Things to Do with your Good Boy or Girl in Delaware

Your furry friend isn’t just a pet – they’re family. If you plan to bring your canine companion on your trip to Delaware, here’s some of the best pet-friendly places to stay and things to do with them while you’re here.


Northern Delaware
Brandywine Creek State Park: Known for its meadowland views and blue gneiss stone walls built in the late 1800s and early 1900s, Brandywine Creek State Park sits within northern Delaware’s piedmont region with more than 14 miles of trail and a remnant old-growth forest. Leashed dogs are welcome in all areas of the park.Riverfront Wilmington: There’s a host of activities to do along the riverfront for you and your pup. For pet-friendly accommodations, make plans to stay at the Hyatt Place Wilmington Riverfront which has outdoor dining options that allow dogs. If you and your furry friend need to get some exercise in, you can take a stroll along the 1.3-mile riverwalk or walk the 5.5-mile-long Jack A. Markell Trail that connects to the riverwalk. Stop in to visit the DuPont Environmental Education Center along your journey. To spoil your pup, you can visit Riverfront Pets which offers high-quality treats and toys. For a late-night drink or snack, visit Constitution Yards Beer Garden which offers a pet-friendly atmosphere.Crooked Hammock Brewery: With a large outdoor patio, there’s plenty of room for you and your leashed dog at this Middletown location. The brewery has a full menu of food and drink options. Don’t forget to check in to the Delaware On Tap trail while you’re there!


Central Delaware
Marmy’s Creamery: Because even your furry friend deserves a sweet treat. Stop into this ice cream shop in Smyrna for a pup cup featuring dog-safe vanilla ice cream topped with milk-bones.Rail Haus: The entire family is welcome at this veteran and minority-owned beer garden in downtown Dover. With German and locally crafted beers plus a variety of cocktails on their menu, the Rail Haus has something for everyone. Stop in for lunch or dinner and sample their burgers, sandwiches, or wings.Abbott’s Mill Nature Center: This hidden gem in Milford sits on a 376-acre piece of Milford Millponds Nature Preserve and features beautiful dog-friendly trails with a handicapped-accessible boardwalk. Bring your canoe or kayak and use the public boat ramp to explore Abbott’s Pond.EasySpeak Spirits: After your outdoor adventures in Milford, head to this family and pet-friendly distillery featuring rums, vodkas, bourbons, and gins made in-house. If you’re hungry, their menu features quesadillas, wood-fired pizzas, and sandwiches.


Southern Delaware
Dewey Beer: With its own Instagram account for @dogsofdeweybeer, both the Harbeson and Dewey Beach locations are dog friendly. Make sure to get your pooch their own Dewey Beer-branded dog toy while there!Home2Suites by Hilton: Located off Coastal Highway, this Lewes hotel boasts dog-friendly amenities including a fenced-in outdoor area to walk them and a water bowl in the lobby. The hotel is within walking distance of Nicola Pizza, a dog-friendly Delaware staple that has been serving up pizzas and strombolis for more than 50 years.Cape Henlopen State Park: Situated at the mouth of the Delaware Bay, this jewel of a state park includes 6+ miles of coastline, walking and biking trails, the Fort Miles Historical Area, and a World War II observation tower. Leashed dogs are welcome on all trails.Dogfish Inn & Dogfish Head Brewing & Eats: Located in historic downtown Lewes alongside the canal, the Dogfish Inn is the perfect basecamp for exploring all that coastal Delaware has to offer with your furry friend. Just call them ahead of time to give them notice that you’ll be bringing your canine companion, and they’ll get you set up in one of their seven dog-friendly rooms. While you’re in Delaware, make plans to visit Dogfish Head Brewing & Eats in Rehoboth with their dog-friendly patio.Canalside Inn: While dogs aren’t permitted on most beaches in Delaware during the summer season from May through September, there are still numerous dog-friendly restaurants, bars, and places to stay in Rehoboth including Canalside Inn, which welcomes any dog breed and size and features amenities like dog treats and bowls, an outdoor shower for washing pets, dog towels, and complimentary waste bags.Arena’s: Just a 20-minute walk from Canalside Inn, you and your pup can stop into Arena’s in Rehoboth for a bite to eat or a cold beer. While you’re there, be sure to snap a pic of your pooch and use #arenasdoggos on Instagram!Purple Parrot Grill: For a late-night drink or snack, stop into this dog-friendly bar and restaurant known for its burgers, cocktails, and regular live entertainment. They’ll even bring out a water bowl for your pup on the patio.