Concord, North Carolina, has become one of our favorite destinations for a quick getaway with our Miniature Schnauzer. Located just outside Charlotte, Concord offers a great combination of shopping, outdoor recreation, family-friendly attractions, and dog-friendly places to explore.
We’ve visited Concord several times, explored Downtown Concord, spent time around Concord Mills, driven throughout Cabarrus County, and even stayed in a vacation rental during one of our trips. What we love most about the area is how easy it is to combine dog-friendly activities with family fun.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, a road trip stop, or an extended stay in the Charlotte area, here are some of our favorite dog-friendly things to do in Concord, North Carolina.
Explore Frank Liske Park
One of the best outdoor destinations in Concord is Frank Liske Park. This spacious county park offers walking trails, open fields, picnic shelters, and plenty of space for dogs to enjoy the outdoors.
Whenever we travel with our schnauzer, we look for parks that provide room to walk, explore, and take a break from the car. Frank Liske Park offers exactly that, making it a great stop during a day of sightseeing around Concord.
Why We Love It
- Large open spaces
- Scenic walking paths
- Family-friendly atmosphere
- Plenty of picnic areas
- Great place to stretch your legs after traveling
Stroll Through Historic Downtown Concord
One of our favorite areas to explore in Concord is Downtown Concord. The historic district has a welcoming atmosphere with beautiful architecture, local businesses, colorful murals, and walkable sidewalks that make it enjoyable to explore with a dog.
During our visit, we enjoyed simply walking through the downtown area and taking in the character of the city. It’s the kind of place where you can slow down, browse local shops, and enjoy a relaxed afternoon.
Highlights of Downtown Concord
- Historic buildings
- Local boutiques
- Public art and murals
- Seasonal festivals and community events
- Walkable streets perfect for dogs
Many businesses are welcoming to visitors walking their dogs, and it’s common to see other pet owners enjoying the area as well.
Visit Concord Mills
Concord Mills is one of the most popular attractions in the area, and we’ve spent time exploring the shopping complex during our visits.
While pets generally aren’t allowed inside the mall itself unless they are service animals, the outdoor areas surrounding Concord Mills provide convenient places to walk your dog before or after shopping.
If you’re planning a longer shopping trip, taking a short break outside with your pup can make the experience more enjoyable for everyone.
Stay in a Dog-Friendly Vacation Rental
During one of our trips, we stayed in a VRBO vacation rental in Concord and found it to be a great home base for exploring the area.
For families traveling with dogs, vacation rentals often provide advantages that traditional hotels can’t always offer, including additional space, outdoor areas, full kitchens, and quieter surroundings.
When searching for a pet-friendly vacation rental, we always recommend looking for:
- Fenced yards when available
- Nearby walking areas
- Clear pet policies
- Reasonable pet fees
- Plenty of space for the whole family
(affiliate opportunity: VRBO)
Explore Cabarrus County
One thing we quickly discovered during our visits is that Concord itself is only part of what makes this area enjoyable. Cabarrus County offers scenic drives, parks, small communities, and plenty of opportunities to explore with your dog.
One of our favorite travel activities is simply loading up the SUV, bringing along our schnauzer, and discovering places we haven’t seen before. Cabarrus County offers plenty of opportunities for exactly that type of adventure.
Things We Enjoy About Cabarrus County
- Scenic country roads
- Rural landscapes
- Small-town charm
- Outdoor recreation opportunities
- Easy access to nearby attractions
Take a Day Trip to Charlotte
One of the biggest advantages of staying in Concord is how close it is to Charlotte. During our trips, we’ve combined visits to both cities, making Concord an excellent home base for exploring the greater Charlotte area.
Charlotte offers additional dog-friendly parks, greenways, outdoor dining options, and attractions that can easily be incorporated into a weekend itinerary.
The short drive between the two cities makes it easy to enjoy the best of both destinations.
After visiting Downtown Concord, shopping at Concord Mills, exploring Cabarrus County, and staying in a vacation rental nearby, we’ve found Concord to be a comfortable and enjoyable destination for families traveling with dogs. The combination of outdoor spaces, walkable areas, shopping, and easy access to Charlotte makes it a destination we’d happily visit again with our Miniature Schnauzer. Maybe next time when it is a little warmer outside without frost on the ground.