Dog Days of Seattle Southside

If your dog has been looking at you with those you-know-what-eyes lately, grab the leash and some treats and take your pal out for a spin around Seattle Southside.

Plenty of dog-friendly places will make tails wag and pet parents want to sit and stay awhile. There are more than 50 dog friendly parks here, and countless trails for rambling and sniffing, so you'll find lots of things to do with dogs in Seattle Southside.

*Please Note: Odin Brewing has relocated to Tacoma

If your dog has been looking at you with those you-know-what-eyes lately, grab the leash and some treats and take your pal out for a spin around Seattle Southside. Plenty of dog-friendly places will make tails wag and pet parents want to sit and stay awhile. There are more than 50 dog friendly parks here, and countless trails for rambling and sniffing, so you'll find lots of things to do with dogs in Seattle Southside.

For sweet liberation from the leash, head to Crestview off-leash Dog Park or Grandview Off-leash Dog Park. Grandview boasts 37 acres of space for you and your dog to explore with walking paths, an agility course, and picnic tables. On a clear day, you can enjoy the eponymous "grand view": a breathtaking glimpse of Mt. Rainier and the Kent Valley. Crestview Park is a bit smaller, but still has lots of amenities, such as agility equipment and separate areas for large dogs and small dogs.

Couple Walking Dog at Des Moines Beach Park at sunset with water in the background

Stroll the waterfront at Des Moines Beach Park.

Couple walking dog at Redondo Beach on the sand near the water

Sink your paws in the sand at Des Moines Beach Park.

Dog at Des Moines Marina next to seal sculpture

Des Moines Beach Park is a great place to people watch.

Des Moines Beach Park is another good stop for both pups and their people, with plenty of paths, a pier, and lots of beach for salty dogs. If you and your dog are full-on seafaring types, Olympic Outdoor Center rents paddleboards and sit-on-top kayaks at Redondo Beach in the summer. Another dog walking spot that'll have your friends on social media wondering where you took those puppy pics is the Robert Morris Earthwork. This grassy terraced hole in the ground is a former gravel pit turned public art. It's a cool place to grab a few photos and walk some trails.

Couple walking dog at Robert Morris Earthwork during the fall

Robert Morris Earthwork park - landscape art!

Robert Morris Earthwork paths.

Dogs need retail therapy too. For pet food, toys, or a fleece jacket (a dog’s gotta look local, after all) Mud Bay is a Northwest pet store chain that started in Olympia in 1988, pioneering natural pet care. Store associates, called ‘Muddies’, know what PNW pups need to stay healthy and happy. The Burien Plaza location is just minutes from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. All the Best is another local chain which started on Lake City Way in Seattle in 1985, and has since grown to offer locations all around the Puget Sound area. Their staff is well-versed in special dietary needs, so if your pooch has a particular palate, the folks at All the Best can help find something to make his stomach happy!

If you need a human treat after playing and shopping, Des Moines Dog House doesn’t just sell every kind of hot dog imaginable – they also make empanadas and you have the option of ordering your dog on an arepa (fried cornmeal dough, a Venezuelan specialty) instead of a bun. Outdoor dining options make this casual spot fido-friendly. If you're looking for a full-service restaurant, Billy Baroo's Bar and Grill in Tukwila is nestled alongside the beautiful Foster Golf Links Course and offers service in their patio area where dogs are welcome ("As long as they're friendly," according to a staff member we spoke to over the phone – which we're sure yours is!). House smoked barbeque, burgers, and loaded baked potatoes are served up alongside cold brews and stunning views.

The Dog House in Des Moines is a laid back place to grab a dog!

If you’re in SeaTac with plans to fly with your furry friend, treat them to a hotel stay before they have to surrender to a crate and the belly of a jet. Cedarbrook Lodge’s ‘Puppy Paradise’ package includes a ground floor room for your dog’s ‘business trips’ as well as swag like dog treats, a Cedarbrook dog tag, and in-room amenities for pooch pleasure. The lodge’s park-like setting is perfect for walks, and their spa offers plenty of human pampering options for you to get spoiled, too!

Aloft Hotel in SeaTac is pet friendly, welcoming furry companions under 40 lbs. for no additional fee. Cool canines will love the modern vibe and the moderate price. Humans will like the WXYZ bar with a happy hour, the fitness center and game room, the self-serve grab and go snacks, and the smart touches throughout this not-your-typical-airport-hotel.

After exploring the doggie delights of Seattle Southside, your pal will crash contentedly on their bed, paws twitching as they replay the day. And you’ll enjoy a break from the sad puppy eyes.