Alston Park
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
17 reviews for Alston Park
17 reviews in English
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Review from Amihan M.
Napa, CA
2/6/2012
This is hands down one of the best dog parks in the nation! My dog loves to come here and look for critters and meet other dogs. There space is endless and she can run for hours. I like that it's open and I don't have to worry too much about what trouble she's getting into. I can see her pooing from an acre away!
If you're visiting Napa with your dog, this is a must!
There is also a fenced in dog park (called canine commons) at the bottom of the hill by the parking lot. My dog is a runner, so we pretty much skip that part. -
Review from Jillian S.
Napa, CA
I absolutely LOVE coming to Alston Park! It's a great place to bring your dog, especially since they have the closed area which has plenty of space for your dog to roam free. They have a kiddy pool that you can fill up with water for those hot summer days. There's also a small dog enclosed area as well, just in case you don't feel comfortable having your dog in the other area.
If you feel like taking yourself on a walk with your dog, then head up the hill to where there's a big area for off leash dogs and just follow the walkway. A lot of people have their dogs off leash, but you can also keep your dog on a leash if you're uncomfortable. There's a couple of faucets and dog bowls just in case your dog gets thirsty. You can also go further into the park and go hiking up in the on leash area. The park is pretty big and there's lots of different trails to take. If you go into this area there's some picnic benches, but no water faucets for your dog. The area doesn't have very many trees either so there's not much shade when it's hot outside. The park is generally pretty busy and there's always dogs there. Definitely bring your dog here, he/she will LOVE it!
PLEASE pick up after your dog. The county provides bags free of charge, look for them around the park, and there's garbage bins all around as well. It's not only for humans, but dogs do not need to be smelling other dogs' feces, especially after bugs and worms have invaded it. It's an overall health concern for dogs, and if you're a dog owner then you should have the respect for other dog owners as well. -
Review from Rachael W.
Glen Ellen, CA
9/10/2011
this is an awesome place for your furkid. Ample space, beautiful surroundings and a place a dog can be a dog. Wonderful.
http://www.2travelingd... -
Review from Pepe L.
CA
12/28/2010 1 photo
This is the BEST PLACE IN THE WORLD. The HAPPIEST PLACE ON EARTH, (don't tell Pluto and Goofy).
Well I LOVE this place, you see I'm a city boy to me-a parking lot is where I could run, so when we went to this place I was in heaven, (well really we all go there.. heaven that is.)
I ran and ran and ran and ran and ran and ran, because I did not run out of place to run :) I LOVE THIS PLACE. -
Review from Kenny R.
Napa, CA
12/19/2007
Go in the spring. It's totally worth it, dogs.
An overcast Sunday in late March/early April. The grass is photoshop green and the oak trees are sprouting young leaves.
Venture the trails and reach the very back of the park where locals rarely go. Cop a log or check out the creek. One of the vineyard workers might be there, too... cap peeled off the tequila.. burning a diablito and nodding a tired hello and maybe even offering to share.
The hill in the front of the park is great if no one else is there. Take over the picnic bench and chew on tobacco leaves - gaze over yonder.. the hazy napa life looks like the intro to Mr. Roger's Neighborhood.
Jug wine tastes sweet on these little hills. And conversation with an old friend or two. The spirits of Wappo Indian grandfathers whisper harsh words from within the windy weeds if you litter, here. Don't spark too much light if you're hanging out at night - the cops pay attention from the dry creek road.
(If you're the one that owns the sweater-wearing dog: Sorry about peeing on your car tire - I couldn't hold it anymore... I broke the seal.. you know how it goes.)Listed in: Good Morning, Good Day and…
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Review from Alice A.
San Francisco, CA
3/10/2008
This is a dog park.... d o g. p a r k. This should be clearly stated for anyone who is looking for somewhere to chill out and sip vino overlooking the beautiful Napa Valley and landscape.
I came up from SF with my bf and wanted to find somewhere to veg out for the day and chill on a blanket and drink wine. Alston Park was listed as one of four parks in the area. On all of the websites I checked (thinking back, I should have yelped it, duh), nowhere did it say that it's a dog park. Sure, you can go if you don't have a dog, but it's not really groomed or made for people looking to lounge out.
We should have spent the whole day at Kennedy park.
3 Stars for being a fabulous walk if** you have a dog. Minus 2 for not being what we thought it was. "Open space" was how it was described on one website. We'll go somewhere else next time. -
Review from Kate M.
Point Richmond, CA
1/20/2008
Thoughtful volunteers like Trudy and Lee have made Alston Park into a wonderful place to bring a well-trained, non-aggressive dog.
The "Canine Commons" area has had all the thorny weeds removed and has gotten some lovely new plants and trees put in, along with running water and water dishes, wading pools, plastic chairs, a sun shelter, well-stocked poop-bag dispensers and several garbage cans.
You can exit the back gate of "Canine Commons" and head up the hill with your dog off-leash, as long as you stay to the south side of an unfenced (but marked) line along the north side. I agree with the previous reviewer about the appeal the winter pond has for our furry friends - yes, DO bring towels in your car if you come here between October - April. -
Review from Teri B.
Vallejo, CA
12/20/2010 1 Check-in Here
We L O V E Alston Park...
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Review from Lulu T.
San Francisco, CA
1/14/2007 5 photos
This 157 Acre Park used to be a plum orchard and is surrounded by beautiful vineyards on three sides. There is a couple acres fenced in "the commons" for dogs to run wild, chill in the wading pools during the warmer months or sit around and mingle with people and pooches alike. There is also a small dog area for the toy breeds and the skittish Sight Hounds to hang, without the worry of the big guys buggin (but you won't find me there).
I'll be in the best part of Alston; the long "Off-Leash Trails". Made to run and play on, ensuring that not only the dogs, but their people too, get plenty of exercise. But no need to be a tri-athlete, there are "wimp" trails and the more adventurous paths as well, but nothing too strenuous.
Like Fort FUNston, great for appreciating the beauty of nature. With almost always green hills and vineyards surrounding the park there are almost always fantastic sunsets, lots of birds and the occasional snake, even though my Grandddad likes to tell us dogs that all of the jack rabbits have moved to Sonoma (so we don't run off looking for them) occasionally we find a bunny to give us a good run for our money, we never catch them, so cancel your call to PETA.
Oh, and I almost forgot the pond in the winter and spring, lets just say if you go up during the rainy months, you might want to take a towel or two! ;-)
Minus -1 Star because like FUNston there always tends to be soooo many dogs and at least one jerk who can't or won't control theirs.
Still worth the trip (from anywhere)!
xoxo LuLu -
Review from Puja L.
8/24/2010
On our first trip to Napa, my husband pulled in to the parking lot of this park, wanting to take a walk. I resisted because the park really didn't look like much from the lot. I lost, and got out of the car. And I am SO GLAD I did. It's a beautiful walk (for humans too, since this does seem to primarily be a "dog park") - bordering the Hendry vineyards. We had a really relaxing, pleasant walk around the park - watching voles scurry from hole to hole and enjoying the scenery around Napa. It was lovely. Recommended for a morning walk before the vineyards open for the day :)
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Review from christina a.
Oakland, CA
1/16/2011 4 photos
I came to Napa to visit my cousin from Oakland, and I was looking up dog parks to take my Italian Mastiff to hang out!! I really liked the park and the open space, and the enclosed gated area was nice, but I was a little disappointed they didn't have a big dog and a small dog area. My dog is just too big to play with tiny dogs (ton of tiny dogs there), and since he is only 6 months old he doesn't know his strength, so I couldn't take Arcadius off leash! =( I'll come back to it one day.
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Review from Loren H.
Napa, CA
5/2/2010
My German Shorthair Pointers live to go to Alston each day! There is a nice large fenced "commons" area for dogs and people to socialize. There is a second fenced area for "small dogs" and training. It is frequently used by a greyhound rescue group on weekends. There are places to sit and watch and there is also a hose and doggie wading pools if your dog wants to splash.
What really sets Alston apart is the large 30 acre "off leash" area only a hundred yards up a small grade. This is dog heaven! Largely open meadow with a few trees, it is surrounded on three sides with vineyards. The upper area has great views up and down the valley. Dogs can run, dig for gophers and get back to dog basics! There are wide trails that surround and criss-cross the park. Several shaded tables and benches invite you to have a "dog picnic". The northern end of the park is open to dogs but they must be on leash. There is a separate parking lot farther north on Dry Creek Road. If you come here just to hike or cycle use this one. Establishing park rules for on and off leash areas was controversial so please respect the compromise that has been codified. Police and animal control will write expensive tickets for violations. That said, the north end is larger and has even better walking trails and scenery. On clear mornings, especially Fridays and weekends, hot air balloons regularly land here. Get your coffee and arrive 7:30-8:00 AM and enjoy the show.
There are some caveats you should be aware of. The trails are dirt and can be quite muddy in the rainy season. This can also be a plus because it creates seasonal streams and pools to delight the water dogs! In late spring you need to take precautions with the foxtails. These insidious seeds can burrow into dogs paws and skin requiring expensive vet bills. Please check your best friend's paws, ears, nose, etc. before you leave. There have been some parking lot break-ins in recent years. Do not leave valuables exposed.
Pros
-Large fenced commons
-30 acre off leash area
-Stations with "poop bags"and trash cans
-Great scenery
-free parking and easy access (park accross the street if the main lot is full)
Cons
-Crowded on weekends, especially mid mornings
-leash and waste pick-up laws strictly enforced
-Muddy in winter/foxtails in late Spring
-Occasional and preventable car break-ins
UPDATE- The parking lot has been doubled in size and I have not heard of recent car break-ins. Thank you Napa police for stopping by regularly. -
Review from Christine N.
San Jose, CA
5/1/2009 1 photo
This park is doggie heaven! We take our dog here when we go for doggie play dates with our friends who live in Napa, and they always have a blast! As far as I know it's broken up like this (it's so huge, there could be a lot more that I'm missing)
- The fenced in 'dog park'. This is broken up to the regular area and the greyhound/gentle dog area. We usually put our dogs in the latter just because it's been empty every time we've been there and sometimes one of our friends dogs can have issues with other dogs. There's little kiddie pools filled with water (beware if you have a dog who loves water and you don't feel like drying them off. They have lids but sometimes your dog can beat you to it.)
- The open field area. As far as I know most of this is off leash. It's a trail that goes through a field surrounded by vineyards. Most owners walk the trail while their pups frolic through the field, coming back now and then to say 'hi'. We keep our dog on leash just cause he's a puppy and the chances of him responding to his name are slim. However, there's plenty of dogs on and off leash for him to play with and tons of interesting smells for him to occupy himself with.
- Trail.... if you drive down further from the main parking lot, there's another small parking area where there are some hills that people fly kites from. This has a trail that walks (I think parallel to the above mentioned field... separated by wineries) through a field with some hills and trees. I think this area is on leash but it was hard to tell. There weren't too many people on it. This may be the way to go if you have a dog who doesn't get along well with others but still needs the exercise.
Overall, I LOVE Alston Dog Park. It's such a nice change from the gated areas where you and your dog are confined to lumpy grass and metal fences. -
Review from Marissa H.
Palo Alto, CA
3/31/2010
My dogs Milo and Sophie loved this park! Sophie is usually really cautious, but she was rolling around like a puppy here. It is a beautiful walk--we went around the perimeter a few times and came back again the next day. It was a bit wet, and Milo ended up rolling in the mud. It didn't bother us, but lots of owners were trying to keep their dogs from getting dirty, so be on the lookout if you want to keep your dog clean. The dog park next door is large, but not anything out of the ordinary--I would spend my time walking around Alston and maybe take your dog to Canine Commons at the end to see if she likes it.
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Review from Stacey G.
Folsom, CA
1/26/2009
This park was a great place to take the dog for a nice long walk. There are some pretty views of the vineyards and valley, but there are not many trees for shade. Lots of benches, was super busy, parking lot was packed!
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Review from Erik M.
Napa, CA
6/2/2010
Beautiful park! Great place to go and hike/walk around in for a couple hours....scenery is great, and plenty of trails to take/explore. I've been there so many times now that I've named certain landmarks along trails...for example, the "Forrest Gump" tree...it's located on the lowest and closest trail to Dry Creek Road...you'll know it when you see it...it's beautiful looking in the spring and early summer time. This place can get crowded on weekends and evenings, so the best and most relaxing time to visit is any time during the week days between say 11:00am and 4:00pm. Great place to hike, photograph, have picnics, and oh yeah, walk dog(s) if you have any.
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Review from Callie Rae F.
Oakland, CA
4/17/2010
Fabulous park! Not only does it have a smaller enclosed section with kiddie pools and agility equipment, but the open, off-leash area is wonderful! Hills, small streams, lots of dirt - a dog's paradise. If your dog likes to explore, like our girl Penny, watch out for the back area - the vineyard that is next to this park has a few sections of fence that are down where dogs can get past.
