Dog Walkers in Buena Vista Park

Buena Vista Park is the oldest park in San Francisco, dating back to 1867. Today, the park is one of the City's most popular destinations for both tourists and locals. With amazing 360-degree views of the surrounding bay area, the park's gives its adventurers a 'buena vista', or a good view, indeed! 

Perhaps the biggest plus for dog-owners is Buena Vista Park's Dog Run, a fenced-in space where your fur-babies can run off-leash and meet new friends. Time spent without a cumbersome leash is essential for high-energy breeds like Huskies or any kind of terrier as it gives them the freedom and opportunity to be in charge of their exercise regimen. 

After a rewarding hike through Buena Vista, you and your faithful friend may be in need of a well-deserved pick-me-up or some grub. Find your way to any number of coffee shops or restaurants in the Buena Vista neighborhood in a 15-minute jaunt or less! 

Despite feeling like a heavily wooded, natural oasis, this area is relatively well-maintained as a majority of its hiking trails are paved. Some dirt footpaths exist but can be avoided if you don't want to keep your kicks fresh. 

The Buena Vista peak is steep. If you own a dog that's taken on more of a couch potato lifestyle, they may have issues scaling to the top, especially in hot weather. This feat is only made more difficult for breeds that are known for breathing issues such as pugs or boxers.

Locals warn about the threat of coyotes in the area who are finding their available territory encroached upon by the constant expansion of the city. They are known to venture into neighborhoods and parks, including Buena Vista so visiting the area or even allowing a petite pet to enjoy themselves in the backyard later in the evening can be dangerous if not under a watchful eye. 

If you're looking for other soaring summits, you can check out Twin Peaks, a nearby park which has parking space at its top, so hiking is an option for those looking for views without strings attached. Twin Peaks reaches over 900 feet of elevation, so if you do plan to scale it, come prepared with water and a can-do attitude. 

Additionally, there's Mount Davidson which is only a twelve to fifteen-minute drive away. Mt. Davidson takes the crown for the tallest natural peak in the city and it offers free parking and dog-friendly spaces. 

Want something closer to the neighborhood that it doesn't require car travel? Corona Heights is barely out of the border of the neighborhood. Unlike Buena Vista Park, Corona Heights offers views of the Golden Gate Bridge without competing with overgrown woodland. A nice flat top makes this public greenway feel like a naturally made terrace on which you can view the city's skyline and the Pacific Ocean.