Must See Places in Knoxville

Must-See Places in Knoxville (Especially If You Have a Dog & a Coffee Habit)

Let’s be real. This post has been a long time coming. Ranger and I have allegedly been “working on it” for about two years now. And by working on it, I mean thinking about it while drinking coffee in the car and letting dog hair collect in the back seat. But it’s time. We’ve got the leash, the coffee rewards card, and the real estate agent energy ready to go.

So if you’re new to Knoxville, thinking about relocating, or just looking for fresh spots to explore with your pup (and caffeine in hand), here are a few of our favorite places that check all the boxes: outdoorsy, dog-friendly, and full of local flavor.

1. Concord Park + The Cove
📍 Near Farragut / West Knoxville
This one’s a fan favorite for a reason — beautiful lake views, wide open green space, walking trails, and plenty of room for dogs to sniff every tree like it's their job (which, honestly, it is). Ranger is obsessed with any place he can sniff. I am obsessed with what comes next:

Summer Moon Coffee Right down the road and fully worth the detour. Their Moon Milk is the stuff of legends, and yes, they have pup cups. The baristas know Ranger by name — and he absolutely expects his treat every time we pull in the parking lot.

Pro tip: Grab your Summer Moon fix before you hit the park, so you can sip while you stroll and feel like a very put-together person who drinks Texas-style coffee on weekday mornings like it's no big deal.

2. Lakeshore Park
📍 Bearden area
You want mountain views and a dog-friendly paved loop? This park has it. It’s a favorite spot to breathe a little deeper. Plenty of green space, spots to chill, and it’s stroller- and dog-walk friendly.

Pro tip: There’s a coffee truck that sometimes pops by the park or you can pop on over to Treetop Coffee Shop in Sequoyah Hills after your stroll and enjoy a local brew. Check it out!

3. Ijams Nature Center + Mead’s Quarry
📍 South Knoxville
This place is a total hidden gem if you're not from here — and a go-to for locals who want to feel like they’ve driven to the Smokies without leaving town. Trails, river views, and that peaceful, tree-filled air that makes you want to cancel plans and stay forever. After you’re done, head on over to Honeybee Coffee down the road — they're super dog-friendly and always have pup cups on hand.

Dog tip: Keep your pup leashed at Ijams and bring extra water. And maybe a towel… if your dog’s a swimmer then you know that water = party.

4. SoKno Taco
📍 South Knoxville
Okay, this isn’t a park or coffee… but hear me out. Grab a seat on the patio at SoKno Taco, where pups are welcome and chips and queso are basically a love language.

5. PetSafe Village Dog Park + West Knoxville Spots
📍 Dutchtown & Pellissippi
This dog park is fenced, shady, and has separate sections for big and small dogs. Perfect for a quick run if you’re out doing errands nearby. Afterwards, you’re close to KBrew Coffee on Ebenezer or even The Empty Cup on Executive Park Drive. If you want more PetSafe parks, well - the city has about 15 of them! You’re never far from a dog park if this is your favorite outing with your pup. Knoxville strives to be one of the most pet friendliest cities in the country - and it shows!

Final Thoughts from Ranger & Me
We’re lucky to live in a place with so much natural beauty — from lakes and trails to parks and patios that welcome four-legged friends. Whether you’re moving to Knoxville or just exploring your own backyard, I hope this list gives you a few ideas for your next coffee + leash adventure.