Olympia is the ideal place to visit with your dog: both close-by and full of fun things to do. If you are looking to get out and about now that spring’s coming, come to Olympia for the day, weekend or longer. You’ll find all the city amenities for you and your pup, with a small-town friendly feel.
Even better, the Olympia area is known for being incredibly dog-friendly. In fact, dogs and other companion animals are pretty much considered people in the capital city. You’ll find plenty of places to eat, stay and play with your dog. You can even do a little shopping with and for your canine companion, with several good-sized pet supply stores to choose from.
This LewisTalk writer set out with the handsome and eager collie pup, Reilley, and his human, to check out some of the area’s dog-friendly attractions. As Reilley’s smile throughout his trip indicated, Thurston County is indeed a good place for dogs. Whether it’s a day trip or a longer excursion, check out some of these resources as you plan your visit.
Adventuring with Your Dog – What to Do
There’s much more fun ahead – check out the ThurstonTalk guide to off-leash dog parks. The Thurston County Off-Leash Dog Area in Lacey features fun obstacles for your dog. For a more urban walk, walk your dog around downtown Olympia, then check out the many shops and restaurants the downtown core holds (check out the Olympia Downtown Association’s listings for ideas).
You’ll find plenty of fun around Thurston County that is suited to both humans and our four-legged pals. A great way to see the area is to take a dog-friendly hike (we also have abundant options for those hiking with both dogs and kids). As you may know, you will need a Discovery Pass to visit most Washington State parks. A one-day pass is available, and there are free days throughout the year.
Shopping Options: Treats and More
Want to treat your dog, or need to pick up some pet supplies? Locally owned since 1988, Mud Bay’s stellar stores are a must-see destination. They carry “healthy foods and well-made supplies” for your dog. The staff are super-knowledgeable and always make it a welcoming experience. Stop by their locations in West Olympia, Lacey (Crossroads Center and Martin Way) and Tumwater. Reilley and other canine customers had a good time picking out treats at the Lacey location. Says one customer, “We’ve been coming since our dog was a baby, and we come in once a week. We mostly come for him, but also for us.”
Other shopping locations for pets include Pet Works in downtown Olympia and Lacey’s Bark Avenue: A Boutique for Dogs and Cats.
If you’re looking for a hip thrifting spot in Olympia, stop by the Thrift Store Supporting Emmit’s Magic Animal Rescue. Dogs are definitely welcome in this store – you’ll be supporting a good cause, and may find some bargains to stretch your travel dollar (read all about Emmit’s here).
Dining Out with Your Dog
You’ll undoubtedly be hungry after all this adventuring. Fortunately, some area restaurants welcome Fido too. There are many spots with seasonal outdoor seating where dogs are allowed, at all price points. You’ll have plenty of choices for sampling Olympia’s growing gourmet food scene.
Check out this list of five places you can bring along your dog with ThurstonTalk’s dog-friendly dining guide.
Bring them along for people watching and European-style baked goods, artisan bone broth, fresh oysters, hand-crafted gelato and more at the 222 Market in downtown Olympia. Another pet-friendly outdoor option is Fish Tale Brew Pub. The legendary brewers, winners of 2015 World’s Best Beer award for their Beyond the Pale Ale, also offer a cozy brewpub with outdoor seating for your canine and indoor 21-and-over options alongside a family dining area.
River’s Edge on the banks of the Deschutes River welcomes your pooch and offers a casual, pub environment that is family friendly and dog friendly on their extensive patio.
Four-Paws-Approved Lodging: Where to Stay
Even though it’s close to home, it’s always fun to make your trip to Olympia into a “staycation.” If you plan to trek for more than a day, you’ll need to find a place to stay. Fortunately, the Olympia area has many dog-friendly hotel options. You can bring your pup to the Best Western Plus in Lacey, or Best Western Tumwater-Olympia, or the nicely-appointed La Quinta Inn (in Lacey and Olympia/Tumwater). Another great option is the newly renovated Hotel RL Olympia by Red Lion, overlooking Capitol Lake. And the Red Lion’s GuestHouse Inn and Suites – Tumwater also welcomes pets, and is conveniently located near the Washington State Capitol Campus. The Marriot Townplace Suites Olympia provides an extended-stay option in the heart of downtown Olympia, also near the Capitol and many attractions. (Be sure to check each hotel’s policy for specifics.)
And, of course, for those who enjoy the outdoors, Thurston County has several campgrounds and RV parks available where you and your pup can take in the natural beauty of the area.
Canine Services – Daycare and Boarding Options
Olympia also has top-notch canine services available. Do you have items planned on your itinerary where Fido can’t come along? Leave him or her in good hands at West Coast K-9 or the family-owned McKenna Kennels Pet Resort (read more about them here), or pamper them at Friendly Grove Resort and Spa for Dogs. Your dog will look terrific after visiting the grooming facilities at West Coast K-9 Centers (with three locations, including two next to Mud Bay stores).
For More Ideas
By now, hopefully you and your pup are happy and tired out from a good day’s adventure. Reilley, for one, went home a happy, calm and tuckered-out dog. If you have a service dog, you’ll find even more places where your dog is welcome to accompany you. For more visitors’ information to plan your ideal stay with your pet, check out the Visit Olympia website and blog. You can also follow the Olympia, Lacey and Tumwater Visitor and Convention Bureau on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.
