The 10 Best Places to Walk Your Dog in NYC
New York may be the city that never sleeps, but it’s also a city that never stops walking — especially if you’ve got a dog. While Manhattan’s sidewalks and streets can feel chaotic, the city is packed with green pockets, riverfront trails, and dog runs that turn daily walks into something much more than a bathroom break.
As the team behind Pampered Pets, we’ve been walking dogs across the Upper East Side for years. But we also know where to go when we venture further out — and which parks are actually worth the walk. Whether you’re looking for off-leash space, shady trails, or just a break from the honking, here are our picks for NYC’s best dog-friendly spots in 2025.
1. Central Park (UES/UWS – Citywide Favorite)
📍 59th St to 110th St, from Central Park West to 5th Ave
With 843 acres of trails, lawns, and wooded paths, Central Park remains unmatched. Off-leash hours run from open to 9am and after 9pm, and there are dedicated dog-friendly zones across the park.
Notable dog highlights:
The Great Lawn early in the morning is full of friendly, off-leash energy
Pilgrim Hill and East Meadow offer open spaces for social dogs
The Ramble trails are great for sniff-heavy enrichment walks (on-leash)
⚠️ Note: Some areas — like playgrounds, ballfields, and bridle paths — require leashes at all times. Full rules are listed at NYC Parks.
If you live nearby, we’d love to match you with a Pampered Pets walker who knows the terrain.
2. Carl Schurz Park (Upper East Side)
📍 East End Ave between 84th and 90th Streets
A neighborhood gem tucked along the East River, Carl Schurz Park is a favorite for dogs and walkers alike. It features:
Two dedicated dog runs (small dog & large dog areas)
Riverside walkways with benches and open space
Calm, low-traffic entry points — ideal for dogs who need decompression
This park is the backbone of many of our daily routes. If you’re in the Upper East Side, this is home turf.
👉 Serving this area? Pampered Pets is your neighborhood expert for solo walks, puppy routines, and cat care too.
3. Riverside Park (Upper West Side)
📍 W 72nd to W 158th St, along the Hudson River
This gorgeous stretch offers long, shaded trails and six dog runs. Off-leash hours apply before 9am, with lots of UWS regulars showing up for early social time.
Top areas:
87th Street Dog Run
105th Street Run (aka The Hippo Playground Run)
If you live west of the park, Luke DogWalker is one of the best local options for regular neighborhood walks.
4. Hudson River Park Dog Runs (Chelsea, West Village, Tribeca)
📍 Multiple points from 59th St down to Battery Park
Three standout dog parks in the Hudson River Park network:
Chelsea Waterside – Recently renovated, modern play area with synthetic turf and water features
Leroy Street Dog Run – Quieter West Village option with shade and river views
Pier 84 Dog Run – Near Midtown West, great for city dogs who need space
Looking for dog walking help in these neighborhoods? Fetchmates specializes in Chelsea, SoHo, and Tribeca.
5. Washington Square Park (Greenwich Village)
📍 University Place & Waverly Place
Two designated dog runs:
One for small dogs
One for large dogs
This park gets busy, but it’s a social hotspot for dogs who love action. Expect energy, people, and tons of barking (in a good way).
If your dog is working on park readiness or socialization, this guide on puppy park etiquette can help you prepare for a successful visit.
6. Tompkins Square Park (East Village)
📍 Avenue A & E 10th St
Home to NYC’s iconic Halloween Dog Parade, Tompkins Square has one of the city’s oldest and best dog runs. There’s also a separate small dog area, water fountains, and agility-style climbing structures.
Midday can be intense, but early walks here are perfect for well-socialized dogs.
If you’re in the LES or Stuy Town, MixyPaws offers reliable weekday walks in the area.
7. South Street Seaport Dog Run (FiDi/Battery Park)
📍 South Street & Fulton Street
Small, clean, and well-maintained. A nice break from the chaos of the Financial District. Great views and easy for lunchtime stops.
If you’re looking for a downtown walker, POOCHi covers the Seaport, Battery Park City, and FiDi with neighborhood-based care.
8. Union Square Park (Union Sq/Flatiron)
📍 14th St & Broadway
Union Square is more of a loop-through park than a destination run, but its central location makes it a good bonus stop. There’s a modest dog run nearby, but it can get cramped.
Great spot for dogs used to noise, movement, and constant foot traffic.
9. Madison Square Park (Flatiron/Nomad)
📍 Madison Ave & E 23rd St
This small-but-busy park has a dedicated dog run and Shake Shack seating for post-walk snacks. It’s a convenient stop for dog walkers juggling multiple visits in central Manhattan.
If your dog gets overwhelmed easily, we’d recommend avoiding weekends or lunch hour.
10. Bryant Park (Midtown West)
📍 6th Ave between 40th & 42nd Streets
No dog run here, but Bryant Park is surprisingly dog-friendly — as long as your pup stays leashed and well-behaved. It’s best for dogs who enjoy urban bustle without needing to socialize off-leash.
For dog owners in Midtown or Sutton Place, MixyPaws can help build a structured, enrichment-focused walk schedule that fits your location.
Outside NYC?
If you’re reading this from outside the five boroughs, we’ve got dog-loving friends across the map:
Brooklyn Bark — our go-to recommendations for friends in Brooklyn
Windy City Paws — Chicago’s full-service structured walking provider
Urban Tailz — a pet sitting + flexible scheduling favorite in the city
Chicago Dog Walkers — for reliable, straightforward walks in Lincoln Park and beyond
Bonus Tip: What to Pack for Your NYC Dog Walk
Poop bags (always)
Portable water bottle
Small towel or wipes (especially after rain or dirty parks)
Treats for recall or training (read, why training is not optional)
In summer: paw wax or booties
In winter: avoid salted sidewalks
Walk Smart. Walk Local.
Wherever you go in NYC, the key is knowing your dog and your neighborhood. The best parks aren’t just green — they’re safe, clean, and walkable. If you want help getting your dog into a routine, our team at Pampered Pets is here for the Upper East Side and nearby neighborhoods.
👉 Get in touch today to book a walk with one of our trusted walkers.