Jeffrey Fontana Dog Park sits in San Jose with a hard-packed sandy surface that’s easy on paws and drains well after rain. The park separates small and large dogs into different areas, which makes a real difference when you’ve got a smaller dog who gets nervous around big guys, or vice versa.

There’s plenty of seating scattered throughout, so you’re not stuck standing the whole time while your dog plays. I watched owners actually having conversations with each other instead of just staring at their phones, which felt rare. The whole setup is well-maintained and straightforward to navigate.

What really impressed me was how close the park sits to some solid hiking trails. Once your dog’s had enough off-leash time and is calmer, you can clip on a leash and explore the surrounding area without having to load up and drive somewhere else. The trails connect to a larger network in the foothill areas nearby, so if you’re the type who wants to combine a dog park visit with some actual outdoor time, this location works well for that.

The sandy surface is genuine gravel-sand mix rather than rubber mulch or pure dirt, which means it won’t get as muddy during winter or hold water as much. Your dog will get dirty playing here—there’s no avoiding that—but the drainage keeps the worst of the muck at bay.

If you’re visiting from out of town or just want to check on hours and conditions before heading over, the park has a website with current information. The space fills up in the late afternoon and on weekends, so going in the morning or midweek tends to be quieter if you’re looking for a calmer vibe. The park is open daily, so it works whether you’re planning a weekend outing or need to tire your dog out on a random Tuesday afternoon.