Lexington, Kentucky is one of the larger cities in Kentucky but it manages to keep the feel of a small town. The local restaurants, breweries, and parks provide plenty of options for bringing your pup along. In this dog-friendly guide to Lexington, I’ll share dog-friendly trails, restaurants, breweries, and places to sleep.
Side note: This post was written by Jami (with the help of her pup of course), a local of Lexington. This way, you can be sure you are reading the best and most accurate dog-friendly guide to Lexington, Kentucky. Locals know best! See the author’s bio at the end for more information.
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Table of Contents
Dog-friendly Things To Do in Lexington
1. Kentucky Horse Park
The Kentucky Horse Park is a must-see in Lexington. You and your dog can walk around the grounds and see the sprawling fields dotted with horses. If your pup won’t bark at them, you can even meet some of the horses! Dogs are welcome everywhere except for the gift shop and the museums.
- Cost: Spring- $16, Summer- $20, Winter – $12 plus $6 parking
- Hours: Wed-Sun 9am- 5pm | Closed Monday & Tuesday
- Physical Address: 4089 Iron Works Pkwy
2. The University of Kentucky Arboretum
Shortened to “the arboretum” by locals, this is one of the best places in the city to explore with your dog. Dogs aren’t allowed in the visitor center, home demonstration garden, or children’s garden but that’s a fraction of the space here. Come stroll with your dog for as long as you like.
- Cost: Free
- Hours: 9am – 6pm
- Physical Address: 500 Alumni Dr
3. Farmer’s Market
If you’re in town on a weekend during the farmer’s market in Lexington you need to go. There will be lots of dogs wandering around. Grab breakfast, a smoothie, some fresh fruit, and maybe more on your visit as you walk around the market.
- Cost: Free
- Hours: Prime season is April – Oct 8am – 2pm
- Physical Address: 251 W Main St
4. Take a Drive through Horse Country
If your dog won’t love being up close to horses at the KY Horse Park taking a drive through horse country is a great way to visit the area. But, even if you go to the horse park, driving around horse country is special. These farms are breathtaking. Even locals drive the roads in awe of the rolling hills and horses.
- Cost: Free
- Hours: Anytime you want; but sunrise and sunset are extra special
- Physical Address: Yarnalton Pike and Ironworks Road are recommended but there are several other options around Lexington
5. Ashland: The Henry Clay Estate
Henry Clay is one of the most famous statesmen to come out of Kentucky. His former estate is in the downtown area of the city and the grounds are an oasis in the city. You won’t be able to take your fur baby inside the mansion. But, the grounds and outdoor exhibits are worth the drive.
- Cost: Free
- Hours: The grounds are always open
- Physical Address: 120 Sycamore Rd
6. Red River Gorge
The Red River Gorge isn’t in Lexington but it’s close! If you’re visiting for more than a weekend, your pup will love a hike here!
The Red River Gorge is the best of the outdoors in Kentucky so it has to get a mention. There are amazing hikes here. Note that the Natural Bridge State Park trails aren’t dog-friendly but Double Arch and Gray’s Arch trails are good dog-friendly options.
- Cost: Free
- Hours: Always open- it’s about 1 hour from Lexington
- Physical Address: Slade, KY
Dog-friendly Retail/shops in Lexington
1. J&H Outdoors
J&H is an outdoor shop that loves dogs! You can browse hiking, camping, kayaking, and rock climbing gear. They even have a little section for dog-related outdoor gear.
- Hours: Mon-Fri 10am-7pm | Sat 10 – 6pm | Sun 12pm – 5pm
- Physical Address:189 Moore Drive
2. Bluegrass Barkery
The Barkery is a specialty doggie bakery. Your pup will love going to pick out one of their specialty baked treats!
- Hours: Mon-Sat 10-7pm | Sun 1pm-6:pm
- Physical Address- there are two locations:
- 152 West Tiverton Way, Suite 180
- 162 Old Todds Rd, Suite 150
You may also like: Guide to The Kentucky Bourbon Trail
Dog-friendly Restaurants in Lexington
1. KY Native Cafe
This local cafe is a partner with a local flower and plant shop. Grab a drink or snack in their cafe. You and your pup will be surrounded by native plants and plants grown in the greenhouse on site.
- Hours: Tues-Sun 11am- 10pm
- Physical Address: 417 E Maxwell St Unit B but Parking is off at 446 East High Street
2. West 6th Brewery Taproom
Lexington has a thriving brewery scene and most of them are dog friendly. West 6th is one of the more well-known dog-friendly breweries.
Their open-air beer garden and outdoor patio spaces are dog friendly. The brews are provided by West 6th and food is provided by Smithtown Seafood.
- Hours: Sun-Tue 11am-10pm | Wed-Thu: 11am- 11pm | Fri-Sat: 11am-12am
- Physical Address: 501 W 6th Street
3. Double Dogs
Double Dogs is a restaurant with a sports-bar vibe and a super dog-friendly patio! You can see their dog-friendliness as soon as you visit their website.
- Hours: Sun-Wed 11am-10pm | Thurs 10am-11pm | Fri-Sat 11am-11pm
- Physical Address: 1916 Justice Dr.
4. High on Art and Coffee
If you need a coffee fix head to High on Art and Coffee. Grab a coffee, pastry, and maybe even a dog biscuit for your doggo! Plus, there are local crafts displayed around the shop.
- Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-4pm | Sat. 10am-4pm | Sun. Closed
- Physical Address: 523 E High St
Dog-friendly Stays in Lexington
1. 21C Museum Hotel
The 21C Museum Hotel is a hotel and experience lumped together. The hotel is located in downtown and is still close to attractions like the arboretum and the horse park. It’s a one-of-a-kind stay in the city.
- Address: 167 W Main St
- Pet Policy: Dogs and cats up to 50lbs are welcome; up to two per room. $50 pet cleaning fee
Check Rates for the 21C Museum Hotel Here
2. Hampton Inn Interstate 75/Hamburg Area
The Hampton Inn (Hamburg area) is close to the interstate and packed with restaurant options. Staying here gives easy access to the Kentucky Horse Park and keeps you within a 25-minute drive of most other things in Lexington.
- Address:2251 Elkhorn Rd
- Pet Policy: Dogs and cats up to 75lbs are welcome; up to two per room. 1-4 night stay $75 | 5+ night stay $125 | Plus $75 pet fee plus
Dog-friendly Lexington Map
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About the Author!
Jami has lived in or around Lexington since 2006. She loves exploring her town with her feisty diva pup. She also loves exploring the world and searching for all of the best gluten-free foods! Catch her on her blog or on Instagram.
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