Newport Beach Dog Park — Attraction in Newport Beach

Mixed feelings about this park... It's a decent size on the Big Dog side, and it's part of the Civic Center, so walking around there is nice & relaxing, and parking in the structure is Free. You have to go across the big Bridge to get to the dog park. There's 2 entrances (1 on the small side, 1 on the big side), there's also a gate in between. Depending on the crowd, I go between them. Sometimes, there will be small dogs on the big side, because they're super energetic & can handle big dogs. Other times, big dogs who are super chill hang out on the Small side.

Sometimes the Pet Parents are on their phones, not paying attention, so watch out for that! Also during "peak times" they are socializing too. My parents try to bring me on slightly off-peak hours, so that there arent as many dogs (so less chance of anything scary happening).

It really just depends on what other dogs are there. I'm still a pup (6 months old) and some dogs dont like how I smell(? something like that). I've been bitten at a couple times. BUT other times, I've met the most awesome dogs who are fun to play around with!

There is a water fountain, but it's hit-or-miss sometimes it's gross, so my parents started bringing a portable water instead. Also, a lot of Pet Parents dont pick up their dog's poop, so watch out for Land Mines!

Overall, a great option if you go...

A beautifully designed space nestled on the top of a hillside park. Parking is on Apricot Street at the bottom of the hill. From westward (closer to the ocean) you go up an enjoyable winding path with changing metal sculptures, usually abstract. From eastward there is a steep but bell-shaped set of stairs that lead to an entrance via MacArthur Blvd. (busy traffic, no parking). The dog park itself is nestled behind trees and hedges, so there are no gas fumes and it is fairly quiet. Double entrance gates allow leash-free, safe entry. It is divided into a Large dog section on the west and a Small/Timid dog section on the east. Shaded areas and benches are on both sides, as are water fountains for dogs and humans. Plenty of running space. A sidewalk inside the fence around both areas. The only drawback is that it is all artificial turf, which looks nice and is easy to clean up, but can get quite hot for the animals' feet under the glaring midday summer sun....

First the good: It’s very, very clean and new. Nice benches for sitting, water fountains and poop bags are supplied. Parking is right next to the park, but you have to then walk up a bunch of stairs to the park entrance. Large trees provide shade over seating areas.

Now the bad: Concrete. Why would anyone think it would be a good idea to use bare, smooth, slippery hard concrete for a majority of the small dog park and parts of the large dog park? The dogs sprint in the Astro turf and slide around as soon as they hit the concrete. Why not make the whole thing grass or at least sand for more grip. My dog likes to chase the tennis ball, but the small dog area was so small and with concrete walls and ground everywhere I needed to be extra careful. Also, the walls were posts with rather large gaps. Little dogs could squeeze through, so they zip tied plastic mesh a couple feet up. Terrible design. If there was more room and more grass, I would give...