Dog-Friendly Palo Alto, California
From downtown patios to Baylands walks and fenced city dog parks, Palo Alto makes an easy Silicon Valley getaway with your dog.
Palo Alto, CA
Best for Off-Leash Play
Recently renovated with separate small-dog and mixed-size areas inside one of Palo Alto’s biggest community parks.
The city’s largest dog park, with a roomy fenced area in the Evergreen Park neighborhood.
Best Walks
Leashed dogs are welcome on multi-use trails with marsh views, birdlife, and flat terrain.
University Avenue and nearby side streets make an easy stroll with plenty of outdoor dining options.
Good to Know
California law allows restaurants to admit pet dogs in outdoor dining areas if the operator chooses to do so.
In Palo Alto open space preserves, dogs must be on leash; off-leash play is limited to designated dog exercise areas.
Dog-Friendly Hotels in Palo Alto
The Westin Palo Alto
Upscale downtown stay across from Stanford with dog-friendly amenities and one of the strongest pet policies in central Palo Alto.
675 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA 94301
Visit WebsiteGraduate by Hilton Palo Alto
Stylish boutique option on University Avenue, convenient for downtown walks and patio dining.
488 University Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94301
Visit WebsiteHotel Keen
Small downtown boutique hotel a block from Caltrain, best suited to travelers with one small dog.
425 High Street, Palo Alto, CA 94301
Visit Websiteel PRADO Hotel
Elegant downtown boutique hotel with dog-friendly guestrooms and easy access to University Avenue.
520 Cowper Street, Palo Alto, CA 94301
Visit WebsiteCrowne Plaza Palo Alto
Larger full-service hotel with an on-property dog area, useful for road-trippers who want quick outdoor access.
4290 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA 94306
Visit WebsiteDog-Friendly Restaurants in Palo Alto
Nola Palo Alto
Lively New Orleans-inspired spot with an open-air courtyard and streetside parklet that work well for dining with a dog.
535 Ramona Street, Palo Alto, CA 94301
Visit WebsiteTerún
Popular California Avenue pizzeria with patio and veranda seating, ideal for relaxed meals with your pup.
448 California Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94306
Visit WebsitePalo Alto Creamery
Classic local standby for breakfast, burgers, and shakes near downtown, with patio-friendly appeal for casual dog outings.
566 Emerson Street, Palo Alto, CA 94301
Visit WebsiteReposado
Upscale Mexican restaurant near downtown parking garages, convenient for a dog-friendly patio lunch or early dinner.
236 Hamilton Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94301
Visit WebsiteTrue Food Kitchen
Reliable Stanford Shopping Center option with broad menu choices and easy outdoor access for dogs.
180 El Camino Real, Ste 1140, Palo Alto, CA 94304
Visit WebsiteOren’s Hummus
Downtown Mediterranean favorite with a central University Avenue location that pairs well with a walk afterward.
261 University Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94301
Visit WebsitePizzeria Delfina
Bustling Emerson Street pizzeria with a sizable patio setup that makes it one of the easier downtown picks with a dog.
651 Emerson Street, Palo Alto, CA 94301
Visit WebsiteDog-Friendly Parks and Activities in Palo Alto
Mitchell Park Dog Park
One of Palo Alto’s best off-leash options, recently expanded and renovated with separate small-dog and mixed-size areas.
600 East Meadow Drive, Palo Alto, CA 94306
Visit WebsitePeers Park Dog Park
The city’s largest dog park, good for energetic dogs that want more room to roam and socialize.
1899 Park Blvd, Palo Alto, CA 94306
Visit WebsiteHoover Park Dog Park
Smaller neighborhood off-leash area with shade and a convenient south Palo Alto location.
2901 Cowper Street, Palo Alto, CA 94306
Visit WebsiteGreer Park Dog Park
Another designated city off-leash area, useful if you are staying closer to north Palo Alto.
1098 Amarillo Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94303
Visit WebsiteBaylands Nature Preserve
Flat, scenic preserve with long multi-use trails and marsh views; dogs are welcome on leash throughout the preserve.
2775 Embarcadero Road, Palo Alto, CA 94303
Visit WebsiteFoothills Nature Preserve
A quieter nature outing in the hills above town; dogs are allowed on weekdays only and must remain leashed.
11799 Page Mill Road, Palo Alto, CA 94304
Visit WebsiteA Dog-Friendly Weekend in Palo Alto
This two-day plan mixes easy walks, patio meals, and time at the city’s best dog parks.
Day 1: Downtown + Baylands
Check into your hotel, then start with coffee and a downtown stroll around University Avenue before heading to Oren’s Hummus or Palo Alto Creamery for an outdoor lunch.
Drive to Baylands Nature Preserve for a leashed walk on the flat marsh trails and birdwatching around the preserve.
Return downtown for dinner on an outdoor patio at Nola, Reposado, or Pizzeria Delfina, then wind down with a short neighborhood walk.
Day 2: Off-Leash Play + California Avenue
Give your dog an off-leash session at Mitchell Park Dog Park, especially if you want separate small-dog and mixed-size areas.
Head to California Avenue for lunch at Terún and browse the district on foot with your dog.
If your pup still has energy, stop at Peers Park Dog Park for another run, or choose a relaxed sunset walk before dinner near your hotel.
Nearby Dog-Friendly Destinations
Menlo Park
4 milesA quick hop north for neighborhood walks, patios, and easy access to Bedwell Bayfront Park nearby.
Mountain View
7 milesGreat for Castro Street patios and additional dog-friendly dining options.
Redwood City
11 milesA larger Peninsula downtown with restaurants, events, and access to more dog-friendly parks.
Half Moon Bay
28 milesA favorite coastal day trip for beach walks, ocean air, and dog-friendly lodging options.
Frequently Asked Questions
How dog-friendly is Palo Alto overall?
Palo Alto is one of the easier Bay Area cities to visit with a dog thanks to multiple designated dog parks, a strong selection of pet-friendly hotels, and many restaurants with outdoor seating.
Are dogs allowed off leash in Palo Alto parks?
Only in designated dog exercise areas. The City of Palo Alto allows off-leash play in dog parks at Hoover Park, Greer Park, Mitchell Park, and Peers Park. In open space preserves, dogs must stay leashed.
Can I bring my dog to restaurant patios in Palo Alto?
Usually yes, if the restaurant chooses to allow dogs in its outdoor dining area. California law permits pet dogs in outdoor dining spaces under specific conditions, but each restaurant sets its own policy.
Is there an off-leash beach in Palo Alto?
No. Palo Alto does not have an off-leash beach. For shoreline walks, Baylands Nature Preserve is a good local option, but dogs must remain on leash.
What is the best dog park in Palo Alto?
Mitchell Park Dog Park is a top pick because it was recently renovated and includes separate small-dog and mixed-size areas. Peers Park Dog Park is another favorite because it is the largest in the city.
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