Dog walking in Portsmouth

River Park

The neighborhood of River Park is right along the southern shore of Elizabeth River. The relaxed neighborhoods offer two parks for dog walking, like Maryview Park and Detroit Park. Maryview Park does offer some merry views and also provides residents with 6 baseball fields, open space, and paved paths. The recreational park is dog-friendly to leashed pups and even allows dogs in the baseball fields when no teams are playing. Detroit Park is right along the water's edge, with open fields of grassy terrain. Your pup isn't required to be on a leash at this park, but do bring water and clean-up bags.

Port Norfolk

The small neighborhood of Port Norfolk is right on the edge of the city along Elizabeth River. Right on the water is Port Norfolk Beach, a long stretch of land that offers a pet friendly beach, grassy fields, and a paved greenway along the water. Dogs must remain on a leash here, but can enjoy amenities like water fountains, a gazebo, water fountains, and benches. The neighborhood also offers Fountain Park to residents and dog walkers, a park that has a perimeter paved path, shaded sitting areas, a playground, picnic areas, basketball court, and baseball field. Don't forget to leash up your pup before coming to this park!

Central Portsmouth

Central Portsmouth is pretty busy, with large shopping districts and clusters of businesses. The River Front Park is still available to neighborhood residents and provides a small, grassy area right along the water. With paved paths, gorgeous views of the river, benches, and trash bins, its no wonder the small park gets pretty packed. Dogs must remain on a leash inside this park. Not far is the North Landing Park, a green space with an open area, shaded sitting area, picnic area, and a perimeter path for walking. Don't forget to bring a tennis ball for fetch and some clean-up bags!

Cradock

Cradock is a smaller neighborhood, nestled right on the southern border of Portsmouth with rows of residential homes. Right in the middle of the neighborhood is Afton Park, a perfect green space that has open space, paved paths, large trees, a playground, and benches. The park is perfect for playing or going for an easy-going walk, with additional features like water fountains and trash bins. Right up the street is the George Washington Park, another leisurely park that has an open field and trees surrounding the park that provides shade and privacy. Dogs do have to remain on a leash here, but can enjoy amenities like water fountains, clean-up stations, benches, and trash bins.

Maple Wood

The Maple Wood neighborhood is on the southwestern corner of the city, and is filled with apartments and residential homes. Residents can enjoy Woodland Park, a 20-acre park that is covered in thick woods. The unique park has dirt trails that wind throughout the small wooded area, with benches and picnic areas for a shaded resting experience. There is also open fields, a basketball court, a water fountain, and trash bins. Maplewood Park is another park in the neighborhood that is more developed, with amenities like restrooms, a basketball court, open field, and perimeter walkway. Fido has to be leashed up in both parks.