Dog Beaches
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Sandy paws equal happy dogs, so let Fido sniff, run, and frolic at one of these six off-leash dog beaches.
Cannon Beach - Clatsop, Oregon
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Pristine Cannon Beach is large enough for dogs to roam around, interact, or have their own space if they're not into playing. For you, the beach offers incredible ocean views. Big rocks also litter the beach offering you a place to sit as you watch Fido play. You can also take him on a nice walk on one of the trails. If you're hungry, you can bring your own picnic or check out one of the nearby dog-friendly eateries. Don't forget to pack a light jacket or sweater; it tends to get chilly there.
Coronado Dog Beach - Coronado, California
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Nestled in the small community of Coronado, just outside of San Diego, California, this beach is never too crowded and the dog owners that do utilize the beach are very friendly. There are great restaurants and shops nearby and it's free. Best of all, there are CLEAN restrooms and a rinse station for Fido when you're ready to leave.
Summerland Dog Beach - Santa Barbara, California
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Take in the gorgeous Pacific Ocean views and surrounding landscapes of Santa Barbara. This beach is very clean and there are plenty of other dogs to play with. People don't mind sharing toys or dogs shaking water on them. It's a laid back and relaxed environment where dog owners enjoy chatting with each other. Bring a light sweater or jacket; as the sun starts to go down, so do the temps.
Fort De Soto Park Dog Beach - St. Petersburg, Florida
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Whether you're a local or tourist, this is a favorite among many. You can pack a picnic lunch to eat as Fido burns energy, or take a hike on one of the many trails. You can also check out the historic sites and scenery that this park offers. Make sure to bring cash; the entrance fee is five dollars.
Jupiter Beach - Jupiter, Florida
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If you happen to be on the Gulf side of Florida, check out this beautiful 2-1/2 mile beach for dogs. The water temperature is decent year round, so you and Fido can take a swim together. Make sure to comply with the dog rules and use the complimentary bags to clean up after Fido, which are provided by Friends of Jupiter Beach.
Montrose Dog Beach - Chicago, Illinois
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Montrose Dog Beach is the first off-leash beach in Chicago. It's a very well-maintained beach that offers stunning views of Lake Michigan. Since the weather is beautiful during spring and summer, you can expect it to be a little crowded. But, it's open year round. So if you want to tough it out during the cold months, you probably won't have to deal with a large crowd. Photo by Yelp user Anna K.
Dog Parks
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Does your dog whimper at the sight of water? These parks are prefect for the not-so-water-loving animals.
Grace Noethling Park (aka Wiggly Field) - Chicago, Illinois
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Grace Noethling Park is a favorite among dog walkers because of the 3-acre fenced area. Dogs are able to roam around on various trails, dip their paws in ponds, or relax in the shade. There's a closed-off area just for small dogs. Only downfall: there are no restrooms. Photo by Yelp user Jordan P.
Wheeler Memorial Dog Park - Columbus, Ohio
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Bring a towel because your pooch will get muddy due to the lack of grass. But, it's a favorite among local residents. It's clean, large and fenced. There are plenty of water bowls for your dog and the people are very friendly. Photo by Yelp user Christina C.
Jeremy's Run Madison Square - New York City, New York
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It's hard to find space for Fido to run in the hustle and bustle of New York City. But Jeremy's Run Madison Square is perfect for the city dog. There is a separate area for small dogs, plenty of benches and nearby cafes. It's very well maintained, but there are no restrooms. Photo by Yelp user Bill M.
Tompkins Square Park - New York City, New York
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Known as First Run because it was the first dog park opened by the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. It's located in East Village and offers a state-of-the-art running surface that is composed of decomposed granite sand. There is underground drainage, three swimming pools, a large and small dog run and picnic tables. There are plenty of bath areas and hoses to spray off your dog before heading home. Photo by Yelp user Eric B.
Golden Gate Dog Park - San Francisco, California
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Golden Gate Park has something for everyone—even dogs. There are four designated off-leash areas where your pup can run around, all offer stunning city views. Make sure to bring some dog bags and a light jacket; the temp changes fast as the fog rolls in and the wind picks up.
Barc Park Myrtle Beach - Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
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Whether your pup wants to dive in a pond or race around the grassy field, there's a vast amount of room for all breeds. This 11-acre park offers plenty of seating for owners, trees for shade, water fountains for dogs, and more. There are two fenced-in areas. One has the pond and the other has lots of grass and shade. So if you want to steer clear of water, you have options. Photo by the City of Myrtle Beach
Barnum Dog Park - Denver, Colorado
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Take in the city views of Denver as your four-legged friend trots around in the grass. Barnum Dog Park is a hidden gem. It's quiet and few people know about it, which is why park goers love this place. There is enough room to throw a ball, but it's not fenced in. If you don't have strong verbal control over your dog, you should probably try another location. Photo by Yelp user Tina F.
More Dog-Friendly Attractions
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To find more dog-friendly beaches or parks, use these helpful resources: - Petfriendlytravel.com - Bringfido.com
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