Pet-Friendly Philadelphia: A Three-Day Itinerary

Order coffee inside Bok at Two Persons Coffee or pastries to-go from Machine Shop, a James Beard-honored bakery. Leashed pets can accompany owners anytime at both spots (as well as during Open Studios visits and on Sundays at the seasonal Bok Bar rooftop). Then hit up East Passyunk Avenue to shop for treats, toys and more at spots like Urban Jungle, Civil Stock General Store, Doggie Style Pets or Amelie’s Bark Shop. Nearby wine and tapas restaurant Barcelona Wine Bar hosts brunch alfresco style on its outdoor patio — and staff love when neighborhood dogs stop by for treats and pats.

A short drive (or Uber Pet ride) to Southwest Philadelphia offers the pet-friendly Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum, which boasts one of America’s most impressive collections of rare and famous race cars. Alternatively, get wet at the Pet Swimming Pool at Philadelphia Animal Hospital, which is open year-round. Day passes ($35) grant private pool access. Note that a wellness check and proof of vaccination is required prior to use. Call ahead to schedule a visit — and be sure to pack snacks.

Head northwest to Schuylkill Banks promenade, where dogs run off-leash at the Schuylkill River Park Dog Park. (There are separate sections for small and large dogs.) After, snag a late lunch or early dinner at Urban Farmer with a health-conscious dog-friendly menu that includes biscuits, thick-cut bacon, peanut butter and banana bowls, beef tenderloin bits, and frozen yogurt. Four-legged friends can dine on Urban Farmer’s outdoor patio and indoor cocktail space. Stroll along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway post-meal, making sure to stop at the Rodin Museum outdoor courtyard. Dogs are also welcome during the attraction’s summer Friday garden bar pop ups.

Unwind after a long day at The Boozy Mutt, Pennsylvania’s first indoor-outdoor off-leash dog bar. This Brewerytown spot is where dogs and dog lovers (including kids) socialize over an extensive bar and grill menu. Here, dogs get their own “mutt menu” with fun dishes like a “Bark-cuterie” board. (There’s also food and drink for humans to enjoy, too.) Note that dogs must be registered beforehand.

Get energized at South Philadelphia’s The Navy Yard, which has over 20 acres of open green spaces to enjoy fresh air, exercise, play and scenic walks. Central Green, Riverfront Greenway, Crescent Park, Marine Parade Grounds and Dry Dock Park feature plentiful lawns, running track loops, hammocks, bocce courts, fitness stations, table tennis, outdoor tables and more. After you’ve worked up an appetite, head for lunch at the on-site Gatehouse. Dogs are allowed (and encouraged) in the spot’s semi-covered outdoor beer garden, where there are plenty of high-top and picnic tables, as well as water bowls available for pets.

Ready for an immersive art trip? Head to Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens Museum on South Street. Leashed friendly and service pets are welcome in the 3,000-square-foot bi-level outdoor mosaic garden featuring original works by Philly artist Isaiah Zagar. Afterward, walk northeast to Penn’s Landing. This riverside destination offers 30-plus things to do, including the Penn’s Landing Dog Park, a fenced-in dog run. There are two gravel parks here: one for small dogs and a larger dog park, both with water spouts.

In nearby Northern Liberties is Craft Hall, featuring a 2,000-square-foot outdoor green turf fenced-in dog park. Guests can order food and drinks to be delivered outside in the hybrid dog park and beer garden, Unleashed: Bark & Beer, or hang inside the 35,000-square foot brewery and taproom, where service dogs are welcome. Craft Hall has mocktails, wine, beer and even breed-themed cocktails to savor with your fur baby. Note that dog food and treats are not allowed.

Treat yourself to a nightcap in Fishtown at Philadelphia Distilling. Pennsylvania’s first post-Prohibition distillery features an all-day menu with food and craft specialty cocktails. Their year-round outdoor patio is heated during cold-weather months so pet parents can enjoy lawn games and post up at a picnic table with their leashed pets outside. Pick up a bottle of their signature Bluecoat American Dry Gin or Penn 1681 Rye Vodka on your way out.

A 30-minute SEPTA Regional Rail ride (see SEPTA’s pet policy here) or a car ride northwest of Center City are two historic neighborhoods: Chestnut Hill and Germantown. Grab house-roasted coffee aged in whiskey and bourbon oak barrels at Char & Stave, operated by Bluebird Distilling. Well-behaved leashed dogs are welcome inside, with pup cups available. A pre-hike meal is a few blocks south on Germantown Avenue at The Chestnut Grill & Sidewalk Café. Pet families can dine outside on the spot’s expansive wrap-around porch (covered year-round and heated during cold-weather months). The large family-friendly menu specializes in continental American fare like sandwiches, salads and burgers.

Soak in a nature-filled afternoon meandering through ponds, meadows, a 16-acre farm and more at Awbury Arboretum in Germantown, which is free and open 365 days a year. Or hike through Wissahickon Valley Park, filled with 50 miles of trails for prime birding and wildlife spotting. Located within the park, the nearly 200-year-old Valley Green Inn welcomes pet families for a post-hike meal with seasonal food and outdoor dining under covered porches in the summer, warm fireplaces in the winter, and an unbeatable view of forest trees and streams.

Time to relax over a cold beverage. Family-run Wissahickon Brewing Company is a favorite among pet parents as dogs are allowed inside the tasting room. The brewery also frequently hosts special events like adoption days and pet costume contests. Fun fact: Spent grain from beer production is used to produce treats for canine companions. Hungry? Food trucks are parked outside most days. After, consider a post-hike self-serve dog wash or reward your pet with treats and toys at The Bone Appetite. Call in advance to check availability for grooming services.

Find dinner at El Poquito, Chestnut Hill’s signature Mexican cantina and tequila bar. Their classics are hard to beat: Chips, guac, queso and salsa, fajitas and enchiladas. Kids have a plethora of thoughtful plate options, too. Dogs are welcome in La Playa, the spot’s outdoor dining area, with pup cups and bowls available on request.