Boston, United States
Dog Friendly Boston
Where To Walk, Eat And Stay With Your Dog In Boston
Boston is a walking city with the oldest public park in the country at its centre and a river path made for dogs down one side. The Common and the Public Garden anchor downtown, the Charles River Esplanade runs open along the water, and the Arnold Arboretum opens acres of tree-lined trail out in Jamaica Plain. This is our working guide: where to walk, where to eat, and the certified hotels that genuinely welcome them.
Where to walk
Trails, Parks & Green Spaces
The commons, riverfront paths and arboretum trails Bostonians actually use. Tap any one to open it in Google Maps.
Where to eat and drink
Restaurants, Cafes And Pubs That Welcome Your Dog
Not just tolerated under the table, genuinely welcome: a water bowl, a spot by the fire, and no eyebrow raised when you walk in with a dog.
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Where to stay
The Best Dog Friendly Hotels In Boston
Every hotel here has been inspected and ranked against the Dog Friendly Standard. No pay to play, no vague pet friendly badge, just the ones that earned their place, best first.
The full Boston dog friendly city guide from the Roch Society goes deeper, with the best day trips, dog friendly services and the local rules worth knowing before you go.
Read the full Boston guide →Dog Friendly Boston · Good To Know
Is Boston a good city to visit with a dog?
Boston is a compact, walkable city with the oldest public park in the country at its heart and a river path made for dogs. Many patios and shops welcome them, and the harbour and Common are easy to explore on foot. The main things to plan around are the T's rush-hour ban and the cold winters.
Can I take my dog on the T in Boston?
Dogs are not allowed on the MBTA during rush hours, which run from 7 to 10am and 4 to 7pm. Outside those times, non-service dogs may ride at the operator's discretion, on a lead and never taking up a seat. Keep your dog calm and close, and travel off peak to be sure.
Where can my dog go off the lead in Boston?
Off-leash is limited to designated dog parks such as Peter's Park in the South End. Elsewhere, including the Common and the Esplanade, dogs must be on a lead of no more than ten feet. Castle Island in South Boston is a favourite for a long harbour-side walk on the lead.
Can I walk my dog on Boston Common and the Freedom Trail?
Yes, leashed dogs are welcome on Boston Common, the Public Garden and along the Freedom Trail, which makes for a great historic walk. The Common's open lawns and paths are ideal for a stroll. Dogs cannot go inside the museums and historic buildings along the route.
Are dogs allowed at Boston restaurants and bars?
Dogs are welcome at many outdoor patios and beer gardens under rules the city set out in recent years. They must stay leashed or in a carrier, off the furniture and away from plates. Indoor dining rooms remain off limits, so aim for a patio.
What dog friendly things can I do in Boston?
Beyond the Common, dogs enjoy the Charles River Esplanade, Castle Island, the Arnold Arboretum and the harbourwalk. Many outdoor markets and waterfront areas welcome them too. Indoor attractions are mostly assistance dogs only.
Are there dog friendly spots near Boston?
Yes, the coast and countryside around the city are very dog friendly, from the North Shore beaches in the off-season to the trails of the Blue Hills. Revere Beach and Castle Island give you sea air close to the centre. A short drive or train opens up plenty of open space.
What are the rules for dogs in Boston?
Dogs must be licensed, on a lead of ten feet or less in public, and off-leash only in designated dog parks. You must clean up after your dog everywhere. Rush-hour transit and indoor dining are the main places dogs are not allowed.