Your four-legged friend deserves a getaway. Travel to Omaha, a nationally recognized top city for pets, where we'll pamper your pup with scents, treats and adventure. 

Forbes Advisor just ranked Omaha as one of the nation's top 25 cities for pet owners. (We came in at No. 11.) From parks and places catering to your canine to dog-centered events like FidoFest and Doggy Barket, you'll see that traveling with your fur friend in Omaha is all it's barked up to be. We’ve put together a sample two-day itinerary of dog-focused fun. So pack those bags and hop in your car. It’s time for a paw-some spring getaway to Omaha.

Friday

Afternoon

Welcome to Omaha! First, grab food and snacks for your pup’s stay at The Green Spot, a one-stop shop for organic pet food, toys, and supplies. Then, really get into vacation mode with a “pup pedicure” and teeth brushing, a cookie or cake from the doggie bakery, and a dog wash (because, why not?).

Now kick off your stay with happy hour at Omaha Dog Bar, a watering hole for dogs and their adults with 15,000 square feet of play space indoors and out. Bonus: They serve a lovingly crafted menu of drinks and eats. Order from sandwiches, snacks, sweet treats, coffee, and cocktails. Try the Cherry Shock Collar with vodka, cherry juice, lime and orange bitters. A daily, monthly or annual membership is required to visit, and vaccination records are needed, so visit their website before your arrival.

Libby Lou at The Green Spot Louie at Omaha Dog Park
Libby Lou at The Green Spot Louie at Omaha Dog Bar
Evening

Head north 2 miles to the Old Market Entertainment District for a relaxed dinner at La Buvette, a wine bar and delicatessen with European vibes. Well-behaved pooches are welcome on their popular patio, perfect for people-watching (and eating prosciutto).

Night

Head to dog-friendly Midtown Crossing and stretch out in the 7.5-acre Turner Park. Grab an all-natural dog treat for your fur baby at Long Dog Fat Cat before checking in at Element by Westin Omaha Midtown in Midtown Crossing. Two dogs of any size are welcome for no additional fee, and well-behaved dogs may be left unattended in rooms. Bonus: Active travelers will love their 24-hour fitness center and free bicycle rental.

Nia at La Buvette dog relaxing in the hotel room
Nia at La Buvette Sierra at Element Omaha Midtown Crossing

Saturday

Morning

After a complimentary breakfast at the hotel, kick off your morning at Bob the Bridge. Bob is Omaha’s pedestrian bridge connecting Nebraska and Iowa over the Missouri River. Your pup will feel like a rock star strutting its 3,000 feet. Stand in two states at once and meet OMAR the friendly troll under the bridge. Proceed to Lewis and Clark Landing at The RiverFront and stroll the boardwalk, making your way to Farnam Pier for another beautiful view -- both facing the river and looking back toward the city skyline. Finally, meet some new friends at the dog park at Gene Leahy Mall at The RiverFront

Fuel up for the afternoon with a light lunch at Zen Coffee Co. This Farnam Hill spot serves up savory toast options, along with scones, cookies and oat bars, in addition to coffee beverages of all sorts. Secret menu item alert: “Bring your dog. We freak out and get excited and offer a pup cup. It’s a cup of whip with a bone!” says owner Abby.

Wesley and Buttercup on Bob the Bridge Duke at Bob the Bridge
Wesley and Buttercup and Duke at Bob the Bridge
Afternoon

Ready for a little road trip? Hop on I-80 and visit Wildlife Safari Park, operated by Omaha’s Henry Doory Zoo and Aquarium. While dogs can’t leave the vehicle during this 4-mile drive-through North American adventure, along with their owners they will enjoy the fresh air, animal sightings -- and, yes, interesting animal smells. 

Evening

End your day at Benson Brewery, which serves house-brewed beer and vegan-friendly options in Omaha’s cool historic Benson neighborhood. Benson Brewery’s Biergarten, tucked away from the street, offers a water station for dogs and batches of dog treats made in-house from spent grain left over from brewing. Afterward, enjoy a walk up and down the lively Maple Street corridor.

Rina at Wildlife Safari Park Mooey at Benson Brewery
Rina at Wildlife Safari Park Mooey at Benson Brewery

Sunday

Morning

After checkout, head to Dewey Dog Park for more doggy fun. Your dog will love its agility course, running water and a splash pad (open in warmer weather), self-cleaning synthetic turf, chairs, benches, and canopies.

Beginning in May, stroll through the Omaha Farmers Market at the Old Market on Saturday mornings and in Aksarben Village on Sunday mornings. Velvet, the dog mom to three rescue dogs, says, “We love the farmer's markets because there are always new treats to try, opportunities to socialize our pets, and really good food for the humans.” 

Nutella at Dewey Dog Park Duke at Omaha Farmers Market
Nutella at Dewey Dog Park Duke at the Omaha Farmers Market
Afternoon

After the farmers market, walk to Inner Rail Food Hall for lunch. The spacious open-air Inner Rail Plaza is a popular pick for pups. This plaza is a certified entertainment district, so patrons are allowed to carry open containers throughout the space that includes outdoor games, fire pits, and lounge furniture. Inside, the modern food hall offers everything from 10 vendors, including burgers, sushi, Indian cuisine, pizza, crepes, and more. After your meal, walk down to the Canine Courtyard Bark Park, an off-leash dog park with one side dedicated to large dogs and the other to small dogs, to stretch your legs before hitting the road home.

While all good things must end, remember that some of life’s greatest memories and experiences come in 48-hour packages. Hopefully, this is one of many weekend trips to Omaha you and your dog will experience in Omaha.

For even more pet-friendly ideas in the area, visit our pets page.