The 20 Best Cities for Walking Your Dog

Dogs love to get active, be engaged, socialize and just have fun. They also love to take walks to experience all the sniffs and sights. Here are the top US cities where walking your dog is more a pleasure than a chore.

By: Erin Gifford

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Tails Wag for These Walkable Cities

There are some cities that are just paws down better than others when you want to get your dog out for a mid-day stroll. They have more and better-rated hiking trails and walking paths, as well as more dog walkers. You know, when you can’t get your pup out on your own.

LawnStarter gathered data for National Walk Your Dog Month (January), including accessibility to dog-friendly trails, quality of trails and dog parks, access to dog walkers and safety to come up with a ranking of the best US cities to walk your dog. Here is the ranked list, which includes some of our favorite dog-friendly parks, restaurants, bars and attractions that make each city a favorite for our four-legged friends.

20. San Jose, California

For the canine set, there’s a lot to love about San Jose, starting with a walk along Santana Row. This open-air shopping district has more than 70 shops and 20 restaurants, as well as green spaces and puppuccinos at Peet’s Coffee. It also has free Wi-Fi and cocktails to-go for dog owners. At nearby Williams Street Park, the annual Bark in the Park in September attracts more than 15,000 dog-loving humans. For dog-friendly hiking trails, look to Santa Teresa County Park. The hike to Coyote Peak is a must-do for big views. In-town, Hart’s Dog Park has artificial turf, energy-efficient lighting and plenty of benches for the human companions.

19. Alexandria, Virginia

A stone’s throw from Washington, DC, Alexandria is widely heralded as a top dog-friendly city in the US. Dogs are so loved and welcomed that the city introduced the ALX Dog Walk in 2022 as an annual event in which dogs and their humans can enjoy a two-mile walk starting at Old Town Alexandria’s Oronoco Bay Park. Plan to stroll King Street where it’s not uncommon to see water bowls in front of boutiques and cafes. Pups will love Barkaus, the area’s first dog-friendly bar, restaurant and dog park. At King & Rye, a weekly Yappy Hour for dogs takes place every Tuesday in summer and fall.

18. Boston

As a dog-owning human, you have a lot of options in Boston when you want to get your pup out for some exercise. The Public Garden welcomes on-leash pups eager to check out the swan boats and duckling statues. The 1.5-mile Rose Kennedy Greenway, which is home to public art, gardens, fountains, nature trails and lots of green space, is also worthy of exploration with your four-legged friend. There are plenty of dedicated dog parks, too, like the South Boston Bark Park. The 2.5-mile Freedom Trail is a great choice when you and your pup want to dig into Revolutionary War history.

17. Jersey City

Jersey City is home to more than a few open spaces to walk your dog and get her out to play with fellow pups. The Lincoln Park Dog Run is crazy popular among local pups. There are tunnels, benches, water fountains, even separate play areas for large dogs and small dogs. This amenity-laden dog run even has its own fire hydrant. For an on-leash walk, head to Liberty State Park for a stroll on trails that boast views of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Post-walk, bring your pup to Departed Soles Brewing Company, which welcomes well-behaved dogs inside the tasting room.

16. Chula Vista, California

When you’re not walking, you’re surfing in Southern California. Even dogs can get in on the action, catching waves on longboards, either on their own or with their humans. Walk on the beach or get out in the ocean at Coronado’s Dog Beach, which allows off-leash play and is an easy 20-minute drive from Chula Vista. The new dog park at Rohr Park is also quite popular and has the city’s first solar benches, which charge mobile devices while doggos run and play. The dog park features agility equipment and dog water fountains. At Chula Vista Brewery, dogs are always welcome on the outdoor patio.

15. Yonkers, New York

Yonkers is the largest town in Westchester County, which is home to a variety of walking paths and green spaces loved by the furry set, like Tibbetts Brook Park. It’s also a stone’s throw from Van Cortland Park in the Bronx, which has more than 20 miles of nature trails and three dog runs. According to BringFido.com, there are at least 12 dog-friendly restaurants in Yonkers, including Havana Central and Yonkers Brewing Company. For pups eager to get in more steps, the Animal Rescue Foundation hosts an annual 5K run and walk in May for dogs and humans. Proceeds benefit the foundation’s animal shelter and rescue activities.

14. Seattle

Whether you want to walk in town or head out for a dog-friendly hike, you’re covered in Seattle. Within city limits, look to Discovery Park. At 534 acres, it’s the largest city park in Seattle and welcomes leashed dogs on walking trails with scenic views across the Puget Sound. The paved loop trail around Lake Union is also popular thanks to all the floating homes and houseboats. Outdoor patios, even indoor dining, welcome good pups. At Norm’s Kitchen & Bar, well-behaved dogs can come inside and order from the puppy menu. It's no wonder Rover.com ranked Seattle the most dog-friendly city in America.

13. Pasadena, California

Stroll the palm tree-lined streets of Old Pasadena with your pup or check out the rugged hiking trails at Eaton Canyon Natural Area at the base of the adjacent San Gabriel Mountains. Thanks to 300 days of sunshine, every day is a great opportunity for a walk with your furry pal. After a good walk, your pup deserves a fresh-baked dog treat from The Dog Bakery in Old Pasadena, like a woof cream pie. There are several dog parks in Pasadena, too, including the Playhouse Village Park, which has off-leash zones for big dogs and small dogs, and hosts pup-friendly events like Bark at the Park.

12. Las Vegas

Las Vegas may not seem conducive to a dog-friendly lifestyle, but there’s a lot here for both dogs and humans, including miles of hiking trails. However, if you do want to walk your pup on the Strip, you can only do so from 5 am to noon. There are several in-town green spaces for pups, too, like Winding Trails Park, which has a dog run and walking paths. Outside the city center, head to Red Rock Canyon or drive a little farther to Valley of Fire State Park. Both offer big views and engaging walking surfaces, even rock scrambles. For pints with your pup, head to Big Dog’s Brewing Company.

11. New York City

Despite an abundance of towering skyscrapers, New York City is a genuinely dog-friendly metropolis, as evidenced by the number of people who keep dogs even in tiny apartments. Not only are there lots of green spaces, walking paths and off-leash areas for dogs to play, but dogs are welcome across town, even on the subway (small dogs only). A new searchable directory called Dog Spotted makes it easy to find dog runs, pet shops and dog-friendly places in New York City. Central Park, of course, is a go-to for on-leash walks thanks to several miles of paved trails. Got a social pup? Prospect Park is a notable gathering place. Keep your dog’s records with you. The city requires that all pups are up-to-date on shots.

10. Naperville, Illinois

The Chicago suburb of Naperville has plenty to offer good dogs, which are so loved you’ll find a dog statue on the exceptionally popular Riverwalk. After an on-leash walk on this 1.75-mile walking path, head to a dog park for off-leash fun. Two to check out are located at Whalon Lake and Hammel Woods, but note that a dog park permit is required. Dogs also love walks on the 61-mile Illinois Prairie Path, one of the first rails-to-trails conversions in North America. According to BringFido, there are at least 59 dog-friendly restaurants in Naperville, including Quigley’s Irish Pub.

9. Fremont, California

In Fremont, dogs grab the leash and make a beeline for Central Park, which has a fantastic dog park with separate off-leash play areas for small dogs and large dogs. You’ll also find plenty of benches, shade structures and water fountains for dogs. There’s even a two-mile walking path. For pup-friendly dining, head to Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar in Newark for an outdoor patio and dedicated dog menu, but be sure your pup adheres to the three “B”s on the menu. As in, no biting, no begging and no barking. Once you re-fuel, enjoy a four-mile stroll with your pup around nearby Lake Elizabeth.

8. Boise, Idaho

Good dogs are big fans of Boise thanks to off-leash dog parks all across town, including Sunset Park and Meridian Park. Shy dogs, in particular, love Molenar Park since there is a separate fenced-in section for them to burn off energy before strolling the walking paths. There’s lots of great hiking in the Boise foothills, too, including many trails that allow for off-leash hiking, like the Table Rock area trails. The downtown area is tops for dogs thanks to lots of dog-friendly patios. A favorite for farm-to-table fare is Fork. According to BringFido, at least 85 restaurants in Boise welcome dogs with outdoor seating.

7. San Diego

In San Diego, when your dog wants to socialize with the local pups, head to Dog Beach. It’s one of the first leash-free beaches in the United States. San Diego’s outdoor-focused lifestyle makes this beach town an ideal place to spend QT with your pup. Go for a hike along the trails at Sunset Cliffs Natural Park or stroll Balboa Park, one of the largest green spaces in the country. Your pup will love ending the day at dog-friendly PB Fish Shop in Pacific Beach. Good dogs get water bowls and treats. At Petco Park, watch a baseball game from one of five Barkyard viewing areas for furry four-legged fans.

6. Los Angeles

Whether your pup likes to go for walks on the beach, along city blocks or in the mountains, he can do it all in Los Angeles. Enjoy a stroll with your dog on the Venice Beach Boardwalk or the Santa Monica Pier. One of the most popular hiking areas for dogs is Runyon Canyon Park. The views across the downtown skyline from Inspiration Point are simply sensational. Your dog will be impressed, both by the views and the 90 acres of off-leash green space at Runyon Canyon. The Blue Dog Beer Tavern in Sherman Oaks is a favorite wind-down spot among pups and people.

5. Oakland

When your dog wants to step out for a stroll, there are plenty of places to do so in Oakland. Sniff out the ocean breezes at Jack London Square, the historic waterfront in Oakland, or get in your steps on a 3.2-mile paved loop around 140-acre Lake Merritt. There are plenty of safe and dog-friendly hiking trails at Joaquin Miller Park and Leona Canyon Open Space Regional Preserve. Enjoy eats and drinks on the pup-friendly outdoor patio at Nido’s Backyard. Be sure to follow @dogsofthebackyard, an Instagram account dedicated to the restaurant’s best-behaved dogs.

4. Portland, Oregon

Portland is well-known for being a destination that welcomes four-legged friends. Get ready to tire your pup out at one of several fenced-in off-leash dog parks, like Wallace Park and Brentwood Park, both of which also have children’s playgrounds, walking paths and picnic tables. Make a dog-friendly patio your next stop, like Tin Shed. A two-item dog menu features Fido Food and Doggie Dessert. The Lucky Labrador Brew Pub and Bye and Bye have been recognized by Willamette Week as top dog-friendly bars in Portland.

3. Glendale, California

A stone’s throw from Los Angeles, Glendale has a lot to offer dogs and their humans. The Griffith Park Dog Park is especially popular thanks to a large play area and plenty of shade, as well as tennis balls, water bowls and doggie bags. You’ll find lots of walkable watering holes with pet-friendly outdoor patios, like Brewyard Beer Company and Glendale Tap. Take your pup for a walk on the Beaudry Loop in the Verdugo Mountains for cityscape views and even scenic views all the way to Catalina Island on a clear day. The trailhead is less than a 15-minute drive from the city center.

2. Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is a mountain paradise for active dogs thanks to miles of hiking trails and plenty of public parks, including Palmer Park, which has a dog park and a one-mile off-leash walking loop. Many outdoor attractions welcome pups, including the Manitou Cliff Dwellings Museum and the Royal Gorge Bridge. Colorado Springs is also home to Pub Dog Colorado, one of the first restaurants in Colorado to allow patrons to dine inside with their four-legged pals. A dog menu features favorites like puppy patties and pupsicles. Up for a field trip? Red Rocks Park in Denver is wildly dog-friendly, too.

1. San Francisco

San Francisco is known for its abundance of green spaces, public beaches and local parks, even secret gardens — not just for people, but for pups. In 2021, Golden Gate Park re-opened its fenced-in dog park after a $2.4 million reno, which added drinking fountains, more benches and plenty of doggie bag dispensers. Pups love Baker Beach, a sandy dog-friendly stretch with serious bridge views where dogs can run and play off-leash. San Francisco is a great place to take your four-legged friend out for a walk and for dinner, too. According to BringFido, there are 202 pet-friendly restaurants in San Francisco.