Bring Fido to Branson, MO for a weekend vacation getaway in the dog-friendly Ozarks. The city known as the “Live Entertainment Capital of the World” always has something going on. Spend a weekend making memories with your pup while you visit a tiger sanctuary, catch a big bass in Lake Taneycomo, play at parks and dine at pet-friendly restaurants. Pack your pooch’s bones and get ready for an unforgettable weekend in dog-friendly Branson.
A Weekend in Dog-Friendly Branson
Posted by Erin Ballinger
Friday
Fido will love the comfortable dog beds at the Hilton Promenade.
Photo by
@his_hers_vlogs
4 p.m. Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing
Check in to the Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing, located in downtown’s premier lakefront entertainment, dining and shopping complex. Fido will love the hotel’s pet package which includes food and water bowls and a pet bed for his stay. When nature calls, your pup can use the hotel’s grassy designated pet relief area at the Landing. The Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing welcomes two pets up to 75 lbs for an additional fee of $50 per stay.
Take a breather at one of the many green spaces in Branson Landing.
Photo by @ventureondogs
5 p.m. Branson Landing
Once you’ve unpacked, take your dog for a walk at Branson Landing, a pet-friendly shopping and dining destination that features a 1.5-mile scenic boardwalk along Lake Taneycomo. You might catch a live band in the center square and weekend farmers markets during the warmer months. Don’t miss the Branson Landing Fountains, a water and fire spectacle created by the same company as the Bellagio Fountains in Las Vegas. Take a moment to enjoy the show with Fido. Afterward, shop ‘til you drop at Bass Pro Shops for outdoor and sporting gear and at Don’t 4 Get About Me for the “pawfect” souvenir for your furry friend.
Puppies are welcome on the patio at LandShark Bar & Grill.Photo by @nikkisivils
7 p.m. LandShark Bar & Grill
For dinner, take a seat on the pet-friendly patio overlooking Branson Landing’s main square and fountains at LandShark Bar & Grill. Taking its name from LandShark Lager, the late Jimmy Buffett's own beer, this restaurant will transport you to the tropics with its fun atmosphere and music. Try a Fins Up Margarita or a cold draught beer in a take-home LandShark Blender Cup, alongside an order of Taco Nachos, a LandShark Burger, Caribbean Chicken Salad or Coconut Shrimp. Treat your pup to a hot dog from the Little Sharks Menu.
Puppy eyes make the best poker face.Photo by Facebook.com/Busters-Old-Time-Photos-on-the-Landing
9 p.m. Buster's Old Time Photos
Before retiring for the night, step into the Wild West, Southern Belle or Victorian era for a fun photoshoot with Fido. Buster’s Old Time Photos at the Landing has a wide variety of vintage costumes for you and your dog along with appropriate props to make your picture-perfect memory.
Saturday
"You're lucky there's a fence between us!"
Photo by
National Tiger Sanctuary
10 a.m. National Tiger Sanctuary
Grab breakfast at the hotel and head approximately 15 miles outside of Branson to the incredible National Tiger Sanctuary. This non-profit rescue organization is home to tigers, lions, and other exotic and domestic animals. All of these animals have been saved from abusive situations or are unable to survive in the wild. Leashed pets are welcome throughout the sanctuary and can accompany you on multiple dog-friendly tours, including one where you can feed the tigers! The basic Awareness Tour is free for dogs and takes place daily at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. and lasts between 45 minutes to one hour. Ticket and tour proceeds benefit rescue efforts.
Let the good times roll at Waxy O’Shea’s!Photo by Denise/BringFido
12 p.m. Waxy O’Shea’s Irish Pub
After your big cat adventure, return to Branson Landing and head to Waxy O’Shea’s Irish Pub for lunch. Dogs are welcome on the patio while you dig into pub grub like fish and chips, corned beef and cabbage, bangers and mash, seafood boxty and shepherd’s pie. Fido will be treated to a bowl of water while you chow down.
Have fun on the lake with your “nauti” dog.Photo by @marisadearmas
2 p.m. Lake Taneycomo
Spend the afternoon with your pup on Lake Taneycomo. You can access the boat docks and marina through Branson Lakeside RV Park, located next door to Branson Landing. Rent a rod and a dog-friendly pontoon from Scotty’s Trout Dock & Marina and try your luck fishing with Fido. Or, take a walk at the fishing dock’s two dog-walking areas or along one of the nature trails surrounding the lake.
Watch the sunset with your pup at Black Oak Grill.Photo by @thedaisyroombyash
7 p.m. Dinner at Black Oak Grill
For dinner, enjoy classic American fare with your canine companion at one of Black Oak Grill’s outdoor tables. Start off with an appetizer of fried pickles or mango-habanero chicken wings followed by chicken fried chicken, pot roast and mashed potatoes, or slow-roasted barbecued baby back ribs. Wash it all down with an Ozark Mule cocktail made with ginger beer, rye whiskey and lime juice.
Sunday
“Order the bacon for me, please!”
Photo by
@cynthia_shannon23
9 a.m. Sugar Leaf Bakery & Cafe
Rise and shine and get your caffeine fix at Sugar Leaf Bakery & Cafe. Sit outside with your dog while you break the fast with a baked blueberry muffin or a slice of quiche. If he’s been a good boy, order bacon, eggs and toast to split with Fido!
Play a game of catch at Elmo and Rosalea Marrs Memorial Dog Park.
Photo by @pilotfoss
10 a.m. Elmo and Rosalea Marrs Memorial Dog Park
Let your pup run free at Elmo and Rosalea Marrs Memorial Dog Park located within Branson’s Stockstill Park. This 1.5-acre park is fully fenced and offers agility equipment where your dog can safely play. Watch Fido from one of the park benches or get in the trenches and have fun with your off-leash pet. A day pass purchase is required for entry and can be acquired online.
Bring Fido down to Flavor Town! Photo by BringFido/Dena
12 p.m. Guy Fieri's Branson Kitchen + Bar
Head to lunch at Guy Fieri's Branson Kitchen + Bar where you can dine on the dog-friendly patio. Your pup will be greeted with an ice-cold bowl of water while you peruse the menu. Options include many of the celebrity chef’s signature dishes like Dragon’s Breath Chili Cheese Fries, Bourbon Brown Sugar Buffalo Wings, and the Bacon Mac-n-Cheese Burger. Save room for a “Flavor Town Finale” like the Seven-Layer Dark Chocolate Whiskey Cake.
“Floating’s my favorite!”
Photo by @grifflikes2sniff
2 p.m. Explore Table Rock State Park and Depart With a Dog-Tired Fido
Work off the calories and wear out your pup by taking a swim or going on a hike at Table Rock State Park. This lakeside retreat features miles of pet-friendly nature trails that you can explore with your leashed dog before heading back home. Fido should rest comfortably during your travels as he dreams of a return visit filled with fun times on the lake, dog-friendly shopping sprees and cats too big for him to chase.
Are you planning a trip to dog-friendly Branson? Leave a comment or tweet us @BringFido!
Banner photo by @ventureondogs.