Nashville is one of the most dog-friendly cities in the South. Between the patios, the massive dog parks, and a food scene that welcomes pups at almost every outdoor table, it’s a natural road trip destination for dog owners. And it has exactly what I look for: a great hotel you can book free with points.

Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Nashville with your dog.

My Pick: Kimpton Aertson Hotel

Why this one?

This is the clear winner for dog travelers:

Kimpton’s pet policy is the gold standard. No fee, no weight limit, no breed restrictions. They provide pet beds, bowls, and treats at check-in. Your 70-lb Lab mix? Welcome. Your two Great Danes? Also welcome.

The Aertson is in Midtown, which puts you walking distance from great restaurants and about a 10-minute drive from downtown Broadway. It’s a better location for dogs than staying right on Broadway — less crowded, more green space, and easier for morning walks.

The Pet Policy Details

Kimpton genuinely loves pets:

• No weight limit — If your dog fits in the elevator, they’re welcome
• No breed restrictions — None at the corporate level
• No pet fee — $0
• Pet amenities provided — Beds, bowls, treats, and waste bags
• Pets can be left unattended — If you notify the front desk
• Nightly wine hour — Dogs are welcome to join

They partner with dog walking services if you need someone to take your pup out while you’re at a show or dinner.

How to Book It Free

Kimpton is part of IHG, so you book with IHG One Rewards points. Nashville typically runs 50,000-70,000 points per night depending on events and season.

The math:

• The IHG One Rewards Premier card has a 175,000 point sign-up bonus
• That’s 2-3 free nights at this property
• You’d pay $0 in pet fees

Cash rates run $250-400/night depending on the season, so points deliver solid value — especially since you’re avoiding the $75-150 pet fees other Nashville hotels charge.

👉 Full breakdown of IHG cards

Dog Daycare While You Explore

Nashville has incredible live music, but most venues don’t allow dogs inside. Here’s where to leave your pup while you hit Broadway:

Camp Bow Wow Nashville

The most convenient option with several Nashville-area locations. They offer daycare, boarding, and grooming.

All dogs need to pass a temperament evaluation before their first day. They have webcams so you can check on your pup during the day.

Requirements: Dogs must be spayed/neutered (if over 7 months), current on Rabies, Distemper, and Bordetella.

Wags & Whiskers (East Nashville)

A popular local option with indoor/outdoor play areas.

They separate dogs by size and temperament, and offer half-day and full-day rates.

Dogtopia Nashville

National chain with consistent quality. Multiple Nashville locations with webcams, climate-controlled play areas, and trained staff.

Dog Parks

Nashville has excellent off-leash options:

Centennial Dog Park

The most popular dog park in Nashville, located next to the Parthenon replica in Centennial Park.

• Address: 2500 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37203
• Features: Separate areas for large and small dogs, water fountains, double-gated entry
• Hours: Dawn to 11pm
• Distance from Kimpton: ~5 minutes by car

Shelby Dog Park

One of the largest dog parks in the city with over 2 acres of space.

• Address: 1900 Davidson St, Nashville, TN 37206
• Features: Large open fields, shade structures, benches, part of larger Shelby Bottoms Greenway
• Hours: Dawn to dusk

Two Rivers Dog Park

A bit further out but worth the drive for more space and fewer crowds.

• Address: 3150 McGavock Pike, Nashville, TN 37214
• Features: 8+ acres, river access for dogs who like to swim
• Hours: Dawn to dusk

Warner Dog Parks

Both Percy Warner and Edwin Warner Parks have off-leash areas within the larger park system. Great if you want to combine hiking with off-leash play.

Dog-Friendly Breweries

Nashville’s craft beer scene has exploded, and most breweries welcome dogs on their patios:

Bearded Iris Brewing (Germantown)

One of Nashville’s best breweries with a huge outdoor space. Dogs welcome throughout the patio.

• Address: 101 Van Buren St, Nashville, TN 37208
• Try: Homestyle IPA (their flagship)
• Vibe: Busy on weekends, great people-watching

Southern Grist Brewing Company

Multiple locations around Nashville. Known for creative, dessert-inspired beers.

• East Nashville: 754 Douglas Ave
• The Nations: 1201 51st Ave N
• Vibe: Relaxed, dog-friendly patios at all locations

East Nashville Beer Works

Local favorite with a spacious patio and food trucks on weekends.

• Address: 320 E Trinity Ln, Nashville, TN 37207
• Features: Large covered patio, games, rotating food trucks

Tailgate Brewery

Family and dog-friendly with a massive outdoor space.

• Address: 7300 Charlotte Pike, Nashville, TN 37209
• Features: Huge lawn, yard games, great for groups

Tennessee Brew Works

Downtown-adjacent brewery with solid beer and a dog-friendly patio.

• Address: 809 Ewing Ave, Nashville, TN 37203

Dog-Friendly Restaurants & Patios

The Pharmacy Burger Parlor (East Nashville)

Famous for their burgers and huge outdoor biergarten. Dogs welcome on the patio.

• Address: 731 Mcferrin Ave, Nashville, TN 37206
• Must-try: The Farm Burger

Pinewood Social

Part bowling alley, part restaurant, part coffee shop — with a dog-friendly outdoor area.

• Address: 33 Peabody St, Nashville, TN 37210

Edley’s Bar-B-Que

Nashville BBQ institution with multiple locations. Dogs welcome on all patios.

• Locations: 12 South, East Nashville, Sylvan Park, The Nations
• Must-try: The brisket

Five Points Pizza (East Nashville)

New York-style pizza with a dog-friendly patio.

• Address: 1012 Woodland St, Nashville, TN 37206

Barista Parlor

Nashville’s best coffee with dog-friendly outdoor seating at multiple locations.

• Locations: Germantown, East Nashville, The Gulch

Hattie B’s Hot Chicken

Nashville hot chicken institution. Dogs welcome on the patio while you wait (and you will wait — it’s worth it).

• Address: 112 19th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203

What Else to Do

Walk the Greenways

Nashville has 90+ miles of greenways — paved paths perfect for walking or running with your dog. The Shelby Bottoms Greenway is the most popular, connecting East Nashville to Shelby Park along the Cumberland River. It’s flat, shaded, and beautiful.

Percy Warner Park

Over 2,600 acres of trails where dogs are welcome on-leash. Some of the best hiking in the Nashville area with varying difficulty levels.

Radnor Lake State Park

A gorgeous natural area just south of Nashville. Dogs are allowed on designated trails (not all trails permit dogs). Check the park map before you go.

Stroll 12 South

The 12 South neighborhood is extremely walkable with lots of dog-friendly patios, boutique shopping, and the famous “I Believe in Nashville” mural.

The Gulch

Nashville’s trendy neighborhood with street art, restaurants, and shops. Very walkable with your dog.

A Note About Broadway

Broadway is not ideal for dogs. It’s loud, crowded, and most honky-tonks don’t allow dogs inside. If you want to experience Broadway, leave your pup at daycare or the hotel.

That said, some rooftop bars on Broadway allow dogs on their outdoor patios. Call ahead to confirm current policies.

Other Hotels I Considered

If Kimpton Aertson doesn’t work for your dates:

Graduate Nashville — Hilton property in Midtown near Vanderbilt. Accepts dogs with a $75 fee and 50 lb limit. Fun, quirky decor.

Thompson Nashville — Hyatt property in The Gulch. Accepts dogs up to 40 lbs with a $100 fee.

Home2 Suites Nashville Downtown — Hilton extended-stay with kitchens. 75 lb limit, $75-100 pet fee. Good for longer stays.

Loews Vanderbilt Hotel — Loews has no weight limits and provides pet amenities, but fees run $100+.

The Kimpton remains the best value: no fees, no limits, great location.

Quick Reference

The Bottom Line

Nashville is an incredible dog-friendly city — more so than most people realize. The breweries, the patios, the parks, and the greenways make it easy to bring your pup along for most of the trip.

And the Kimpton Aertson makes it simple: no pet fee, no weight limit, and bookable with IHG points.

Have you stayed here with your dog? I’d love to hear how it went — leave your pawprint or email me at woof@thepointspup.com.

This is part of my Destinations series — one hotel pick per city, plus how to book it free with points.

Read next: Best Credit Cards for Dog Travelers | IHG & Kimpton Pet Travel Guide | Dog-Friendly Hotel in Atlanta