Looking for a pet-friendly travel spot that's easy to reach by car and full of fun? Fort Smith, Arkansas, is the perfect drivable, pet-friendly destination for you and your furry companion, whether you're a solo traveler, with friends or with family. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a quick stop on your road trip, our historic river city welcomes four-legged travelers with open arms (and plenty of water bowls).
From scenic trails to dog-friendly patios, Fort Smith provides pet owners with many places to explore, dine and stay. Here's your essential guide to the top pet-friendly parks, restaurants and accommodations in town.
🐾 Pet-Friendly Parks & Trails in Fort Smith
Let your pup stretch their legs at these outdoor favorites:
- Fort Smith Dog Park | Massard Rd. & Louisville St. | This large, off-leash park offers separate areas for small and large dogs and is open from dawn to dusk.
- Squirrel Chase Dog Park | Downtown Fort Smith, near 10th & Garrison Ave. | A convenient stop for Airbnb travelers and downtown visitors, this compact, fenced park gives city pups room to roam. 👉 Nearby vacation rentals
- Chaffee Crossing Dog Park | 8204 Veterans Ave., Barling | This park in the rapidly growing Chaffee Crossing district offers lots of space for dogs to play and socialize. It's a peaceful retreat for pets and their people.
- Fort Smith National Historic Site | 301 Parker Ave. | Leashed pets are welcome to explore the scenic trails and river views of this fascinating National Park Service site, where the story of justice in the Old West comes to life.
- Riverfront Park | 121 Riverfront Dr. | Perfect for a leashed walk along the Arkansas River, this trail features open green space and downtown views, plus easy access to the U.S. Marshals Museum.
- Ben Geren Regional Park | 7200 Zero St. | Miles of walking and biking trails make this park a hit with active dogs. There's even an 18-hole disc golf course and shaded picnic spots.
- Creekmore Park | 3301 S M St. | Bring your pup for a leashed stroll around the walking paths, and don't miss the seasonal train ride if you're traveling with children.
☕ Pet-Friendly Restaurants & Cafés
Grab a bite or a brew with your pup at one of these welcoming patios. Keep your dog on a leash to honor food safety and other patrons, but you will find a warm and welcoming space with these local eateries:
- Brunswick Public House | 1009 Garrison Ave. This cozy downtown pub has outdoor seating that's great for people-watching and pet-petting and is known for elevated bar food and live music nights.
- The Bakery District Patio | 70 S 7th St. | A hip, open-air gathering space with local food vendors, drinks and coffee. Leashed pets are welcome in the outdoor common areas.
- AJ's Oyster House | 115 N 10th St. | Seafood lovers rejoice—AJ's offers a shaded, dog-friendly patio and a menu full of Southern coastal classics.
- Ed Walker's Drive-In & Restaurant | 1500 Towson Ave. | A Fort Smith tradition since 1943. Order burgers, barbecue, and even beer curbside or dine outside with your pup.
- Sweet Bay Coffee Co. | 3400 Rogers Ave. | Coffee and pastries served with a side of sunshine on the pet-friendly patio. A favorite for morning walks.
- River City Bistro | 7320 Rogers Ave. | This New York-style deli offers sandwiches, soups and salads with four dog-friendly tables outside.
- Fort Smith Brewing Company | 7500 Fort Chaffee Blvd. | Craft beer, food trucks, and plenty of space to hang with your dog on the brewery patio.
- Neumeier's Rib Room & Beer Garden | 424 Garrison Ave. | A Fort Smith staple with a large, fenced-in outdoor area. Come for the ribs, stay for the music and pet-friendly vibe.
- The Barracks at Chaffee Crossing | 7801 Ellis St. | An emerging entertainment district with food trucks, festivals and dog-friendly patios. Follow their calendar for outdoor events you and your pet can enjoy.
🏨 Pet-Friendly Places to Stay in Fort Smith
Whether you're looking for a hotel or a vacation rental, these spots welcome pets with open paws, no worries, they let their humans prance around the halls as well!:
Hotels
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Homewood Suites by Hilton Fort Smith | 7300 Phoenix Ave. | Big dogs allowed. Spacious suites, kitchenettes, and a grassy area for pet walks.
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Courtyard by Marriott Fort Smith Downtown | 900 Rogers Ave. | Small dogs only. Modern and walkable to downtown attractions.
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La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Fort Smith | 6700 Boston St. | Big dogs allowed. No pet fees, a favorite for road trippers.
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The ARC Hotel Fort Smith | 6813 Phoenix Ave. | Big dogs allowed. Up to two dogs per room with reasonable fees.
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Days Inn by Wyndham Fort Smith | 2123 Burnham Rd | Small dogs only.
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Hampton Inn Fort Smith | 6201-C Rogers Ave. | Small dogs only.
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Wyndham Fort Smith City Center | 700 Rogers Ave. | Small dogs only.
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Residence Inn by Marriott Fort Smith | 3005 S 74th St. | Small dogs only.
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Home2 Suites by Hilton Fort Smith | 7400 Phoenix Ave. | Small dogs only.
Vacation Rentals
Explore pet-friendly Airbnbs in Fort Smith, including downtown lofts, Chaffee cottages and quiet suburban homes, some with fenced yards and patios for your pup to enjoy.
🐶 Plan Your Pet-Friendly Adventure
Fort Smith is proud to be a welcoming, pet-friendly festival town, with seasonal events like the Peacemaker Festival, Fall Fest, Street Fest and Pub Crawl, Steel Horse Rally, Unexpected Art Festival and Chaffee Crossing Farmers Market, where leashed pets are often part of the crowd.
As you plan your visit, keep an eye on the Discover Fort Smith Events Calendar for upcoming pet-friendly happenings.
Whether you're hiking a riverside trail, sipping coffee on a dog-friendly patio, enjoying the entertainment district, or checking into a hotel that treats your pup like royalty, you'll find Fort Smith to be one of the most pet-friendly travel destinations in Arkansas.
📌 Save & Share This Guide!
We'll keep this post updated with new spots, so bookmark it and check back often. Know a great pet-friendly business we should include? Email us at info@discoverfortsmith.com.
