Related: Pet-Friendly Apartments in Nashville
If you and your dog plan to move to Nashville, but wonder whether your pet will feel satisfied with the city’s park options, we have some great news for you. Music City’s dog parks are abundant and well-kept, with many large and small parks to choose from. Of course, not all dog parks in Nashville are created equal. While most of the parks are well-maintained and beautiful, some are even more so than others. We picked the very best to showcase what makes Nashville a great place for dog lovers.
Nashville’s Top 5 Bark Parks
Gulch Dog Park
Neighborhood: The Gulch
Address: 1216 Pine St, Nashville, TN 37203
Why Dogs Love It:
This place is hands down our favorite park in Nashville thanks to the mindful layout. You don’t need to worry about your tiny Pomeranian getting into an altercation with a Great Dane: the Gulch Dog Park provides two separate areas for small and large dogs.
As for the owners, there’s plenty to do, especially if you fancy a midday snack or lunch. The food trucks and the colorful fence murals add a nice touch. All the grass areas are well-maintained, and the paths offer easy access for walking, making it a must-visit location, with or without your dog.
Downtown Dog Park
Neighborhood: Downtown
Address: 200 1st Ave S, Nashville TN 37213
Why Dogs Love It:
If you want some serious space in which to exercise your dog, Downtown Dog Park certainly provides it. With over 10,000 square feet for your pets to run around in, plus the Riverfront Park right next to the dog park where owners can enjoy recreational spaces and botanical gardens, you can easily spend a whole lazy afternoon in this spot. Of course, a picnic by the river should be included in your itinerary if you want a leisurely day out. You and your dog will love it, we promise.
Centennial Dog Park
Neighborhood: Midtown
Address: Parthenon Ave and 31st Ave N
Why Dogs Love It:
Another dedicated dog park with a ton of facilities, the Centennial Dog Park will not disappoint. Like our top choice, this dog park provides separate areas for large and small dogs. Our favorite feature is the doggie water fountains, perfect for hot days. And, if you are worried about keeping yourself cool on a scorching afternoon, plenty of beautiful mature trees provide shade. Note that Centennial Dog Park is an off-leash park, which means that you won’t be able to bring a pit bull there. However, you can still bring your pit bull to the Centennial Park itself, so long as you keep your pet on a leash.
As a side note, visitors often comment on how much dirt, and sometimes mud, your dog will play in, so prepare to bathe your dirty puppy when you get home.
Frankie Pierce Dog Park
Neighborhood: Downtown
Address: 130 LifeWay Plz, Nashville, TN 37203
Why Dogs Love It:
Frankie Pierce Dog Park is Nashville’s newest bark park, and it pleases dogs and their owners alike. This park contains play areas, picnic areas — you name it. And, the green spaces are immaculately trimmed, making them perfect for your dog to run around in. For a Downtown green space, it’s remarkably laid-back and relaxed. Small, but perfect for a lunchtime break. We almost didn’t want to mention this one so that we could keep it to ourselves.
Shelby Dog Park
Neighborhood: Lockeland Springs
Address: 401 S 20th St, Nashville, TN
Why Dogs Love It:
A gorgeous park with tall trees and well-kept public areas, Shelby Dog Park features a dedicated fenced-in space for dogs to exercise and walking trails if you want to go on a bit of a hike with your pet. Our favorite feature of this park is that you don’t need to bring anything with you, not even doggy bags, which are provided on the grounds.



Searching for a Nashville neighborhood? Learn more about where to live in Nashville before you make your move. Take a look at this list of our favorite pet-friendly apartments as well.
Find an Apartment Next to Your Favorite Nashville Dog Parks
Ready to move to Nashville with your beloved pooch? As we’ve seen, there is no shortage of spacious and beautiful dog parks for you and your dog in this popular destination. If one of these neighborhoods or parks appeals to you more than the others, it’s time to start looking for apartments in that area. As an added bonus, many luxury apartments in Nashville come with their own dog parks or dog runs in addition to pet spas to keep your furry friend looking clean and beautiful. For help landing one of these places, reach out to us. At AptAmigo, we will assist you through the entire process, from finding an apartment that suits your needs best to signing the lease.