The Ultimate Dog-Friendly Guide to Winston-Salem
Unleash the good times at these dog-friendly spots in Winston-Salem, including hotels, patios, hiking trails, and more.
Winston-Salem isn't just a human-friendly city — it's a haven for man's best friend. In fact, Winston-Salem was recently named one of the most pet-friendly cities in America, making it an ideal escape for you and your pooch. The following guide has everything you need to know for a dog-gone good time in Winston-Salem, including the best places to eat, drink, play, and stay the night.
WHERE TO STAY
While there are dozens of pet-friendly hotels in Winston-Salem, a few places are truly top dogs. It starts with Kimpton Cardinal Hotel, which welcomes pets of all shapes and sizes for no additional fees. Amenities like cozy pet beds, food and water bowls, welcome treats, and even a pet concierge service ensure your dog's stay is as comfortable as yours. The hotel’s central location makes it easy to explore the city’s other pet-friendly spots (although it's worth noting the closest grassy area is a block or two away). As a bonus, pets are welcome to tag along during the complimentary wine hour in the lounge or join you on the patio at The Katharine, Kimpton's onsite restaurant.
Like the Kimpton, Hotel Indigo is known for its chic style, prime location, and pet-friendliness with no restrictions on breed or size. For a one-time $25 fee, you can bring up to two pets (dogs or cats) with you. In addition to amenities like dog bowls and comfy beds, Indigo offers complimentary pet treats upon arrival and plenty of walking areas to explore nearby.
Graylyn, a stunning estate-turned-hotel just minutes from downtown, welcomes dogs of any size for an additional $100 pet fee (max two dogs). The beautiful grounds and walking paths offer plenty of space for your dog to explore, while pet-friendly hotspots such as Reynolda Gardens are a short walk away. One important thing to note: pet-friendly rooms are limited at Graylyn, so you'll want to book your trip well in advance. Guests with pets are advised to call 877-411-3436 prior to booking to verify availability of a pet-friendly room.
Some other popular dog-friendly hotels downtown include the Hawthorne Inn and the Marriott Hotel. Outside of downtown, you'll find a cluster of dog-friendly accommodations in the Hanes Mall area, including SpringHill Suites, Fairfield Inn & Suites, and Hampton Inn Hanes Mall. Each of these hotels were rated 4.5 stars or higher on the website BringFido.com with a minimum of three reviews yet only allow small pets. (Kimpton, Indigo, and Graylyn have no size restrictions.)
WHERE TO DRINK
Pubs and pups are practically synonymous in Winston-Salem, with nearly all of the city's breweries and bars welcoming dogs with open arms. However, if there's a standout option, it's Tucker's Tap Yard — the city's only dog park bar. Located in the Industry Hill area of downtown, Tucker's offers a full bar menu and over 12,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor play areas, making it a perfect place for humans and pups to socialize. Dog owners need to register their pups before arriving, but all of it can be quickly done online. For peace of mind, we can personally attest that the friendly staff here go out of their way to keep things safe and fun, constantly roaming the grounds and monitoring the action. (If anyone is too aggressive, they're removed.)
You can go on a paw crawl with your pup downtown, as nearly all of the city’s 10 breweries are pet-friendly inside and outside. Favorites include Incendiary Brewing in the bustling Innovation Quarter area, which features a vast, enclosed courtyard area (the Coal Pit), giving you plenty of seating options. (As a bonus, Incendiary is next to Bailey Park, one of the most pet-friendly green spaces downtown.) Wise Man Brewing allows dogs inside and outside on their multiple patio spaces and often provides water bowls and treats for pups. Joymongers, just outside downtown in the West End area, features ample indoor/outdoor space and dog-friendly events throughout the year. It's also adjacent to Hanes Park, a fantastic place to take your dog for a stroll.
Some other dog-friendly bars and breweries downtown include Fiddlin’ Fish Beer Co., Lesser-Known Beer Co., Hoots Beer Co., Radar Brewing, Single Brothers, Fair Witness, Recreation Billiards, ROAR, and Dogwood Hops and Crops. Outside of downtown, some popular spots include Foothills Brewing Taproom, Brouwerij DuBois, Juggheads Growlers & Pints, and Easy Tiger Beer Garden.
WHERE TO EAT
Don’t leave your furry friend behind when it's time to refuel – many popular restaurants in Winston-Salem feature dog-friendly patios. But before we dig in, there are a few things to keep in mind: Health regulations mean no doggy dining indoors, but no laws restrict leashed pets in outside dining areas. However, each restaurant has its own policy on furry guests, so it's always a good idea to call ahead to confirm Fido can join the fun.
Quiet Pint Tavern is among our favorite dog-friendly restaurants. Located a mile from downtown near Baptist Medical Center, Quiet Pint features a fully enclosed patio with overhead fans and space heaters in the winter, making it a great spot to visit year-round. As a bonus, the staff always seems to go out of their way to make our pups feel welcome, giving them complimentary water bowls along with plenty of unsolicited attention. Another popular spot is East of Texas, which opened in 2023 a mile south of downtown. In addition to delicious food, the restaurant's unique open indoor-outdoor space features multiple patios, tons of grassy space, and easy parking.
Some other popular dog-friendly restaurants in the greater downtown area include Cin Cin Burger Bar, Cugino Forno Pizzeria, East of Texas, Finnigan’s Wake, The Porch Kitchen & Cantina, Sixth & Vine, and Small Batch Beer Co. (There are plenty of other great dog-friendly options in town; these are just a few we've personally visited with our pup and can 100% recommend.)
WHERE TO CAFFEINATE
Just need a quick pick-me-up? Our favorite spot for a coffee break is West Salem Public House, a coffee shop by day and neighborhood pub by night. Tucked just south of downtown near East of Texas, West Salem Public House is among the few coffee shops allowing pups inside. But the real draw here is the hidden grass space/patio area outback, an ideal spot to relax while your dog burns off some energy.
Other coffee shops in the downtown area that allow pups inside and out include Anchor Coffee, Bitty and Beau's, BYGood Coffee, DeBeen Espresso, Lot 63 in Old Salem, and SaySo Coffee.
Several popular bakeries in town have ultra-dog-friendly patios, including Camino Bakery, Louie & Honey and Bobby Boy Bakeshop, the latter of which even features a small dog park play area.
WHERE TO GET OUTDOORS
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Winston-Salem is a haven for dog lovers looking for outdoor adventures. Reynolda Gardens is a great starting point, offering 134 acres of picturesque views and open spaces. While dogs aren't allowed in the four-acre formal gardens, leashed dogs are more than welcome on the walking trails that meander the property, traveling through a mix of woodlands, wetlands, and rolling fields. Take the Reynolda Walking Trail (0.25 miles) that links Reynolda Village to the Wake Forest University campus for a quick walk. For a longer walk, take the Perimeter Trail (1.7 miles), which loops around the entire 130-acre estate. Afterward, head over to Reynolda Village for a bite to eat at a dog-friendly outdoor patio. (Dough-Joe's is our personal go-to.)
History buffs (human and canine alike) will love exploring Historic Bethabara Park, a 183-acre park and nature preserve. The park features archaeological ruins, historic gardens, a reconstructed village and fort, and miles of nature trails. The “anchor” trail is the 2.7-mile Bethabara Greenway, which provides access to the park’s other popular trails, including the Monarcas Creek Trail, Spring Flower Trail, God Acre’s Loop, and (our personal favorite) the Woodlands Loop Trail.
Salem Lake is the local go-to for running, biking, and dog walking. Just minutes from downtown, the park features a 7-mile greenway that loops around the lake shores, creating some incredible panoramas along the way. Near the dam area, the trail links up with the popular Salem Creek Greenway, a 5-mile mile trail that leads downtown. Salem Creek Greenway passes by several popular offshoot trails, including the Downtown Strollway and Long Branch Trail before ending at Washington Park, home to one of the most popular dog parks in town.
Feeling like an adventure beyond city limits? Make the short drive to Tanglewood Park, which sits 15 minutes west of downtown. You’ll find miles of paved and unpaved walking trails, including a popular 2.2-mile greenway loop near the front of the park, plus a fantastic dog park (Tanglewoof) with separate areas for large and small breeds. (Check out our Dog Park Guide for more on area dog parks.)
Want to take things up a notch? Head north 30 minutes to Pilot Mountain State Park, home to miles of dog-friendly hiking trails and spectacular views. (We personally like taking the Pilot Knob Trail, a moderate 0.8-mile loop that travels around the base of the park’s famed peak. From atop Pilot Mountain, you’ll see another popular hiking spot, Hanging Rock State Park, which is 40 minutes north of downtown. Along with excellent hiking trails, the park is home to several magnificent waterfalls. The standout is the Lower Cascades, which sits at the end of 0.7-mile trail and features a swimming hole/wading area where your pup can cool off. While the trail is primarily flat, it features steep stairs that descend to the waterfall, so make sure your pup is up for it before you venture out.
WHERE TO SHOP & SOCIALIZE
For some re-tale therapy, head to the Downtown Arts District, home to a smattering of dog-friendly shops, galleries, bars, and restaurants. Among the most popular stops is Mast General Store, which allows leashed dogs inside the shop and holds several dog-friendly events throughout the year. Be sure to have a quick stroll and photo session at Artivity Park, one of downtown's most Instagramable spots. Afterward stop in for a drink at Single Brother's, a dog-friendly oasis adjacent to Artivity Park. It's also worth noting that pups are also happily welcomed to ART Crush, the district's monthly block party held on the third Friday of the month.
Just outside downtown, Howlin' at the Moon Bakery specializes in all things delicious for dogs, from birthday cakes to daily treats. Located just outside downtown in the West End Mill Works complex, the bakery shop uses all-natural, human-grade ingredients. In addition to treats, it also stocks a number of dog-themed gifts and features a DIY dog wash area with an elevated, custom-built tub. (TIP: Call ahead to check on available bakery options and to place special and/or personalized orders.)
Want to catch a ballgame with your best friend by your side? The Winston-Salem Dash welcome leashed dogs to every Thursday home game at Truist Stadium as part of their "Pups in the Park" promo. Admission is $3 for dogs, with proceeds benefiting the Forsyth Humane Society. All pups who enter the stadium must provide a Pup Waiver form, which can be filled out online before arriving. Once you’ve entered, you and your pup are free to roam the concourse area, though most pet owners tend to hang around the grassy lawn and patio area behind the left field. Be sure to stick around after the game for Pups Run the Bases; when leashed, dogs can head to the field for a jog around the base paths.
Several bars in town also regularly hold dog-friendly events, including Foothills Tasting Room. The brewery holds “Yappy Hour” every Wednesday from 4-9 p.m. when its dog-themed beers are $1 off. The Forsyth Humane Society also holds regular meetups at local bars for dog owners as part of their "Paw Crawl" series. Check our online events calendar for more dog-friendly happenings while you’re in town.
Lastly, if you want to take home memories of your visit to Winston-Salem, let the pros at DesiLu Photography help. The husband-wife duo has photographed hundreds of dogs of all sizes and temperaments at their cottage in nearby Lewisville, NC, and they know all the tips and tricks for capturing special moments. To get started, just fill out a free consultation form on their website
Looking for a dog park? Winston-Salem has plenty of dog parks scattered throughout the city limits, the closest to downtown is Washington Park. Check out our Dog Park Guide for an overview of all dog parks in Winston-Salem and surrounding Forsyth County.