The Riverwalk Small Dog Park occupies a dedicated corner of Riverwalk Park along the Santa Ana River, where the sound of water moving alongside the fenced area creates a pleasant backdrop that most dogs seem to notice. Unlike many small-dog parks crammed into leftover urban lots, this one actually feels connected to something larger—the river corridor itself—which gives it an open quality even though the fencing keeps dogs secure. The park sits on a mix of grass and decomposed granite, so you won’t be wading through deep mud after rain, and there’s decent tree coverage that provides shade during Riverside’s hot afternoons.

Dogs under 30 pounds stay in the separate small-dog section, which is the whole point of coming here if you have a nervous or toy-breed dog. The park is fenced and gated, so once you’re inside, your dog has genuine freedom. Water bowls are available, though most Riverside regulars bring their own because the communal bowls fill with debris quickly. The park is open during standard city park hours, typically dawn to dusk, and it’s quietest on weekday mornings—weekend afternoons attract the usual crush of owners and their dogs. Parking is accessible from Pierce Street with spaces right near the entrance.

The location at Riverwalk Park means you can extend your visit if your dog still has energy after the small-dog area. The larger park has walking paths running along the Santa Ana River, where you can follow the levee trail on-leash for a longer outing. Terrain is flat and straightforward—no hills or technical sections. Summer temperatures in Riverside regularly hit the mid-90s, so early morning visits in June through September are genuinely necessary, not just preferred. The park draws a steady local crowd of small-dog owners, so expect to meet regulars if you visit frequently.