The main commercial corridor is on Dudley Street, but Dorchester Street and Washington Street are also lined with restaurants, shops, theatres, and pubs. There is also a section of the neighborhood where Vietnamese ethnic restaurants and shops are concentrated. When walking the area with your pet, you will also be able to reach a zoo, library, museum, and fresh produce market in the area. On the east side of the region, you can take your dog to the Blarney Stone Restaurant where they are welcome to join you on the outdoor patio.
Much of the area is residential with beautifully cited detached homes with historic architecture. Large trees grace private properties and streets, providing shade in the region. Private properties are well landscaped and maintained with plenty of gardens, lawns, and greenery. Multiple parks and greenways are situated in and around this large neighborhood that provide additional green spaces.
Sidewalks are present on roadways, so you and your pup have safe pedestrian paths for strolling the neighborhood. There are some gentle inclines and hills in the area, although slopes are not steep and do not generally impede pedestrian and pets.
Dorchester has multiple greenways both big and small for you to take strolls with your canine companion. The Pope John Paul II Park Reservation is 66 acres in size and is situated on the Neponset River. There are recreational facilities and fields, picnic sites, and lots of walking paths around the treed park and along the river. The 2.4-mile Lower Neponset River Trail and Neponset River Trail are situated in the green spaces bordering the water and are excellent hiking trails.
Franklin Park is situated on the west side of Dorchester and is a huge park with over 500 acres of greenway. There are plenty of hiking trails for long walks and recreational amenities. This park is also the site of the Franklin Park Zoo.
Ronan Park is a more centrally located large greenway with an off-leash dog area where your furry friend can socialize and romp! Many other smaller greenways and parks are spread throughout the area and provide amenities, wooded areas, and walking paths to enjoy.