Ann L’Heureux Memorial Dog Park sits right in the heart of Carlsbad Village, a few blocks from the coastal promenade and the upscale shops that line the village. The park itself is modest in footprint but well-maintained, with separate sections for small and large dogs—a layout that keeps interactions manageable and lets nervous or elderly dogs have their own space. The ground is a mix of dirt and grass, with decent shade coverage from mature trees along the perimeter, which matters when you’re out here on a warm afternoon.

Dogs can run off-leash in the designated enclosures, and the fencing is sturdy and complete. There’s a water station on-site with bowls, so you don’t need to carry gallons in from your car. The park doesn’t have formal trail access—it’s a contained dog park rather than a hiking destination—but the surrounding village is extremely walkable. Carlsbad Village Drive itself has sidewalks leading toward the beach, and the Carlsbad Coastal Railway Trail runs nearby if you want a longer walk with your dog on-leash before or after park time.

You’ll notice this park fills up fastest on weekend mornings and late afternoons, especially from April through September when the weather holds. Winter weekday visits tend to be quieter. The park closes at dusk and opens at dawn, so plan accordingly if you’re visiting on a shorter day. Parking is available in nearby village lots—not always immediately adjacent but close enough that it’s a reasonable walk. The park sits about a mile inland from the water, so it’s a genuine mixed-use destination: you can spend an hour here with your dog running free, then head toward the beach or grab lunch at one of the nearby restaurants with outdoor patios where dogs on-leash are welcome.