Dog-Friendly Things To Do in Atlanta

By Crusoe the Celebrity Dachshund

Published February 25, 2016
Last Updated November 4, 2021

Crusoe the Celebrity Dachshund here, reporting with a guest post after my dog-friendly tour of Atlanta with the Discover Atlanta team. Now I’d like to share with you some of the best dog-friendly things to do in the city from my firsthand “firstpaw” experience while in Atlanta for my 2015 book tour. And let me start by telling you that I was quite impressed with all the options on things to do with your dog here, from beautiful parks to lovely trails to some pretty unique landmarks.

Updated August 2021: Check out the latest more things to do with pets – even cats.

Piedmont Park and Piedmont Park Dog Park

Piedmont Park is much bigger in real life than on a map, let me tell you that. But what a truly beautiful park it is, with pathways all around, little lakes, rolling grass hills, tall trees and dog parks. On the first day of my visit to Atlanta, I went for a pleasant stroll through the park with Mum and Dad. We found a nice little spot overlooking a lake with the Atlanta city skyline reflecting over the water. Wow, how’s that for a first impression? As we continued on, we found the dedicated dog park where pups can run around in an enclosed area off leash. Now let me tell you, a city is never truly dog-friendly if it doesn’t have separate enclosures for small dogs and big dogs. So I was happy to see that Piedmont Park did have the two, because, between me and you, big dogs scare me a bit.

Neighborhood: Midtown

Centennial Olympic Park

Right downtown is the wide open expanse of Centennial Olympic Park with some cool attractions, including a Ferris wheel and a monument commemorating the birthplace of Coca-Cola. So, of course, this was a natural setting for a #selfie.

Neighborhood: Downtown

Atlanta BeltLine

If you’re looking to go for a nice Sunday stroll, a morning jog, an evening bike ride or just a nice place to walk the dog, the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail is a wonderful paved trail that cuts its way through several neighborhoods and adjoins Piedmont Park with the lower Inman Park. I started at the lower part by Inman Park. There’s so much to see along the way that it makes it a very visually stimulating experience, what with all the sculptures, artistic graffiti, little parks that branch off of it, gardens, historic buildings and more. Along the way, I found a little skateboard park, nice wall paintings, a little butterfly house and, leading into my next locale, Old Fourth Ward Park.

Neighborhood: Inman Park and Old Fourth Ward

Old Fourth Ward Park

There’s a little pathway that branches off of the East BeltLine Trail that will lead you right to this little tucked-away gem. Old Fourth Ward Park features incredibly designed ponds, fountains and waterfalls with a floating walkway that encircles the park. I’m quite happy we decided to come visit.

Neighborhood: Old Fourth Ward Park

Cool Atlanta Landmarks

The Krog Street Tunnel was like something I’d never seen before ― a deep, dark tunnel bridging two neighborhoods with every square inch covered in street art. But don’t get it twisted, this is one entire piece of art. I wanted to be part of it though, so I had to add my touch (a paw print). It was also here that I stumbled across one of Atlanta’s notorious “tiny doors.” Supposedly they’re hard to find, but when they’re at your own eye-level, it’s not so difficult. Another must-see landmark in Atlanta ― especially for anyone into photography, is the Jackson Street Bridge. Here you get a perfect-as-can-be view of the city directly over the highway. Try coming in early morning or evening for cool lighting.

Neighborhood: Inman Park/Cabbagetown and Old Fourth Ward

Buckhead Village District

I mentioned the Shops of Buckhead (Buckhead Village District) Atlanta in my previous post while touching on dog-friendly restaurants in Atlanta, but this is also a cool place to bring your pup. Many of these high-end fashion stores allow dogs inside (even if they aren’t celebrities like me). I’m quite the high-ticket item myself, so as a joke I decided to pose in a window display as Mum walked by outside, making her wonder, “Hey, how much is that doggie in the window?”

Neighborhood: Buckhead

Crusoe is an author, guest blogger and renowned Celebrity Dachshund who travels the world seeking adventure, fancy shopping, great street art and an active outdoor lifestyle.