Want your four-legged friend to join you on vacation? We got you covered!
We have curated an itinerary of activities that cater to every member of your family, including the four-legged ones. Join us as we explore the best spots, activities, and accommodations that ensure your furry companions have a tail-wagging good time. Whether it's lakeside strolls or pet-friendly eateries, Lake Norman has something special for every pet lover.
Plan your pet-friendly day in Lake Norman!
Start the morning with coffee and a stroll
Start your day over at Summit Coffee! With all kinds of lattes, espressos, pastry offerings, and more, you're sure to find something you love.
They have pet-friendly patios and locations in both Davidson and Huntersville. Don't forget to order a pup cup so your best friend can get their morning boost too!
Mingle and play
Head over to Ramsey Creek Park located in Cornelius, for a lovely stroll! Ramsey Creek is a 46 acre waterfront park with nature trails, picnic tables, playgrounds, and more. Inside the park is Swaney Point K-9 Park that has four acres of fenced in lands and several running water areas nearby.
In addition to Ramsey Creek, some other great park options are Latta Nature Preserve and Jetton Park. Both have several walking paths for you and your pet to enjoy. Just be sure to keep your furry friend on a leash!
Grab a bite
If you start to get hungry, head to Birkdale Village for some pet-friendly restaurants that allow you to eat outdoors with your pet. Some include Red Rocks Cafe, Bad Daddy's Burger Bar, and Killington's. Birkdale Village has a wide variety of food to choose from, so you are sure to find something you'll enjoy.
After lunch, stop by Yappy Hour Bakery, a mobile dog bakery to give your pup a sweet treat! Check their Facebook page to see their location, as they are always out and about.
Jam out
Check out Concerts on the Green in Davidson, a concert series on select weekend days, running until October 12th! From 6-8pm, enjoy music from artists of all genres.
Concerts are free, open to the public, and are fun for all ages! Check out the band schedule here. The venue is located outside, allowing you to bring your leashed pet.
Have dinner on the water
For dinner, check out one of our pet-friendly waterfront restaurants, North Harbor Club or Hello Sailor. You can arrive by car or by boat. Both have pet-friendly outdoor seating with a covered patio, and tables in the sun with umbrellas.
Sitting on the patio will give you a unique dining experience with a stunning view of our very own Lake Norman. Both menus include seafood, sandwiches, salads, hand-crafted cocktails & mocktails, delicious desserts, and much more!
Wind down for the day
End your day with a refreshing drink from any of the local breweries in Lake Norman. There are some pet-friendly indoor and outdoor seating so that both you and your pup can have a fun time!
There are numerous pet-friendly breweries to choose from, including D9 Brewing, Primal Brewery, Lost Worlds Brewing, Ass Clown Brewing, and Lucky Dog Bark and Brew. See our Beer & Wine Trail Map for a full list of all the breweries in the area.
Places to Stay
Here are just a few options for a pet-friendly place to stay. With an additional fee required, you and your pet can sleep soundly!
Comfort Inn and Suites
19521 Liverpool Pkwy, Cornelius
Located in Cornelius, Comfort Inn and Suites is convenient to local attractions such as Birkdale Village, Concord Mills, Davidson College, and Jetton Park. This hotel is pet-friendly with additional fees required.
Homewood Suites by Hilton
125 Harbour Pl Dr, Davidson
Located in Davidson, Homewood Suites by Hilton is two miles from Davidson College and Downtown Davidson. This hotel is pet-friendly with additional costs required.
Comfort Suites Huntersville
14510 Boulder Park Drive, Huntersville
Located in Huntersville, Comfort Suites is two miles from Lake Norman, and more than a dozen restaurants can be found within two miles of the hotel.
Leave No Trace
While you're having a fun day with your pet and enjoying all that Lake Norman has to offer, it's important to remember to clean up after your pet. By following these three easy tips, you can help keep Lake Norman and your pet safe!
- Know before you go- Planning ahead is extremely important when vacationing with your pet. Read up on any pet policies and leash laws, and pack everything you’ll need for your shared adventure.
- Pick up after your pet- It’s easy to believe pet poo will simply decompose, but nitrogen and phosphorus-rich pet poo can disrupt the natural balance of soil and water systems. Always take poop bags with you and dispose of waste at designated bins, even if that’s back at the trailhead.
- Be courteous of others and share the outdoors- When on a trail, yield to others and keep your pet close to you, ensuring they aren’t blocking anyone’s footpath. Keep them calm and manage any excessive barking, preserving the peacefulness of our outdoor spaces for all.
Pets are family, and at Lake Norman we want to treat them as such! Traveling with your animals is not just about the places you go, but the moments you enjoy together. If you were on the fence about bringing fido along to your next Lake Norman trip, let this convince you! We hope you'll consider visiting these attractions with your furry companion so that the whole family can enjoy the fun. And if you do, be sure to take some pictures of your adventures and tag us on Instagram @VisitLakeNorman!
