Chicago

A 29 km paved path running the length of the city beside Lake Michigan, linking beaches, parks and marinas, one of the finest urban walks in the United States. Leashed dogs are welcome its whole length; it passes several fenced DFAs and the official dog beaches along the way.

The city's signature downtown park, with the mirror sculpture Cloud Gate (the "Bean"), Frank Gehry's Pritzker Pavilion and the Crown Fountain. Leashed dogs are allowed on the outdoor paths and lawns; the wading fountain and concert stages are off-limits to them, but the plaza around the Bean is easily visited.

Chicago's big off-leash dog beach, a fenced stretch of sand and lake swimming at the north-west corner of Montrose Beach. Dogs run and swim freely, but a DFA tag (issued on proof of current rabies vaccination) is required; the "people" side of Montrose Beach stays off-limits to dogs.

A landscaped promenade along the Chicago River in the heart of the Loop, dotted with terraces, gardens and views of the city's most famous skyscrapers. Leashed dogs are welcome its full length; it is a flat, partly shaded link between the lake and the business district.

The city's largest park, over 480 hectares along the lake north of downtown, with ponds, gardens and Chicago's first official dog park (Wiggly Field). Leashed dogs are welcome throughout; several fenced DFAs allow off-leash play with a DFA tag, while the adjacent free zoo remains off-limits to dogs.

A former elevated railway turned into a 4.3 km planted promenade through the north-west neighbourhoods, in the spirit of New York's High Line. Leashed dogs are welcome year-round; it is a green escape away from traffic, with ramp access and pocket parks along the way.