Grant Park

Atlanta's Grant Park is probably best known for Zoo Atlanta, which doesn't allow dogs, but has many other canine-friendly features that make it a worthy place to visit with your favorite pup. The huge 131-acre park is Atlanta's oldest, and remains a hotspot for outdoor events, many of which are still free. Dance, arts, and food festivals take place at different times of the year. 

The Grant Park Farmers' Market is open on Sundays from April to December and welcomes leashed dogs. People often rent picnic pavilions for family barbecues and other get-togethers. 

Grant Park's rolling hills are shaded by mature trees and interlaced with walking trails, including the 1.5-mile Grant Park Loop. You can reach the trail from the Park Avenue entrance near the recreation center, or the Cherokee Avenue entrance near the zoo. On the main loop and other paved trails in Grant Park, you might spot blooming azaleas or any number of resident birds, including Cooper's and red-tailed hawks, barred and barn owls, belted kingfishers, and over 50 species of songbirds. 

Parts of Grant Park are semi-wooded and shady, while other parts are fully sun-exposed. There are waste bag stations at various locations in the park, but the bags often run out, so it's smart to bring your own. It's a good idea to bring your own water, too, as the park's water fountains aren't always working. Some people treat one of the park's large lawns as an "unofficial dog park," but letting dogs off-leash in Grant Park is against park rules. Respect park rules by keeping your dog leashed and cleaning up after them, and you're sure to have a good day in the park with your best friend.