New York is a world-renowned city known for looming skyscrapers, Broadway, the Statue of Liberty, its art, pizza, and culture. There are also many parks, restaurants, hotels, and shops that cater to dogs. Here is an excellent list of the 12 best things to do with your dog in New York City.
1. Bryant Park: A Great City Escape
Famous for its Winter Village ice skating and Christmas tree in the colder months, Bryant Park is a green paradise the rest of the year. There are seasonal flowers to see and trees for shade on a hot summer day. With historic monuments and surrounded by skyscrapers, it’s a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city on a day of adventure with your furry friend. It’s just one of many things you can do with your dog during the spring, summer, and fall.
2. Soho Grand Hotel Offers Dog-Friendly Accommodations
If you are looking for a great pet-friendly hotel in the city ready to pamper your pup, book your stay at the Soho Grand Hotel. There is no extra cost for staying on one of the designated dog-friendly floors. They serve organic dog treats and have a variety of dog amenities like their very own dog park. Stay in historic Soho with your doggie in style, near Chinatown, with easy access to public transportation. Busses and trains in the city welcome smaller dogs on leash or in crates year-round, just try to always keep them on your lap.
3. Take Your Dog to Madison Square Park
Another great place to relax in the heart of the City that Doesn’t Sleep is Madison Square Park. Your pet pal will enjoy itself in Jeremy’s Dog Run, one of the best off-leash areas in the city. Fido will find plenty of places to sniff around here. Events, like concerts and nature views, are also in the park, so be sure to check out the conservancy website when you are in the city.
4. Shake Shack Offers Outdoor Seating
While in Madison Square Park, plan on getting a bite at the famous Shake Shack. Serving amazing burgers, fries, shakes, and even special doggie shack biscuits, this is a great spot to share some fries. They have plenty of outdoor seating for you to enjoy the setting and greasy culinary delights.
5. Boris & Horton: A Café for Dogs
If you like dogs and coffee, you will love Boris & Horton. This cafe is made for dogs and even allows humans off-leash. They call themselves the “Happiest Place on Earth”, and it’s hard to disagree. They have a great menu of coffee, beer, wine, sandwiches, baked goods, snacks, and even their own brand of dog treats. This is a must-stop if your dog is social, and you are looking for a charming cafe for eating or relaxing.
6. Stroll Through the Bushwick Collective
Located in Brooklyn, the Bushwick Collective is the home to some of the best street murals you will ever see by artists from around the world. You will be amazed by the creativity, concepts, and skill put into this collection. Unfortunately, your dog might not be able to appreciate it as much as you will, but you must see this area if you have the time.
7. Walk Past (or on) Brooklyn Bridge
The iconic Brooklyn Bridge connects Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn Heights. Recognized by its stone arches, the Brooklyn Bridge has six lanes of vehicles and a shared pedestrian and bicycle path. The total length of the bridge is 6,016 feet. With breathtaking views of the city, taking a walk or running with Fido on the bridge is sure to satisfy, especially on a cool spring or autumn day. Brooklyn Bridge Park is also right on the other side so you can take a break and enjoy the views of the city.
8. Prospect Park Dog Beach
If your dog loves water, check out Prospect Park Dog Beach in Brooklyn. In the center of this large park is a lake where dogs can run, play, and swim off-leash. It is a great place to stop by if you’re visiting that side of the bridge on a hot day. The park itself is great for a stroll with a leash and there are enclosed dog runs in the vicinity as well.
9. The Barking Dog Offers Brunch
With two locations, one in Hell’s Kitchen and one on the Upper East Side, the Barking Dog is an excellent dog-centric spot for brunch. They have a doggie water fountain, dog-themed decors, and deliciously unique dishes with dog-themed names on the menu. It is everything you would expect from a New York brunch spot with a dog vibe.
10. Mill House Inn
The Mill House Inn is a great place to stay with your dog away from the hustle and bustle of the big city. Located in the East Hamptons blocks from the Main Beach area, they have special pet-friendly suites with homemade dog food ready and waiting in the fridge when you arrive. Dogs can run along the beach off-leash in the off-season from the end of September through the second week of May. They also have dog walkers and dog sitters on call for your convenience and can direct you to all the dog-friendly restaurants in the area.
11. Axel & Tia’s Pet Bakery
This bakery is like no other. Axel & Tia’s Pet Bakery specializes in cakes, donuts, and treats for pets. Your pooch pal is going to be in a state of bliss after a visit to this New York gem. They use dog-friendly ingredients that a human could eat but a dog will want to eat, without any of those unwanted human-food side effects. Located between the Empire State Building and the Flatiron Building, it is within walking distance of many attractions, hotels, and public transit. Your dog will love you more than ever after eating a cake that looks like a tennis ball or a 3D icing sculpted picture of himself.
12. The Best for Last: Central Park
Central Park is in the heart of Manhattan and is one of the most famous parks in the United States. With 840 acres to explore, a whole day could be spent exercising, relaxing, and eating with your lovable pooch in the park. Make sure to have a leash and supplies to pick up after your dog, although there are dog runs for off-leash fun.
There are lakes, fields, paved walkways, plenty of trees, and ominous views of the city’s high-rises over the tree lines. Some popular spots include Strawberry Fields, Bethesda Fountain, Conservatory Waters, and the Alice and Wonderland Sculpture.
