USA TODAY 10Best
Unleash the fun at the 10 best dog parks in the US
Best Dog Park (2024)
There are few things a dog loves more than romping around off-leash, especially when there are other friendly pups to play with. That's what makes dog parks so appealing.
These dedicated areas provide safe spaces for dogs to run, play, and socialize, and a visit to one of these 10 dog parks — selected by an expert panel and voted by readers as the best in the U.S. — is a special treat your dog will love.
- Independence Dog Park - Independence, Oregon
- Tompkins Square Dog Run - New York City, New York
- Albany Dog Park - Albany, Oregon
- Beneful Dream Dog Park - Alabaster, Alabama
- The Dog Park at James Island County Park - Charleston, South Carolina
- Jackson Bark - Chicago, Illinois
- The Outback at Shelby Farms Park - Memphis, Tennessee
- Minto-Brown Island Park - Salem, Oregon
- Newtown Dream Dog Park - Johns Creek, Georgia
- Fiesta Island - San Diego, California
Photo courtesy of yhelfman / iStock / Getty Images Plus
No. 10:
Independence Dog Park spreads across 2 acres of dedicated off-leash space for dogs. There are small and large dog sections, along with some shaded areas, and a water station.
Photo courtesy of Tompkins Square Dog Run
No. 9:
Tompkins Square Dog Run is New York City's first and largest dog run, located within Tompkins Square Park. The park underwent a major renovation in 2008, and today it features large and small-breed dog runs, three swimming pools, picnic tables, and a washing station. Leashed pets are welcome throughout the rest of the park.
Photo courtesy of STOWEN SETO / iStock / Getty Images Plus
No. 8:
Pups and their humans gather at Albany Dog Park for its spacious 2.3 acres of off-leash dog areas. One is designated for larger dogs, and a second area is appropriate for small dogs, so they can feel secure while they play.
Photo courtesy of Neal Wagner/City of Alabaster
No. 7:
The Beneful Dream Dog Park in Alabaster, Alabama, is the second Beneful Dream Dog Park in the nation. The $500,000 project is complete with synthetic turf, water splash pads, agility features, a fetch football field, and separate off-leash areas for small and large dogs.
Photo courtesy of Charleston County Parks
No. 6:
James Island County Park is home to one of the best dog parks in Charleston, where pups have their choice of a dog beach, 4-acre grassy play area, and a fenced-in area for small breeds. Owners will find a washing station and waste stations within the park.
Photo courtesy of Jackson Bark
No. 5:
Jackson Bark, a dog park located in Chicago, features a series of agility courses, a water station, and ample seating so people can relax and watch their pups play. The off-leash area was once used as tennis courts, but now offers a safely enclosed space for your four-legged buddy.
Photo courtesy of Justin Fox Burks
No. 4:
The Outback offers over 100 acres of open space for your pup. Along with miles of hiking and biking trails, there are a number of lakes if your pup fancies a dip. The idyllic park offers plenty of shade and seating, but only a portion of the dog park is fenced, so you'll want to keep an eye on your dog.
Photo courtesy of City of Salem
No. 3:
Set within Minto-Brown Island Park, a wildlife sanctuary, is a 30-acre unenclosed off-leash dog area where many pups love to roam and romp. Because it's unfenced, owners are encouraged to exercise caution while their dogs are off-leash.
Photo courtesy of City of Johns Creek, Georgia
No. 2:
Newtown Dream Dog Park, a fenced 1-acre space in the town of Johns Creek, features artificial turf, sprinklers for splashing, agility obstacles, and water fountains for both two- and four-legged visitors. There are separate areas for large and small dogs, as well as benches and shade trees.
Photo courtesy of Lauren Botuck
No. 1:
Much of San Diego's large Fiesta Island is designated as a leash-free zone, so your pup is free to romp across the sand or go for a swim in the calm bay. A 90-acre fenced off-leash dog park allows for safe exploration, with trails and beach access. Visitors will also find bonfire rings around the island's shore, perfect for an evening on the beach with the pooch.
About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards
Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best.
The Experts
Jacky Runice
Born in Bucktown (Chicago) when bulletproof was a... Read More
Born in Bucktown (Chicago) when bulletproof was a home safety choice and not a coffee order, Jacky Runice has been knocking around Chicago as a professional print, online and broadcast journalist and editor specializing in separating the riff from the raff in culture, entertainment, food, travel and pure unadulterated fun. Jacky is a member of the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) and relies on her vast experience and gray matter to produce informative, entertaining content.
Jacky Runice
Born in Bucktown (Chicago) when bulletproof was a home safety choice and not a coffee order, Jacky Runice has been knocking around Chicago as a professional print, online and broadcast journalist and editor specializing in separating the riff from the raff in culture, entertainment, food, travel and pure unadulterated fun. Jacky is a member of the International Food, Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) and relies on her vast experience and gray matter to produce informative, entertaining content.
Jean Chen Smith
Jean Chen Smith is a freelance journalist who has... Read More
Jean Chen Smith is a freelance journalist who has been producing content for over 15 years. With a love of travel and storytelling, her intention is to create content to inspire and connect people to places, things, and experiences. Her articles have appeared in AARP, Travel and Leisure, 1859 magazine, Insider Travel, USA Today, Family Vacationist, The Oregonian, SFGATE, weekand.com, and more. When not writing or teaching Pilates at her studio, she enjoys trail running, spending time with her pups Tonka and Paisley, and reading suspense novels.
Jean Chen Smith
Jean Chen Smith is a freelance journalist who has been producing content for over 15 years. With a love of travel and storytelling, her intention is to create content to inspire and connect people to places, things, and experiences. Her articles have appeared in AARP, Travel and Leisure, 1859 magazine, Insider Travel, USA Today, Family Vacationist, The Oregonian, SFGATE, weekand.com, and more. When not writing or teaching Pilates at her studio, she enjoys trail running, spending time with her pups Tonka and Paisley, and reading suspense novels.
Marla Cimini
Marla is a writer with a passion for travel, music... Read More
Marla is a writer with a passion for travel, music and culinary adventures (and combining those whenever possible)! As an avid globetrotter, she encourages respecting and learning about other cultures while traveling. She has visited Hawaii multiple times, and has explored destinations worldwide, including the Mediterranean region, South America, Asia and more. Marla is a contributor to Fodor’s Hawaii guidebooks (Oahu and Kauai 2020) and her articles have appeared in a number of international publications. She calls New Jersey (Philadelphia area) home. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter and read her travel tips and adventures on her website.
Marla Cimini
Marla is a writer with a passion for travel, music and culinary adventures (and combining those whenever possible)! As an avid globetrotter, she encourages respecting and learning about other cultures while traveling. She has visited Hawaii multiple times, and has explored destinations worldwide, including the Mediterranean region, South America, Asia and more. Marla is a contributor to Fodor’s Hawaii guidebooks (Oahu and Kauai 2020) and her articles have appeared in a number of international publications. She calls New Jersey (Philadelphia area) home. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter and read her travel tips and adventures on her website.
10Best Editors
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original,... Read More
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.
10Best Editors
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.
