Trails & Hiking

The most dog-friendly beach in California. Dogs are always welcome off-leash. White sand, cypress trees, and stunning sunsets. The entire town of Carmel is incredibly dog-friendly.

The largest off-leash dog park in the Bay Area. Waterfront trails with incredible views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco skyline. Has a popular dog wash and café on-site.

Iconic off-leash beach with stunning ocean views and sandy cliffs. One of the most popular dog beaches in San Francisco. Dogs love running on the wide sandy beach and through the dune trails.

Waterfront path with Golden Gate Bridge views. The west end beach area allows off-leash dogs. Perfect for a scenic walk with your pup.

Stunning redwood forest trails in the Oakland Hills. Off-leash on some trails (East Ridge, West Ridge). Shaded and cool even in summer. A hidden gem.

Stunning national seashore with multiple dog-friendly trails. Dogs allowed on-leash on select trails including Kehoe Beach and Limantour Beach. Elk herds, lighthouse, dramatic coastline.

Small scenic beach nestled in a cove at the base of the Marin Headlands. Dogs can run off-leash on the beach. Quieter alternative to more popular beaches. The overlook trail offers stunning views.

Scenic coastal trail through cypress groves with views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Marin Headlands. Dogs must be on leash. Rocky paths with some steep sections.

Hilltop park at the Berkeley Marina with panoramic bay views. Open off-leash area with grassy hills perfect for dogs to run. Popular spot for kite flying too.

Beautiful flat trail leading to a secluded beach in the Marin Headlands. Dogs must be leashed. Easy walk suitable for all fitness levels. The beach at the end is worth the walk.

Small but stunning preserve in Tiburon with 360-degree panoramic views of the Bay Area from the summit. Rare wildflowers in spring. Dogs on leash required.

Multiple off-leash areas within the park including the southeastern meadow and fenced dog play areas. Great urban green space for dogs year-round.

Large regional park in the Berkeley Hills with redwood groves, eucalyptus forests, and Lake Anza. Dogs must be leashed. Beautiful but hilly trails.

Beautiful pebble beach in the Marin Headlands where dogs can run off-leash. Surrounded by dramatic coastal cliffs. A favorite for dog owners who want a quieter beach experience.

Popular surfing beach where dogs can play off-leash on the north end. Wide sandy beach with moderate waves. Great for dogs who love water.

Historic state park on the San Pablo Bay with diverse trails through forests and along the shoreline. Dogs must be on leash on fire roads. Beautiful views of the bay and Mt. Tamalpais.

Long sandy beach along the Pacific coast. Off-leash allowed on the south end (south of Stairwell 21). Great for dogs who love to run on the beach.

Popular South Bay preserve with rolling hills and oak woodlands. Dogs must be on leash at all times. Great variety of trails from easy to challenging.

One of the few off-leash preserves on the Peninsula. Rolling hills with grasslands and oak trees. Less crowded than many Bay Area dog spots.

Scenic lake loop trail in the East Bay hills. Dogs must be on leash. Beautiful reflections on calm mornings. The trail circles the lake through oak woodland and grassland.

SF's second-largest park with several off-leash areas. Less crowded than other SF dog spots. Hilly terrain with meadows and eucalyptus groves.

Largest tract of undeveloped marshland remaining in the SF Bay. Flat paved and boardwalk trails. Excellent bird watching. Dogs on leash only to protect wildlife habitat.

Scenic paved trail along Crystal Springs Reservoir. Flat, well-maintained path popular with joggers and dog walkers. Beautiful redwood and oak tree canopy in sections.

Flat paved trails around Shoreline Lake. Easy walk for all dogs. Good bird watching. Off-leash not allowed but it's a nice scenic walk.

Flat paved multi-use trail along Stevens Creek. Perfect for casual walks with your dog. Connects several South Bay parks. Shaded sections along the creek.