Downtown Dog Parks

If you’re all about that ruff life, downtown Raleigh’s got a slew of off-leash dog parks for you and your furry friend to enjoy. Here are our top picks:

• Dorothea Dix Dog Park, 1800 Umstead Dr.

  Did you know downtown’s biggest green space features an off-leash dog park? With separate areas for large and small dogs and PLENTY of space to run around, the Dix Dog Park is one of the most popular places for pups downtown! The park even hosts “Coffee Pup-Ups” on Saturday and Sunday mornings from 8 am - noon with coffee and treats from local coffee roasters.

• West Street Dog, 400 W. North St.

  This new “dog bar” concept hit the scene in 2021 in the Smoky Hollow neighborhood. Humans and pups alike can enjoy socializing at West Street Dog, including obstacle courses for the dogs and a full bar for the dog owners. Bonus: They offer doggie daycare on weekdays!

• Moore Square Pop-Pup Dog Park, E Martin Street side of Moore Square

  Open every day in the warmer months, downtown dogs can romp and play in their very own park-within-a-park in Moore Square. Stop by the square’s cafe, Square Burger, for a pup-friendly “milkshake” and a burger for you.

• Oakwood Dog Park, 910 Brookside Dr.

  Many downtown Raleigh dogs have learned the ropes at the longstanding Oakwood Dog Park, located in the Historic Oakwood neighborhood. Part of a 12-acre park with plenty of shade, don’t be surprised if you run into a familiar face or two here; this is the dog park to see and be seen!