Arroyo Park in Petaluma spreads across a good chunk of land with enough trails and open space that you won’t feel cramped even when other people are around. What makes it genuinely useful for dog owners is the setup—there’s Rocky Memorial Park, a nine-acre fenced area where dogs can run without a leash and actually play with other dogs without you worrying about them bolting into the parking lot. That’s the kind of thing that matters when you’re trying to give your dog a real workout.

Beyond the main dog park, the city created about a dozen designated “dog run” zones scattered throughout Arroyo Park where licensed dogs can be off-leash during certain hours as long as they respond to voice commands. If your dog has decent recall, this gives you way more flexibility than just being stuck in one fenced area all day. You get to pick a spot that works for your mood—maybe you want a trail walk, maybe you want an open field, or maybe you just want to sit on some grass while your dog runs in circles.

The trails themselves are well-maintained, which means you’re not picking your way through overgrown brush or dodging hidden holes. It’s the kind of park where you can actually focus on your dog and the surroundings instead of watching your footing the whole time. Petaluma’s north side, where Arroyo Park sits, is reasonably convenient if you’re coming from the wine country area or just exploring that part of Sonoma County.

Since hours and off-leash policies can change, and there are rules about licensing and voice control standards, it’s worth checking what’s currently in effect before you go. The park’s straightforward about what they expect, which is refreshing.