The Bay Area has more dog parks per capita than almost any metro area in the United States. From tiny neighborhood parklets to sprawling regional parks, there is an incredible variety of places to take your dog for exercise and socialization.
But navigating the patchwork of leash rules can be confusing. Is that park off-leash or on-leash? Are there separate areas for small dogs? Does the park close at dusk? This guide answers all of those questions for every major dog park in the Bay Area.
Understanding Leash Rules
Off-leash means your dog can be free of a leash, but they must be under voice control at all times. This means reliable recall — your dog comes when called, every time, regardless of distractions.
On-leash means your dog must be attached to a leash no longer than 6 feet. Retractable leashes are often technically allowed but are widely discouraged due to safety concerns.
Mixed means the park has both off-leash and on-leash areas, or leash rules vary by time of day or season.
San Francisco Dog Parks
Off-Leash Parks
Bernal Heights Park
- Size: 26 acres
- Surface: Grass, dirt trails
- Fenced: No
- Highlights: Hilltop views of the entire city. The north slope is the main off-leash area. One of the most social dog parks in SF.
- Parking: Street parking only. Limited on weekends.
- Notes: Not fenced, so reliable recall is essential. The hill can be slippery when wet.
McLaren Park
- Size: 318 acres total, multiple off-leash areas
- Surface: Grass, dirt, forest trails
- Fenced: No
- Highlights: Enormous park with varied terrain. The Philosopher's Way is a beautiful 2.7-mile trail. Far less crowded than other SF dog parks.
- Notes: Some areas have coyote activity. Keep dogs close at dawn and dusk.
Golden Gate Park — Multiple DPAs (Dog Play Areas)
- Northeast corner (near Stanyan): Small fenced area with separate small dog section
- South side (near Lincoln Way): Unfenced area near the horse stables
- Note: Golden Gate Park is mostly on-leash. Only designated DPAs are off-leash.
Stern Grove
- Size: 33 acres
- Surface: Grass, eucalyptus forest trails
- Fenced: No
- Highlights: Shaded trails through towering eucalyptus trees. Cooler than most parks on hot days.
- Notes: Off-leash before 10 AM and after 4 PM in some areas. Check posted signs.
Fort Funston
- Size: 56 acres + beach access
- Surface: Sand, dirt trails
- Fenced: No
- Highlights: Beach access, clifftop trails, iconic SF dog destination.
- Full guide: See our dedicated Fort Funston article.
Crissy Field
- Size: East Beach area
- Surface: Sand, grass
- Fenced: No
- Highlights: Golden Gate Bridge views, calm bay water, marsh trails.
- Notes: Dogs must avoid wildlife protection areas.
On-Leash Parks
Dolores Park
- Dogs must be on-leash throughout the park
- Small fenced dog play area at the south end
Alamo Square
- On-leash only
- The famous Painted Ladies view is here
Presidio Trails (most)
- On-leash with few exceptions
- Check GGNRA maps for specific trail regulations
East Bay Dog Parks
Off-Leash Parks
Point Isabel Regional Shoreline (Richmond)
- Size: 23 acres
- Surface: Grass, gravel, shoreline mud
- Fenced: Partially (perimeter fencing on most sides)
- Highlights: Largest off-leash dog park in the Bay Area. Sit & Stay Cafe on-site. Bay views.
- Parking: Large lot, fills on weekends.
- Notes: The shoreline is muddy. Bring towels. Best early morning visit to avoid crowds.
Cesar Chavez Park (Berkeley)
- Size: 17 acres (off-leash area)
- Surface: Grass, dirt
- Fenced: No
- Highlights: Waterfront location at the Berkeley Marina. Kite-flying area nearby.
- Notes: Can be very windy. Not fenced, but the park is relatively contained.
Ohlone Dog Park (Berkeley)
- Size: 1.5 acres
- Surface: Grass, wood chips
- Fenced: Yes
- Highlights: Separate small dog area. Water fountain for dogs. Well-maintained.
- Notes: Can get muddy in winter. Very popular with Berkeley locals.
Hardy Dog Park (Oakland)
- Size: 1 acre
- Surface: Grass, dirt
- Fenced: Yes
- Highlights: Recently renovated. Good shade. Benches for owners.
- Notes: Small but well-designed. Best for small to medium dogs.
Joaquin Miller Park (Oakland Hills)
- Size: 500+ acres total, designated off-leash trails
- Surface: Forest trails, redwood groves
- Fenced: No
- Highlights: Beautiful redwood forest hiking. Cooler temps in summer.
- Notes: Watch for mountain bikers on shared trails.
Mixed (On/Off-Leash Areas)
Tilden Regional Park (Berkeley Hills)
- Off-leash in some areas, on-leash on main trails
- Check posted signs at trailheads
- Lake Anza is on-leash only
Briones Regional Park (Lafayette)
- Off-leash on designated trails
- On-leash in developed areas
- Excellent hiking with rolling hills
South Bay Dog Parks
Off-Leash Parks
Shoreline Park Dog Area (Mountain View)
- Size: 3 acres
- Surface: Grass
- Fenced: Yes
- Highlights: Near Google campus. Good Bay views.
Hellyer Dog Park (San Jose)
- Size: 1 acre
- Surface: Grass, gravel
- Fenced: Yes
- Highlights: Adjacent to Hellyer County Park and Coyote Creek Trail.
Del Monte Dog Park (Los Gatos)
- Size: 0.75 acres
- Surface: Grass
- Fenced: Yes, with separate small dog area
- Highlights: Well-maintained, good shade.
Baylands Dog Park (Palo Alto)
- Size: 1 acre
- Surface: Grass, gravel
- Fenced: Yes
- Highlights: Near the Baylands Nature Preserve. Good for after-hike play.
North Bay / Marin Dog Parks
Off-Leash Parks
Remington Dog Park (Sausalito)
- Size: 1.5 acres
- Surface: Grass, decomposed granite
- Fenced: Yes, with separate small dog area
- Highlights: Well-maintained, beautiful views.
Field of Dogs (Mill Valley)
- Size: 1 acre
- Surface: Grass
- Fenced: Yes
- Highlights: Very popular with Mill Valley locals. Good shade.
Marin Headlands Trails
- Off-leash on many trails in the Marin Headlands
- Check individual trail signs
- Rodeo Beach is off-leash
Off-Leash Beaches
Stinson Beach (Marin)
- Off-leash on the northern section
- Beautiful but crowded on summer weekends
- 45-minute drive from SF
Peninsula Dog Parks
Off-Leash Parks
Mitchell Park Dog Run (Palo Alto)
- Size: 0.5 acres
- Surface: Decomposed granite
- Fenced: Yes
- Highlights: Central Palo Alto location. Separate small dog area.
Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve (San Carlos)
- Off-leash on trails
- 6+ miles of trail
- Good hill hiking
Pacifica Dog Park
- Size: 1 acre
- Surface: Grass, decomposed granite
- Fenced: Yes
- Highlights: Near Pacifica State Beach (which is also dog-friendly).
Tips for Dog Park Visits
- Know your dog's temperament before going to an off-leash area. Reactive or fearful dogs may do better in quiet, on-leash settings.
- Watch your dog constantly. Dog parks are not places to check your phone.
- Leave if there is a bully. If a dog is being aggressive and the owner is not intervening, leave. Your dog's safety comes first.
- Pick up poop immediately. Not after your walk. Immediately.
- Bring water. Not all parks have working fountains.
- Avoid peak hours if your dog is shy or easily overwhelmed. Early mornings and late afternoons tend to be less crowded.
- Keep puppies under 4 months away from dog parks. They are not fully vaccinated and are vulnerable to parvo and other diseases.
Finding the Right Park
Every dog is different. A dog who loves wide-open spaces will thrive at Point Isabel but may feel trapped in a small fenced park. A shy dog might do better at a smaller, quieter park like Ohlone. A water-loving dog needs Crissy Field or Point Isabel's shoreline.
Experiment with different parks to find your dog's favorite. The Bay Area has enough variety that there is a perfect park for every dog — you just need to find it.