Lands End Beach Off Leash Dog Area

Land’s End is a breathtaking coastal area of the Golden Gate National Recreational Area, offering several miles of picturesque trails and beachside views. It is located at the northwestern shores of San Francisco, and it is one of the most pupular outdoor spaces in the city. Dog owners can run with their dogs off-leash and explore the many sites and natural wonders that Land’s End has to offer. 

Many people start and end their visit to the park at the Land’s End Overlook parking lot and visitor center. From there, the park offers the 1.5 mile Lands End Coastal Trail that starts in the parking lot and ends at China Beach for hikers and dog runners to enjoy, though there are countless alternate routes and side trails to explore. Before you hit the trail, check out Sutro Baths, the ruins from recreational baths built at the turn of the century that burned down in the 1960's. Afterwards, you can take the trail into the wilderness.

Along the trail, you will find beautiful plant life, especially if you go during springtime! The sounds of nearby crashing waves to the right of you, and the towering cypress trees will take you to a world far away from the city. You can enjoy pawmazing views of the bay and the bridge through gaps in the trees. There are a few benches along the way where you can sit and rest, and most of the area is made up of dirt paths and rugged side trails. Do be wary of the trails going down the cliffs, however, as they are very unstable and can be dangerous. Many people and dogs have fallen. 

Down one of the paths, after three benches from the parking lot, you can find a path to Mile Rock Beach, a furbulous rocky beach that is located at the end of a steep 243 step stairway. Also called Lands End Beach, this beach, while not really for swimming, is a pawrific place to explore the rocks and logs left on the beach. There's also a stone labyrinth on a cliff overlooking the beach, with different paths to get there. Further down the Coastal Trail, you can check out Lands End Point. This cliff spot has a truly unfurgettable view of the bay, and is pawfect for a picnic. The path ends at China Beach in the Sea Cliff neighborhood.

Your dog is allowed to be off-leash in most areas, but he should be under voice control at all times. Dogs should be leashed in the Sutro Baths and the parking lot, but the trail is off leash territory. You can even let your dog run off leash on Mile Rock Beach, but the path and staircase down can be rather difficult, so it may be a good idea to put the leash back on for that bit.

Bring all the essentials, such as drinking water for both of you, and clean-up bags, and always stoop and scoop. There aren't any human bathrooms along the trail, so be sure to use the one at the parking lot. There's also bathrooms at China Beach.

If you are looking for a rugged natural space to take your dog right in the city, Land’s End is the perfect slice of wilderness.