If there's one thing every pup loves, it's to PLAY. But for city dwellers, finding the perfect place sometimes requires a trip in the car. Whether these fantastic doggie destinations are close enough for a day trip or require a weekend get-away, one thing's for sure: tails are gonna wag!
Whether your pup's greatest pleasure is diving into waves or lounging in the shade, these seven parks feature something for every four-footer… and their parents, too! Scroll through the gallery below to find the perfect place to let your best buddy run wild and free.
And please SHARE these doggie destinations with pet parents everywhere!
1. Tompkins Square Dog Run - New York, New York
If there's one thing every pup should experience in the Big Apple, it's the Halloween parade at Tompkins Square Park. Each year, this East Village dog run is swarmed with costume-clad canines. If you're going, be warned: a store-bought doggie costume just isn't going to cut it with this creative bunch! Instead of just opening your wallet at a big box store and turning your dog into a hot dog, try turning your dog into a hot dog cart. Now THAT is genius!
2. Double Bluffs Beach - Whidbey Island, Washington
Seattle may be one of the most dog-friendly cities in America (the latest census confirms that dogs outnumber children by 30 percent!) and it's filled with great dog parks, but the best hidden one is a ferry ride away. Whidbey Island's Double Bluff Beach Off-Leash Area is a 2-mile stretch of saltwater stretching along the island's Useless Bay, and it's just as spectacular for pet parents as it is for their pups! The beach area is filled with enormous pieces of driftwood that make an irresistible jungle gym for the tail-waggers, while whale watching in the spring, seashell collecting, and a spectacular view of Seattle skyline overshadowed by Mt. Rainier make it a fun-filled day for the rest of the family, too.
3. Dog Wood Park - Jacksonville, Florida
Yes, there's an $11 admission. And yes, it's worth every penny! Especially when it means your most lovable friend gets 42 acres to run, run, run, an agility course (complete with agility classes), beautiful nature trails just begging to be sniffed, a lighted area for night-time fetch, and a 2-acre swimming lake complete with fountain. Pack. Your. Bags!
4. Point Isabel Regional Shoreline - Richmond, California
Over 23 acres of land to romp, a dog-friendly cafe and store, and sweeping views the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco skyline… yes, please! Point Isabel is one of the most visited dog parks in America, but don't let that keep you away. It's popular for a reason!
5. Pilgrim Bark Park - Provincetown, Rhode Island
People love their pups in Provincetown, and this puppy paradise proves it! It's not just the perfect place for pets to socialize, it's packed with sculptures by local artists that pet parents can appreciate, too. More good news for pups: some of the sculptures are PERFECT for climbing.
6. Newtown Dream Dog Park - Johns Creek, Georgia
Tunnels. Fire hydrant fountains. A Gigantic Bone. This really is the play place of dreams. Pups and their parents in this Atlanta suburb know exactly where to go during those hot southern days!
7. Congressman Bill Archer Bark Park - Houston, Texas
Between having 17 acres to run like the wind, agility equipment, bone-shaped ponds to dive in, and enough shade trees to hide a thousand squirrels, this Texas-sized dog park sounds like the perfect way to show your pup some serious weekend love!
