Where your dog can run in San Francisco
Every off-leash dog park in the city, plus Fort Funston, Crissy Field and Ocean Beach. Reviewed on foot, with a dog, since 2007.
Map of San Francisco dog parks
Field reports and every park
Alamo Square
The off-leash area sits on the grassy slope of the hilltop park, across from the Painted Ladies. Plenty of room for fetch, a social weekday crowd, and some of the best skyline views of any dog spot in the city. The park also has a playground and tennis court, where dogs are not allowed.
Bernal Heights
One of the city's big off-leash destinations: a former quarry turned open hilltop with trails, grass and panoramic views of downtown, the Bay and the East Bay hills. There is no separate small-dog area, and brushy sections can hide a small dog, so keep an eye out. Watch for hawks overhead.
Buena Vista
Buena Vista is the city's oldest official park, with steep wooded paths and views across the city from the top. The dog play area makes it a popular stop for Haight and Duboce Triangle dog owners.
Fort Funston
The legendary off-leash spot: sandy bluffs, the Sunset Trail and a long beach below, with hang gliders launching overhead. It's run by the National Park Service as part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, not by the city, and dogs can be off-leash under voice and sight control in designated areas. Some trails close for erosion, and the stairs back up from the beach are a real climb.
Glen Canyon Park
A wooded canyon with a creek, rock outcroppings and narrow trails, one of the few places in the city that feels like real nature. Dogs are welcome on a leash; this is not an off-leash park.
Golden Gate Park (4 areas)
Golden Gate Park has four official dog play areas: one in the northeast corner just off Stanyan Street, one in the southeast corner near Kezar Stadium, one in the southwest quadrant, and an all-sand Dog Training Area in the northwest corner, which got a $2.4 million renovation in 2021. Everywhere else in the park, including the big meadows, dogs must be on a leash.
Mission Dolores Park
Two off-leash areas (north and south) in the middle of the city's most famous lawn. Dogs must be leashed near the athletic fields, playground and tennis courts. The north field usually closes each winter so the turf can recover, so check the official page before you go.
Alta Plaza
A terraced hilltop park in Pacific Heights with 360-degree views of the Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge. Dogs run off-leash in the designated area; the stairs on the south side make for a good workout for both ends of the leash.
Balboa Park
A quieter dog play area tucked to the west of Balboa Pool. A good neighborhood option for the southern part of the city when the bigger parks are packed.
Berry Street
A compact neighborhood dog park in Mission Bay, handy for the apartments along the channel and a quick stop before or after a Giants game walk.
Channel Street
A modern, tidy dog park along Mission Creek, popular with Mission Bay residents. Good for socializing and quick off-leash breaks.
Corona Heights
A heavily used, rustic dog area next to the Corona Heights Natural Area, near the Randall Museum. Wood chips underfoot; dogs must be leashed on the trails up to the rocky summit, which has one of the best views downtown. Wheelchair access is limited.
Crissy Field
A restored airfield and beach with the Golden Gate Bridge as a backdrop. Off-leash dog walking under voice and sight control is allowed in designated areas of the central beach and the grassy airfield. Dogs must be leashed on the promenade, and the Wildlife Protection Area near the Warming Hut has extra restrictions for migrating shorebirds.
Crocker Amazon
A neighborhood dog play area in the city's far south, next to the playgrounds and ball fields of Crocker Amazon Playground. Keep dogs off the athletic fields.
Duboce Park
A sunny, sociable neighborhood park next to the Harvey Milk Center for the Arts, with both off-leash and on-leash sections, so watch the signs. Renovated in 2008. The crowd of families, dog people and remote workers makes it one of the friendliest spots in town.
Eureka Valley
A lively Castro-area dog run next to the Eureka Valley Recreation Center. Small but busy; dogs socialize and owners tend to become friends.
Francisco Park (Pepi's Dog Run)
Pepi's Dog Run is the fully fenced dog area in Francisco Park, built on the site of the city's first reservoir and a block from the Hyde and Bay cable car turnaround. Turf, benches, water fountains and views of the Bay.
Jefferson Square
A green pocket between Hayes Valley and Civic Center. The dog area is a practical option for the dense neighborhoods around Van Ness.
Lafayette Park
A hilltop park ringed by Pacific Heights mansions, with lawns, trees and city views. The off-leash area is a morning favorite for neighborhood regulars.
McKinley Square
A small hilltop park on the west side of Potrero Hill, near the top of the 'crooked' block of Vermont Street, with views toward downtown and the Mission.
McLaren Park (Shelley & Geneva)
McLaren's dog play areas are among the largest in San Francisco, with big fields and miles of trails. Most of the land inside the John F. Shelley Drive loop is open for off-leash exploring, and there is a second area at Mansell Street and Shelley Drive. Dogs must be leashed at the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater during events and near play and picnic areas. Parking available.
Moscone Recreation Center
A newer, small dog play area that gets lots of use from Marina residents. It has a sunny turf section and a shady grass area with picnic tables.
Mountain Lake Park
An unfenced dog play area just off the nature trails around Mountain Lake, on the edge of the Presidio. Popular with Richmond District and Presidio Heights regulars.
Ocean Beach
Miles of wide sand along the Pacific. Off-leash rules vary by section, and parts of the beach are seasonally protected for the threatened western snowy plover. Read the posted signs at each stairwell before unclipping. Cold water and strong rip currents: don't let dogs swim far out.
Pine Lake Park
A rugged, wooded off-leash area beside Pine Lake at the west end of Stern Grove. Expect mud in the rainy season and bring a towel for the car ride home.
Potrero Hill Recreation Center
Dog play areas at the Potrero Hill Rec Center, with downtown views from the top of the hill. A neighborhood staple.
SOMA West
A small urban dog park serving the fast-growing SoMa West and Mission/Market area, where backyards are rare.
St. Mary's
A hidden gem: a manicured lawn on the third level of a four-level park complex that also includes a recreation center. Usually calmer than the big-name parks.
Stern Grove
Off-leash areas in the eucalyptus-shaded grove famous for its free summer concerts. Cool and foggy most of the year, which many dogs prefer. Connects to Pine Lake to the west.
U.N. Plaza
The only fully fenced dog area in Civic Center, opened in 2022. It has shade, turf, benches and agility features.
Upper Douglass
A popular hillside off-leash area in Noe Valley with room for fetch. A local favorite for Noe and Diamond Heights dogs.
Upper Noe (Joby's Run)
A fully fenced, neighborhood-feel dog run at the Upper Noe Recreation Center. It was renovated in 2008 and renamed Joby's Run after a neighbor who championed local dogs.
Walter Haas Playground
An enclosed dog play area named for the philanthropist Walter Haas, very popular with professional dog walkers and with sweeping views from the Diamond Heights ridge.
