Dog Walkers in Lakeshore

Off of 19th Avenue, a number of coffee shops, chain restaurants, and sports bars give the Lakeshore neighborhood its distinctly urban yet suburban feel. Local hot spots such as the Stonestown Galleria and San Francisco State University call both shoppers and students to the area. All the commercial business is combatted by the number of parks, golf courses, suburban homes, and green spaces that fill the region. 

While non-service dogs aren't allowed to enjoy the green, manicured expanse a golf course can offer, there are plenty of public spaces where they're welcome to enjoy a leisurely stroll or fast-paced jog with you. Less than seven miles southwest of downtown San Francisco, Lakeshore is home to a majority of properties. A very west coast vibe permeates the residential streets of Lakeshore, with homes painted in happy pastels and lightly toned, summery neutrals. All in all, the neighborhood is a fun, relaxing place to wander and explore with Fido. 

Sidewalks in Lakeshore are quirky. Some roads have them down one side but not on the other and crosswalks are typically only guarded by two-way or four-way stop signs. Due to this, you may have to reroute a lot or choose to walk in grass or someone's yard while walking your pooch. While this isn't a huge inconvenience, it could be unsafe, especially if you own a puppy or a dog who isn't well-trained on their leash quite yet. If you have to walk in the road, be sure you're walking towards traffic so you can always see vehicles. In general, you should try to avoid walking around curving roads that don't have sidewalks. 

A lot of San Francisco is not on a grid system which is mainly due to the bursts of hills and elevation, causing roads to hug the natural lines and curve. Most of Lakeshore's roads in its residential areas are curvy. 

Sandy dunes and paved walk and bike paths course through Fort Funston, a former fort on the coast and western border of Lakeshore. A designated off-leash area for dogs as well as historical landmarks surrounded by water views gives both you and your canine companion plenty to do and explore. 

Lake Merced Park is surrounded by both greenery and ocean views. To those looking for a challenge, views of the city are available when you scale any number of hills in the park. You and your furry friend can tackle the trail that surrounds Lake Merced, which is a little less than 5 miles round-trip. 

Sigmund Stern Recreation Grove is a wonderful place to enjoy outdoor entertainment. The dog park at Stern Grove is spacious, has green grass, lots of trees, and natural growth.

San Francisco continues to top lists as one of the most dog-friendly cities in the country, so you'll never be short on options for outdoor fun.