A Summer Survival Guide for Dogs on the Atlanta Beltline
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
The Atlanta Beltline is one of the best places in the city to explore with your four-legged best friend, but soaring temperatures can turn a fun outing into a stressful one if you're not prepared.
Atlanta summers and happy dogs can absolutely go together. You just need a game plan.
Chase the Shade
Not all stretches of the Beltline feel the same in July. If you're looking for the coolest walk, head to the Northside Trail through Tanyard Creek Park. The tree canopy provides significantly more shade than many of the other sections of the Beltline, making it a favorite for dogs (and humans) who don't love the midday heat.
Planning to explore the popular Eastside Trail instead? Aim for an early morning or evening stroll when the pavement has cooled and the crowds are a little lighter. You'll enjoy a much more comfortable walk, and your pup will thank you.
Plan Your Walk Around Great Patios
One of the best parts about bringing your dog to the BeltLine is that you never have to go far for a break.
If you're enjoying the bustling Eastside trail, start at Ladybird Grove & Mess Hall, where the tree-covered patio offers plenty of shade while your dog relaxes beside you. Then stroll down to New Realm Brewing for their spacious patio. Many tables have umbrellas to provide shade, making it a great place to cool off before continuing your walk!
For a quieter experience, head to the Southeast Beltline Trail. Start at Breaker Breaker and enjoy a drink on their patio (which faces the Beltline and is great for people watching!). Then head towards ParkGrounds for their huge shaded patio and enjoy breakfast or lunch. From there, you can walk to Storyteller Goods. This started as a coffee pop-up and they recently established a permanent location in the back of Home Grown. They sell biscuits for your pup and celebrate dogs by putting their own corgi on the cups!
Slow it Down and Let Your Dog Be a Tourist Too
Most people think the goal is to walk as far as possible. Your dog probably disagrees.
The Beltline is full of new scents and sounds to explore. Those sniff breaks are one of the most enriching parts of the outing for your pup! So instead of rushing from stop to stop, slow down to enjoy the shady green spaces and let your pup investigate every interesting smell along the way.
Sometimes the best part of the adventure is simply taking your time.
Know When to Take an Air Conditioning Break
Even the most energetic dogs have a limit. If your dog starts panting heavily or slowing down, it's probably time for a break. Fortunately, the Beltline makes it easy to cool off by popping into one of the many pet-friendly businesses.
From the Eastside Trail, stop into Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming to let your pup browse treats and toys. Or head to The Clean Dog, a locally owned pet store, daycare, and groomer just a block from the Eastside Trail.
From the Westside Trial, pop over to Coffeeman. They allow well-behaved dogs inside and never skimp on the pup cups!
One Last Tip Before You Go
Your dog doesn't care how many miles you walk. They care that they're spending the day with you. So grab the leash, pack a collapsible water bowl, choose the shadiest route you can find, and make a few patio stops along the way. That's our idea of a perfect summer day on the BeltLine. We think your dog would agree!
Want to discover the Atlanta Beltline food scene with your dog? Join Barks & Bites: Doggie Crawl on the Beltline - the only restaurant crawl where dogs dine in restaurants.
Nicole Pitts is a freelance marketer for Bitelines Atlanta Food Tours. An avid traveler, she loves experiencing destinations through their local restaurants and cuisines. She has lived in Atlanta on and off throughout her life and considers the Beltline one of the city's best places to eat, explore, and spend an afternoon with her dog.
