Boston has always been one of my favorite cities to visit, and I stop by quite often with Gatsby when I need an escape from NYC. From the charming cobblestone streets of Beacon Hill, the aroma of Italian cuisine in the North End, or the breathtaking skyline views, the city of Boston is great to explore with your pup because everything is within walking distance. Here is a guide for you and your pup to the best dog-friendly things to do in Boston.
When to visit Boston with your dog
Spring, Fall, and Winter (if you have a dog that loves the cold and snow) are good times to visit Boston. During the Fall, you can experience the New England Foliage when the leaves turn colors.
I wouldn’t recommend the summer because it gets incredibly crowded with very high hotel prices!
Best Dog-Friendly Hotel In Boston
Hotel AKA Boston Common (formerly known as Kimpton Nine Zero) is undoubtedly one of the best dog-friendly place to stay in Boston! There are no pet fees and breed, size, or weight restrictions. We’ve always had such a pleasant experience with their attentive service, and they certainly know how to bring luxury and comfort to their guests away from home.
As soon as you enter the hotel lobby, your pup is greeted with Boston’s famous Polka Dog Bakery treats, and there are always poop bags by the front desk if you run out.
Aside from their fantastic service, I also love the hotel’s sleek design. Plus, if you enjoy wine, you will appreciate Kimpton’s hosted “wine hour” scheduled at the hotel lounge from 5pm-6pm daily.
Check out Gatsby’s photoshoot in Hotel AKA Boston Common on Instagram below.
For more luxury downtown Boston hotels, read my post: Best Luxury Downtown Boston Hotels That Allow Large Dogs
How to get around in the city of Boston with your dog
Driving around downtown Boston is a pain. The traffic is terrible, and it’s so hard to find parking. Suppose you plan on staying at Kimpton Nine Zero. In that case, you can leave your car at the hotel valet and take the “T” (public transportation – MBTA, Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, also known as the “T”). It will be your easiest and cheapest way to get around the city.
If your dog is not a service dog, they are allowed at all times except during rush hour. Service dogs are permitted at all hours.
However, Gatsby took the “T” during rush hour, and we were OK. So, it’d be up to you if you want to take your chances!
Make sure your pup is leashed and that they don’t take up any seats.
16 Best dog-friendly things to do in Boston
1. Boston Common
A trip to Boston wouldn’t be complete without taking a stroll at the oldest public park in the country! Boston Common welcomes leashed dogs year-round, and there are even off-leash areas where your dog can run free and make friends with other Bostonian pups!
2. Boston Public Garden
Boston Public Garden is America’s first botanical garden, and because it’s so picturesque, you’ll need to snap many pics with your pup here. Be sure to take a photo at the Public Garden’s historic suspension bridge and the famous bronze ducks (located near the corner of Beacon Street and Charles Street).
Boston Public Garden is next to Boston Common so you can visit both parks in one day!
3. Explore Beacon Hill
Beacon Hill is absolutely my favorite neighborhood in Boston! This charming neighborhood with cobblestone streets and picturesque architecture is one of Boston’s oldest neighborhoods.
Notable Instagram Spot
Acorn Street – Pictured above is one of the most instagrammable places in Boston. This narrow, beautiful cobblestone street is full of old Boston charm. It’s the best place for a photo op with your pup, so have your phone or camera ready!
Every time Gatsby and I stop by Beacon Hill, we would admire the beautiful homes and take a moment to imagine what it would be like if we ever had the chance to move here. The townhouses are gorgeous!
4. Enjoy Yappier Hour at the Liberty Hotel
Stop by the Liberty Hotel for Yappier Hour if you’re in Boston on a Monday or Wednesday between May and October. The hotel serves up delicious cocktails and puptails from 5:30pm to 8:00pm in “The Yard”, the hotel’s private outdoor courtyard.
5. Shopping at Newbury Street
Newbury Street is one of the most popular shopping spots in Boston. There hasn’t been a store I went into that didn’t welcome dogs. Most stores have water bowls and treats waiting for canine shoppers to visit!
6. Commonwealth Avenue Mall
Commonwealth Avenue Mall is a shaded tree-lined walkway in the middle of the street which connects Boston Public Garden to the neighborhood of Back Bay. Along this walkway, you’ll pass memorials, statues, and lots of benches for your pup to rest.
7. Faneuil Hall Market Place
Inside Faneuil Hall, you’ll find a marketplace with shops, pubs, and restaurants. Your dog is not allowed in any food establishment areas, but they are allowed inside the dining halls. So if you’re visiting with your partner or friends, have someone grab food at the marketplace while you wait in the dining hall with your dog.
Outside of Faneuil Hall, you’ll find novelty carts, distinctive shops, street performers, food stands, and even more restaurants with outdoor seating so you can dine with your pup.
8. Walk the Freedom Trail
The Freedom Trail is a walk through a 2.5-mile path that tells the history of the American Revolution. This walk takes you through downtown Boston where you’ll see landmarks including churches, meeting houses, a collection of museums, burial grounds, and more.
If you want to learn more about this historic walk, I suggest booking a walking tour.
9. The North End
The North End of Boston is where everyone goes for Italian cuisine. You’ll find pastries, cafes, and restaurants. It’s also home to the Paul Revere House (he was a revolutionary war patriot). It’s not far from Faneuil Hall, and if you’re exploring the Freedom Trail, it runs through the North End.
My goto restaurant is Trattoria Il Panino. I always get the Paccheri al Ragú with the Octopus Salad. Stop by Mike’s Pastry to bring home some delicious dessert!
10. The Esplanade along Charles River
The Esplanade is a 17-mile stretch of land along the banks of the Charles River. Explore this area by foot with your pup, or head into the water with kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards!
Here are some of the dog-friendly water options to explore in Boston:
Paddle Boston rents kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards. You can go solo in the waters with your pup or take a guided tour.
Boston Harbor Cruises – Hop on a cruise with your pup! They even offer whale-watching excursions. Check out their Historic Sightseeing tour or Sea the Stars cruise to see the sights.
11. Visit MIT
The prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is technically in Cambridge, a different city, but it deserves an honorable mention and a visit with your pup. Your pup is welcomed in the outdoor spaces of the campus and also in the MIT welcome center, where you can use the restroom, fill your water bottle, and charge your phone.
12. Take Your Dog Out To A Ball Game at Fenway Park
Every year, the Boston Red Sox hosts “Dog Day at Fenway,” where fans are invited to bring their pups to the ballpark to experience the game and enjoy a walk around the track. A “dog park” is set up with water bowls and activities for your pup. Get your cameras ready to snap photos of this fantastic moment with your dog!
13. Spoil Your Pup at Polka Dog Bakery
Don’t leave Boston without spoiling your furry best friend at Polka Dog Bakery! Famous for their single-ingredient cod skin treats (and many others like the chicken strip jerky) handcrafted right in Boston, your pup will love you for it!
There are several Polka Dog Bakery locations, and the closest one within walking distance near Downtown Boston is the North End location at 57 Salem Street, Boston, MA 02113
If you are planning to explore the Seaport District with your pup, there’s a Polka Dog location there: 119 Seaport Blvd Suite A, Boston, MA 02210
14. Boston Harborwalk
This 43-mile park along Boston’s shoreline connects the city’s waterfront neighborhoods to Boston Harbor, including the Seaport District and Downtown. There are tons to explore here, where you’ll discover urban parks, museums, restaurants, and stores.
When Gatsby and I visit, we usually start at the Boston Harbor near the aquarium and walk to the Seaport District.
Here’s a map displaying all the amenities that Boston Harborwalk offers!
15. Visit the Seaport District
Just across from downtown Boston, head over to Boston’s newest trendy and bustling neighborhood, where you can explore the arts, go shopping, and have food and drinks.
While exploring the seaport district, stop by the ultimate seafood spot in Boston – The Barking Crab. Serving fresh crabs, lobsters, and fish, it’s always packed, so try to come early or make a reservation!
Another place to visit is Polka Dog Bakery’s location at the seaport. This location is much bigger than the North End location, so that means more variety of treats for your pup!
Polka Dog Seaport Location: 119 Seaport Blvd Suite A, Boston, MA 02210
16. Chinatown
Boston’s Chinatown traces its history back to around 1884! It’s a must-visit for me every time I’m in Boston. Stop by to take a photo of the gorgeous China Trade Gate with your pup. Unfortunately, there is no outdoor seating available to dine with your dog but you can still grab some dim-sum, dumplings, Chinese BBQ, ramen, sushi, pho, and Vietnamese sandwiches to go!
Here are my favorites:
Empire Garden Restaurant is my go-to place for dim-sum on the go.
Gourmet Dumpling House makes some of the city’s best pork soup dumplings.
Pho Pasteur is a Vietnamese staple.
Hong Kong Eatery has the best Cantonese food in the area. Their roast pork and wontons are to die for!
So, what do you think of this guide to the best dog-friendly things to do in Boston? There is so much to do, right?! I hope this post inspires you to visit and explore the super charming city of Boston with your pup!
Check out our recent trip to Boston on Instagram!
Book Your Trip To Boston
Now that you see all the things to do in Boston, aren’t you excited to explore it with your pup? If you are ready to book your stay, Booking.com is my go-to platform for booking all of my travels. Here are some of the current deals in Boston right now:
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