Dog Park at Dix Park

Address: 1800 Umstead Dr., Raleigh, NC 27603

Grassy and spacious, this Raleigh off-leash area gives big and small dogs room to stretch out in separate fenced sections. Water fountains, waste stations, and benches are all on-site, though shade is sparse so hot summer days can be tough. A rotating field system keeps the turf in decent shape year-round, and the park draws a steady, social crowd.