Pittsford Park in Lake Forest, Orange County, Southern California, sits right in the middle of a residential neighborhood that feels removed from the bustle of Orange County’s busier areas. This is a solid community park where leashed dogs are welcome to join in on regular outings, and you’ll see plenty of locals doing exactly that on weekends.

The park has most of what you’d want for a few hours outside: barbeque grills, picnic tables scattered throughout, restrooms, a playground for kids, tennis and volleyball courts, and a walking path that loops through the grounds. The landscaping is well-maintained, so the whole place feels cared for rather than neglected. If you’re planning to bring your dog, pack some water and treats—there are shaded spots under trees where you can sit and let your dog rest between walks.

The walking path is the main draw for dog owners. It’s not particularly challenging or long, which makes it good if you have an older dog or just want a leisurely morning walk rather than a serious hike. The path gives you a real sense of moving through the park without feeling cramped, and since it’s a neighborhood park rather than a regional destination, it’s usually less crowded than some of the bigger Orange County parks. On a weekday afternoon you might have the paths mostly to yourself.

The picnic areas work well if you want to bring lunch and spend the afternoon. Dogs can hang out on their leashes while you eat, and the tables have decent spacing between them. The tennis and volleyball courts mean you might see people warming up or playing, which can be interesting for dogs to observe from a distance. If you’ve got kids along with your dog, they can burn energy on the playground while you keep your dog nearby. It’s the kind of park that handles multiple activities at once without feeling chaotic.