Visiting the Pinehurst Area with a Pet

Visiting the Pinehurst Area with a Pet

One of the best things about the Pinehurst and Southern Pines area? It’s genuinely dog-friendly — not in a “we tolerate your dog” way, but in a “we’ll probably greet your dog before we greet you” way. Patios are open, trails are plentiful, and there’s a 50-acre off-leash park where your dog can run until they finally stop pulling on the leash (temporarily). Here’s how to make the most of a trip with your four-legged travel buddy.

Where to Let Them Run

Martin Park is the crown jewel. Fifty acres of off-leash space in Southern Pines with wooded trails, open fields, and a creek where dogs can splash around. It’s partially fenced, so your dog should have solid recall before you unclip the leash. Open dawn to dusk, free, located at 350 Commerce Avenue. Parking is in the cul-de-sac — don’t park in the Yadkin Plaza lot or you risk getting towed.

If you want a fully fenced option, Pooch Park in the Pines in Whispering Pines is 3.5 acres with separate areas for small and large dogs. The catch: it’s members-only. Annual membership runs $50 for one dog, $70 for two. Worth asking about a day pass if you’re visiting.

Where to Walk Together

Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve is the must-do. A 900-acre state nature preserve with six easy trails covering over four miles, all through towering longleaf pines — some estimated to be nearly 500 years old. Dogs are welcome on leash (6 feet max). The Lighter Stump, Pine Island, and Holly Road loop is the best route at 3.8 miles. There’s even a boardwalk over swampland. Free admission, open daily at 8 AM.

Reservoir Park offers a scenic 2-mile loop around a 95-acre lake. It’s popular with walkers, joggers, and dog owners. Leashed dogs welcome. There’s also fishing, kayaking, and an 18-hole disc golf course if you want to make a morning of it.

For a quick stroll, the Rassie Wicker Park trails in Pinehurst are part of the county greenway system — paved, easy, and well-maintained. Good for a morning walk before coffee.

Where to Eat with Your Dog

Most restaurants with patios in the area welcome dogs. Here are the ones worth knowing about:

Drum & Quill (Pinehurst Village) — Ten outdoor tables, solid pub food, cold beer. The fried okra with Green Goddess dressing is worth the visit alone. Open late on weekends.

The Sly Fox (Southern Pines) — British-style gastropub with a dog-friendly patio. Poutine, shepherd’s pie, bangers and mash, and 16 beers on draft. One of the more character-filled spots in town.

Bell Tree Tavern (Southern Pines, Broad Street) — Veteran-owned, great bourbon list, live music on weekends. Dogs welcome at outdoor tables but must stay on the ground — no laps, no chairs.

Smoke and Barrel (Southern Pines) — Slow-cooked meats, beer cheese with pretzels, and an extensive bourbon and whiskey list. Patio is dog-friendly.

Char Bar No. 7 (Southern Pines) — Covered patio with TVs and heat in winter. Good spot if the weather’s not cooperating but you still want your dog with you.

Brad Halling American Whiskey Co. (Southern Pines) — A local distillery with a shaded back patio. Cocktails, beer, wine, whiskey, plus food like burgers and BLTs. Dogs welcome outside.

For coffee with your pup, check out our guide: Where to Get Coffee in Pinehurst & Southern Pines. Swank and Pine Scone Cafe both have outdoor seating.

One More Thing: The Waggin’ Wagon

If you’ve never seen a school bus full of dogs heading to the park, you’re in for a treat. Waggin’ Wagon is a local doggie field trip service — they pick your dog up from where you’re staying, take them to the park to run around with other dogs, and drop them back home tired and happy.

It’s the move if you’re heading out for a long day (golf, winery, a dinner that isn’t patio weather) and don’t want to leave your dog crated for hours. Better than boarding for a one-off afternoon, and your dog comes back having had a significantly better day than you did. Reserve through their Instagram — pickup days fill up.