Reno: A Local’s Guide to Dog-Friendly Activities in Reno, NV
It seems only fitting that our first blog post is dedicated to our current hometown, Reno, NV! When we first came to Reno for my husband’s job interview, I’ll admit I was a bit skeptical about what Reno would have to offer. But now after living here for a few years, we truly love it here and have discovered so many fun things to do for humans and pups alike.
Check out our suggestions below, and come explore Reno!
Things to do
Enjoy a beautiful walk (and/or swim for water-loving pups) downtown along the Truckee River (Reno Truckee River Trail on Alltrails). The Truckee runs all the way from Lake Tahoe to Pyramid Lake, and runs straight through downtown Reno creating a scenic river walk right in the heart of town. If you have dogs that love to swim, this is also a great area for them to take a dip, just be sure to be mindful of the time of year, river conditions and swimming ability of your dog(s) if there is a strong current. We typically like to pit stop near Wingfield Park, where there are some areas that are typically calm and good for swimming.
While you are enjoying the river area, be sure to pit stop and grab some coffee at Hub Coffee Roasters, our favorite local coffee shop. Not only is their coffee fantastic, they also are always friendly to our pups who love coming there for pets and treats! Dogs are allowed in the “lobby” for ordering, and are welcome at the tables outside. They also just added corn hole games on the lawn out front.
You can also continue your walk west of downtown to Idlewild Park, which runs along the river and is a nice spot for walking.
Bonus: If you are in Reno on the weekend, Idlewild Park has a great year-round farmer’s market on Sundays from 8am-1pm that is also dog-friendly. Check out the Riverside Farmer's Market site for current details on vendors and events. There are typically a few food trucks, so you can also snag some yummy bites and have a picnic with your dog in the park.
In Northwest Reno, our favorite walking path with the dogs is near McCarran Blvd off of Mayberry. We typically park in the lot near Yogurt Beach, and then walk back toward the road and to the right to meet up with the trail. The walking path winds through scenic neighborhood green space with beautiful trees and ponds, and lots of wildflowers in the spring.
Tip: After your walk, snag a treat from Claio or Yogurt Beach. There’s also a Healthy Tails pet store in the same shopping center in case you need to pick up any essentials or treats for your pup.
In Northern Reno, another nice place to walk is the the Sparks Marina (Sparks Marina Loop Alltrails link). There is a walking path that goes all the way around the lake, for a leisurely 2 mile loop.
Hiking
There are many areas around Reno that offer great hiking opportunities with your dog(s). For even more amazing scenery, check out our guide (coming soon!) to hiking in the Lake Tahoe area. If you are in Reno during winter time, one of our favorite activities with our dogs is snow shoeing. Below are some of our favorite spots for both hiking and snowshoeing in the Reno area:
In South Reno, the Galena Creek Regional Park is home to many beautiful dog-friendly hiking trails nestled in the forest with beautiful views and pine trees. For a nice easy 1.5 mile loop we always enjoy the Jones Creek Loop, which is also one of my favorite local trails to snowshoe in the winter. The Galena Creek Nature Trail is an even easier 1 mile loop that is also very kid-friendly. For a longer hike, you can try the Brown's Creek Loop, which is 4.6 miles and has beautiful views of the forest and mountains, with plenty of wildflowers in the spring and early summer. Just beware that during peak times, this trail is also popular for mountain bikers.
Also in South Reno is the Galena Creek Trail, which is a nice easy hike that runs along the river and through a beautiful golf course neighborhood. The total trail length is 4.7 miles out and back, but you can turn around at any point to customize the length.
If you are headed toward Lake Tahoe, one of my favorite hikes that is popular among locals is Chickadee Ridge which is aptly named after the many chickadee birds in the area. It is a 2.4 mile out and back trail that has a stunning view above Lake Tahoe at the end. Tip: This area is also the best place to snowshoe with dogs in the winter!
The Hunter Creek Trail is nearly 6 miles out and back, and has a beautiful 30 foot waterfall at the end. This trail may not be suitable for dogs mid-day in the summertime as it offers minimal shade and will be hot! Bring lots of water.
Rancho San Rafael Park in Northwest Reno also offers a nice trail network. This area feels more desert-like and has nice views of the city. We like the Evan's Canyon Loop which is 3.2 miles long.
Places to eat and drink
Breakfast:
Downtown, grab some coffee and a breakfast burrito from Walden's Coffee House, or try the buscuit sandwiches and enjoy the patio at Pine State Biscuits.
Or you can head to Midtown, and enjoy the patio and breakfast fare at JoStella Coffee or grab amazing breakfast sandwiches and pastries to go from Perenn.
Eateries:
Noble Pie Parlor is known for their pizza, but in my opinion the can’t-miss item here is the ‘burg style wings - and I’m not normally a wings person! They have a great outdoor area with patio tables, and you can either snag drinks there or from Pinon Bottle Co. next door.
Claio Rotisserie opened this year and has quickly become one of our favorite spots, including their cute pup-friendly patio. This spot is known for their greek inspired food and drinks, and while it is great for either lunch or dinner, personally we prefer their more casual lunch menu. I dream about their chicken souvlaki with house-made pita bread and crispy potatoes.
For a huge menu with tons of variety (and great healthy ingredients!) head to Great Full Gardens. They also have a location in South Reno, and both locations have small dog-friendly patios.
If you’re in the mood for Mexican food, check out Mari Chuy's, with a nice outdoor patio and a great location right in the heart of Midtown.
If you like burgers or enormous mimosas, don’t miss The Depot! Located right outside downtown, they have a nice outdoor area that is dog-friendly, and all of their food and drinks are excellent. Our favorite time to go is for brunch on weekends, including their massive “manmosas” or bloody mary’s.
For dining with a view of the river, the patios at the Wild River Grill and The Shore are dog-friendly, and both have a great happy hour!
Connected to The Jesse Hotel (mentioned below), is Estella, Tacos Y Mezcal. A fun modern Mexican spot specializing in street tacos and mezcal cocktails with a beautiful dog-friendly patio.
Breweries / Bars:
The Eddy is one of the most fun and dog-friendly spots in Reno. They call themselves a “Beer Garden & Collaborative Community Space in the Heart of Downtown Reno.” In addition to beer and wine on tap, they have an on site pizza oven, yard games, and regularly host live music and food trucks. They have shirts that say “Day Drinking and Dogs” - count me in! Check them out on Instagram for current updates and events. And note that due to their outdoor-only location, they are closed during winter.
Our favorite local brewery is Revision Brewing Company, who are known for their epic IPAs. A tasting flight is always my favorite way to go! They do not offer food, but you are welcome to bring your own.
Two other great spots to try are Pigeon Head Brewery, for lagers and rotating seasonal selections, and a diverse line up of beer at IMBĪB Custom Brews.
If wine is more your style, check out one of Whispering Vine’s locations. Their Main Location on 4th street offers a delicious food menu in addition to wine, and has a patio that is dog-friendly. They also have a location in South Creek that does not offer food, but also has a small dog-friendly patio. Both locations offer a fantastic wine selection, including fun tasting flights, as well as a wine shop with incredibly priced bottles.
Bonus: If you are in Reno during summer, check out the “Hump Day” food truck event Feed the Camel on Wednesday evenings. Check out their Instagram for the latest updates/vendor details.
Dog Parks
The best dog park in Reno by far is the Rancho San Rafael Dog Park. Picture a giant open field where dogs can run free and play off-leash.
If you are downtown and looking for a place for a quick play session, check out the Biggest Little Dog Park.
Where to Stay?
The Renaissance Hotel in downtown Reno is our favorite dog-friendly place to stay. The property and rooms are modern and comfortable, and it is very centrally located (walking distance from many of the spots mentioned in this post). They offer dog-friendly patio dining at The Shore, and even offer a Pet Package which comes with pet bowls and a doggie treat welcome amentity.
We have not yet stayed at The Jesse Hotel, but it looks adorable and is definitely worth checking out. It is a small boutique hotel with 6 rooms that welcomes well-behaved dogs. Not only is it connected to Estella, the modern Mexican restaurant mentioned above, but there is also a fantastic coffee shop and bar on site.
If you are in the Reno area, chances are you will also be exploring Lake Tahoe - or if you don’t yet have plans to, I would urge you to at least take a day trip. It’s our favorite place on earth! Check out our guides to Incline Village, Truckee, and South Lake.
Do you have any favorite Reno spots that I missed? Let me know in the comments!
Disclaimer: The information provided above and dog-friendly policies were understood to be accurate as of the time of this post. For the most up-to-date information and policies, be sure to confirm with the businesses directly.
