Top Dog Beaches in San Francisco, CA

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Top Dog Beaches in San Francisco, CA

Introduction

San Francisco is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and the San Fransisco Bay. It’s fair to say that one of the main attractions here is the ocean, along with the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, year round fog, and colorful Victorian houses. If you’re here on vacation, the last thing you want is to leave your pup in a stuffy hotel room. Furtunately, your best pal doesn’t need to miss out on the beach playtime in San Fran! There are plenty of beaches here that welcome puppers with both paws. Most of these beaches even allow dogs off-leash. Here are some of the top beaches in San Francisco that allow doggos.

#10 Candlestick Point State Recreation Area Beaches

This 252 acre state park has a long irregular shoreline, and a space for your doggo to take a dip in the San Fransisco Bay! Dogs are allowed throughout the whole park, including beaches, as long as they stay leashed. After working up a sweat on the trails, head over to Jack Rabbit Beach. Because the water in this a regularly failing grade, it's not ideal for swimming, but your puppers can dip their toes while you enjoy the views.

#9 Ocean Beach

Between San Fransisco and the Pacific Ocean lies a three mile stretch of beach and sand dunes called Ocean Beach. This beach is predominantly off-leash all year round, from the north end until Stairwell #21. Ocean Beach can be dangerous for swimming, and has little in the way of shade or amenities, but the wide open spaces will let you and your pupper feel far away from the city!

#8 Fort Funston Beach

The Fort Funston Beach is another area where your pupper can splash and play in glorious off-leash freedom! What makes this beach unique is the surrounding trails and hills to explore. Don’t forget to bring some hiking shoes! You’re guaranteed a tuckered out pup after all the running and swimming. Horses are allowed on this beach too, so don’t forget to bring a leash in case your dog gets spooked.

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#7 Lands End Beach

At Lands End Beach, you and your canine companion will feel like you’ve reached the end of the earth! This expansive beach has a designated area for off-leash play, and surrounding trails. Some of the trails start off conveniently right from the parking lot, and have gorgeous views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Fifi can cool her paws in the ocean after a day of hiking the trails.

#6 Crissy Field West Bluff Beach

The west end of Crissy Field Park, right below the Fort Point National Historic Site, is comprised of large grassy fields, picnic areas, and a wide beach. After some time in the sun and surf, you can make use of the trails and bird watching lagoon where you and your pupper can enjoy the local wildlife. Canine companions are welcome off-leash as long as they stay under strict voice control.

#5 Esplanade Beach

If your and your best pal want to get away from it all, Esplanade Beach in nearby Pacifica is the place to go! This secluded beach allows puppers to explore in off-leash freedom with their humans. At low tide especially, there is plenty of space to run around. Don’t forget to bring your binoculars for some whale watching! The beach can be hard to find, so ask the locals if your can’t locate an access point.

#4 Montara State Beach

At Montara State Beach, pooches are welcome as long as they stay leashed and picked up after. This beach is pawpular for surf fishing and exploring tide pools. It’s home to some unique and undisturbed natural coastline habitats. Just be sure your curious canine doesn’t get their nose pinched by a crab! The scenic area is bounded by low hills to the north and south, and features a lighthouse.

#3 Rodeo Beach

Rodeo Beach is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, and a prime location for hikers, bird-watchers and photographers. Doggos can roam free as long as they’re under voice control. Why not work up a sweat by taking a hike to explore the defunct military batteries before taking a swim? They can be found in the south end of Rodeo Beach. Your pup will thank you for all the fresh air and exercise!

#2 Muir Beach

Muir Beach is a puppy paradise that’s part of the the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. This expanse is teeming with wildlife among the lagoons, dunes, and wetlands that make up the beach. There are plenty of coastal trails that your and your doggo can explore before cooling off in the refreshing Pacific Ocean. Dogs are welcome, but need to stay leashed. Be sure to check the signs for which trails your dog is allowed on.

#1 Crissy Field East Beach

Crissy Field’s East Beach offer stunning views across San Fransisco Bay of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Marin Headlands, Angel Island and Alcatraz Island. This family friendly beach is wide and safe for swimming, and welcomes the family dog to scamper alongside you. No leashes necessary on the beach, as long as your pupper stays under voice control. To continue the adventure, take a stroll along the Golden Gate Promenade!