Dog-Friendly Knoxville, Tennessee
From downtown dog parks and patio dining to Urban Wilderness trails, Knoxville makes it easy to travel with your pup.
Knoxville, TN
Best for Off-Leash Play
A central off-leash park near the Old City with separate areas for small and large dogs.
Knoxville's first public dog park, with fenced play space, agility-style features, and shade.
South Knoxville favorite with separate dog areas and easy access to a greenway loop.
Best for Walks & Outdoor Time
Dog-friendly trails, a pet welcome station, and quick access to Knoxville's Urban Wilderness.
Riverfront strolls, scenic overlooks, and a leashed-dog-friendly park just south of downtown.
Miles of connected trails where leashed dogs can join hikes through South Knoxville.
Best Dog-Friendly Dining Areas
A cluster of patio restaurants where dogs are commonly welcomed in outdoor seating areas.
Walkable downtown corridor with pet-friendly patios and easy access from dog-friendly hotels.
Great for casual meals and drinks with your dog on outdoor patios.
Dog-Friendly Hotels in Knoxville
Hyatt Place Knoxville / Downtown
Downtown stay on Gay Street within walking distance of the Downtown PetSafe Dog Park and Market Square patios.
530 South Gay St, Knoxville, TN 37902
Visit WebsiteResidence Inn by Marriott Knoxville Downtown
All-suite downtown option with kitchens, useful for longer stays with dogs.
210 West Church Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37902
Visit WebsiteHampton Inn & Suites Knoxville-Downtown
Convenient downtown base with easy walks to Gay Street, Market Square, and pet-friendly patios.
618 West Main Street, Knoxville, TN 37902
Visit WebsiteCrowne Plaza Knoxville Downtown University
Full-service downtown hotel near the University of Tennessee and central Knoxville attractions.
401 West Summit Hill Drive, Knoxville, TN 37902
Visit WebsiteHoliday Inn Knoxville West - Cedar Bluff Rd
West Knoxville option convenient for road-trippers, with quick access to I-40/I-75 and Turkey Creek.
9134 Executive Park Drive, Knoxville, TN 37923
Visit WebsiteStaybridge Suites Knoxville-West
Good pick for longer visits thanks to suite layouts, kitchens, and a flexible pet policy.
11319 Campbell Lakes Drive, Knoxville, TN 37934
Visit WebsiteDog-Friendly Restaurants & Patios in Knoxville
Chivo Taqueria
Gay Street taco and tequila spot with outdoor seating listed as a pet-friendly patio.
314 S Gay St, Knoxville, TN 37902
Visit WebsiteRuby Sunshine
Popular Market Square brunch stop with outdoor seating where dogs are welcome on the patio.
37 Market Square, Knoxville, TN 37902
Visit WebsiteStock & Barrel
Market Square burger and bourbon favorite with a dog-friendly outdoor patio.
35 Market Square, Knoxville, TN 37902
Visit WebsiteTupelo Honey
Southern comfort-food staple on Market Square with outdoor seating marked pet-friendly.
1 Market Square, Knoxville, TN 37902
Visit WebsiteKaizen
Old City Japanese-style pub with a patio that welcomes dogs.
127 S Central St, Knoxville, TN 37902
Visit WebsitePete's Restaurant
Classic Knoxville breakfast-and-lunch spot with outdoor seating listed as pet-friendly.
540 Union Ave, Knoxville, TN 37902
Visit WebsiteSide Hustle
Old City casual BBQ hangout with a pet-friendly patio and live-music atmosphere.
100 N Central St, Knoxville, TN 37902
Visit WebsiteDog-Friendly Parks & Activities in Knoxville
Downtown PetSafe Dog Park
Downtown off-leash park with separate small- and large-dog sections, water fountains, and waste stations.
200 S Central St, Knoxville, TN 37902
Visit WebsiteDogwood Dog Park at Victor Ashe Park
Fenced off-leash area with agility-style features, shade, benches, and a dog fountain.
4901 Bradshaw Rd, Knoxville, TN 37912
Visit WebsiteCharter Doyle PetSafe Dog Park
South Knoxville off-leash dog park with separate areas for small and large dogs plus nearby greenway access.
5100 West Martin Mill Pike, Knoxville, TN 37920
Visit WebsiteIjams Nature Center
A top pick for leashed walks with 14+ miles of trails, a pet welcome station, and access to Knoxville's Urban Wilderness.
2915 Island Home Ave, Knoxville, TN 37920
Visit WebsiteSuttree Landing Park
Leashed dogs can enjoy the riverwalk, scenic overlooks, and waterfront green space just south of downtown.
1001 Waterfront Drive, Knoxville, TN 37920
Visit WebsiteConcord PetSafe Dog Park
Large west Knoxville dog park with river access, walking trails, fountains, and a dog shower.
10901 South Northshore Drive, Knoxville, TN 37922
Visit WebsitePlumb Creek PetSafe Dog Park
Spacious west Knoxville off-leash park with a large-dog play area, small-dog section, shelter, and walking path.
1517 Hickey Road, Knoxville, TN 37932
Visit WebsiteA Dog-Friendly Weekend in Knoxville
This two-day plan mixes downtown patios, off-leash play, and scenic South Knoxville walks.
Day 1: Downtown Knoxville & Market Square
Check into a downtown hotel like Hyatt Place Knoxville / Downtown or Residence Inn Knoxville Downtown, then head to Downtown PetSafe Dog Park for off-leash play.
Walk Gay Street and Market Square, then grab lunch on a dog-friendly patio at Chivo Taqueria, Stock & Barrel, or Tupelo Honey.
Take a relaxed downtown stroll and settle in for dinner or drinks on an outdoor patio in the Old City at Kaizen or Side Hustle.
Day 2: South Knoxville Trails & Riverfront
Drive to Ijams Nature Center for a leashed hike through the trails and Urban Wilderness access points.
Stop by Suttree Landing Park for river views and a walk along the waterfront, then head to Charter Doyle PetSafe Dog Park for more playtime.
Return downtown for an easy patio dinner at Pete's Restaurant for a casual meal or Ruby Sunshine if you're timing it for brunch hours earlier in the day.
Nearby Dog-Friendly Destinations
Chattanooga, TN
about 1 hr 50 minA scenic Tennessee city with riverwalks, outdoor patios, and plenty of dog-friendly stops.
Asheville, NC
about 2 hrKnown for mountain views, brewery patios, and a strong dog-friendly travel culture.
Gatlinburg, TN
about 1 hrA gateway to Smoky Mountain adventures with pet-friendly cabins, walks, and nearby trails.
Nashville, TN
about 2 hr 45 minA larger city getaway with dog-friendly hotels, patios, and urban green spaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Knoxville a good city to visit with a dog?
Yes. Knoxville has a strong dog-friendly reputation, with numerous dog parks, pet-friendly hotel options, and many restaurants that welcome dogs on outdoor patios.
Are dogs allowed on restaurant patios in Knoxville?
Yes, many Knoxville restaurants allow dogs in outdoor dining areas. Tennessee law and local permitting allow dogs on approved outdoor patios, but dogs are not allowed in indoor dining rooms unless they are service animals.
How many dog parks are in Knoxville?
The City of Knoxville's dog park guide lists 15 dog parks in the Knoxville and Knox County area, including downtown, South Knoxville, and West Knoxville options.
What are the best dog-friendly things to do in Knoxville?
Top picks include Downtown PetSafe Dog Park, Dogwood Dog Park at Victor Ashe Park, Ijams Nature Center, Suttree Landing Park, and walks in Knoxville's Urban Wilderness.
Do Knoxville hotels usually charge pet fees?
Usually yes. In Knoxville, common pet fees at dog-friendly hotels range from about $40 to $100, with some properties also setting pet limits by number, size, or weight.
Ready to plan more dog-friendly getaways?
Browse more city guides for pet-friendly hotels, patios, parks, and trip ideas across the Southeast and beyond.
Browse More City Guides