National Dog Day:  Top Bay Area Destinations for Dog Walkers

If you’ve ever walked your dog around city streets, you know it can be frustrating. For one, you may never find grass and secondly, you might just step in a big heaping pile of you know what on the sidewalk — and that’s never fun.
While the Bay Area’s main cities can be pretty dog-friendly, sometimes it’s nice to just find a place to walk where you and Fido can explore, enjoy the outdoor views and fresh air, and easily find somewhere to go when nature calls. Let’s face it, they’re called man’s best friend for a reason, so let’s treat ‘em that way. Here are some awesome places to take your furry, four-legged friend that both of you can enjoy without feeling like, well, a dog in a cage. 

All places listed below have areas for off-leashing dogs — check websites for more info.

Fort Funston – San Francisco

The ‘Fort o’ Fun’ as I call it is surprisingly considered to be a part of San Francisco though more close in proximity to Daly City. It’s a Bay Area favorite because of all it has to offer especially the beach down below the cliffs — if you can make it down the hill or steps. And if you’re dog is anything like mine, they will make you run All. The. Way. Down. In the sand. So yes, this is a great place to get a workout for both you and your dog. There are also many trails and sand dunes for your pup to run about, because yes, the dogs can be off-leash as soon as they get into the park and also on the beach. Remember to always bring a jacket here because you never know what kind of weather you’ll get and be ready to enjoy the views of human hang gliders, though a dog hang gliding would be a sight to see as well, wouldn’t it?

Located minutes from the Bay Bridge (only if you don’t get stuck in traffic), Point Isabel has it all. A favorite amongst dog owners, this park also allows dogs to be off-leash as soon as you get into the park while you enjoy the breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge and beyond. Dogs can enjoy a dip in the water or a stroll among other things. And it’s not just views that are impressive, they also have Mudpuppy’s Tub & Scrub in the park so you can even give your pooch a bath after an afternoon of fun. And if that’s not enough, there’s food — and who doesn’t love food more than a dog? The Sit & Stay Cafe has a walk up window and outdoor tables so you both can enjoy a yummy treat.

Seal Point Park – San Mateo

With spectacular views of the San Mateo bridge, Seal Point Park has many, many areas for you and your pup to walk whether you want to climb stairs, stroll along the bay trail or run about in the off-leash, oversized gated dog park within Seal Point. It is probably one of the biggest gated dog parks I’ve ever been to and fear not small dog owners, there’s even a comfortable space to bring the smaller pack as well. Seal Point has many amenities and an awesome playground if you want to get some playing in too.  

 Leona Canyon Regional Open Space Reserve – Oakland

This wooded canyon is located near Merritt College and though you may have to trek through an apartment complex to find the parking lot to get here, you definitely won’t want to miss checking out this beautiful space. Leona Canyon is a great place to take your doggies for a hike especially because they can be off-leash as soon as you get in. SCORE! Just be sure that you’re ready for this almost 3-mile hike with everything you need, because this park lacks other amenities like a bathroom, but the 290 acres of natural space more than makes up for it.

Pulgas Ridge Open Space Reserve – Redwood City

Located on the Peninsula, Pulgas Ridge is a 366-acre park that allows dogs on all trails and even has a 17.5-acre space within the center of the park where dogs can be off-leash and run a muck. This park has 6 miles worth of trails if you want to get some hiking done as well. Along the way, you’ll run into canyons, views of the bay and plenty of wildflowers. Again, a fantastic place to get away with your pup.  

Cesar Chavez Park – Berkeley

More famously known for its kite flying, Cesar Chavez Park is also home to an awesome off-leash dog area where grass is a plenty. A former landfill, this park has so much to offer with its stunning views of the Bay Area bridges, Angel Island and Alcatraz. With so many amenities and events going on here, you can choose to walk along the water, listen to live music, play in the open space or even have lunch in one of the many picnic areas, just don’t forget to bring your doggy something to chew on too.