Dog Walkers in West End, Boston

The West End in Boston is considered part of the downtown Boston area and is bordered by Beacon Hill, Cambridge, Government Center, Charlestown, Downtown and North End. The Charles River runs along its border on the west from Longfellow Bridge to Highway 93, making it a relatively scenic area to live and work. This neighborhood is an area of business from Massachusetts General Hospital to the TD Garden Stadium with retail and restaurants abounding. Ranked as an up-and-coming neighborhood in Boston, it also has a growing residential base with apartments and condominiums throughout, turning it into a part of Boston that is much more than meets the eye. Dog-friendly restaurants include Scampo on Charles Street with a dog-friendly outdoor patio and Au Bon Pain on Cambridge Street which has two dog-friendly outdoor tables. Viva Burrito on Staniford Street also offers eight outdoor dog-friendly tables. Enjoy the moderate summer weather and watch for cold snaps in the winter!

The West End is mostly an artificial terrain as it is a typical downtown area surrounded by an urban environment. Sidewalks support the high pedestrian traffic, so while you will not be hurting for concrete to walk on, it may become crowded at peak times. Thoreau Path weaves through the more residential area and offers a 20-foot wide path that connects businesses and residences in a superblock called the Charles River Park. There are several freeways that weave through the neighborhood, so you will want to be careful and look for pedestrian crossings or stay away from the areas that are not walker-friendly.  As this is more of a downtown area, alleys are also present and you will want to avoid taking shortcuts and remain on the main roads or paths. Think about protecting your canine friends paws from the hard concrete and the heat it can generate in the summer.  

The Charles River Greenway ends at Lederman Park on the Charles River in the West End. The 9-mile stretch is located in Watertown Square and allows for leashed dogs to enjoy the atmosphere with their owners at their sides. It also includes water sources which are great for keeping cool. Biking is also permitted, so be aware that you share the path with fast-moving folks. It is reported to be an easy walk that can be quite busy during the peak hours. 

The Dr. Paul Dudley White Bike Path runs along Lederman Park, so be careful that you are not walking there. Teddy Ebersol’s Red Sox Fields is also a large green space along the Charles River, mainly acting as a sports field for enthusiasts to enjoy. While walking may be permitted on the field, off-leash dogs are not. Instead, you can venture to Lederman Park proper which is a small green space adjacent to the sports field.