The Ultimate Dog-Friendly Guide to Boston

Travel-loving dog parents, Boston is calling your name. The charming New England city is a treasure trove of history, culture, and cuisine, with an inspiring number of dog-friendly attractions, including parks, patios, and shopping districts alike.

Whether you’ve been dying to walk the Freedom Trail (it’s dog-friendly!) and explore the birthplace of the American Revolution, have been dreaming of visiting Fenway Park, or simply want to see what all the Beantown hype is about, we’re here to help you make the most of your getaway with our dog-friendly guide to Boston. Keep reading for the full rundown. 

Cafes and eateries

What fun is exploring a new city without touring its food scene while you’re at it? Below, find a handful of restaurants that welcome pups on the patio. 

Coppa Boston

253 Shawmut Ave.
@coppaboston

James Beard Award-winning Chef Ken Oringer is the mastermind behind this neighborhood Italian gem. Renowned for its unique small plates, homemade pasta, wood-fired pizza, and scrumptious desserts, Coppa Boston is one of the best Italian restaurants in all of Boston — and they welcome pups on their seasonal patio. 

J.P. Licks

150 Charles St.
173 Newbury St.
1106 Boylston St.
@jplicks

J.P. Licks is a must-visit Boston icon, beloved for homemade ice cream, hard yogurt, cakes, pies, coffee, and other baked goods. The popular sweet spot offers treats for pups, too. 

Sweet Cheeks Q

1381 Boylston St.
@sweetcheeksbbq

Food Network fans, you won’t want to miss out on a visit to Sweet Cheeks Q, the delectable brainchild of Tournament of Champions Season 3 winner, Tiffani Faison. The New England restaurant specializes in Southern barbecue, with a menu showcasing stellar smoked meats, classic comfort sides, and world-famous buttermilk biscuits. Best of all, pooches are permitted on the patio. 

The Bell in Hand Tavern

45 Union St.
@bellinhand

The Bell in Hand Tavern is America’s oldest continuously operating tavern, making it a must-visit for beer lovers and history buffs alike. The patio pup-friendly tavern serves much more than beverages, though. Menu highlights include a bevy of fresh seafood (hello, lobster rolls!), local burrata, burgers, and Boston cream pie cupcakes. 

The Daily Catch

323 Hanover St.
65 Atlantic Ave
@thedailycatch

Speaking of seafood, The Daily Catch is a cult-favorite for calamari, squid-ink pasta, Lobster Fra Diavolo, and other Italian-American seafood staples. Strictly first-come, first-served, The Daily Catch often has a line, especially for the patio, but you’ll want to snag a spot if your pooch is in tow for the memorable meal. 

Breweries, wineries, and bars

Whether you’re looking for a boozy brunch, afternoon brewery hang, or wine night with the girls, Boston has plenty of dog-friendly breweries, wineries, and bars to choose from. Below, explore five standout picks.

Piattini

226 Newbury St.
@piattini_wine_cafe

Piattini is another Italian icon in Boston. The popular wine bar serves lunch and dinner indoors and on the pup-friendly patio, and offers a menu of small plates ripe with big flavor. From scampi and fusilli al pesto to rigatoni alla vodka and ravioli d’aragosta, Piattini is heaven for pasta lovers, but the quaint restaurant also serves salads, paninis, and pizza. And if wine isn’t your thing, fret not; Piattini serves mocktails, cocktails, beer, coffee, and tea, as well. 

Castle Island Brewing

10 Old Colony Ave.
@castleislandbeer

If breweries are more your jam, Castle Island Brewing in South Boston won’t disappoint. The dog-friendly destination serves up Castle Island beers, hard seltzers, wine, and non-alcoholic options, as well as pizza from its on-site restaurant, Bardo’s Bar Pizza, ensuring there’s something for everyone. 

Five Horses Tavern

535 Columbus Ave.
@5horsessouth

Craving brunch, lunch, or dinner with a robust drink list to boot? Five Horses Tavern, and its dog-friendly patio, awaits. Located in Boston’s historic South End, Five Horses Tavern is a prime spot for folks looking to enjoy a craft beer or cocktail while nomming on classic American comfort food, including cornbread, pretzels, chicken tenders, tacos, wings, mac and cheese, and more.

The Anchor 

1 Shipyard Park, Charlestown
@theanchorboston

For a true biergarten vibe, The Anchor in the historic Charlestown neighborhood delivers. The massive public gathering space regularly hosts events, live music, movie nights, and more within the outdoor space, where well-behaved pooches are permitted. 

Night Shift Brewing

1 Lovejoy Wharf #101
@nightshiftbrewing

Night Shift Brewing is another Boston hit for a classic brewery vibe featuring quirky craft beers and nosh from a bevy of rotating food trucks. As long as your pup is leashed and well-behaved, they’re welcome to join on the patio. 

Shops

Retail therapy is that much more fulfilling when you get to bring your pup along for the fun. The Boston shops and retail districts below agree. 

Faneuil Hall Marketplace

1 Faneuil Hall Square
@faneuilhallmarketplace

Faneuil Hall Marketplace is home to over 100 restaurants and shops, many of which set out bowls for pups. Just keep in mind that the historic marketplace tends to be quite crowded, with shoppers and performers alike, so if your pup gets overwhelmed easily, this may not be the best place to bring them. 

Parkside Bookshop

260 Shawmut Ave.
@parksidebookshop

Hoping to find your next favorite book? Parkside Bookshop welcomes people and pups to browse and stay awhile. 

Polkadog Bakery

217 Newbury St.
256 Shawmut Ave.
57 Salem St.
@polkadog

Treat your pup to hand-crafted Boston treats from Polkadog Bakery. Offering crunchy, soft and chewy, and training varieties, Polkadog caters to every pup’s palate and pet parent’s needs. Suffice to say, you’ll be glad they ship!

The Street Chestnut Hill

33 Boylston St., Chestnut Hill
@thestreetchestnuthill

The Street is a bustling, open-air, dog-friendly shopping district nestled within the Chestnut Hill neighborhood. It features dozens of restaurants and shops, including a Polkadog Bakery alongside popular shops like Alo, Birkenstock, Gorjana, Mejuri, Pottery Barn, and more.

MarketStreet Lynnfield

600 Market St., Lynnfield
@marketstreetlynnfield

MarketStreet is a chic shopping district located just north of Boston in Lynnfield. Not only is your dog welcome to peruse the square, they’re also permitted inside dozens of shops, including Athleta, Carhartt, Lush, and Williams Sonoma. See the full dog-friendly directory here. 

Parks and Trails

Help your pup get their zoomies out at one of Boston’s many pooch-friendly gardens and dog parks. Just be sure to brush up on all the rules before you go. 

Public Garden

4 Charles St.
@bostonpublicgarden

The Boston Public Garden, America’s first public botanical garden, welcomes dogs to explore on leash. For off-leash fun, check out the Common Canine Off-Leash Dog Program for rules. 

RUFF North End

135 Prince St.
@ruffnorthend

RUFF North End is one of the various projects by Responsible Urbanites For Fido, a volunteer group committed to making Boston a more dog-friendly community. Before entering the popular turf dog park, be sure to brush up on the rules. 

The South Boston Bark Park 

1280 Columbia Rd.
@sbbarkpark

Where RUFF North End features vibrant astro turf, The South Boston Bark Park is a large, fenced, gravelly plaza where pups of all sizes love to romp and play. To help support the park, consider becoming a member for just $25 per year. 

The Charles River Esplanade

Storrow Drive
@esplanadeinboston

Love to run along the river with your pup trotting beside you? The Charles River Esplanade is a must when visiting Boston. It stretches three miles one way, making it a prime destination for runners of all levels. 

Peters Park

230 Shawmut Ave.
@peters_park

Peters Park is a family-friendly destination for parents, kids, and pups alike. If you’re in Boston around Halloween, be sure to catch the annual Howl-O-Ween

Hotels

Boston is brimming with history, culture, and dog-friendly fun. Chances are, you’ll want to stop and stay awhile. Fortunately, there are more than a few dog-friendly hotels in Boston. Find our top pooch-approved picks, below. 

Omni Boston at The Seaport

450 Summer St.
@omnibostonhotel

Omni Boston at The Seaport is a staggering 21-story property with over 1,000 rooms spread across two towers. The beautifully designed, dog-friendly hotel boasts floor-to-ceiling views of the Boston skyline and harbor from guest rooms and common spaces alike.

Know Before You Go:

• Pet fee: $125 per stay

• Number/size restrictions: One pet up to 25 pounds (Guests can request two)

• In room: Dogs can be left unattended, but must be crated and well-behaved.

InterContinental Boston

510 Atlantic Ave.
@intercontinentalboston

InterContinental Boston is a waterfront destination bordering Boston’s Financial District. With views of the city and Boston Harbor, it offers the best of both worlds. Most notably, it’s super dog-friendly, offering pups bowls, beds, and treats upon arrival. But that’s not all! The property goes so far as to offer Mr. B’s Bon Appétit Menu, with selections like a Bark Burger, Chicken and Rice Bowl, and Peanut Butter Pupcakes. To top it off, the hotel’s concierge can arrange dog-sitting services and dog-walking services if need be.

Know before you go:

• Pet fee: $100 per stay

• Number/size restrictions: One dog up to 50 pounds

• In room: Pets shouldn’t be left unattended.

Hotel Commonwealth

500 Commonwealth Ave.
@hotelcommonwealth

For an ultra-chic Boston stay, head over to Hotel Commonwealth in Kenmore Square, where pups are greeted with bowls, treats, and even a toy. Within walking distance of Fenway Park, this property is ideal for sports fanatics and anyone hoping to explore the historic neighborhood. If you plan to head out sans pup, rest assured, they’ll be in good hands. At Hotel Commonwealth, guests can work with concierge to arrange a pet sitter. 

Know before you go:

• Pet fee: $150 per stay

• Number/size restrictions: One pet of any size

• In room: Dogs cannot be left unattended.

The Verb Hotel

1271 Boylston St.
@theverbhotel

More of a music lover? The Verb Hotel will wow you with its dog-friendly, music-forward aesthetic. The boutique property features standard queen and king rooms, as well as ultra-unique trailers designed to make you feel like a touring musician. All rooms are decked out with retro Rock & Roll memorabilia, and the lobby has a wow-worthy vinyl library with over 1,700 albums. You can even enjoy a complimentary guitar during your stay! 

Know before you go:

Pet fee: $75 per stay 

• Number/size restrictions: Two dogs up to 50 pounds

• In room: Pets shouldn’t be left unattended.

The Revolution Hotel 

40 Berkeley St
@revolution_hotel

For a kitschy play on history, book a stay at The Revolution Hotel. Known for its compact room designs and fun take on the city’s rich culture, The Revolution Hotel is ideal for travelers who intend to really explore the city. While the rooms are adorably designed, they’re not the most spacious. Nevertheless, pet beds and bowls are available upon request.

Know before you go:

• Pet fee: $25 per stay

• Number/size restrictions: Not advertised

• In room: Pets shouldn’t be left unattended

Hilton Boston Park Plaza

50 Park Plaza at Arlington St.
@hiltonbostonparkplaza

Located in Back Bay near Boston Common, Hilton Boston Park Plaza is an iconic dog-friendly property for folks looking to enjoy a grand, historic hotel with luxury amenities while vacationing in Beantown. Just know that, with over 1,000 rooms, this hotel is an absolute behemoth. Though given its size, it remains quite spacious, lending to a less crowded vibe overall. 

Know before you go:

• Pet Fee: $87 per stay

• Number/Size Restrictions: One dog up to 40 pounds

In room: Pets cannot be left unattended