In the “Biggest Little City in the World,” there are plenty of reasons to get Fido out of the doghouse. Reno is one of the most dog-friendly cities on the West Coast. From coffee shops and restaurants to stores and hotels, you’ll find plenty of fun things to do with your dog. And there’s no shortage of amazing green spaces and off-leash parks, either.
Here’s our list of dog-friendly places in downtown Reno. Grab your four-legged friend and let the canine adventures begin!
Reno’s Dog-Friendly Downtown
Reno’s Riverwalk District is a picturesque location filled with posh boutiques, quirky coffee shops, public art, plenty of trees and flowers, and excellent dining and drinking options. And if you’re considering relocating here with your pooch, you’re both in for plenty of treats.
Downtown Reno is prized for its inherent walkability, high density of trees, landscaping elements, historic homes, and scenic views. It’s easy to lose track of time wandering the Riverwalk District’s quaint boutiques and shops. And when you end up hungry and parched? Head to one of the city’s myriad establishments where dogs are welcomed with open arms.
Delicious Cafes and Restaurants that Allow Dogs
Get your caffeine while out and about with your pet at beautiful downtown locations such as the Hub Coffee Roasters (727 Riverside Drive). Located in the Powning District, the café features locally roasted coffee and yummy house-made pastries and treats, and you’ll find plenty of decadent chocolates and candies next door at Dorinda’s Chocolates. What’s more, these two establishments are located in a cluster of brick buildings right on the Truckee River where you’ll find a large grass area where dogs are welcome.
Peg’s Glorified Ham n Eggs (420 S. Sierra Street) has a downtown location with plenty of dog-friendly outdoor seating. They serve up award-winning breakfasts and lunches and have even garnered acclaim from the Food Network for cooking “the Best Loco Moco outside of Hawaii.” The Cheeseboard & Wine Seller is also known for its delicious lunch menu and fabulous wine and cheese lists. You’ll enjoy plenty of great people watching while dining outside with your pet.
Or, stop by the Wild River Grille (17 S. Virginia Street) where you can lunch, nibble during happy hour, or dine on locally-sourced cuisine. You’ll fall for their patio seating adjacent to the gorgeous Truckee River. On Mondays, you can even support a worthy cause. A portion of the proceeds from each meal served goes to the Nevada Humane Society.
The Eddy (16 S. Sierra Street) serves up great cocktails and brews, yummy hamburgers, sandwiches, brick-oven cooked pizzas, and lots of pooch-friendly seating in an eclectic location by the river. Other great dog-friendly restaurants include Old Granite Street Eatery (243 S. Sierra Street), Pignic Pub & Patio (235 Flint Street), and Sierra St. Kitchen & Cocktails (50 N. Sierra Street). Each of these establishments offers many tasty happy hour and dinner options.
Dog-Friendly Stores Downtown
You and your dog will enjoy strolling around La Terre Verte (131 California Avenue), an eco-friendly boutique specializing in locally and globally sourced jewelry, art, home accessories, and gifts.
The Basement is one of downtown Reno’s most unique retail experiences, an underground marketplace. Located in Reno’s historic post office, the building overlooks the Truckee River, Virginia Street Bridge, and the “Believe” Plaza.
Inside, enjoy a latte or mocha at Global Coffee, grab a salad at Chomp, or indulge in your favorite sweets at Sugar Love Chocolates. Shop for the best in Scandinavian interior design and décor, eclectic jewelry, and athletic apparel and adventure gear at Tahoe Nevada Love. Don’t forget to check out West Elm located on the first floor.
At Mayberry Landing (3886 Mayberry Drive), buy Fido freshly baked treats at Healthy Tails. Or, give your pet a makeover at Stone Dog Pet Grooming. Dog-friendly patios abound in this shopping center, making it irresistible to stop for a bite at the Buenos Grill, Eclipse Pizza, Franz’s Backstube, or a coffee and pastry at Walden’s Coffeehouse.
Where to Rest Your Paws for the Night
As for where to stay? Downtown has many nice hotels that allow dogs. But two take pampering pooches to the next level, the Renaissance Reno Downtown Hotel and Whitney Peak Hotel. Both boast well-appointed rooms and plenty of fun activities and restaurants. They also sit in easy walking distance to the other pet-friendly places mentioned above.
The Renaissance Reno Downtown Hotel (1 S. Lake Street) is managed by Marriott BonVoy, and they offer a special pet-friendly package, which includes pet bowls and doggie treats. What’s more, you can create a personal engraved dog tag for your friend to wear home. Or, you can decorate the hotel’s eclectic dog tag lobby wall with this memento when you leave.
Whitney Peak (255 N. Virginia Street) is another spot that loves to spoil dogs. At check-in, your dog will receive a doggie bag filled with toys, accessories, and healthy treats. They also get a collapsible water dish. Like the Renaissance, Whitney sits right in the heart of the downtown action, which means plenty of fun activities for you and your pet.
Dog-Friendly Places in Downtown Reno
But the dog-friendly places don’t stop there. Reno parks that welcome canines include Idlewild Park (1900 Idlewild Drive), Wingfield Park (2 S. Arlington Avenue), and the Riverwalk District (300 W. 1stStreet).
And when it comes to parks near downtown that provide off-leash facilities? Check out Whitaker Park (550 University Terrace), Rancho San Rafael Regional Park (1595 N. Sierra Street), and the aptly titled Biggest Little Dog Park (151 W. Commercial Row).
Looking for more great things to do with your dog in Reno? Or, maybe you’ve got questions about relocating to the area? Contact us today to find out what’s happening in Reno-Tahoe and why you (and your pooch!) want to be here.