Whether you’re visiting for the weekend or taking a day trip, traveling with your four-legged companion doesn’t mean skipping out on the best of Brookings. This pet-vetted itinerary walks you through a dog-approved day of outdoor recreation, patio dining, and scenic wind-downs.
Coffee, Sniffs & Morning Strolls
Start your morning downtown grabbing freshly roasted craft coffee at Kool Beans Coffee & Roasterie. While indoor space is reserved for humans, their outdoor walk-up setup and outdoor seating are ideal for relaxing with your pup while fuel up for the day.
Pro-Tip: Grab a cold brew and a bag of whole-bean coffee to take home.
Head over to Sexauer Park to let your dog socialise and run off-leash. The park features double-gated entries and separate fenced areas for large and small dogs, making it a safe space for dogs of all sizes. For a secondary off-leash run, check out the Bark Park on the other side of town.
Features: Enclosed running space, agility elements, and shade trees.
Nature Trails & Patio Dining
Take a scenic, paved walking tour through 135 acres of reclaimed natural landscape, ponds, and prairie trails at Dakota Nature Park. Leashed dogs are welcome throughout the park, offering miles of peaceful sniffs away from heavy traffic.
Pro-Tip: Bring waste bags and water. Shaded bench stops are available along the main trail loops.
Head back downtown for lunch and craft beer at Wooden Legs Brewing Company. Known for its welcoming atmosphere, the outdoor patio area provides a shaded spot where leashed pups can rest beside your table while you enjoy craft beer and specialty pizza.
Perk: Outdoor patio access and friendly staff who often bring out fresh water bowls.
Scenic Gardens & Country Wind-Down
Enjoy a quiet afternoon walk through the formal botanical gardens and arboretum grounds of McCrory Gardens. Leashed pets are permitted along the outer arboretum paths and designated walking trails.
Note: Ensure your dog remains on leash and stays on paved/gravel pathways to protect delicate plant collections.
Drive a few minutes west to Volga for an early evening glass of local wine at Schadé Vineyard & Winery. The spacious outdoor deck and lawn area welcome leashed dogs, offering sweeping views of the vineyard to close out your trip.
Pro-Tip: Check their calendar for weekend food truck events or live music on the lawn.
Note: They are closed on Mondays & Tuesdays.
Pet-Friendly Stays
My Place Hotel
Highlights: Ideal for extended stays and travelers with large dogs, featuring ground-floor rooms for easy exterior access, in-room kitchenettes, and on-site grassy relief areas with no pet weight limits.
Pet Policy: Accepts up to 2 pets of any size for $25/night.
Comfort Suites University
Highlights: A great fit for families traveling with mid-sized pets who want suite-style rooms, complimentary breakfast, an indoor pool, and convenient access to 25th Avenue.
Pet Policy: Allows up to 2 pets under 55 lbs for $25/night.
Hampton Inn & Suites Brookings
Highlights: Perfect for visitors needing close proximity to the Swiftel Center and SDSU campus, offering modern amenities and reliable pet-designated ground-floor units.
Pet Policy: Welcomes up to 2 pets (dogs/cats up to 75 lbs) with a flat stay fee ($50 for 1–4 nights).
Super 8 by Wyndham
Highlights: Best for budget-conscious road trippers needing quick highway access off I-29, straightforward ground-floor room entry, and ample grassy walking space.
Pet Policy: Welcomes up to 2 pets of any size in designated non-suite rooms for $15/night per pet.
Pro-Tip for Visitors: Always mention your four-legged companion when booking ahead, most Brookings properties reserve specific ground-floor rooms near grassy exterior exits to make late-night and early-morning potty breaks effortless.
