Downtown New Bedford

West End

Captain Jack Peterson Memorial Dog Park really is a mutts-visit! Located on Hathaway Boulevard near New Bedford’s West End neighborhood, this off-leash area is a perfect place for your pal to lose the leash. There’s enough space in both the large and small dog areas for even the most hyperactive of hounds to burn off some excess energy, and bags and water are provided. As an added bonus, there’s also some well-maintained doggy agility equipment for that extra bit of canine cardio. There is a catch, though -- the city requires an annual membership fee of $25, but that's a small price to pay for this furrific park!

Portuguese City

New Bedford is known as the most Portuguese city in the US, with immigrants arriving here since the whaling days. Many of the festivals the town hosts celebrate this heritage, and the Feast of the Blessed Sacrament Festival may be the largest celebration of Portuguese culture in the world. New Bedford’s Portuguese City neighborhood is also home to the beginning of the furrific Cove Walk, a scenic stretch that sits atop one of the city’s flood barriers. You and your leashed pooch can take a stroll along and gaze out over the bay -- if you can, come here to see the sun rise or set.

Acushnet-South

No bones about it, Acushnet Sawmill is a pawfect place for you and your buddy to get back to nature! Formerly a large lumber yard located at the edge of New Bedford, the area has been given over to the great outdoors. The trail runs by the Acushnet River, which starts out serene and slow before cascading over stones at the other end of the park. On land, you’ll find natural wetlands, biodiverse meadows, and forest. Acushnet Sawmill is bursting with wildlife too -- so you might want to keep a tight leash on your little tearaway! Remember to bring bags and water!

Clark's Point

You’d need to be barking mad not to bring your pooch to Fort Taber Park! Cultured canines might get a kick out of exploring the ruins of the pre-Civil War fort. The ruins are perfectly safe, but the ground can be uneven, so watch your step! If old buildings aren’t your thing, don’t worry -- there are plenty of walking paths throughout the park, all of them with fabulous views of the ocean, and non-furry family members might appreciate the playground. The park is mostly open lawn, though, so wrap up against the wind! There’s also a small beach nearby, and leashed doggos are welcome to walk on the sand.