Top Dog Friendly Spots in Chicago

I first came to Chicago around 2 years ago with my little pup Roxy tagging along.  She is the first dog I’ve had on my own, and it’s been fun discovering the city with her.  Having a dog is great when you move to a new city, since there’s so many things you can do with a dog – and they’re great ice-breakers to meet new people.  I recently brought my puppy Jack home to Chicago, and Roxy’s been hard at work teaching him the ropes of being a city dog.  Here are a few dog friendly spots around Chicago that we enjoy on a regular basis!

chicago dogs

Montrose Dog Beach

This by far is my favorite spot to take the dogs.  It helps that I only live about a 15 minute walk away from this dog friendly stretch of beach.  It’s become a habit to take Roxy and Jack here on most of my days off, and they absolutely LOVE it.  It gets pretty crowded in the summer with hundreds of dogs frolicking through the water.  I actually prefer being there in the fall or winter, when the atmosphere is calm and only a few locals are there.  But the dogs love it either way, as long as they get to run and play with new dog friends.

roxy at beach

jack at beach

roxy on sand

roxy with stick at beach

dog on beach

roxy on beach at sunset

Belmont Harbor Dog Beach 

I wouldn’t call this a beach, as much as I would a small chunk of sand that’s open to dogs.  I’ve taken Roxy here a few times, but there isn’t a lot of room to play.  It’s better suited for smaller or less energetic dogs.  It is a cool spot to get some photos of your pup with the city skyline in the background, though.

belmont harbor dog beach

belmont harbor

Lakefront Trail

Chicago’s popular trail along the lakefront is perfect for joggers, bikers, and dog walkers! Both Montrose beach and Belmont Harbor are technically along the trail, but it will also take you across from the Loop, Museum Campus, and more popular areas like Oak Street beach.  Your dog will walk off lots of energy on the trail, no doubt.  If you are in Chicago with your pup, it’s the perfect opportunity to take some classic Chicago skyline picture with your best friend!

lakefront trail

roxy on trail

lakefront dog

 

Where do you love to take your dogs? 

About The Author

Jessica