Is your favorite dog full of energy and ready for an outing? From shady parks to running trails, we’ve rounded up the best dog-friendly places in Columbia for you and your pup to run, fetch, and even swim.
Click on the parks in the map below for more info on the parks, and scroll down for Instagram photos of each park.
Top 8 Dog Parks in Columbia
- Emily Douglas Dog Park
- Sesquicentennial State Park
- Columbia Dog Park
- NoMa (North Main) Bark Park
- Barking Lot Dog Park at Saluda Shoals Park
- Finlay Park
- Granby Park
- Riverfront Park
1. Emily Douglas Dog Park
2500 Wheat St, Columbia, SC 29205
- Fenced off-leash area in cute Emily Douglas Park
- Lots of shade
- Doggie drinking area
- The only free off-leash area in Columbia!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BQ9JOMnApYZ/?taken-at=4577913&hl=en
2. Sesquicentennial State Park
9564 Two Notch Rd, Columbia, SC 29223
- 2-acre fenced off-leash area
- Shallow splash pools for dogs
- Located within Sesquicentennial Park’s 30 acres of trails and picnic areas for on-leash fun
- Must provide proof of vaccinations and neuter/spay for $25 annual membership or $4 daily pass to off-leash area
https://www.instagram.com/p/BWaSWFJFdtX/?taken-at=847093628&hl=en
3. Columbia Dog Park
127 Humane Ln, Columbia, SC 29209
- Large off-leash park with an in-ground dog pool
- Lots of comfy chairs for relaxing
- Shade trees and running water
- Must provide proof of vaccinations and neuter/spay for $50 annual membership to access park
4. NoMa (North Main) Bark Park
1250 Parkside Dr, Columbia, SC 29201
- 2-acres of fenced off-leash fun
- Separate large and small dog areas
- Benches, running water, pools, and tennis balls
- Inside Earlewood Park with lots of great on-leash trails for exploring
- Must provide proof of vaccinations and neuter/spay for $25 annual membership. Children under 10 not allowed in dog park
https://www.instagram.com/p/BF4_GY5yGFv/?taken-at=240223668&hl=en
5. Barking Lot Dog Park at Saluda Shoals Park
5605 Bush River Rd, Columbia, SC 29212
- 2-acre fenced off-leash area
- 2 separate dog pools and running water
- Must provide proof of vaccinations and neuter/spay for $40 annual membership
https://www.instagram.com/p/BVqchEbFIsc/?taken-at=677719745&hl=en
6. Finlay Park
930 Laurel St, Columbia, SC 29201
- Enjoy paved paths and beautiful downtown views with your leashed pet
- Man-made lake and waterfalls
- Snack bar for hungry humans
https://www.instagram.com/p/BU5X4HqF9LK/?taken-at=2213722&hl=en
7. Granby Park
100 Catawba St, Columbia, SC 29201
- 12 miles park with access to Congaree, Saluda, and Broad Rivers
- Beautiful views and shady paths
- Great for nature lovers with signs identifying trees and plants
- This is a dog-friendly park, but keep your pup on a leash
https://www.instagram.com/p/BWBsAK1gl39/?taken-at=6131731&hl=en
8. Riverfront Park
312 Laurel St, Columbia, SC 29201
- 2 ½ mile jogging path for exercise with your leashed pup
- Lovely river views
https://www.instagram.com/p/BWlTZOIAwNf/?taken-at=749200598&hl=en
Have too many plans to exercise your dog properly while you’re in Columbia? Rest easy knowing that you can easily hire a local dog walker who will be happy to show your pup around.
