The Best Dog Parks & Beaches in New York City

Central Park · Central Park, New York, NY 10024

During off-leash hours, dogs roam leash-free across most of Central Park's lawns and meadows — 23 designated dog-friendly areas including the East Meadow, Cedar Hill, the Great Hill and the edges of Sheep Meadow. From 9 AM to 9 PM every dog must be leashed.

Park Slope · Prospect Park, Brooklyn, NY 11225

Brooklyn's most famous off-leash destination — during off-leash hours dogs run free across the Long Meadow, Nethermead and Peninsula Meadow, and splash at the legendary Dog Beach, a shallow shoreline on the Lake near the Lullwater. From 9 AM to 9 PM dogs must be leashed.

Upper West Side · Riverside Park, Riverside Dr, New York, NY 10024

A long, leafy riverfront park on the Upper West Side: dogs romp off-leash in the designated areas during the early-morning and late-night windows, and three fenced dog runs (W 72nd, W 87th and W 105th Streets) stay off-leash all day.

Washington Heights · Fort Tryon Park, New York, NY 10040

Perched above the Hudson near The Cloisters, Fort Tryon offers dramatic river views and designated off-leash areas where dogs roam during the standard early-morning and late-night windows.

Woodhaven / Kew Gardens · Forest Park, Forest Park Dr, Queens, NY 11421

Queens' big wooded park has designated off-leash areas for the standard morning and evening hours, plus the separate fenced Forest Park Barking Lot dog run for all-day off-leash play.

Van Cortlandt Village / Riverdale · Van Cortlandt Park, Bronx, NY 10471

The Bronx's vast 1,146-acre park has expansive meadows and woods where dogs go off-leash during the standard early and late hours — except in playgrounds and other signposted no-dog zones.

East Village · Tompkins Square Park, E 9th St & Ave B, New York, NY 10009

Opened in 1990, this is New York City's oldest and largest dog run — locally known as 'First Run.' A fully fenced, double-sided run with separate large- and small-dog sections, gravel and astroturf, and a seasonal dog pool.

Greenwich Village · Washington Square Park, MacDougal St & W 4th St, New York, NY 10012

Two fully fenced dog runs in the park’s southwest corner: a larger run for all dogs and the separate small-dog Robin Kovary Run. Both are off-leash all day and among the Village’s liveliest dog-social spots.

Greenwich Village / Hudson Square · Hudson River Park, Leroy St at Pier 40, New York, NY 10014

One of five dog runs in waterfront Hudson River Park, the Leroy Street run near Pier 40 is fully fenced with double-gated entry, separate large- and small-dog areas, agility equipment and a popular seasonal dog pool.

Flatiron / NoMad · Madison Square Park, Madison Ave & E 25th St, New York, NY 10010

Tucked near the W 25th Street entrance in the Flatiron district, Jemmy's Dog Run is a well-kept fenced run with double-entry gates, separate large- and small-dog areas, joint-friendly ground, a water feature and shade umbrellas.