Dog Friendly Vacations Near Philadelphia – When William Penn founded the City of Brotherly Love, he used five public spaces or parks in the design. Today, the square remains one of the most attractive – and dog-friendly – features of this modern, bustling city. Exploring Philadelphia by walking the squares is the perfect way to spend the day with your best friend!
In 1682, William Penn sailed from England to the “New World” to explore the land he had been given by King Charles II. Fleeing persecution, he chose a narrow two-mile strip between the Delaware and Schuylkill rivers to establish the “sacred experiment”—a tolerant political utopia.
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Penn began planning a colony where his brothers, the Society of Friends or Quakers, could live in peace. His plan was to create a “Country Town Green”, leaving the haphazard network of old horse tracks that the English used as streets for a simple travel network. It was the first example of early American street design.
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Hoping to create a city free of the congestion, fire, and disease that plagued European cities, Penn included five public spaces, or parks, in the city plan. He placed one in each quadrant of the city and one in the center, giving all residents easy access to nature and a place to enjoy fresh air.
He called his utopia Philadelphia, and these plazas remain the most attractive—and dog-friendly—features of this modern, bustling city.
A trip to Philadelphia Squares is the perfect way for you and your dog to spend a day getting to know the city and appreciate the view of Penn. Sit on a chair and listen to the chirping of the birds. Watch people (and squirrels) house. And enjoy these quiet places in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the city.
We’ve created a route that takes you to beautiful neighborhoods, historic landmarks, and plenty of places to eat and drink. So put on your walking shoes, grab your leash and let’s go!
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We begin our dog-friendly Philadelphia walk on the northeast level of downtown at Franklin Square. This starts out as one of the easiest places to find a parking spot! There are several parking garages nearby, and street parking is available on several side streets.
Franklin Square is located at the intersection of Chinatown and Independence National Historical Park, providing a unique and exciting atmosphere. During our visit, they were delighted to find the park decorated for the Chinese Lantern Festival!
Although Franklin Square isn’t decked out for the festival, you’ll find plenty to keep you entertained on these seven acres. The colorful Parx Liberty Carousel, the historically appropriate Philly Mini Golf Course and the tempting SquareBurger all surround a restored fountain built in 1838.
If you leave the southeast corner of Franklin Square and go south on 6th Street, you will come to Independence Mall. This strip between Rice Street and Oolong Street has some of Philadelphia’s most historic landmarks.
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The National Constitution Center, Independence Hall, and Congress Hall—where the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were drafted and signed—are located here. America was actually born on these foundations!
You can also check out the Liberty Bell. And don’t forget to stop by Independence Hall National Park, where your child can earn their BARK Ranger badge!
Yes, pets are not allowed inside buildings and museums. But Independence Mall is a lovely, grassy place to stroll. And there are plenty of waiting areas if someone in your group wants to see the exhibits or the museum. It’s also a great place for some photo ops.
Following the mall south of 6th Street brings us to Walnut Street and the next stop on our Philadelphia walking tour… Washington Square. This is the quietest and most peaceful part of Penn Parks. Big old trees stretch out their branches and create pools of inviting shade where you and your child can pull up a bench and cool off.
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Locust Street is cut off from the south end of Washington Square, so it’s easy to find. This is our preferred route to Rittenhouse Square because it offers stunning examples of famous Philadelphia homes.
You will pass many restaurants with seating along the way. If you get goosebumps, stick your head in and ask if the outdoor seating is pet-friendly. One of our favorite things about Philly is that almost every restaurant with outdoor seating welcomes dogs!
Walk about a mile west on Locust Street and you’ll run into Rittenhouse Square. This is the most famous square in the city and it is very crowded on nice afternoons.
Rittenhouse is Philadelphia’s front yard and is surrounded by hotels, restaurants (many with sidewalk seating), shops, and apartment buildings. It is a meeting place, a place to read a book or a newspaper and a perfect place to go for a picnic.
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But before you relax, head over to the south side of the square on 19th Street. Metropolitan Bakeries makes delicious treats for dogs and people. Grab a snack, then cross the street back to the park and check out the beautiful mosaic fountain.
This is where our dog walk through Philadelphia takes a slight detour. The next logical stop when visiting the original Penn Squares is Logan Square. And while its fountain and views up and down Benjamin Franklin Park are nice, we think this park lacks atmosphere.
First, Logan Square is actually a circle. And with four lanes circling outside, it’s hard to keep calm. Logan is a great square to walk around, but it’s not on our list of places to hang out.
Alternatively, we suggest you visit Fitler Square. Although it was not in Penn’s original plans and is smaller than other squares, it has its own charm.
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To get to Fittler Square, leave Rittenhouse and drive south on 19th Street and turn west on Pine Street. Enjoy a walk in one of Philadelphia’s quieter neighborhoods on 23rd Street.
Dogs should stick to the paved paths in Fittler Square, as the park is on the small side and is shared by families with small children who like to play on the grass. There is another fountain here as well as many interesting sculptures around the park for you to enjoy.
Special Amenities: An added benefit of visiting Fittler Square is that just two blocks west is Schuylkill River Park with its outdoor dog park. Your pup can spend some off-leash time interacting and roaming with the local dogs!
The fifth and final square on our Philadelphia walking tour is the heart of Philadelphia. This is the central square of Penn’s original plan – City Hall and Dilworth Park. To get there, continue north on either 23rd or 25th (depending on whether you chose to go to the dog park) on Market Street. Then turn right (east) and continue to City Hall.
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Located in Philadelphia’s financial district, Dilworth Park feels more urban than other squares, but no less exciting. Make your way around the main building of City Hall to see the many statues. Walk through the arched corridors to see the courtyard. And then grab a table in the cafe and watch the kids splash in the dancing fountain.
No trip to Philadelphia would be complete without a photo of the statue of LOVE. And Love Park is just a few steps from the town hall!
It was time to go back to our car. The entire round trip was 4.6 miles of easy walking, with plenty of opportunities to rest, snack and hydrate along the way.
Many stores and restaurants also provide drinking water for your pup, but it’s a good idea to bring water and a collapsible bowl.
Loews Loves Pets
We hope you enjoyed touring Philly with us, and we wish you the best of luck in seeing it for yourself. Find places to stay, pet-friendly restaurants, and tons of fun things to do together!
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