Live in the Bay State with a canine companion, or thinking about house sitting as a pet sitter in Cambridge, MA? Don’t move! Below, find the ultimate guide to pet-friendly Cambridge MA, where we explore the best dog parks, restaurants and activities this famous college city has to offer.
Dog parks in Cambridge MA
Cambridge might be steeped in settler history that goes back to the 1600s, an eclectic food scene and endless museums to choose from, but let’s face it - your pup just wants a good old-fashioned walk. So below, explore the dog parks Cambridge MA has to offer for off-leash fun, and always be sure to double-check the signage before letting your dog off.
Danehy Dog Park
If you’re strolling through Danehy Park with your canine companion, rest assured there is a dog park where you can let your pup run free! While dogs need to be kept on a leash in the main park, the dog park (that’s towards the northern edge) is a great place for dogs to explore without the leash.
Location: 166 New St, Cambridge, MA 02140, United States
Tudor Dog Park
Just one block away from University Park Commons is Tudor Dog Park - an urban, gravel park that’s popular among locals.
Location: 29 Tudor St, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States
Toomey Park Dog Park
Located in Timothy J. Toomey Jr. Park, the fenced area - that features tunnels for your pup to zoom through - is the ideal spot to let your dog explore off-leash.
Location: 242 Third St, Cambridge, MA 02141, United States
Pemberton Street Dog Run
If you live in North Cambridge (or you’re house sitting a pup nearby who’s allowed off-leash), Pemberton Street Dog Run is a great spot to let them enjoy some leash-free freedom. It’s well reviewed for its high fence and trees which keep the space cool and shaded during the warmer months.
Location: Cambridge, MA 02140, United States
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Dog-friendly restaurants in Cambridge MA
Stomach rumbling? You’ll be happy to hear that many of the restaurants in Cambridge MA have dog-friendly patio areas, which means there’s no need to leave your pup at home alone. And naturally, call ahead before arriving with your pup - just in case rules have changed.
Cambridge Common Restaurant
Cambridge Common Restaurant welcomes dogs (and their humans) during the warmer months at the outdoor seating area - so stop by during the summer to choose from an eclectic, crowd-pleasing menu of burgers, steaks and pies.
Location: 1667 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138, United States
Russell House Tavern
Bring your pup along to an outdoor table at Russell House Tavern for refined European cuisine - choose from well-balanced salads, steak frites, house-made bucatini and more.
Location: 14 John F. Kennedy St, Cambridge, MA 02138, United States
Charlie's Kitchen
If you’re looking for somewhere you can bring your pup along all year round, check out Charlie’s Kitchen’s dog-friendly beer garden. It’s a laid-back spot where diners can enjoy a cocktail or choose from an eclectic beer menu that pairs perfectly with the no-fuss snacks or a house-made burger.
Location: 10 Eliot St, Cambridge, MA 02138, United States
Alive & Kicking Lobsters
If seafood is your thing, Alive & Kicking Lobsters is a well-known eatery and seafood counter - a stone’s throw from the Charles River - where dogs are allowed at the outdoor seating area.
Location: 269 Putnam Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States
Area Four
Craving Mediterranean flavors? Cambridge MA has got you covered with Area Four - an artisan pizza restaurant just off Main Street in Technology Square. Luckily for local pet parents, dogs are welcome on the sidewalk seating area - so why not dine outdoors next time you’re craving pizza?
Location: 500 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States
Oak Bistro
Dogs are welcome at the outdoor seating area of Oak Bistro - a refined eatery in Ward Two, where you can choose from a global menu that celebrates good ingredients.
Location: 1287 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States
Cambridge Common in Cambridge, MA
Dog-friendly cafés in Cambridge MA
After a morning of walking with your favorite canine companion, it’s surely time to stop by your local café! Below, find a list of some of the most popular dog-friendly cafés Cambridge MA has to offer - and remember to always double check the rules before taking a seat with your pup.
Simon's Coffee Shop
Just a block away from Garfield Street Historic District is Simon’s Coffee Shop - where dog owners are welcome to bring their canine companions along for a coffee and a bite to eat for lunch.
Location: 1736 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138, United States
Bōm Dough café
If you’re looking for the dog-friendly coffee shops in Cambridge that also serve up breakfast food to be envied, check out Bōm Dough café for refined brunch plates. And naturally, bring your dog with you, but be aware that you’ll be eating at the outdoor seating area.
Location: 1271 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States
Curio Coffee
Curio Coffee serves up homemade Belgian-style waffles over lunchtime, and well-reviewed artisan coffee. So if you’re walking with your pup near the Charles River, why not stop by for a break at the outdoor dog-friendly seating area?
Location: 441 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA 02141, United States
Tatte Bakery & Café
If you’re looking for a reliable café-come-bakery-come lunch restaurant, look no further than Tatte Bakery & Café - a European-style eatery where dogs are welcome to join diners at the outdoor seating area.
Location: 210 Jacobs St, Cambridge, MA 02141, United States
Dog-friendly activities in Cambridge MA
Below, we’ll explore the dog-friendly places Cambridge MA has to offer that are popular with locals (and their pets).
Walk the Charles River Reservation Path
Start with a calming walk by the water with your canine companion - The Charles River Reservation Path is a 22-mile paved trail that runs through the western suburbs. It’s popular with walkers, bikers, runners and of course - dog walkers, so keep your pup under control and on the leash as you enjoy the river views.
Location: 1175A Soldiers Fld Rd, Boston, MA 02135, United States
Explore Harvard Square
Harvard Square is one of Cambridge’s most iconic landmarks - the well-known cultural hub is filled with restaurants, boutique shops and street performers. And if you’d like to escape the busyness, head to Harvard Yard - a greenspace right next to Harvard Square where dogs are welcome on a leash.
Location: Brattle St, Cambridge, MA 02138, United States
Danehy Park
Now one of the most popular parks in Cambridge MA, Danehy Park was once a landfill site - far removed from the current 50-acre area that’s now popular with walkers, joggers and bikers. Keep your dog on a leash to explore the park’s trail system, and head to the dedicated dog park if you’d like to let Fido run free.
Location: 99 Sherman St, Cambridge, MA 02138, United States
Splash around at Little Fresh Pond Dog Beach
If you’re house sitting in Cambridge MA, a visit to the Fresh Pond Reservation is a must! Away from the city streets are pond views, trees and a short 2.5 mile trail loop where dogs can explore on a leash. If you’d like to let your dog off, head to the dog beach, and make sure you’re well-informed about local dog licensing laws before doing so.
Location: 691 Huron Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138, United States
Explore Cambridge Common
Another historic landmark (and a must-visit for a dog-friendly walk in Cambridge) is Cambridge Common. Over 10,000 people use the paths and sidewalks on a daily basis - popular with locals who want a place to relax in the sun or somewhere for a leashed dog walk.
Location: Waterhouse St & Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138, United States
Wander North Point Park
Just when you thought there were no more dog-friendly places in Cambridge MA, you stumble across North Point Park! It offers incredible views of the Boston skyline, as well as the ocean - making it the perfect, picturesque place to walk your dog in Cambridge.
Location: 6 Museum Way, East Cambridge, MA 02141, United States
Charles River, Cambridge MA
Tips for pet parents: Important things to know about Cambridge, MA
- Be aware of dog licensing. If you’re a new pet parent, you might not be aware of the licensing requirements for dogs in Cambridge. Stay up to date and make sure you meet the licensing requirements - you might find the information on the Cambridge MA Government website useful.
- Get clued-up on rules around public transport. Dogs aren’t allowed on all public transport in Cambridge MA at all times, so double check the MBTA (Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority) rules before planning a day out with your furry friend.
- Explore the local parks in Cambridge. Cambridge MA is filled with stunning parks and green spaces perfect for an on-leash walk with your canine companion, so there’s no need to stop visiting your favorite parks with your pooch in tow!
- Get your vacation pet care sorted. It’s also a great idea to plan ahead and get your pet care arranged ahead of your next vacation. And as vets agree pets are happier at home, consider welcoming an in-home pet sitter to care for your furry friends next time you go away. Click below to learn how it works.
Connecting with pet sitters in Cambridge MA
Tips for pet sitters
- Follow pet parent advice. If you’re looking after a dog in Cambridge MA, you should always follow the pup’s usual routine, and any advice from pet parents. If they prefer early morning walks and despise strolling by the water, it’s important to walk in the morning and stick to in-land walks.
- Find your new local hangout. Alongside meeting new, adorable furry friends, one of the best things about house sitting is living like a local! So during your stay, be sure to find a nearby dog-friendly café to frequent, and chat with your new (temporary) neighbors.
- Get to know the local landmarks. Explore Harvard Square and Cambridge Commons to check off a few of the city’s key attractions.
- Explore Cambridge MA through house sitting. So, feel like strolling through Cambridge’s city streets with a canine tour guide? Naturally - click below to learn how to get your house sitting adventure started.
House sitting in Cambridge MA
More dog-friendly travel guides near Cambridge MA
Thinking about house sitting near Cambridge MA, visiting a nearby town with your canine companion, or welcoming a pet sitter soon? Explore our travel guides below for dog-friendly places to visit, along with local tips and advice.
Pet-friendly Cambridge MA: FAQs
Are dogs allowed on public transportation in Cambridge MA?
No, dogs aren’t allowed on all public transport in Cambridge MA at all times, so double check the MBTA (Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority) rules before planning a day out with your furry friend.
What are the off-leash rules for dogs in Cambridge parks?
Dogs are allowed in off-leash areas, without the leash - but your dog may require a license, so check the Cambridge MA Government website to get the most up to date information. In Cambridge’s other parks, keep your dog on a leash and under control at all times, and always carry poop bags.
Are there any dog-friendly restaurants or patios open year-round in Cambridge?
Yes, Charlie’s Kitchen in Cambridge MA welcomes dogs year-round in the dog-friendly patio area - where guests and their pups can enjoy the lively beer garden and indulgent eats including spiced fries poutine, tacos and lobster rolls.
