Off-Leash Areas With Water and Room to Run
Magnuson Park on Lake Washington
Give your dog the most space in the city at the off-leash area at Magnuson Park, which stretches across 8.6 acres and reaches the freshwater shoreline of Lake Washington. That access to the water makes it a favorite for dogs who love to swim. The surrounding park fills a 350-acre former naval air station on the Sand Point peninsula in northeast Seattle, and it ranks as the city's second-largest park.
When the running is done, cool down together on the patio at a nearby cafe and brewery.
Golden Gardens and the Puget Sound Shore
Golden Gardens in Sunset Hill draws people for its sandy beaches, wetlands, trails and sweeping views across Puget Sound. Let your dog explore the Golden Gardens off-leash area, a one-acre space tucked into the upper woods above the beach. Remember that the off-leash zone sits in the woods rather than on the sand, so clip the leash back on as you head down to the water.
Dog Parks Close to Downtown
Denny Park in South Lake Union
Seattle's oldest park fills a full city block in South Lake Union, and it includes a dog area at Denny Park. Its story runs from pioneer cemetery to survivor of the city's regrades. If you are staying downtown, this central spot makes an easy place for a quick morning romp.
Plymouth Pillars Park on Capitol Hill
Stop by Plymouth Pillars Park on the southwestern edge of Capitol Hill, a small off-leash space with an unusual backdrop. Dogs play around four columns saved from a downtown church after the 1965 Puget Sound earthquake. The park is compact, so plan on a short stop rather than a long play session.
Kinnear Park on Queen Anne Hill
Spread across 14.1 acres on the southwest slope of Queen Anne Hill, Kinnear Park is a city landmark with roots reaching back to 1887. Along with its dog park at Kinnear, you will find a clifftop lawn and a wooded lower tier that are well worth a leashed stroll.
Neighborhood Parks Worth the Trip
Lower Woodland Near Green Lake
Find the Woodland Park off-leash area in Lower Woodland, east of Aurora Avenue. Pair it with a leashed walk around nearby Green Lake, and the humans in your group can visit the Woodland Park Zoo and rose garden close by.
Genesee Park in Columbia City
Genesee Park's off-leash area covers 2.7 acres and comes with thoughtful extras, including a drinking fountain made for dogs and a separate area set aside for small and shy dogs. Choose this one if your pup tends to get overwhelmed by bigger, rowdier crowds.
Northacres and Westcrest
Up in Haller Lake, near I-5 and N.E. 130th Street, Northacres Park combines an off-leash area with 20.7 acres of forest trails, sports fields and a remodeled playground. Down in the south end, Westcrest Park in Highland Park, part of the Delridge district, offers a city dog park with other parks and a community garden a short trip away.
Treats, Patios and Pet Supplies
Seattle's dog culture reaches well beyond the parks, and a few local favorites make it easy to spoil your companion:
- Seattle Barkery has baked celebratory treats for dogs since 2014, starting with a shop in South Lake Union and growing to several locations. Drop in for dog cookies and cakes.
- Norms Kitchen and Bar in Fremont is known for its puppy happy hour menu, a natural follow-up to a morning at Golden Gardens.
- Starbucks locations offer a free Puppuccino, a small cup of whipped cream for your dog.
- Mud Bay, a Washington-based chain, and All the Best Pet Care, with natural pet food stores around the Seattle area, have food and supplies covered if you left something at home.
Menus and offers change, so confirm details directly with each business before you go.
Stay Overnight With Your Dog
Plenty of Seattle lodgings welcome pets, and some go well beyond simply tolerating them. Depending on the property, perks can include loaner pet beds, food and water bowls, welcome treats and dog-walking services. Policies, fees and size limits vary widely, so check with the property directly before you book.
