Unleashing NYC: How to Discover Best Dog-Friendly Spots in the City
When planning a weekend trip to NYC with your dog, you might think it’s an ideal destination for a dog-friendly adventure. After all, there are many locals with dogs, plenty of parks, and restaurants with outdoor seating. But from a tourist’s perspective, NYC can be challenging if you’re looking to explore iconic attractions with your dog.
Many popular spots, like Liberty Island and Ellis Island, don’t allow dogs, meaning most boat tours won’t accommodate them either. The best option to get near the Statue of Liberty with your dog is the Staten Island Ferry, which offers a distant view. Roosevelt Island also has limited dog access, and while the cable car doesn’t typically allow dogs, there is an exception for small dogs that can be carried. Even the 9/11 Memorial, including its outdoor areas, prohibits dogs.
Aside from these restrictions, another factor to consider is the intense hustle and bustle of New York City. Manhattan, including Central Park, is packed with tourists and locals, making the entire experience overwhelming for many dogs. For Zen, NYC was one of the most exciting but challenging cities. Despite having visited Washington, DC, New Orleans, and other busy cities, NYC took his excitement to a whole new level, making it sometimes more challenging to handle.
We used a harness throughout our trip to ensure a safer and more comfortable walk. As you’ll see in the rest of this post, we did find some great spots to visit and had two fun-filled days exploring the city, but it’s essential to be prepared for the hustle and excitement that come with this urban adventure.
Watch our short video for a quick peek!
Central Park
Central Park is a must-see during your weekend in NYC with your dog! Spanning 843 acres, it’s the perfect urban retreat for you and your pup.
Plan Your Day in Central Park
NYC is a bustling, crowded place, especially around Manhattan, and even Central Park can feel overwhelming with the number of tourists and locals. For Zen, NYC was one of the most overexciting cities we’ve visited, making it harder to handle him despite our experiences in Washington, DC, and New Orleans. To make our walks safer and more comfortable, we used a harness.
Dog-Friendly Areas
While Central Park is mostly dog-friendly, certain areas have restrictions. The Great Lawn is a perfect place to walk or play with your dog, but avoid the main oval lawn where the softball fields are.
Areas to Avoid or Be Cautious About
- Hallett Nature Sanctuary: This peaceful refuge is home to hundreds of bird species and wildlife, making it off-limits to dogs.
- Nell Singer Lilac Walk (Mid-Park at 69th Street): This picturesque path is lined with lilac trees from around the world and is a delicate area needing protection.
Additionally, the trail around the Reservoir doesn’t allow dogs, and although the signs are unclear, joggers will likely remind you if you stray onto it. Be mindful of the squirrels, pigeons, and ducks that could tempt your dog to chase.
Also, be cautious near any of the park’s water areas, as green algae—highly toxic to dogs—is common. Stick to the inner paths rather than the roads around the park, crowded with cyclists and runners.
For more detailed information about Central Park’s rules, click HERE.
After exploring Central Park, I recommend stopping by Rue57. The tables are set up on the sidewalk, with enough space for you and your dog to feel safe, even amidst the crowd. Plus, you can enjoy delicious food and wine!
Relax and Enjoy the Park
Despite the number of people, Central Park is a beautiful place to hang out with your dog. There are plenty of benches and grassy spots to sit, relax, and enjoy the moment. It’s a great place to slow down, watch the crowd, and take in the energy of the city.
With some preparation and awareness, Central Park can be an enjoyable and peaceful retreat in the middle of a bustling city!
Museum of Illusions
The Museum of Illusions holds a special place for me since the first one opened in my hometown, Zagreb, Croatia. However, the NYC location is even more impressive because it allows dogs! There are plenty of opportunities for funny pictures with optical illusions—check out the two photos below in the room with the leaning floor. I felt completely dizzy in the first picture, but I managed to pose myself in the second, leaning on the floor, feeling more grounded. However, as you can see, Zen maintained perfect posture in both shots, proving that dogs’ instincts are better than ours!
So far, this is the only dog-friendly museum we’ve found during our weekend in NYC. If anyone knows of another, please let us know in the comments!
Brooklyn Bridge
We started our Brooklyn Bridge adventure from the Pebble Beachside, but you can also begin your walk from the Brooklyn Heights Promenade because it offers a great view of the bridge. You’ll need to find your way to the bridge’s pedestrian entrance, and you will probably need to ask for directions. The walking path on the bridge is completely separated from car traffic, but be prepared for crowds—tourists trying to capture the perfect photo share the space with joggers.
No weekend trip to NYC is complete without walking across the Brooklyn Bridge, and it’s even better when you bring your dog along for the journey. As you stroll across this iconic landmark, you’ll be treated to sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline and the East River, offering plenty of Instagram-worthy moments with your pup.
Top Photo Shoot Spots in Manhattan
If you’re looking for iconic photo spots around Manhattan, there are plenty to choose from—just be ready for crowds and waiting in line for the perfect shot! Here are some must-visit spots:
1. Charging Bull
Also known as the Bull of Wall Street, the Charging Bull is a famous bronze sculpture on Broadway near Bowling Green in the Financial District. Standing 11 feet tall and weighing 7,100 pounds, it symbolizes financial optimism and prosperity. It’s one of the most popular tourist spots, so be ready to queue up for a photo with this iconic symbol of Wall Street.
2. Times Square
No trip to Manhattan is complete without visiting Times Square! Known for its towering digital billboards and vibrant energy, it’s an excellent place for a classic NYC photo. Though crowded, the dazzling lights and busy atmosphere create an unforgettable backdrop for you and your dog.
3. NYC Street Art & Murals
Manhattan is also home to several stunning street murals perfect for photo ops. These murals bring life to the city’s streets, offering colorful backdrops for your shots. Whether you’re a fan of modern art or simply searching for the perfect weekend photo op, NYC’s street murals won’t disappoint.
These photo spots give a glimpse of Manhattan’s artistic, financial, and cultural landmarks.
NYC Ferry to Staten Island
Before hopping on the Staten Island Ferry, take a moment to relax in Battery Park. I recommend Battery Gardens Restaurant for a lunch break, where you can enjoy views of the river and Lady Liberty herself.
Hop on the dog-friendly NYC Ferry to Staten Island for a scenic trip across New York Harbor. The ferry is huge and free of charge, which means a lot of people will be trying to get on board. There is an outdoor area, but it’s often crowded with folks trying to snap a photo of the Statue of Liberty. Fortunately, the air-conditioned cabin has plenty of space, making your ride more comfortable.
While dogs are allowed on the ferry, they officially must be in a pet carrier or muzzled for the ride. However, based on our experience, no one asked us to follow this rule, likely due to the large number of passengers. I’ve heard that the law regarding dogs is stricter than what’s enforced; many people even use the subway with their pets despite it not being officially allowed. However, we chose Uber Pet for transportation besides the ferry, making it easy to get around with Zen.
The short ferry ride provides breathtaking views of the Statue of Liberty and the iconic New York skyline.
Staten Island
Staten Island offers a mix of history, scenic views, and hidden gems, making it a worthwhile dog-friendly stop during your weekend NYC trip. Here are some spots you can explore:
1. Fort Wadsworth Light
One of the oldest military installations in the United States, Fort Wadsworth has guarded the entrance to New York Harbor for centuries. Built in the early 1800s, it played a key role in coastal defense during the American Revolution and Civil War. Today, it’s a peaceful site perfect for history buffs and photographers. The fort offers stunning views of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge and the New York Harbor.
2. Welcome to South Beach
After exploring Fort Wadsworth, head to South Beach, a peaceful, dog-friendly stretch of sand where your dog can enjoy some off-leash fun! During the off-season (before Memorial Day and after Labor Day), South Beach allows dogs to run and play on the sand and splash in the water. Your pup will love the chance to frolic along the shoreline, meet new friends, and experience the ocean breeze.
3. High Rock Park
For more outdoor exploration, head to High Rock Park, part of Staten Island’s expansive Greenbelt. This park is renowned for its diverse ecosystems, including wetlands, ponds, and forested hiking trails. It’s a nature lover’s paradise and offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
One of the park’s highlights is Moses’ Mountain, a 260-foot hill offering one of the best panoramic views in NYC and a great way to finish your weekend trip. The trail to the summit is dog-friendly, making it the perfect way to wrap up your adventure by taking in the breathtaking scenery with your dog.
For more travel ideas, check all our DESTINATIONS.