The weather in Queens is usually congenial for on-foot travel with warm, sometimes rainy, springs, hot, humid summers, and relatively warm, dry autumns with beautiful fall colors. Winter can be wet and chilly although this coastal location rarely sees snow or below freezing temperatures for very long due to the moderating influence of the Atlantic Ocean. Hurricanes and winter storms are possible, however, and you will want to avoid walking with your dog when inclement winter weather rears its ugly head.
The terrain in Howard Beach is relatively flat and streets are laid out in a grid pattern, so it is easy to navigate the area on foot. Most of the area is residential with upper-middle-class homes spaced close together by most standards, but not for densely populated New York! The region is comprised of several smaller neighborhoods including Howard Beach, Old Howard Beach, Ramblersville, Howard Park, and Hamilton Beach. Jamaica Bay is situated on the southern border and Shellbank Basin extends northward. Marinas are located along the waterway with small pleasure craft and the region's commercial corridor runs alongside this basin.
This street is a multi-lane divided roadway with lots of traffic and activity. Residents can access services here if they are walking with their dogs in this region keep but should keep their pups leashed and safe. The Belt Parkway borders the area on the north and impedes pedestrian traffic in that direction.
Spring Creek South consists of natural trees, marshlands, and wetlands with two pedestrian paths running through it. Spring Creek North contains an old creek bed and Ralph's Creek which feeds old Mill Creek and is a natural preserve that is inaccessible to the public.
Gateway Centre Parkland contains 31 accessible acres that includes a man-made wetland and a cricket pitch. A greenway for cyclists and pedestrians runs through the park and around the cricket pitch. Charles Memorial Park is also located along Jamaica Bay and provides recreational areas, athletic fields, basketball, and tennis courts. A biking and hiking path is a great place to walk with your pup and take in this waterfront park while watching the planes take off and land from JFK airport.