Heather Farms Dog Park in Walnut Creek sits within the larger Heather Farm Park, a 50-acre regional facility that gives you plenty of reasons to spend an afternoon here beyond just the dog areas. The dog park itself is divided into separate sections for small and large dogs, which works well if you’ve got a smaller dog who gets nervous around the bigger breeds. Both areas have good grass coverage, so your dog won’t be kicking up dust, and there’s enough space for real running and playing rather than just standing around in a cramped pen.

The park’s hours are generous on most days—7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends (or sunset, whichever comes first). One thing to keep in mind: the park closes every Tuesday morning from 7 a.m. to noon for maintenance, so plan accordingly if that’s your usual day. The staff clearly takes upkeep seriously, which means the grounds stay in decent shape throughout the season.

What makes this location work well is that it’s not just a dog park in isolation. If you want to extend your visit, the surrounding park has trails and open space where you can walk with your dog on leash afterward. The Walnut Creek location is pretty accessible from most of the East Bay, whether you’re coming from the north or heading out from the valley.

Bring water for your dog on warm days—the park itself doesn’t have water stations specifically for dogs, though you might find regular park fountains nearby. The separate small and large dog areas mean you don’t have to worry about size mismatches, which is honestly one of the biggest frustrations at many community dog parks.