, equipped with pools to splash in and toys to chew. There’s beer on tap, wine, and cider to enjoy, as well as trivia nights and outdoor movies.  
• Bark Espresso - You may be able to tell from the name, but Northgate’s Bark Espresso is very dog-friendly. Come to Bark to curb your caffeine craving and grab a snack or pastry for yourself and a Pooch Latte for your pup. You can bring your pet inside, but there are two separate sections so pay attention to the dog-friendly seating. 
• Seattle Barkery Treat Truck - Your dog deserves a treat, too! Hunt down Seattle’s dog treat food truck, Barkery. Perhaps the cutest food truck I’ve ever seen, your pup can get all sorts of homemade goodies here, from cheesy donuts to ice cream sundaes. And don’t worry, there’s stuff for you, too (like specialty coffee drinks and pastries). 
• Dogtoberfest - Grab the pack and head to the annual Dogtoberfest in September! Seattle’s largest beer festival offers a dog-friendly day filled with 100 beers, steins, and chainsaw pumpkin carving. 

Dog-Friendly Shopping in Seattle 

Though it's up to each individual store whether you can bring your dog inside, dog-owners will find dozens of dog-friendly stores in Seattle. Here are just a few places to shop with your dog in Seattle.  

• Fremont Sunday Market - Walk around the various stalls and booths at the popular Fremont Sunday Market with your dog as you shop for an assortment of foods, antiques, produce and other goods. This year-round, European-style market is one of Seattle’s longest-running markets with more than 200 booths. The market is open rain or shine. 
• University Village Shopping Center - Enjoy this open-air, dog-friendly outdoor shopping area that is popular with locals and visitors alike. There are plenty of unique restaurants and shops, as well as good parking, a play area for kids, and a Starbucks. 

Dog-Friendly Wineries in Seattle 

Washington is home to world class wines. Unlike some restaurants, dogs are welcome inside the tasting rooms of many of these Washington Wineries. 

• Patterson Cellars - With tasting rooms in Woodinville, Leavenworth, and South Seattle, you’ve likely heard about Patterson Cellars. What you may not have known, however, is that all the locations are dog-friendly! Pups can visit the patios and tasting rooms, Drink away your worries while your dog looks on judgingly as she nibbles on provided treats and water. 
• Northwest Cellars - Just 15 minutes south of the wine capital of WA (Woodinville), Northwest Cellars in Kirkland is quietly doing great things. Despite having great wine in a dog-friendly patio and tasting room (leashed, of course please), they also allow visitors to purchase custom made labels for the wines you love 

Where to take Your dog in Seattle 

Our list of top dog spots in Seattle is getting pretty big, but we’ve hardly scratched the surface of all the fun things to do with your dog in Seattle. The following list of dog-friendly activities in Seattle includes pet-friendly hotels, the best Seattle dog parks, and dog-friendly day trips you can take with your furry friend.  

Dog-Friendly Hotels In Seattle 

Hospitality in Seattle extends to all visitors, especially canine guests. Hotels across the city are ready to pamper your pooch with a variety of amenities, from dog treats and toys to doggie daycare, special menus and even spa treatments. 

• The Maxwell Hotel - The Maxwell Hotel is a bright and funky, mid-range hotel situated at the base of Queen Anne Hill adjacent to the Seattle Centre and the iconic Space Needle. Bedrooms at the Seattle dog-friendly hotel are colorful and comfortable, and communal areas are decorated with specially commissioned murals and children artwork to give a fun and vibrant ambience. 
• Kimpton Hotel Monaco - This luxury boutique 4-star hotel is situated in downtown Seattle and is close to a wide variety of shops, restaurants, bars and attractions. The Kimpton Hotel Monaco Seattle offers funky interiors and whimsical styling, as well as bright, modern bedrooms with an arty twist. With a full-service restaurant and bar on site, two-legged visits are well catered for here. 
• Hotel Andra - A sophisticated and stylish, 4-star hotel, The Ändra Hotel offers a living room style lobby, laid-back dining and the relaxing feel of a true urban retreat. Bedrooms are beautifully appointed and guests can enjoy the very best of the central city location surrounding by sumptuous luxury. Four-legged guests are also welcome to join you for your stay, with up to two pets permitted per room. 
• Ace Hotel - Housed in a former maritime workers’ hotel in Belltown, the Ace Hotel offers unfussy, mid-range dog-friendly accommodation for hip and trendy visitors to the city. With hardwood floors and carefully curated works of arts, the Ace is an arty hotel with an urban vibe. Bedrooms are minimalist yet comfortable and your dog is welcome to join you in yours during your stay, and doggy essentials may be provided upon request. 
• Kimpton Palladian Hotel - Four-legged friends are welcome to join their owners for a stay at the Kimpton Palladian Hotel and they will be provided with cozy beds, dining bowls, special treats and a list of other pet-friendly businesses near the hotel, as well as plenty of fuss from the staff and other visitors. 
• Watertown Hotel - The Watertown Hotel is a mid-range hotel, located just a few steps from the University of Washington, and offers cool, contemporary styling with colorful motifs, bold feature walls and lots of uber cool furnishings. Bedrooms at the furry friend friendly Watertown Hotel are bright and airy and communal areas are dedicated to comfort and first-class design. 
• Motif Seattle - A sleek and funky hotel close to the Washington State Convention Centre, Motif Seattle offers polished dog-friendly Seattle accommodation in comfortable surroundings. Bedrooms have beautiful views out across the water or towards the mountains, and the hotel offers a trendy eatery and an extensive cocktail menu.  
• Hyatt House Seattle Downtown - Offering extended stay options for those looking to really get stuck into city living, the Hyatt House Seattle Downtown offers residential-style suites that are designed to offer a true home from home experience. With well-equipped kitchens, high-speed internet and separate bedrooms and living areas, these suites are just like renting your own apartment. Housebroken, well-behaved pets are welcome to join you during your stay for a small additional fee. 
• Sheraton Seattle Hotel - The 4-star Sheraton Seattle Hotel is a first class hotel offering luxury pet-friendly Seattle accommodation throughout. With bright, well-appointed bedrooms, an upscale eatery and busy bar as well as a fitness center and heated indoor lap pool, human visitors will find everything they need here. Doggie visitors are well catered for too with dog-friendly accommodation and free information about pet-friendly businesses and attractions close by.  
• Belltown Inn - This Seattle pooch-friendly accommodation is a beautifully appointed, mid-range guesthouse situated at the very heart of downtown Seattle. Close to the Space Needle, bars, restaurants, shops and other tourist attractions, the Belltown Inn offers well-presented guest rooms that all benefit from their own kitchenettes for your convenience. Dogs are welcome at the Belltown Inn, and they can enjoy join their owners for refreshments in the peace and quiet of the interior courtyard that offers various views out across the city. 

Best Dog Parks In Seattle 

There are so many dog parks in Seattle, it can be difficult to decide which one to go to bring your furry friend. Fortunately, we’ve listed the best dog parks in Seattle, including all the details you need to plan a visit. 

• Northacres Off-Leash Dog Area - The Northacres off-leash area contains .7 acres of open spaces, trails, shade, and trees. It can get fairly muddy, so make sure you’re okay with that or come prepared. 
• Golden Gardens Park - Golden Garden Park’s off-leash area is large enough for dogs to run and includes multiple watering stations. The separate small dog station provides a place for the little guys to run around safely. A nice bonus is to walk the trail that connects the dog park to the beach, although dogs technically aren’t allowed in public swim areas in Seattle parks. 
• Warren G. Magnuson Park off-leash area - Magnuson Park’s off-leash area is the largest—and arguably the most widely used—one in Seattle. The nine-acre park is also the only Seattle off-leash spot with water access. 
• Woodland Park off-leash area - The enclosed area at the Woodland Park off leash area isn’t the biggest, but the hilly spot means plenty of chances for exercise. There’s water up top and toys down below. A post-play walk around the park makes for a nice wind-down as well. It can get a little crazy during “rush hour.” 
• Magnolia Manor Park - In 1995, the Magnolia Reservoir was replaced and surrounded with a chain link fence. Part of the remaining space now functions as a 21,000-square-foot off leash-area with a “chuck it” game zone and dog drinking fountain. 
• Regrade Dog Park - The Regrade Dog Park off-leash area is right in the heart of Belltown. Double “airlock”-style gates at each entrance to ensure your dog’s safety from traffic outside. Maybe not the most greenery-filled of the dog parks, but it gets the job done. 
• Dr. Jose Rizal Park - Just south of downtown on the north end of Beacon Hill, you’ll find Dr. Jose Rizal Park with spectacular views of Puget Sound and the Seattle skyline, plus a gated off-leash area. Fresh water is available for pooches and you can walk trails with them if you get bored. 
• Blue Dog Pond - Blue Dog Pond park is a wide, rectangular field perfect for throwing balls with grassy side slopes that your dog can run up and down. Keep an eye out for the giant reposing “blue dog” statue at the entrance. Heads up: It can get muddy during the rainy season. 
• Genesee Dog Park - Located in Southeast Seattle just west of Seward Park on Lake Washington, the Genesee off-leash area is two and a half acres and is completely fenced with two double-gated entrances. The center two acres of the off-leash area are covered in gravel, which makes it mud-free in the winter. The park also features a doggie drinking fountain. 
• Westcrest Park off-leash area - Westcrest Park contains roughly four acres and features open spaces and paths, a doggie drinking fountain, shade, trees and lots of open space. A special, separated area for small and shy dogs is located on the southwest side of the main off-leash area, and both areas have a special little hiking trail (also off-leash!) just for canines and their people. 

Dog-Friendly Day Trips from Seattle 

Would you like to see more of Washington? There’s no reason to leave your best friend behind on these dog-friendly day trips from Seattle.

• Bellingham - Known for its magnificent scenery and abundant outdoor recreational opportunities, Bellingham is the northernmost city in the contiguous United States and has a population of more than 50,000. Popular summer activities include fishing, hiking, and golfing, while winter visitors can ski at Mt. Baker or check out the many museums and galleries that Bellingham has to offer. 
• Bainbridge Island - Bainbridge Island is a small town located in the heart of Puget Sound. With backdrops of the Cascade Mountain Range, the Olympic Peninsula, and Mount Rainier, Bainbridge offers picturesque views of the surrounding area in addition to its own natural beauty. 
• Mount Rainier National Park - Established in 1899, Mount Rainier National Park encompasses 236,381 acres, including Mount Rainier itself. At 14,410 feet above sea level, the active volcano is home to more glaciers than any other peak in the continuous United States and is one of the most famous landmarks in Washington.

Dog-Friendly Guide to Seattle: Frequently Asked Questions 

With so many dog-friendly things to do in Seattle, you’re bound to have a few questions. We do our best to answer them here. Please let us know in the comments if we missed any, or if you know of any dog-friendly places in Seattle that we missed.  

• Is Pike Place Market Dog friendly? Pets are not allowed in Market buildings, including the Main Arcade. Only trained service animals are permitted within Market buildings. 
• Can dogs ride Seattle light rail? All dogs that are not service animals must be on leash. Dogs are not allowed to occupy seats; they must remain either on the floor or sit on their owners lap. Small dogs who remain on their owner's lap ride for free. All other dogs pay the base fare (or reduced fare) paid by the customer accompanying the dog. 
• Where Can I Buy Puppies For Sale In Washington? If you live in Seattle and you’re looking for a puppy for sale, the best place to go is PuppySpot. Contact them today to connect with your very own Puppy Concierge, who will help you find your new best friend, or you can search by breed and take our Breed Match Quiz to find the perfect furry companion. Don’t forget to share your Wet Nose Moments on social media using #PuppySpot.