Boston

The oldest public park in the United States (1634), 20 hectares of lawns at the city's heart, extending into the Victorian Public Garden with its manicured beds. Leashed dogs are welcome across both on the paths and lawns; the Frog Pond and flower beds are off-limits, and the famous Swan Boats do not take pets.

A 4 km walking route marked by a red-brick line linking 16 historic sites, from Boston Common to the Bunker Hill Monument. Entirely outdoors, it is walked on lead and is the best way to see the city with a dog; only the interiors (Old State House, Old North Church) are off-limits to pets.

A 5 km linear park along the Boston bank of the Charles River, with paved paths, lagoons and open lawns facing sailboats and the MIT campus across the water. A favourite with dog walkers morning and evening, it is walked on lead; the nearby Charlesbank dog park adds an off-leash option.

A public waterfront promenade tracing the reclaimed docks for miles, from the North End through the Seaport and Fan Pier. Leashed dogs are welcome year-round, with views of the harbour, ferries and islands; museum interiors (including the ICA) are off-limits but the outdoor plazas are open.

Boston's most picturesque historic neighbourhood, all cobbled lanes lined with Federal-style brick houses, gas lamps and the famous Acorn Street. Entirely explored on foot on lead, it is an ideal setting for a stroll with a dog before dropping down to the adjacent Boston Common; the shops and cafés of Charles Street are often welcoming on their terraces.

Harvard University's tree park, 115 hectares of tree collections from around the world laid out by Frederick Law Olmsted, a link in the Emerald Necklace south of the city. Leashed dogs are welcome on the paths and lawns year-round (never off-leash), for long shaded walks that are spectacular in lilac season and autumn.