Palos Verdes Lake Park at 4800 Olympia Dr.
Check out these pet-friendly things to do in Mesquite, TX.
Mesquite, TX, is a booming city with new growth around every corner, and visitors are swarming in from all over the country to attend the city’s attractions and events. Equipped with pet-friendly hotels, restaurants, events, and shops, you will not have to worry about leaving your pets behind at Aunt Mary’s house or a kennel – pets are visitors too and are welcome in Mesquite —almost everywhere! Come along and check out these pet-friendly things to do in Mesquite, TX.
According to a recent National Pet owner survey by the APPA, 40 percent of pet owners include their pets in their travel plans. That percentage has doubled in the last ten years.
I partnered with Visit Mesquite, TX on a pet-friendly destination assignment, including accommodations, meals, attractions, and compensation for the trip. All opinions are my own and my fur babies – Cissy and Cody!
Cissy & Cody at Hampton Inn & Suites Mesquite Convention Center. Photo Credit: Kim Croisant
Pet-Friendly Things To Do In Mesquite, TX
Taking your pets on road trips is a blessing. There’s no looking for places to house them, no time away from you, and especially, no stress wondering if they are being well taken care of.
My dogs love being with me, and I love taking them on road trips when possible. When I adopted them, I went with just one dog, but when I saw them together, I decided to get both. No way could I have separated them even though they said I could because of their age. That was eight years ago—the right decision was made!
One of our first stops was at the City of Mesquite Animal Shelter. I enjoyed visiting and learning more about why animals are here, how the adoption process works, and, most of all, how important it is to adopt a pet. There are some adorable cats and dogs that desperately need a home at the shelter.
The whole time I was in Mesquite with my dogs, all I heard was, “aww, they are so cute,” “oh, look at her tutu,” and most of all – “your dogs are so well-behaved.”
Is Mesquite, TX, pet-friendly? You better believe they are! Welcome to Pet-friendly Mesquite.
Pet-Friendly Parks In Mesquite, TX
Mesquite, TX, boasts over 70 parks and many pet-friendly parks, including one leash-free zone at Town East Park. We drove around to several pet-friendly parks and being a pet parent, I was impressed at how clean and well-maintained they all were.
Pet-friendly parks in Mesquite:
- Opal Lawernce Historical Park
- Town East Park Leash Free Zone
- Palos Verdes Lake Park
- Butterfly Trail
- City Lake Park
- Porter Park
Opal Lawrence Historical Park
The Opal Lawrence Historical Park is a perfect example of how the late 19th century lived during the farming and ranching era. They offer daily tours Tuesday-Saturday for $5. Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are best. The red barn above is available to rent for parties, weddings, and special events.
This park is where Mesquite’s annual Doggie Derby Day is held in April. More about that is below.
Town East Park Leash-Free Zone
Mesquite’s leash-free zone is located at 2724 N Town E Blvd. and provides two separate fenced-in areas – one for small dogs 30 lbs and under and the other for larger dogs. Be sure to read the human rules!
Pet-Friendly Downtown Mesquite Farmers Market
Farmer’s Markets are popping up everywhere and for a good reason. Who doesn’t love shopping with local vendors, buying local produce, and finding unique handmade things? When we walked up to Mesquite’s Farmers Market around 9 am, the local band was already belting mellow classic rock songs. I could have listened to them all day.
Your pets are welcome here, and my dogs found their way to the water bowl. And I found several things for myself, including freshly made sourdough bread. So good, I bought two loaves!
The Downtown Mesquite Farmers Market is located downtown at Front Street Station. It runs every Saturday from April to November from 9 am to 1 pm. There are also many murals for those instagrammable photo shots!
Pet-Friendly Restaurants In Mesquite
With over 250 restaurants in Mesquite, plenty offer outdoor patios and seating that welcome you and your pets.
Bear Cave Coffee
Enjoy your coffee and bring along your pets to Bear Cave Coffee. There are a couple of tables and chairs in front of the shop, but I love that they will let your pets come inside and stay while you enjoy your coffee and, perhaps, yummy pastries.
Mesquite BBQ Since 1959
Mesquite BBQ is family-owned and just happens to be the best BBQ in town (says, locals). They have a few tables and chairs in front of the restaurant where you can sit with your pets. Their barbeque is downright delish, and I opted for a brisket-baked potato that was so good (and huge) that I had leftovers. This is a must-stop when in town.
JC’s Burger Bar
JC’s Burger Bar offers delicious burgers, sandwiches, tacos, and a full bar with TV’s inside and outside. There is a nice covered patio with great picnic-style tables and benches. We enjoyed our lunch on the patio, and my dogs laid comfortably on the ground, waiting for us to finish up, and hoping for a bite.
Other pet-friendly restaurants in Mesquite, TX
- Juicy Seafood and Bar
- nice size outdoor covered patio
- fake mini-golf grass (that’s what I call it) in parts of the outdoor seating
- closes its outdoor seating at night (as of now)
- Bubba’s 33
- Seafood Shack
- Sports City Cafe
- Fuzzy’s Taco Shop
- and more
Pet-Friendly Hotels In Mesquite
Mesquite has pet-friendly hotels, and a few are near the Mesquite Convention Center and the Mesquite Arena.
- Hampton Inn & Suites Mesquite Convention Center
- Staying here will give you access to the Convention Center, and the Mesquite Rodeo is steps away. No getting into your car to drive. Complimentary breakfast and parking. Don’t forget your swimsuit, because the pool is refreshing. This is where I stayed, and the staff here was so sweet and accommodating.
- La Quinta Inn & Suites
- TownePlace Suites by Marriott – Convention Ctr
- Red Roof Inn Dallas-Mesquite
- Motel 6 Mesquite, TX – Rodeo – Convention Ctr
- Delux Inn
- Spanish Trails Inn
Pet-Friendly Events In Mesquite, TX
Mesquite offers several family-friendly events and activities for pets and their owners throughout the year.
Doggie Splash Day In Mesquite – August
Vanston Pool
On August 6, Mesquite’s city pool will close for the summer, and that’s when the pool will turn into a waterpark for pets! It’s the annual Doggie Splash Day. So, mark your calendars for a pool party for you and your pets. How fun will that be!!
Dogs can play in the wading pool, swim in the lap pool, use the diving board, and compete for prizes. Bring food and drinks for yourself and don’t forget your bathing suit, because you can swim with your pet too.
Annual PumpkinFest – October
Don’t forget to mark your calendars for Mesquite’s PumpkinFest on October 15, 2022, from 12 pm to 6 pm at Valley Creek Park. For those who love the spooky season, there will be several activities you and your dog can participate in – like a dog costume contest. It also includes activities for kids and a pie-eating contest.
Doggy Derby Day – April
Doggy Derby Day at the Opal Lawrence Historical Park will be back in April. Put a hat on your dog (if it wears one, mine don’t like hats) and bring them to this free day of fun. Watch out for more to come on their website.
Mesquite Championship Rodeo
Things To Do In Mesquite, TX
If you’re adventurous and want to leave your pets at the hotel, here are just a few attractions you might want to check out.
Mesquite Championship Rodeo
Okay, maybe I didn’t dress the part (I left my boots at home), but I found myself a cool cowgirl hat!
Did you know out of all the rodeos in Texas, Mesquite holds the title of the “Official Rodeo Capital Of Texas” and holds more rodeos than any other city in Texas? The Mesquite Championship Rodeo is held every Saturday night from June to August and has entertained families for the last 65 years! That’s quite an accomplishment. The Mesquite Arena is adjacent to the Hampton Inn & Suites Convention Center and is within walking distance.
Travel Pro Tip: Boot Barn (all locations) offers $10 off rodeo tickets
The Antique Gallery Of Mesquite
With 170 vendors in a 36,000-square-foot building. The Antique Gallery Mesquite is quite an antique store. You’ll find new, used, semi-used, vintage ware, and many antiques. I’m almost sure you’ll find that one-of-a-kind must-have item you’ve been looking for!
Travel Pro Tip: Plan for at least 3 hours to rummage through it all!
Town East Mall
Town East Mall boasts 3 million sq ft of retail and restaurants and offers 174 stores, including four name-brand department stores and many boutique-style stores. The mall will experience growth in the coming months by developing a new retail section with new restaurants and rooftop entertainment.
I hope these pet-friendly things to do in Mesquite, TX, bring you to town soon. Be sure to check out Visit Mesquite, TX, for more awesomeness in its city.
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