The Best Dog Parks in the U.S.
With the summer months approaching fast, it’s time to start thinking about vacation plans. However, how many times have you gone on a trip and had to leave your furry friend at home? Your dog deserves a vacation just like you!
We’ve mapped out five awesome dog parks throughout the U.S., and we encourage you to add them to your bucket list of summer vacations! You’ll make memories that last a lifetime, and get to explore somewhere new. What could be better?
1. Beau’s Dream Dog Park at Buchanan Park
Location: Lancaster, Pennsylvania
In 2012, local resident Angela and her dog Beau won the Beneful Dream Dog Park contest that brought a $500,000 makeover to Lancaster’s Buchanan Dog Park. The new park was unveiled on August 6, 2013 as Beau’s Dream Park.
This park features a small and large dog area, both with splash pads, a tunnel and a tennis ball tree that launches tennis balls on the large dog side! The park has turf instead of grass, which keeps it free from most mud and dirt. You can let your dog off the leash and run free in what some would call a “dog park wonderland.”
2. Bear Creek Dog Park
Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado
Bear Creek Dog Park is a 25-acre off-leash dog park located within the city limits of Colorado Springs, Colorado. It was established in 1997 and seen many improvements through the years. It is estimated that more than 100,000 visitors bring their canine friends each year.
The park is comprised of open prairie fields, hills, woods and a ⅓-mile long stretch of Bear Creek. There are areas for dogs and people to wade and play in the creek, run, chase balls, and even take advantage of the agility training area! Water is provided, as well as a dog washing area for those who get too enthusiastic.
3. Fort Woof Dog Park
Location: Fort Worth, Texas
Fort Woof Dog Park is the first off-leash dog park in Fort Worth, Texas! It has two large fenced-in areas for dogs to roam, a large dog side for dogs 40 pounds and more, and a separate small dog side for dogs weighing less than 40 pounds. Each area has picnic tables, park benches for humans, and a watering station for both humans and dogs.
In the fall, this park hosts Barktober Fest, an annual fall festival to raise money for Fort Woof!
4. Thousand Acres, Sandy River Delta
Location: Troutdale, Oregon
The name says it all! There are a thousand acres of off leash trails that lead to the sandy river where your dog can wade or swim. It can be muddy at times due to frequent rain in this part of Oregon, but there is a main gravel trail for walking on when it’s wet out.
There are plenty of secluded trails and open fields for your dog to run and play. Grab the frisbees and tennis balls for a day of wide open freedom and fun.
5. Huntington Dog Beach
Location: Huntington Beach, California
Huntington Beach is located along Pacific Coast Highway and open to the public daily from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. This free dog beach is the ultimate destination for dogs that love water and the breezy, salty air!
Dogs come from all over the world to play in the sand and splash in the surf. This is the perfect place to bring your dog if they love playing with other dogs. It’s best to get here early, as parking can be difficult, especially on the weekends. Many visitors comment on how clean the beach is kept, even with a large amount of dogs. Next time you’re on the west coast, be sure to check out this famous spot!
