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Fort Funston Dog Park

Lake Merced / Ocean coast

Field report · first published 2007, updated November 2026

Photos taken in 2007 on our original visits. Tap a photo to see it full size.

On the dunes at the south end of Ocean Beach, towering above the Pacific, Fort Funston is one of the premier dog hangouts on the Peninsula. As the name suggests, it was once a military outpost, with a battery of guns pointed seaward to protect mid-20th-century San Francisco from attack. The remains of the battery are still there and add a sense of martial history to an otherwise natural setting of sand dunes, eucalyptus groves and open beach.

Fort Funston is also the main launch point for the hang gliders who soar up and down the cliffs above the beach. With its mix of dune trails, open spaces and beach access, it's the kind of place where you can pack a lunch and make a day of it with your dog.

From the main parking lot, head north along the bluffs, where dog packs are usually forming and roaming. Bring water for your dog; don't count on finding it there. Trails lead down to the beach, though some have closed over the years because of erosion, so follow the posted signs. The climb up the sand is a real workout.

Where: Skyline Blvd (Hwy 35) near John Muir Dr
Neighborhood: Lake Merced / Ocean coast
Fenced: No, open area
Hours: Varies; check the National Park Service page
Managed by: National Park Service (Golden Gate National Recreation Area)
Official page: nps.gov

Getting there

Fort Funston is south of the San Francisco Zoo, across Highway 35 (Skyline Boulevard) from Lake Merced. Take Highway 35 south from the city and turn right just after John Muir Drive to reach the main parking lot.

Fort Funston is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, so National Park Service rules apply: dogs may be off-leash in designated areas when under voice and sight control, and some areas are closed to protect habitat or because of erosion. Bring plenty of bags.

Rules here

Off-leash only in designated areas, and only with your dog under voice and sight control.
Leash in posted on-leash zones and around protected habitat; seasonal shorebird protection areas have extra limits.
Pick up after your dog and don't leave your dog unattended.
Commercial dog walkers need a federal permit and may walk no more than six dogs.

Closures for turf recovery, repairs and wildlife happen often. Check the official page or posted signs before you go.

What to bring

Quick-dry dog towel: For the sandy, wet dog you're about to put in the car.
Waterproof car seat cover: Sand and mud stay off the back seat.
Collapsible water bowl: Fountains aren't always working. Clips to a leash.
Ball launcher: Longer throws without a slimy hand.

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Nearby dog parks

Golden Gate Park (4 areas) (Golden Gate Park)
Mountain Lake Park (Inner Richmond)
Ocean Beach (Outer Richmond / Sunset)
Pine Lake Park (Parkside / Stern Grove)