Pet-friendly Charlottesville: What to see & do with a dog

Planning a getaway with your pup – or looking after one while house sitting – couldn’t be easier in pet-friendly Charlottesville. From scenic trails through the surrounding mountains to some of the best places to eat and drink in the city, this guide to dog-friendly Charlottesville, VA, has you covered. Whether you’re a local, a tourist, or a pet sitter in Charlottesville, there’s something here for every two- and four-legged visitor.

Dog-friendly restaurants in Charlottesville

Charlottesville is full of restaurants, and the good news is that many have pet-friendly patios! The following spots are particularly dog-friendly, but it’s always best to call ahead to check their policy hasn’t changed.

Citizen Burger Bar

Drool-worthy burgers are made from grass-fed beef and fresh, local ingredients in this casual joint. Toppings include fried pickle and pit-smoked pork belly – grab a seat on their large, dog-friendly patio, where waiters are known to bring water bowls without being asked!

Location: 212 E Main St, Charlottesville, VA 22902

Firefly

50% of Firefly’s menu is veggie, but they also have vegan and gluten-free options. The menu just for pets is the real treat here, and you’ll be likely to end up on their #puppiesonpatios photo collection if you sit in the dog-friendly outdoor area.

Location: 1304 E Market St, Charlottesville, VA 22902

Tonic

Simple, locally sourced food is paired with craft cocktails and organic wines at this unpretentious spot. The outdoor seating area is set up for comfort all year-round, with heaters and fans so your pup can tag along in every season.

Location: 609 E Market St, Charlottesville, VA 22902

Tilman’s

Tonic’s sister restaurant is equally dog-friendly, but leans towards small plates and charcuterie. It’s cozy and intimate – perfect for a casual doggy date!

Location: 406 E Main St, Charlottesville, VA 22902

Michie Tavern ca. 1784

This historic landmark allows pups in the outdoor area, which has gorgeous views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Feast on southern fried chicken, marinated baked chicken, hickory-smoked pork barbecue, stewed tomatoes, black-eyed peas, buttermilk biscuits, and so much more, all with your pup by your side.

Location: 683 Thomas Jefferson Pkwy, Charlottesville, VA 22902

Birch + Bloom

Breakfast, brunch, and dinner menus here consist of locally inspired dishes made from sustainable, seasonal ingredients. The outdoor tables are open to four-legged friends at this upscale yet down-to-earth spot.

Location: 540 Massie Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22903

The Nook

A Charlottesville staple since 1951, The Nook is ideal for a breakfast or brunch date with your pup. Come between 8 am and 3 pm for inventive cocktails (try the spiced apple mimosa), eggs, sandwiches, and hearty griddled dishes.

Location: 415 E Main St, Charlottesville, VA 22902

Ace Biscuit & Barbecue

Smoky meats, biscuit sandwiches, and southern sides are served in this laid-back BBQ joint, which has a dog-friendly outdoor area. Pups are sure to get plenty of attention from the friendly staff and guests.

Location: 600 Concord Ave, Charlottesville, VA 22903

Dairy Market

With eight different food vendors under one roof, Dairy Market has something for everyone. Four-legged friends are welcome on the patio, so you can enjoy anything from tacos to ramen in good company.

Location: 946 Grady Ave, Charlottesville, VA 22903

Dog-friendly hikes in Charlottesville

Active pups and their parents will have a whale of a time in Charlottesville and the surrounding area, which is full of beautiful places to explore on foot. Note that Fido will need to stay on the leash to explore most of these trails, unless signage says otherwise.

Rivanna Trail (Riverview Park)

This riverside pathway runs for around 4 miles from Riverview Park. It’s not far from the center of town, and there are shady stretches with great views and spots to splash in the river.

Location: 1909 Chesapeake St, Charlottesville, VA 22902

Saunders-Monticello Trail & Kemper Park Loop

Just outside town, this trail system has a mixture of paved paths and natural terrain.  Leashed dogs are welcome as you wander through Kemper Park’s 89 acres, where you can choose between stroller-friendly routes or more rugged loops.

Location: Charlottesville, VA 22902

Preddy Creek Park

16 miles of trails weave through the forest and alongside Preddy Creek in this 571-acre park. It’s popular with hikers, mountain bikers, and even horseback riders, so be sure to keep your four-legged friend on the leash.

Location: 3690 Burnley Station Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22911

Walnut Creek Park (North Garden)

A bit farther afield, this 525‑acre park has multi-use trails, fishing areas, a boat launch, picnic spots, playgrounds, and even a swimming beach. Pups must remain leashed but have plenty of room to explore.

Location: 4250 Walnut Creek Park, North Garden, VA 22959

Shenandoah National Park

For those willing to venture a bit farther, this national park has 500 miles of trails, most of which are dog-friendly. Surrounded by sweeping mountain views, there are options for every level – it’s the perfect break from the city.

Location: Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, United States

Crabtree Falls

This 2.5‑mile uphill hike is rocky but rewarding, and best suited to agile hikers and pups (on a leash). Arrive early to nab a parking spot and enjoy the views without the crowds.

Location: Crabtree Falls, Virginia 22976, United States

Dog-friendly wineries in Charlottesville

Seeing as Charlottesville and the Monticello AVA were named Wine Region of the Year in 2023, it would be rude not to take part in some wine tasting with a furry friend beside you! It’s easy to find dog-friendly wineries in the area – just take a look below!

Keswick Vineyards

Award-winning wines and a warm welcome for pets make Keswick a popular pick. The grounds are beautiful, and best of all, there’s a fenced-in dog park with seating nearby – perfect for watching furry friends zoom back and forth over a glass of wine!

Location: 1575 Keswick Winery Dr, Keswick, VA 22947

Blenheim Vineyards

Around 20 minutes from downtown Charlottesville, Blenheim’s outdoor area is both dog-friendly and scenic. There’s a pump for filling dog bowls, and the vineyard is known for sustainable, 100% Virginia-grown wines.

Location: 31 Blenheim Farm, Charlottesville, VA 22902

King Family Vineyards 

This Crozet vineyard has spectacular Blue Ridge Mountain views and a pet-friendly exterior. Pups can relax with you outside year-round, with firepits for the cooler months. It’s also home to Sunday polo matches and Crosé, a popular dry rosé named after the town.

Location: 6550 Roseland Farm, Crozet, VA 22932

Cunningham Creek Winery

Expect a warm greeting from the three resident pups at Cunningham Creek, which specializes in finely crafted French varietals, Bordeaux blends, and craft beer. Leashed pups are welcomed with treats and belly rubs anywhere on the estate – even inside – and there’s also a dog park for off-leash fun.

Location: 3304 Ruritan Lake Rd, Palmyra, VA 22963

Eastwood Farm and Winery

Just a ten-minute drive from town, Eastwood is a convenient spot to enjoy award-winning wines, housemade beers, and ciders, along with farm-inspired food menus. Leashed furries are welcome in all outdoor areas.

Location: 2531 Scottsville Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22902

Veritas Vineyard and Winery

While pups have to steer clear of the indoor tasting room, you can reserve a dog-friendly table on the veranda to enjoy views of the vineyard and rolling hills. Sandwiches and charcuterie boards are available outside, or you can bring your own picnic.

Location: 151 Veritas Ln, Afton, VA 22920

Dog-friendly breweries in Charlottesville

If wine’s not your thing, you’ll be pleased to know that Charlottesville is also known for its craft beer scene. As many breweries have expansive outdoor areas, you’ll find many are dog-friendly, and those that don’t serve food may even allow pups inside! 

Three Notch’d Craft Kitchen and Brewery

Locally sourced, beer-infused dishes are made to complement what’s on tap here. Their covered patio is heated in winter, and the “Pups on the Patio” happy hour gives pet parents discounts on select menu items.

Location: 520 2nd St SE, Charlottesville, VA 22902

Kardinal Hall

This big indoor/outdoor beer garden has an alpine-inspired menu plus 25 beers on tap and over 75 cans and bottles on constant rotation. Pups are welcome on the heated outdoor patio.

Location: 722 Preston Ave #101, Charlottesville, VA 22903

Decipher Brewing

This veteran-owned brewery is dog-friendly inside and out, with homemade treats for pups and friendly staff. Food trucks make a regular appearance, and they serve pizza when the trucks aren’t around. You can also bring your own food or get a delivery!

Location: 1740 Broadway St, Charlottesville, VA 22902

Beer Run

One of America’s top 100 beer bars, Beer Run welcomes pups in two of its outdoor areas, both of which are heated and covered. The kitchen focuses on locally sourced, seasonal ingredients to pair with their extensive beer selection.

Location: 156 Carlton Rd Ste 203, Charlottesville, VA 22902

Random Row

This pizza-serving brewery allows pups in its outdoor area, which is complete with heat lamps for cooler evenings. The location overlooking a busy street makes it a great spot for people-watching.

Location: 608 Preston Ave # A, Charlottesville, VA 22903

Pro Re Nata

A 20-minute drive from Charlottesville, Pro Re Nata is one of the biggest and most dog-friendly breweries in the area. Pups are welcome on a leash throughout, and there’s a designated potty area and multiple water stations.

Location: 6135 Rockfish Gap Turnpike, Crozet, VA 22932 

Brewing Tree

Set across five acres with meadows and river access, Brewing Tree is well worth a visit. Chill out by the riverside bar, where you’ll find Adirondack chairs, picnic tables, and hammocks to lounge in while your furry friend plays in the water. The Scratch Kitchen food truck keeps the food side covered.

Location: 9278 Rockfish Valley Hwy, Afton, VA 22920

Charlottesville dog parks

When it comes to dog-friendly outdoor activities in Charlottesville, VA, few things make a pup happier than a romp at the park. Here are some of the best spots to take your four-legged friend.

Azalea Park Dog Park

Home to one of the city’s few off-leash dog areas, Azalea Park gives pups room to run and make friends. The fenced space has shaded spots and benches for humans, while the larger park also features trails, playgrounds, and access to Moore’s Creek for extra exploring.

Location: 304 Old Lynchburg Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22903

Chris Greene Lake Park

Chris Greene Lake Park has a one-acre fenced dog park with access to the water. The scenic setting is perfect for pups who love to swim, and there are also three miles of trails for extra leg stretching.

Location: 4748 Chris Greene Lake Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22911

Darden Towe Park

This is a popular spot for furries and their humans, with 1.5 acres of fenced areas with separate sections for different activities and dog sizes. Pups can also join you on the walking paths, so long as they’re kept on a leash.

Location: 1445 Darden Towe Park, Charlottesville, VA 22911

Pen Park

As Charlottesville’s largest city park, Pen Park has plenty of space for a stroll. Paved trails wind through open fields and wooded areas; just remember, pups must be kept on a leash.

Location: 1300 Pen Park Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22901

Riverview Park

True to its name, Riverview Park sits right along the Rivanna River and is especially popular with pet parents. The Rivanna Trail runs through here, a shady riverside walk with spots for pups to dip their paws in the water.

Location: 1909 Chesapeake St, Charlottesville, VA 22902

Booker T. Washington Park

This historic park has shady walking paths, green lawns, and wooded edges – ideal for a leashed walk.

Location: 1001 Preston Ave, Charlottesville, VA 22903

Pleasant Grove Park

Located in nearby Palmyra, this park has an enclosed doggy area plus designated off-leash spaces. With views of the Rivanna River and local wildlife, it’s a lovely setting for pups to stretch their legs.

Location: 271 Pleasant Grove Dr, Palmyra, VA 22963

Tips for pet parents in Charlottesville

• Check leash rules carefully. Most Charlottesville parks require dogs to be on leash, with only a few designated off-leash areas like Azalea Park Dog Park. Signs are posted, so keep an eye out before unclipping the leash.
• Plan a winery or brewery stop. Charlottesville is part of Virginia wine country and has a booming craft beer scene. Wineries like Keswick Vineyards (with its own dog park!) and breweries such as Decipher Brewing welcome dogs, making them great additions to your itinerary.
• Plan ahead for time away. Line up your sitter as soon as you’ve got your dates and set clear instructions about your furry family member’s routine, favorite walking routes, and emergency contact details.

Tips for pet sitters in Charlottesville

• Ask pet parents about their favorite spots. Most Charlottesville pet parents will be more than happy to share their go-to trails, parks, and dog-friendly cafes. 
• Get familiar with the local trails. If in doubt, Riverview Park or the Rivanna Trail are perfect for daily walks – having a couple of go-to routes up your sleeve will keep everyone happy.
• Explore Charlottesville as a pet sitter. Enjoy the city like a local as you wander the historic downtown, check out dog-friendly patios, or take a drive through Virginia wine country.

More dog-friendly travel guides near Charlottesville, VA

Thinking about house sitting in Charlottesville, visiting a nearby town with your canine companion, or welcoming a pet sitter soon? Explore our travel guides below for dog-friendly places to visit, along with local tips and advice.

• Dog-friendly Richmond, VA: things to do with a dog
• Dog-friendly Baltimore: things to do in Baltimore with a dog
• A guide to dog-friendly Alexandria, VA
• Dog-friendly Philadelphia: Things to do in Philadelphia with a dog
• A dog-friendly guide to Pittsburgh: Things to do in Pittsburgh with your dog