Travel looks a little different when your co-pilot has fur, scales, or a habit of stealing your snacks.

In Fayetteville, NC, pets aren’t just allowed—they’re part of the adventure, with parks, patios, and local events that make everyone feel at home.

 
Pets are part of the family, and in Cumberland County, they’re part of the travel experience too. This guide offers pet-friendly parks, relaxed patios, and practical tips for making the most of a pet-friendly weekend in Fayetteville. Pups, cats, and cold-blooded co-pilots are all welcome—you’ll find plenty of reasons to stop, stay, and explore.

Where to Rest: Pet-Friendly Accommodations

Start your getaway with a cozy Fayetteville stay—more than 35 hotels throughout Cumberland County welcome pets, so you’re spoiled for choice. Many chain hotels make life easy with grassy relief spots, modest pet fees, and solid reviews. Popular options include:

  • Red Roof Inn & Suites Fayetteville – Fort Bragg: Pets stay free (first pet), up to 80 lbs—no hidden fees.

  • Hampton Inn & Suites properties welcome up to two pets (cats or dogs, ≤ 75 lbs) and include pet-friendly amenities like grassy areas, pools, and free breakfast.
    Check out any of our three local Hampton Inns:

An icon depicting pet-friendly places to stay -  showing a hotel bed with a dog at the foot of the bed and a checkmarkCustomers traveling with animals can explore all pet-friendly lodging options here.

A Border Collie and an orange tabby cat relax on a neatly made hotel bed while a small turtle terrarium sits on the nightstand beside them—capturing a cozy, pet-friendly stay in Fayetteville, NC.
image created by www.chatGPT.com

Day 1: Let's Sniff Around Downtown

Morning – The Painted Path Mural Walk

Kick off with The Painted Path—the walkable loop is a curated mural walk along Person Street that features colorful, Instagram-worthy scenes. Many murals are dog‑on‑leash friendly and offer built-in photo ops with downtown texture.

Bonus photo tip: Get shots against the Be Kind and Patient mural for maximum contrast.

 

Midday – Water Breaks & Patio Dining

Downtown is surprisingly pet-savvy:

 

Afternoon – Shaded Stroll

Linear park, located downtown, is full of tucked away shaded paths along with historical markers for the human to enjoy as you and your four-legged copilot stroll the afternoon away.

Photo Tip

Sun setting? Lucky enough to be in town during Dog Day in the Garden? Head over to the Cape Fear Botanical Garden. Late afternoon lighting makes the butterfly bench glow. Selfies + sidekick = social media gold.

 

Want the full Painted Path map plus more pet-friendly downtown spots?
Download our free destination guide for parking tips and walking routes.

an adorable bulldog puppy relaxing on a restaurant patio in Fayetteville, NC with its owner

Day 2: Parks, Cold-Blooded Co-Pilots & A Little R&R

Morning – Time for Zoomies
Start your day with a romp at Riverside Dog Park, Fayetteville’s largest fenced dog park nestled along the Cape Fear River Trail. With separate play areas for large and small pups, it’s a scenic place to burn energy and meet local four-legged friends.

Prefer something quieter? Lake Rim Park offers shaded walking trails and picnic spots, while Mazarick Park adds ponds and playgrounds for families with kids in tow.

 

Midday – Drop-Off & Chill (Treats Included)
Need a break for some humans-only fun? Drop your furry companion off for a paw-dicure, a bubble bath, or a little playtime with new friends. Several Cumberland County pet resorts offer grooming services alongside daycare and boarding—perfect for giving your pet their own vacation moment.

Husky on butterfly bench at Cape Fear Botanical Garden during Dog Day in Fayetteville NC

Pet Spa Tip
Booking pet spa services? Be sure to:
Call ahead - especially on weekends and holidays
Bring up-to-date vaccine records (rabies, bordetella, distemper/parvo)
• Ask about pickup hours and grooming services
Bonus: Some even offer pupdates, bows, and pet-safe nail polish!

Spa-Ready Local Favorites:

These local businesses treat pets like family—and their spa menus go far beyond a rinse and repeat.

 

Afternoon – Slow it Down

Once reunited, head over to Dirtbag Ales Brewery & Taproom to wind down the weekend. With its large outdoor space, rotating food trucks, and dog-friendly beer garden, it’s a favorite hangout for locals and travelers alike. If you're lucky, you might catch live music or the seasonal farmers market—both pet-welcoming and full of local flavor.


Side Note: Visiting in September?
Check the event calendar for Repticon Fayetteville, an annual fan-favorite exotic animal show hosted at the Crown Complex. Great for families, reptile lovers, and curious explorers—just keep in mind, only service animals are allowed inside.


Want even more places to explore with your pet?
Check out our Dog-Friendly Fayetteville blog for a curated list of pet-welcoming patios, parks, shops, and stays.

Ready to Plan Your Pet-Friendly Getaway?

Traveling with a senior Siamese, a high-energy hound, or a cold-blooded co-pilot? Fayetteville and Cumberland County make it easy to explore, unwind, and create memories together. With cozy stays, vibrant downtowns, and more than a few tail-wagging surprises, this region is the perfect place to slow down and stay a while.

 

Need a place to start? Download our free printable itinerary below and treat your four-legged co-pilot to a weekend they’ll never forget.

🐾 Download Your Pet-Friendly Weekend Itinerary

Helpful Resources:

 

An icon depicting pet-friendly places to stay -  showing a hotel bed with a dog at the foot of the bed and a checkmark A smartphone with a location pin and checklist Trifold Icon of Fayetteville's Destination Guide
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