Planning a getaway where your four-legged friend can join in the adventure? A pet-friendly road trip to Odessa’s parks and open spaces offers a refreshing escape for both humans and their canine companions. From spacious dog parks and scenic trails to desert strolls and shaded rest stops, Odessa is a welcoming West Texas destination for pet-loving road trippers.
This guide highlights the best places to walk, play, and relax with your pet in and around Odessa, plus helpful tips on pet-friendly dining, stays, and travel prep so everyone in the car enjoys the ride.
Why Odessa Is Great for Pet Travelers
Odessa’s dry climate, wide-open spaces, and relaxed vibe make it ideal for pet travelers. Many parks have generous green areas, walking loops, and designated dog zones, while the city’s welcoming attitude means leashed pets are often allowed at outdoor attractions and patios.
Best of all, you can easily combine pet-friendly fun with road trip scenery, picnic stops, and quiet desert trails, turning a simple walk into a shared adventure. Whether you’re traveling with a playful pup or a senior dog who enjoys slow strolls, Odessa offers the space, sun, and simplicity to make it memorable.
Best Pet-Friendly Parks and Outdoor Spaces in Odessa
1. McKinney Park
This expansive city park is a favorite among locals for its open green spaces, trails, and pet-welcoming paths. While there’s no fenced dog park here, leashed pets are welcome throughout, and there’s plenty of room for a casual stroll or picnic under the trees.
Address: 625 W Pool Rd, Odessa, TX 79763
Hours: Daily, 8 AM – 10 PM
Approx Cost: Free
Famous For: Wide grassy areas and splash pad (for humans).
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Visit early or late in the day for cooler temps and shaded walking—bring water for both you and your pup.
2. UTPB Park and Nature Trail
Located on the University of Texas Permian Basin campus, this park features a paved loop trail around two lakes, plus sculptures and open lawns ideal for walking well-behaved leashed dogs.
Address: 4901 E University Blvd, Odessa, TX 79762
Hours: Daily, 6 AM – 10 PM
Approx Cost: Free
Famous For: University setting with water views and art.
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: This is a quiet place for a low-key walk or outdoor study break with your pet. Avoid midday heat and watch for local birds.
3. Sherwood Park
This family-friendly park includes a large open space and walking paths where leashed pets are welcome. It’s conveniently located and lightly shaded, making it a relaxing urban green space.
Address: 4819 N Everglade Ave, Odessa, TX 79762
Hours: Daily, 7 AM – 10 PM
Approx Cost: Free
Famous For: Multi-use paths, pet-friendly green space.
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Combine your walk with a stop at the nearby convenience store for picnic snacks or dog treats.
4. Memorial Garden Dog Park (Fenced Dog Area)
Located near the heart of Odessa, this fenced dog park offers separate areas for large and small dogs, benches for owners, and shady spots. It’s one of the few fully enclosed spaces for off-leash play.
Address: 4748 E University Blvd, Odessa, TX 79762
Hours: Daily, 7 AM – 9 PM
Approx Cost: Free
Famous For: Designated dog zones and clean play areas.
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Bring your own waste bags and water bowl—the park has water stations, but supplies can vary.
5. Comanche Trail Park (Big Spring)
Just an hour outside Odessa, this destination-worthy stop includes winding nature trails, lakefront walks, and shady picnic areas—all pet-friendly with leash rules in place.
Address: 100 Whipkey Dr, Big Spring, TX 79720
Hours: Daily, 6 AM – 11 PM
Approx Cost: Free
Famous For: Scenic desert trails and pet-friendly lakeside strolls.
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: A great day trip option from Odessa—bring a leash, water, and lunch for an all-day outing with your dog.
6. Monahans Sandhills State Park
While dogs must be leashed, they’re allowed to explore the park’s rolling dunes, making this one of the more unique places for a sandy adventure with your pet.
Address: 2500 I-20, Monahans, TX 79756
Hours: Daily, 8 AM – 10 PM
Approx Cost: $4 per person
Famous For: Pet-friendly desert exploration and scenery.
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Avoid hot midday sand—visit early, and bring protective booties for your dog if hiking deeper into the dunes.
7. I-20 Wildlife Preserve (Midland)
This unique nature preserve offers 1.5 miles of boardwalk and trails through marshlands and native brush. Dogs on leashes are welcome, and the cooler microclimate makes this a pleasant outing in spring and fall.
Address: 2201 S Midland Dr, Midland, TX 79703
Hours: Tue–Sat, 8 AM – 4 PM
Approx Cost: Free
Famous For: Wildlife observation and quiet dog-friendly walking.
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Keep dogs on short leashes—this is a shared space with wildlife, including birds, rabbits, and reptiles.
Pet-Friendly Places to Eat in Odessa
1. Curb Side Bistro
With a casual vibe and outdoor picnic tables, this food truck favorite welcomes pups while you chow down on creative burgers, tacos, and loaded fries.
Address: 3816 Andrews Hwy, Odessa, TX 79762
Hours: Tue–Sat, 11 AM – 9 PM
Approx Cost: $10–$18
Famous For: Funky comfort food and casual outdoor dining.
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Ask for a side of bacon or grilled chicken—great way to treat your dog while you enjoy your meal.
2. The Lost Cajun
With pet-friendly outdoor seating and friendly staff, this New Orleans-style spot makes for a delicious stop after a walk in nearby parks.
Address: 7240 TX-191 Frontage Rd, Odessa, TX 79765
Hours: Daily, 11 AM – 9 PM
Approx Cost: $10–$20
Famous For: Beignets, gumbo, and Southern charm.
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Sit outside in the evening for cooler temps and a more relaxed vibe with your pup by your side.
3. Starbucks (Various Odessa Locations)
Reliable for pet owners, most Starbucks locations offer dog-friendly patios and pup cups on request. Great for grabbing coffee and relaxing before or after park visits.
Address: Multiple locations across Odessa
Hours: Typically 5 AM – 9 PM
Approx Cost: $5–$10
Famous For: Dog-friendly patios and free whipped cream treats
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Ask for a “puppuccino” at the window—it’s a no-cost delight for furry passengers.
Pet-Friendly Places to Stay in Odessa
1. La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Odessa
This national chain is known for welcoming pets with no additional fees. Clean, convenient, and perfect for a short stay with your pup.
Address: 5001 E Business 20, Odessa, TX 79761
Hours: Check-in 3 PM, Check-out 11 AM
Approx Cost: $80–$110/night
Famous For: Pet-friendly policies and ease of access.
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Request a ground-floor room for easy outdoor access when traveling with dogs.
2. Home2 Suites by Hilton Odessa
With kitchenettes and pet-welcoming rooms, this hotel is great for longer stays or travelers who want more space. Outdoor pet relief areas included.
Address: 110 W Interstate 20, Odessa, TX 79761
Hours: Check-in 3 PM, Check-out 11 AM
Approx Cost: $110–$140/night
Famous For: Comfortable extended-stay features for pets and owners.
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Look for deals that waive pet fees for longer stays—especially during off-season months.
3. Odessa RV Park
RV travelers with dogs will love this quiet, clean campground with grassy relief areas and easy access to Odessa’s trail network and pet-friendly stops.
Address: 2131 S Bonham Ave, Odessa, TX 79766
Hours: Office open daily
Approx Cost: $35–$45/night
Famous For: Pet-friendly, peaceful RV accommodations.
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Keep a long lead handy for evening walks—there’s ample room to stretch without traffic concerns.
Pet-Friendly Road Trip Packing Tips
Leash and harness for trail and park compliance
Collapsible water bowl and extra bottled water
Pet waste bags to keep parks clean
Favorite toy or blanket to help pets feel at home
Portable crate or carrier for hotel stays
First-aid kit for pets including tweezers and paw balm
Sunshade or reflective cover for parked car rest breaks
Local Tips for Traveling with Pets
Check weather forecasts—Odessa heat can be intense by midday
Stick to shaded walks or early mornings in summer
Most public parks require leashes—even if others don’t comply
Bring ID tags and microchip info in case of escape
Avoid hot pavement—walk grassy edges and carry booties if needed
Final Thoughts on Pet-Friendly Road Trips to Odessa
From city parks to desert trails, a pet-friendly road trip to Odessa proves that West Texas isn’t just for people—it’s paradise for paws, too. With open landscapes, welcoming locals, and space to roam, Odessa is an ideal destination for road trippers who travel with their furry companions.
So pack the leash, load up your co-pilot, and hit the road—because adventure is even better when shared with your best friend.
