South New York encompasses Downtown Manhattan and its associated neighborhoods as well as the northern neighborhoods of Brooklyn and Brooklyn Heights. Residential buildings often have shops, restaurants, and services at street level. South New York contains highly walkable neighborhoods where many residents rely on public transportation or on foot travel to obtain necessities or entertainment as traffic is heavy in the area and parking is difficult.
The weather in South New York varies according to the season. When walking the area in winter, you will need warm outerwear to protect from cool, damp weather, and if your dog is joining you for an excursion, he may even benefit from a doggy jacket or boots! Spring and fall usually produce much more pleasant walking conditions and summers in South New York is typically sunny and warm, but can be sweltering and humid on some days. Walking early or later in the day may be advisable.
The terrain is mostly flat and easy for pedestrians with pets to navigate on foot. Traffic, both vehicle and pedestrian, is heavy in this densely populated region and dogs that are walking with their owners need to be acclimatized to activity and noise so they are not startled onto roadways or into the path of other pedestrians.
In Lower Manhattan, parks like Battery Park, John V. Lindsay East River Park, and Washington Square park provide lawns, trees, and paved pathways for area pet owners to walk with their dogs. Brooklyn Bridge Park features miles of walking, cycling, and jogging trails along the river and features several dedicated off-leash dog runs. Hillside Dog Park and Pier 6 Dog Park are all nearby and provide an opportunity for local pups to play with other dogs in a safe off-leash environment.
Other notable parks in Brooklyn Heights include Fort Greene Park and Cadman Plaza Park, but there are many smaller green spaces and parks in the region. Lower Manhattan also has its share of dog runs. Although usually not large in area, these dog runs tend to be double gated for safety and have many features like water supplies, seating, pools, and obstacles. Lower Manhattan dog runs include the Sirius Dog Run and Tribeca Dog Playground.