Best big-city activities for your dog: Break up your walking routine

Everyone has their favorite neighborhood route for walking their dog.

Chances are that it combines some city sidewalks with the occasional detour through a park, field, or past some lakes and ponds. Everyone has their favorite routes, but sometimes they get stale.

Maybe your dog doesn’t know any difference and loves every moment, no matter what, but there are all sorts of great spots in your city to change it up and give your pup a serious treat they will love.

Whether you live in New York or California, here are a few of the best big-city dog activities to break up your old walking routine.

Gerritsen Avenue Beach

Who says dogs can’t enjoy the beach in New York? This pet-friendly strip of land at the edge of Brooklyn is the perfect place to take your pup on a warm summer’s day in New York while everyone else crowds into Central Park with no way to cool off. This is a relatively well-kept secret for dogs in the Big Apple, and there are plenty of pet-friendly hotels in Brooklyn if you’re traveling from out of town.

Willow Creek Park

There’s a slice of heaven in the mountains for dogs in northern Arizona, and it’s considered one of the best dog parks in America. Willow Creek Park is an ample, lush space for canines to come and socialize.

And thanks to a $500,000 renovation in 2013, the park is even more luxurious and full of fun activities for dogs to enjoy. The park is in Prescott, Arizona, just a two-hour drive north of Phoenix, and a perfect destination to escape the desert with your little companion.

Cabrillo Tide Pools Trail

Dogs love joining their owners on hikes, but they often need to cool off even when the temperature isn’t hot. The Cabrillo Tide Pools Trail in San Diego is an easy half-mile trek with breathtaking views and plenty of entertaining areas for your dog to splash around on the way. Even though you will feel like the trail is remote, it’s close to San Diego rentals, hotels, and homes, which are also great spots for all the human activities on the beach.

When traveling to San Diego with your dog, make sure to book a pet-friendly accommodation in advance. There are many options, including hotels, rentals, and homes in great spots on the beach. Be sure to inquire about any pet fees or restrictions before booking. Plan ahead and book your activities in advance to make the most of your trip to this popular destination, known for its beautiful beaches and attractions such as the San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld.

Montrose Dog Beach

There’s no need for your dog to feel landlocked in the Midwest because the beaches of Lake Michigan are here to the rescue. Chicago’s Montrose Dog Beach is a piece of lakeside land designated for your dog to run, swim and socialize with other animals in the park. This is a well-known area that can get crowded sometimes, so just be sure to watch your pup if they wander into the lake.

Peter’s Park

The bigger the city, the harder it is to find quality off-leash time for your dog. But that’s not the case in Boston, where Peter’s Park offers many open space for pets in the city’s heart. The 13,000 square feet of clean room and 3,000 square feet for small dogs offer something for everyone without leaving downtown Boston.

Final thoughts on big-city activities for dogs