This California dog park was voted No. 1 in the United States. Here’s where to find it

Looking for the perfect place to play with Fido? California is home to the best dog park in the country, according to USA Today.

The publication released its list of the top 10 dog parks in the United States on Wednesday, right before Independence Day.

“There are few things a dog loves more than romping around off-leash, especially when there are other friendly pups to play with,” USA Today said. “That’s what makes dog parks so appealing.”

Fiesta Island in San Diego was No. 1 on the list of “safe spaces for dogs to run, play and socialize,” USA Today said.

Newtown Dream Dog Park in Johns Creek, Georgia, came in second, while Minto-Brown Island Park in Salem, Oregon, took third place.

What makes San Diego dog park the best in US?

Seeking California’s top spot for pooches? Head to Fiesta Island, a 470-acre multi-use park in Mission Bay south of the Pacific Beach community of San Diego.

“Much of San Diego’s large Fiesta Island is designated as a leash-free zone, so your pup is free to romp across the sand or go for a swim in the calm bay,” USA Today said.

“A 90-acre fenced off-leash dog park allows for safe exploration, with trails and beach access,” the publication said, and visitors can find city-provided bonfire rings dotting the shoreline.

Don’t have a dog? This “pet-friendly haven” welcomes horses too, the city of San Diego said.

The island is accessible from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

What are the top 10 dog parks in the country?

These are the top 10 places to “unleash the fun” in the United States, according to USA Today voters:

1. Fiesta Island in San Diego
2. Newtown Dream Dog Park in Johns Creek, Georgia
3. Minto-Brown Island Park in Salem, Oregon
4. The Outback at Shelby Farms Park in Memphis, Tennessee
5. Jackson Bark in Chicago
6. James Island County Park in Charleston, South Carolina
7. Beneful Dream Dog Park in Alabaster, Alabama
8. Albany Dog Park in Albany, Oregon
9. Tompkins Square Dog Run in New York, New York
10. Independence Dog Park in Independence, Oregon

How did USA Today come up with rankings?

To come up with USA Today’s Best 10 Readers’ Choice Awards for 2024, a panel of experts selected nominees across a number of categories.

The publication’s readers then voted for their favorites.

USA Today readers have also ranked the best dog-friendly beaches, dog bars and pet-friendly hotels in the nation.

This story was originally published July 6, 2024 at 7:00 AM.

Sarah Linn

The Tribune

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Sarah Linn is an editor and reporter on the West Service Journalism Team, working with journalists in Sacramento, Modesto, Fresno, Merced and San Luis Obispo in California and Bellingham, Olympia and Tri-Cities in Washington, as well as Boise, Idaho. She previously served as the Local/Entertainment Editor of The Tribune in San Luis Obispo, working there for nearly two decades. A graduate of Oregon State University, she has earned multiple California journalism awards.