Best Dog Park (2016)

Much of San Diego's large and sandy Fiesta Island is designated as a leash-free zone, so Fido is free to romp across sand dunes or go for a swim in the calm bay. Visitors will also find bonfire rings around the island's shore, perfect for an evening on the beach with the pooch.
Photo courtesy of freschwill / Flickr

Lancaster's Buchanan Dog Park got a $500,000 makeover in 2012 to become Beau's Dream Dog Park at Buchanan Park. Both small and large dog areas feature splash pads, while small dogs enjoy a tunnel and large dogs can play with a tennis ball tree.
Photo courtesy of BringFido.com

Newtown Dream Dog Park, a fenced one acre space in the town of Johns Creek, features artificial turf, sprinklers for splashing, agility obstacles and water fountains for both two- and four-legged visitors. There are separate areas for large and small dogs, as well as benches and shade trees for owners.
Photo courtesy of Newtown Dream Dog Park

James Island County Park is home to one of the best dog parks in Charleston, where Fido has his choice of a dog beach, 4-acre grassy play area and a fenced in area for small breeds. Owners will find a washing station and waste baggie station within the park.
Photo courtesy of BringFido.com

Phoenix area dogs love Cosmo Dog Park, where they'll find a lake for swimming, four separate fenced areas (including special areas for active or timid dogs), pet drinking fountains, washing stations, waste disposal stations and reservable Ramadas with grills for special events.
Photo courtesy of Cosmo Dog Park

All of the 23 acres at Point Isabel Regional Shoreline are designated as off-leash areas for dogs under voice control of their owners, making it the largest public off-leash park in the nation. The on-site The Sit & Stay Cafe serves puppy-approved treats (and human food as well), while Mudpuppy's Tub & Scrub next door offers a place to clean up before heading home.
Photo courtesy of Point Isabel Regional Shoreline

Tommy Schumpert Park, one of several PetSafe-sponsored parks in the Knoxville area, features two fenced-in, off-leash areas, one for small dogs and the other for breeds of any size. Dogs will find plenty of grass and mulch to run around in, as well as a duck pond for cooling off in the summer.
Photo courtesy of Tommy Schumpert Park

Occupying 100 acres next to the Indianapolis Museum of Art, the Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park: 100 Acres encompasses woodlands, meadows, wetlands and a 35-acre lake, making it one of the largest museum art parks in the nation. Leashed pets are welcome to explore the trails of 100 Acres with their owners.
Photo courtesy of Indianapolis Museum of Art

Tompkins Square Dog Run is New York City's first and largest dog run, located within Tompkins Square Park. The park underwent a major renovation in 2008, and today it features large and small-breed dog runs, three swimming pools, picnic tables and a washing station. Leashed pets are welcome throughout the rest of the park.
Photo courtesy of Jason DeCrow/Invision for Purina Beggin'/AP Images

Quiet Waters Park in Annapolis offers two off-leash areas and a small dog beach where pooches can socialize and play. Leashed dogs are also allowed at the park's many events throughout the year. Bark 'n' Bean Dog Wash and Coffee Shop, located adjacent to the park, gives visitors a place to wash Fido before heading home.
Photo courtesy of Quiet Waters Park