Riverwalk Big Dog Park is a full-sized fenced area with a separate small-dog section, both sitting right along the Santa Ana River on the east side of Riverside. The big dog side is spacious and mostly open, giving dogs room to run without feeling cramped, and the division between sizes actually works—you’re not watching your larger dog navigate around a pack of five-pound anxious dogs. The surface is decomposed granite mixed with some grass, which drains reasonably well after rain and doesn’t turn into mud soup like some parks.

Dogs of all sizes are allowed during posted hours, which are typically dawn to dusk, though it’s worth checking the city website for seasonal adjustments. There’s no fee to use the park. The small-dog area has its own water station, and the big dog side does too, so you don’t need to bring a full water bottle in summer, though most people do anyway. Shade exists but isn’t abundant—a few trees near the perimeter and some shelter structures, so morning or late afternoon visits are more comfortable June through September.

The park occupies several acres with good separation from Pierce Street, and it’s close enough to downtown Riverside that it’s easy to combine with other activities. Parking is straightforward with a lot adjacent to the park entrance. Expect crowds on weekend mornings and early evenings on weekdays—the park is popular with the local dog crowd. The terrain is relatively flat with no significant elevation changes, so it works for older dogs or those still building endurance. Bring a leash for getting to and from the parking area, and note that the gates do latch but require manual closure, so make sure it’s secure behind you if you’re the last one through.