Top Dog Parks in San Francisco, CA

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Introduction

In a city where dogs outnumber children, you can expect San Francisco to be teeming with pooch-friendly spots and activities. From off-leash parks and beaches to Fido-approved hotels and restaurants, dog-obsessed San Fran has it all! There's no shortage of places in SF where you can bring your furry buddy—no wonder it's often named the most pup-friendly city in America!

Taking your four-legged pal outside is especially impawtant if you live in a small space with no backyard. Staying indoors all day can lead to boredom, destructive behavior, and a lot of pent-up energy! Furtunately, SF's urban canines are spoiled for choice when it comes to parks. The city is home to more than 50 off-leash areas and parks that welcome furry visitors, making it easy for your pup to get their daily exercise and have an active social life. Here are the 10 best parks for doggos in the City by the Bay!

#10 Golden Gate Park

The largest and most pawpular park in San Fran, Golden Gate Park has something for everyone—and that includes canine visitors! This 1,000-acre green space contains not one, not two, but four designated off-leash areas, including a fenced-in training area in the northwest corner of the park. Situated behind the Bison Paddock, the training area is frequented by local doggos and their humans, making it a furrific spot for Fido to make new friends.

#9 Mission Creek Dog Park

Tucked in the northwestern edge of Mission Creek Park is a fully fenced section just for SF's canine community. With a large gravel play area shaded by trees, Mission Creek Dog Park is a puptastic place for your pooch to get some exercise and burn off their energy! This dog park also includes picnic tables, water fountains for dogs and humans, mutt mitts, and trash receptacles for your convenience.

#8 Stern Grove Dog Park

Located within the one-of-a-kind Sigmund Stern Grove, the Stern Grove Dog Park is a puptastic place to let your four-legged friend run around without a leash. With a huge grassy area surrounded by tall trees, this beautiful dog park draws local pooches (and their humans), so Fido shouldn't have any trouble meeting new friends here! Note that the dog play area isn't fenced, so be sure to keep an eye on your pup!
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#7 John McLaren Park

John McLaren Park, the second largest park in San Fran, offers two dog play areas for the city's canine residents and visitors. You and Fido will find the larger off-leash area behind the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater, and the smaller one just off of Geneva Street. Both contain plenty of room to roam and various trails to explore, and the larger dog play area even has a lake where water-loving pooches can go for a swim!

#6 Saint Mary's Dog Park

Located just off of the 280 in the Bernal Heights neighborhood, Saint Mary's Dog Park offers lots of space for your energetic pup to romp off-leash. This fully fenced dog play area is sometimes referred to as “the putting green” due to its manicured lawn. Here, you'll also find a paved walkway, a doggie water fountain, and picnic tables. Though the location is somewhat secluded, there are always friendly dogs to play with!

#5 Rincon Hill Dog Park

Nestled among commercial apartment complexes and warehouses, Rincon Hill Dog Park is a hidden gem located in the city's South of Market District. This former parking lot features two gated off-leash areas where your best friend can romp unfettered in a secure environment. Though shade is limited, amenities such as drinking fountains, benches, waste bags, and trash receptacles are provided at this volunteer-run dog park.

#4 Corona Heights Park

If your pooch has plenty of energy to spare, take them to Corona Heights Park at the foot of windy Corona Heights Summit. Adjacent to the Field Museum near the park entrance is an off-leash dog run that lets you enjoy puptastic views of the city while Fido plays and socializes with other canines. You and your pooch can also climb to the top of the hill for an additional workout and an unobstructed vista of San Fran!

#3 Lafayette Park

For leash-free fun in the Pacific Heights neighborhood, bring your furry pal to Lafayette Park! A sloped portion of this 11.5-acre park has been designated as an off-leash dog area. Though minimally furnished with synthetic turf and benches, it provides ample room for dogs to run and play. Don't worry if you accidentally left your water bottles at home—drinking fountains for people and puppers are available.

#2 Buena Vista Park

The oldest park in San Francisco, Buena Vista Park is a great place to stretch your legs and enjoy a scenic stroll with your pup. Follow the winding trails to the top of the hill for pawsome views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Marin Headlands! Fido is allowed to explore this tree-covered, 36-acre park with you sans leash, but stay alert for coyotes as they are known to roam the area.

#1 Bernal Heights Park

Bernal Heights Park attracts numerous dog walkers, joggers, and picnickers thanks to its natural beauty and woofderful views of the city. Dogs are not required to be restrained at this 26-acre park, so you can drop the leash as you and Fido hike the dirt trails to the top of Bernal Hill. At the summit, you and your pooch will be greeted by clear views of downtown, the San Francisco Bay, and the Golden Gate Bridge.