Fido's Favorite Dog Parks

Posted by Billy Francis

Dog parks are great places for pups to socialize, exercise and have fun, but they aren’t all made equal. These astonishing canine oases show just how far we'll go to show our love for our furry companions. They're sure to get you planning a road trip together faster than you can say “fetch!”

If you’re looking for more unique places for Fido to play off leash, check out our roundups of indoor dog parks, dog park bars and the world’s largest dog parks. Or, find the best dog park in your state here.

Cherry Creek State Park Dog Off-Leash Area (DOLA)

Aurora, CO
“To paddle, or not to paddle, that is the question!” Photo by BringFido/Sarah

Visiting a state park with a dog park is always great for outbound hounds, but stopping by one as fun as Cherry Creek State Park Dog Off-Leash Area (DOLA) is bound to be unforgettable. Located at Cherry Creek State Park in Aurora, this 107-acre off-leash area invites pups to explore the full space, including the creek which is the perfect spot to cool off on a summer day. Leashed dogs are also welcome to join you on the winding trails throughout the rest of the state park. Don’t forget to bring plenty of drinking water and a towel for muddy paws. In addition to the park’s entrance fee, there is a nominal cost to enter the dog park, and season passes are available.

Set up camp at Cherry Creek State Park Campground, or stay nearby at Staybridge Suites Denver Cherry Creek. You’ll be just a few blocks from Denver’s famous dog park restaurant, Watering Bowl.

Frank S. Ortiz Dog Park

Santa Fe, NM
“Running to the hills!” Photo by BringFido/Jade

Frank S. Ortiz Dog Park is one of the largest dog parks in the country. Next time you’re spending a weekend in dog-friendly Santa Fe, be sure to visit this incredible space that spans 138 acres of New Mexico backcountry. You and your four-legged adventurer can explore miles of trails through arroyos and over sandy hills. Take a break to admire the incredible views across Santa Fe and the surrounding mountain ranges. The park is not fenced, but Fido can roam comfortably on the trails without approaching the outer perimeters.

The Lodge at Santa Fe is the go-to place for canines to stay after a day of play at the dog park. This cozy lodge is surrounded by plenty of green space to walk with your dog before bedtime.

Welcome to the Church of Dog. Photo by Facebook.com/stephenhuneck

Nestled among the rolling hills of Northeast Vermont, Dog Mountain is a unique dog park that was once a 150-acre farm. Four-legged visitors love its hiking trails, agility course and ponds that are perfect for a quick dunk when the sun’s out. But what really sets this place apart is the one-of-a-kind Dog Chapel that commemorates beloved pets who are no longer with us, set atop a hill overlooking the valley below. Inside are pews for moments of quiet reflection, stained glass windows with dog motifs and walls where you can leave notes for pups who are now playing in the great dog park in the sky. The park also hosts numerous events including a Golden Jubilee for Golden Retrievers and their friends, a Celebration Party for the park's founders, and Dog Parties in the summer and fall with live music.

Fido will want to head back to Dog Mountain for another day of play, so book a stay at nearby Fairbanks Inn. Pet-friendly rooms are adjacent to the courtyard and pups receive treats at check-in.

Newtown Dream Dog Park

Johns Creek, GA
"I have a dream park." Photo by @margotcango

Newtown Dream Dog Park in Johns Creek, a short drive from pet-friendly Atlanta, was the first-ever winner of Beneful’s Dream Dog Park campaign. The one-acre fenced space is the result of the $500,000 prize that winning park designs were awarded from 2010 to 2016. Beyond the fence, Fido will find artificial turf to keep paws clean, sprinklers around a spraying fire hydrant for summer play, and a variety of bridges, tunnels and hoops to explore. There are separate areas for large and small dogs and benches for humans to relax while their furry friends run wild. A paved pathway around the park is draped in the shade of specially planted trees to allow visitors to get their steps in even on hot days. Both people and pets can rehydrate at the water fountains after playing together.

Slip on your pup’s leash and make your way to La Quinta by Wyndham Atlanta Alpharetta, where you can pick up a treat at check-in and go for an evening stroll around the hotel.

Pilgrim Bark Park

Provincetown, MA
“Haha, they still haven’t noticed me, the fools!” Photo by Facebook.com/PilgrimBarkPark

According to legend, an English Mastiff and Springer Spaniel were aboard the Mayflower when it landed in Provincetown in 1620. Pilgrim Bark Park was created as a tribute to these brave, salty sea dogs. More than just a dog park, the space is an outdoor art gallery filled with sculptures designed by local artists. Some have practical applications, like the dog-shaped benches and colorfully painted fire hydrants. Others are historically and nautically inspired, from giant anchors to sleeping dogs made out of rope. The park has separate sections for small and large dogs, a sandy play area and stretches of grass for playing fetch.

Surfside Hotel and Suites also pays homage to canines with their awesome amenities. Dogs are given treats at check-in and there’s a private, dog-friendly beach and shower at the hotel.

James Island County Park

Charleston, SC
“BFFs at the dog park.” Photo by @itsluluthegolden

If you’re planning a pet-friendly trip to Charleston, James Island County Park is a must-visit. This pretty park invites pups to escape the city’s humidity and cool off with a swim at the manmade dog beach or run and play with new friends on four acres of open grassy space. Shy dogs can enjoy some alone time in the smaller training area. Once your canine is dog-tired, clean him up at the on-site dog wash station.

Camp out with your Carolina Dog at the on-site Campground at James Island County Park, and in the morning, wake up and start your day all over at the dog park.

Beau’s Dream Dog Park at Buchanan Park

Lancaster, PA
“Man, that's some good water!” Photo by Facebook.com/BeausDreamDogParkBuchanan

Beau’s Dream Dog Park at Buchanan Park is another winner of Beneful’s Dream Dog Park contest. Pups can race across the 40-foot rollercoaster bridge, socialize in separate areas for small and large dogs, and get wet at splash pads. But the main feature is the tennis ball tree that flings balls in all directions. If your pooch loves to fetch, it’ll be hard to take her anywhere else after she's gotten a taste of this place. Humans can enjoy the show from comfortably shaded Adirondack chairs on a whimsically designed deck that looks like a dock on the edge of a lake.

Your furry best friend can stay leash-free at this four-bedroom vacation rental in Lancaster which includes a grassy fenced yard and is within walking distance of downtown’s pet-friendly restaurants.

Hugh Rogers WAG Park

Quick dip with a view. Photo by @duckyandsophie

The five-acre Hugh Rogers WAG Park is etched into the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Montana. While your pooch plays and makes new friends, you can enjoy panoramic views of the soaring peaks and watch for the occasional train trundling by on the nearby track. Named after the Whitefish Animal Group, the WAG park contains separate areas for small and large dogs, an agility course and a large pond with an adjacent dog beach. Furry swimmers can paddle to their hearts' content, pausing to lie down on one of the many resting rocks on the water. The clubhouse provides humans and dogs alike with ample shade, and everybody can cool down at the water fountains on hot days. At the end of the day, dirty dogs can clean off in the on-site doggy wash station.

The Firebrand Hotel offers guests the chance to soak up the mountains long into the night. Four-legged guests receive treats at check-in and beds and bowls to use during their stay.

Warren G. Magnuson Park Off-Leash Dog Area

Seattle, WA
"This is why I come to the park." Photo by @theseattlebarkery

Seattleites frequently refer to Warren G. Magnuson Park Off-Leash Dog Area as the best dog park in the Emerald City. At a whopping 8.6 acres, this fully fenced-in area welcomes you and your dog to enjoy Lake Washington, the second-largest lake in the state. Stroll the paved trails with your pup, let her burn off some energy in the park's open spaces, and take her to the sloped shoreline where she can dip her paws in the water. The park has a separate area for small dogs who prefer their own company.

Book a boutique stay with your BFF at Staypineapple Watertown University District Seattle. Fido can scoff down dinner from a bowl provided, before joining you for a wander around the pet relief area outside.

Point Isabel Regional Shoreline Dog Park

Richmond, CA
"I'm not ready to call it a day." Photo by @winstonchurchillbulldog

Point Isabel Regional Shoreline Dog Park boasts more than 50 acres of land to explore on the eastern edge of San Francisco Bay. Dogs are free to enjoy the area off leash as long as they are under voice control. The park is divided into two sections separated by Hoffman Channel. There are several looping trails that hug the channel and offer scenic overlooks of the Golden Gate Bridge, Marin County and Brooks Island. After rolling around in the mud, Fido can clean up at the on-site Mud Puppy’s Tub and Scrub.

Moor up with your pup at DoubleTree by Hilton Berkeley Marina. Pet-friendly rooms overlook the marina and there’s a pet relief area outside.

“I’m the king of the castle.” Photo by @dirtworshippingtreehugger

If you’re passing through the sleepy town of Southern Pines, wake up your pup with an expedition through Martin Park. This partially-fenced space offers more than 50 acres to explore. It also shows off the best of The Tar Heel State’s backcountry with winding nature trails through the woods, a creek for splashing in, and open spaces with seating for resting your legs. Don’t forget to snap pics of your adventurous Alsatian wandering along the disused train tracks in the park and tag #bringfido.

Reserve a relaxing stay at Hampton Inn & Suites Southern Pines. Fido will be greeted with treats at check-in and is free to explore the relief area outside.

Which is your pup's favorite dog park? Leave a comment or tweet us @BringFido!