Welcome to the concrete jungle where dreams are made of – New York City!
But wait, you’re not just navigating the bustling streets and towering skyscrapers alone. You’ve got your four-legged friend by your side, ready to sniff out all the excitement the city has to offer.
NYC is chock-full of dog-friendly places just waiting to be discovered.
Stroll Around Central Park
First up, we have the crown jewel of NYC: Central Park.
Central Park is a must-see, whether you’re visiting during on-leash hours (9am to 9pm) or not. The park is huge—so much so that it’s hard to grasp its vastness until you’re actually there. A stroll through Central Park with your dog is an absolute delight.
Website: https://www.centralparknyc.org/
Direction: https://g.co/kgs/bSBTAyS
Don’t miss the iconic Balto Sled Dog Statue. Balto, a husky hero from 1925, stands proud just north of the Tisch Children’s Zoo. This statue isn’t just a great photo op for kids; it’s perfect for snapping a pic with your own pup too.
A bit of history for you: Balto was one of the lead dogs who braved a blinding blizzard to deliver life-saving medicine to diphtheria-stricken Nome, Alaska, covering an incredible 674 miles. Balto’s bravery saved countless lives, and his statue is a tribute to all sled dogs’ heroism.
Other dog-friendly spots in Central Park include Strawberry Fields, Bow Bridge, Bethesda Fountain, Conservatory Waters, the Alice in Wonderland sculpture, and Belvedere Castle. Each spot offers its own unique charm and is perfect for a leisurely walk with your dog.
Visit Brooklyn Bridge Park
Next, let’s head over to Brooklyn.
If you’re after that classic New York photo, the intersection of Washington St and Water St in DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) is the place to be. Just a heads-up: it can be a bit of a challenge to get that perfect shot with everyone else vying for it, plus the occasional car passing by.
Direction: https://maps.app.goo.gl/rWCYJdRWZv3Xkciz9
Once you’ve snapped that iconic pic, take a short walk down Washington St to Brooklyn Bridge Park. This park is a great spot to relax and enjoy stunning views of the city skyline. It’s perfect for a leisurely stroll or a bit of downtime on the grass, with your pup by your side.
Website: https://brooklynbridgepark.org/
Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/4DGzNo5ebMJQRc5t7
Walk Across the Brooklyn Bridge
Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge is another classic NYC activity, and it’s a fun adventure to share with your dog.
There are no restrictions on dogs, but it can get pretty crowded, so try to go during less busy times. The bridge offers fantastic views of the Manhattan skyline and the East River, making it a memorable walk for both you and your canine companion.
Take a Ferry Past the Statue of Liberty
Seeing the Statue of Liberty is a quintessential NYC experience, and luckily, there’s a dog-friendly way to do it!
While dogs aren’t allowed on Liberty Island, you can hop on the Staten Island Ferry with your furry friend. The ferry ride is free, but make sure your dog is either in a carrier bag or wearing a muzzle.
Website: https://siferry.com/
The ride to Staten Island takes about half an hour. Once there, you’ll need to disembark, but you can hop back on the same ferry for the return trip, making it an hour-long round-trip. Some cruise boats around NYC also welcome dogs, so you have a few options to enjoy this iconic sight with your pup.
Visit the AKC Museum of the Dog
For a more cultural outing, head to the AKC Museum of the Dog. Located at the American Kennel Club headquarters, this museum celebrates the role of dogs in society and showcases the human-canine bond through art and exhibits.
Website: https://museumofthedog.org/
While the museum doesn’t allow most dogs during regular hours (only service dogs and invited demonstration dogs), they frequently host dog-friendly events. One popular event is Furry Friday evenings, where pet dogs are welcome. Be sure to check their events calendar for the latest dates.
Website: https://museumofthedog.org/mc-events/furry-friday/
Check out the Street Art of Bushwick Collective
If you and your dog are fans of street art, the Bushwick Collective in Brooklyn is a must-visit.
This area boasts one of the best collections of street art in NYC. The artworks begin on Jefferson St and continue on Troutman St towards St Nicholas Ave, with new murals added each year in conjunction with a block party.
The colorful murals make for a vibrant walk, and there are plenty of other murals to discover in the area. It’s easily accessible via the Jefferson St station on the L line, so getting there is a breeze.
NYC offers plenty of adventures for you and your pup, so grab that leash, and get ready for some unforgettable moments in the city that never sleeps!
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