Live in Washington with a furry friend, or thinking about house sitting as a pet sitter in Tacoma? You’ve come to the right place - below, you’ll find the ultimate guide to dog-friendly Tacoma, where we explore the dog-friendly restaurants the city has to offer, along with dog parks, beaches and places to hike.
Dog-friendly restaurants in Tacoma, WA
Looking for somewhere to dine out with your canine pal? No problem - there are a few dog-friendly restaurants in Tacoma that welcome dogs in the outdoor seating area. Below, we’ll list a few to get started with, and remember to always double check rules around dog friendliness before arriving with your pooch.
Rock the Dock Pub & Grill
Looking for restaurants on Tacoma’s waterfront that allow dogs? Head to Rock the Dock Pub & Grill for views across Commencement Bay. Dogs are welcome on the outdoor patio, where you can choose from an eclectic menu of salads, soups and burgers.
Location: 535 Dock St #118, Tacoma, WA 98402, United States
Boathouse 19
Luckily many of Tacoma’s dog-friendly restaurants are complete with waterfront views - and Boathouse 19 is no exception. Sit on the outdoor patio with your pup for views across the Puget Sound, and choose from an all-American burger and shakes menu.
Location: 9001 S 19th St, Tacoma, WA 98466, United States
E9 Firehouse & Gastropub
For somewhere cozy to dine with your furry friend, head to central Tacoma’s E9 Firehouse & Gastropub, where you can choose from a range of beers on tap and a firehouse pizza menu. Dogs are welcome in the outdoor seating area - the perfect spot for viewing the 1907 building that once provided fire protection for Tacoma’s North End.
Location: 611 N Pine St, Tacoma, WA 98406, United States
Camp Colvos Brewing + Pizza Co.
Just outside Tacoma’s Hilltop neighborhood is Camp Colvos - a brewhouse and pizza restaurant where dogs are welcome in the outdoor seating area. Choose from West Coast IPAs to Japanese rice lagers and Belgian-style Saisons to accompany a house-made pizza.
Location: 2104 Commerce St, Tacoma, WA 98402, United States
Twisted Fork Saloon
For waterside views, head to Twisted Fork Saloon at Point Ruston - where dogs are welcome in the outdoor seating area and can choose from a dog-friendly menu of burger patties and grilled chicken breast.
Location: 5005 Main St, Tacoma, WA 98407, United States
Hank's Bar and Pizza
In Tacoma’s Yakima Hill neighborhood is Hank’s Bar and Pizza - a laid-back eatery where dogs can accompany their humans in the outdoor seating area. Check it out for house-made pizza, calzone, subs and salads.
Location: 524 N K St, Tacoma, WA 98403, United States
The Fish Peddler Restaurant
Got a taste for local seafood? Head to the outdoor seating area of The Fish Peddler on Thea Foss Waterway for fresh seafood, daily specials and award-winning clam chowder.
Location: 1199 Dock St, Tacoma, WA 98402, United States
Rosewood Cafe
If you’re looking for somewhere a little more quaint, head to Proctor District’s North 26th Street to find Rosewood Cafe - an artsy eatery where dogs can accompany their humans under the umbrellas outdoors.
Location: 3323 N 26th St, Tacoma, WA 98407, United States
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Dog parks in Tacoma, WA
After a meal out with your furry friend, it’s probably time for a game of fetch! And nothing quite beats letting your dog run free, off leash. To make sure you’re following local rules, only let your dog off the leash in a designated off-leash zone, like a dog park where permitted. Below, we’ll list a few of Tacoma’s most popular dog parks your pup is sure to love.
Wapato Off Leash Dog Park
Located within Wapato Park just south of Commencement Bay is Wapato Off Leash Dog Park - a wooded area with fields and plenty of open space perfect for your dog to let off steam.
Location: 6802 S Sheridan Ave, Tacoma, WA 98408, United States
Swan Creek Dog Park
Within Swan Creek Park is a fenced area where dogs can be let off the leash for games of fetch and time to socialize with their own kind. Set within stunning natural surroundings, pet parents can walk through Swan Creek Park with dogs on a leash before getting to the designated off-leash area.
Location: 2106 E 44th St, Tacoma, WA 98404, United States
Point Defiance Dog Park
Right by the water is the wooded area of Point Defiance Dog Park, just across from Commencement Bay in Tacoma. Let your pooch off the leash and explore the extensive trail system that this dog park has to offer. Just be aware that not all of this park is fully fenced, so only let your dog run free if you’re confident in their recall.
Location: Five mile Rd, Tacoma, WA 98407, United States
Rogers Dog Park
If you live in Tacoma’s Eastside and you need a reliable neighborhood dog park to let your dog off the leash, check out Rogers Dog Park that’s fully fenced and allows for views looking across Tacoma.
Location: 3151 E L St, Tacoma, WA 98404, United States
Dog-friendly hikes in Tacoma
Want to know more about the dog-friendly places Tacoma has to offer that’ll get you out for a walk with your dog on a leash? Explore some of the most popular hiking areas in and around Tacoma below, and remember to always follow local rules - keeping your dog on a leash unless you’re in a designated off-leash zone.
Explore Tacoma’s inner city parks
Tacoma is home to natural spots that’ll take you away from the city noise - so head to Wapato Park, Swan Creek Park, and Point Defiance Park for a leashed walk among the trees with your furry friends. Explore each park’s extensive trail systems, and head to their designated off-leash areas if you’d like to let your dog run free.
Chambers Bay Loop Trail Head
Just a 20-minute drive from Tacoma is University Place, where you’ll find Chambers Bay Loop. Follow the paved trail (which is just over 3 miles) with your dog on a leash, and enjoy views across the water, Olympic Mountains and Chambers Bay Golf Course.
Location: Chambers Bay Walk, University Place, WA 98466, United States
Sequalitchew Creek Trail
A 20-minute drive southwest of Tacoma city is the Sequalitchew Creek Trail - an easy 3-mile loop that leads hikers across the forested canyon and down to the rocky beach at Puget Sound. Follow the signage, as some areas of the beach are dog-friendly.
Location: DuPont, WA 98327, USA
Dash Point State Park
A short drive north along the coast from Tacoma is Dash Point State Park - where dogs are welcome to explore the 11 miles of walking trails and designated beach areas - provided they’re kept on a leash.
Location: 5700 SW Dash Point Rd, Federal Way, WA 98023, United States
Tolmie State Park
Tacoma is clearly surrounded by stunning natural areas locals can explore, as Tolmie State Park is just a 30-minute drive south-west of the city. You’ll find hiking trails, beaches and picnic areas where dogs are welcome on a leash. Just be sure to avoid the designated swimming beaches in Tolmie State Park, as dogs aren’t permitted.
Location: 7730 61st Ave NE, Olympia, WA 98506, United States
Chambers Bay
Dog-friendly beaches in Tacoma
Love nothing more than the ocean breeze and your furry friend right by your side to enjoy it with you? Explore the dog-friendly beaches Tacoma has to offer below, and always check the signage before entering any beach with your pup.
Owen Beach
At the very top of Tacoma is Owen Beach - a classic Pacific Northwest rocky beach with views of Mount Rainier across Puget Sound. And the best part? Dogs are welcome to explore with you if kept on a leash.
Location: 5605 Owen Beach Rd, Tacoma, WA 98407, United States
Titlow Beach
Keep your dog on a leash and explore Titlow Beach, which is just north of University Place. If you’re nearby, head to the shore for stunning views across Puget Sound, and the unique remnants of an old car ferry dock.
Location: 1420 S Wilton Rd, Tacoma, WA 98465, United States
Owen Beach, Tacoma
Tips for pet parents: Important things to know about Tacoma
- Leash laws. Unless you’re in a designated off-leash zone, your pup must be kept on a leash when you’re out in Tacoma. This includes public parks, beaches, city streets and dog-friendly patio areas.
- Always clean up after your dog. No matter where you are, it’s vital you clean up after your dog to help keep the city of Tacoma, its parks and beaches clean for everyone.
- Local wildlife. When out walking with your pup, be mindful of local wildlife - Tacoma is home to a variety of sea birds (including double-crested cormorants and glaucous-winged gulls), so be careful not to disturb them.
- Get your vacation pet care sorted. Plan ahead for your vacation by securing a loving pet sitter to keep your pup at home where vets agree pets are happiest. Click below to learn how it works.
Connecting with pet sitters in Tacoma
Tips for pet sitters
- Follow pet parent guidance. Make sure you’re well-versed on the kinds of places the pup you’re looking after enjoys exploring - they may prefer to avoid busy city streets, but love off-leash fun at a local dog park, or prefer to stay home if you’re dining out.
- Stay local. Tacoma is surrounded by stunning places to walk and hike, so there’s no need to travel far to have a dog-friendly day out.
- Explore Tacoma through house sitting. Want to wake up to a stroll with Mount Rainier in the background, or stroll along the coast where Puget Sound is just a stone’s throw away? Click below to learn how to get your house sitting adventure started - your furry tour guides await.
House sitting in Tacoma
More dog-friendly travel guides near Tacoma
Thinking about house sitting near Tacoma, 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 Tacoma - FAQs
Which Tacoma restaurants have dog-friendly patios or outdoor seating?
Rock the Dock Pub & Grill, Boathouse 19 and Camp Colvos Brewing + Pizza Co. are all dog-friendly and welcome dogs in the outdoor seating area, as well as Rosewood Cafe which has an artsy vibe that’s perfect for a midday meal out.
What are the best day trips near Tacoma for dogs who love the outdoors?
Chambers Loop Trail Head, Dash Point State Park and Tolmie State Park are all within a 30-minute drive from central Tacoma, where dogs can explore extensive trail systems and stunning views across the Pacific Northwest on a leash.
Can I bring my dog to beaches or waterfront areas around Tacoma?
Yes, dogs are welcome on some of Tacoma’s beaches if they’re kept on a leash - including Owen Beach and Titlow Beach. There are also multiple dog-friendly waterfront areas in Point Defiance Park, but check the signage before entering with your pup.
