Best Dog Walking Spots in New York City
June 23, 2020 by NuStream
If you’re a caring dog owner who takes your dog out for a walk or two every day, you may be tired of strolling the same route all the time. It can get a little tedious after a while. Even though New York is an amazing place for walking around — not everywhere is properly-suited for dog walking. With cars and bicyclists whizzing down the streets and making noise, you may be looking for a place to walk that’s a little more off the beaten path. With all of this in mind, we’ve put together a list of some of the best dog walking spots in New York City. Here at Three Dog Knight we want owners to have everything they need to provide their pet with the best possible care.
Tompkins Square Dog Run is One of the Best Dog Walking Spots in New York City
Located in East Village, Tompkins Square is known by many as New York City’s first and longest dog run. It was founded in 1990 as part of an effort to renovate Tompkins Square Park. This cute little area includes a top-quality running surface, picnic areas, seating, and dog pools for cooling off on a hot summer day. They also hold one of the biggest and best annual Halloween dog parades each year.
Central Park
Even though Central Park is a popular spot that can get crowded when it’s warmer out, it’s still a fantastic place to take your four-legged friend. There’s plenty of space to move around in the beautiful park’s 843 acres. Dogs are allowed to go off-leash before 9 a.m. and after 9 p.m. Although, there are several places in the park where dogs must always be on a leash. A few spots that are great for off-leash hours include Mineral Springs, Cedar Hill, Harlem Meer, and East Meadow. You can learn more about bringing your dog to Central Park here.
Prospect Park
As the second-largest park in Brooklyn, Prospect Park is usually a little less crowded than Central Park, and its secluded nature trails make it feel almost like you’ve left the city. Prospect Park also has off-leash hours between 5 a.m. and 9 a.m. and from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. If you’d like to connect with other dog owners, check out FIDO (the Fellowship for the Interests of Dogs and their Owners). They offer information and resources, and they host different events throughout the year.
Bryant Park
Outside of Fashion Week, Bryant Park is probably best known for its lush grass and scenic nature trails. This 9.6-acre dog-friendly park in Manhattan is a great place to get out and enjoy some fresh air, a dog walking trail, and a picnic lunch with your canine companion.
Madison Square Park Dog Run
The Village Voice named this the best dog park in 2015. This spot is a little smaller, but it has plenty of shade and benches as well as a private area where smaller pups can play without getting trampled by bigger dogs. Not only is this a great place to walk your pooch; there’s also a Shake Shack that offers treats for both dogs and dog owners. Their Pooch-ini includes dog biscuits, peanut butter, and vanilla custard.
Hillside Dog Park
As one of the larger off-leash parks, local dog owners seem to love this well-maintained park in Brooklyn. This 2-acre fenced-in location includes a wooded area, plenty of shade, picnic tables, a separate area for small dogs, and watering holes for both dogs and humans.
South Street Seaport
This local dog park is completely paved, helping to keep pets clean. If you and your dog like to explore, there’s a lot for you to see here. South Street Seaport has a historic waterfront with amazing architecture as well as a number of dog-friendly restaurants and bars. Some of the locales include Red, the Seastreak Ferry, Meade’s Bar, Nelson Blue, Il Porto, and Heartland Brewery and Beer Hall.
Washington Square Park
Here’s another great dog walking spot. Located in the heart of Greenwich Village, Washington Square Park actually has two different dog runs — one for bigger dogs and one for smaller pups. This beautiful, renovated area includes trees and park benches as well as plenty of activities throughout the year.
Hudson River Park
Back in 2011, this was voted as the Best Place to Walk a Dog. This park near the Garment District includes beautiful waterside views as well as plenty of pet-friendly shops along 23rd Street and an indoor and outdoor restaurant. You can easily grab a quick lunch here while your dog runs about and plays nearby. Your furry friend can socialize with other dogs at Chelsea Waterside, Leroy Street, and Pier 84.
Carl Schurz Park
This local park hides along the East River in Manhattan, and it has two fenced-in dog runs that provide plenty of space. While your pooch explores the area, you can take in gorgeous views of the lighthouse, the river, and Gracie Mansion. For dog owners, there’s also a promenade, a playground, and open space for picnicking and sunbathing.
Chelsea Waterside Park
This is a small but impressive interactive park that’s located in Chelsea. It is one of the best spots for dogs that are energetic and athletic. Canines can run around and climb on natural and man-made rocks. There are different dog-friendly climbing structures and play features for your pet to enjoy.
The Brooklyn Bridge
This is actually another one of the best dog walking spots in New York City. When you picture the Brooklyn Bridge, you may think of it being jam-packed with cars, cyclists, and tourists. At the right time of day, you’ll get a nice walkway with a breathtaking view. There’s also a dog park called Pier 6, where dogs can be off their leashes between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m.
Socrates Sculpture Park
Dogs are welcome here, but they must stay on a leash at all times. Located in Queens, the park’s gorgeous waterside landscape includes a forest and amazing art.
When you’re thinking, “Are there any good dog walking spots near me?” we’re here to help you out. On the other hand, if you’re ever too busy to take your dog out, you can always take advantage of Three Dog Knight’s affordable dog walking services. For each walk, we make sure to only take two or three dogs that are completely compatible with each other.