You don’t have to leave San Francisco to find a dog park that will allow you to let your dog run off leash. There are probably close to 20 dog parks within the city’s limits that allow you to unleash your dog, but these are the best of the bunch. Here are the top five dog parks in San Francisco that will give your dog plenty of freedom and give you some great views, great conversation or a little space to relax with your pal.
Bernal Heights Park in Bernal Heights
Located at the top of Bernal Hill at Bernal Heights & Esmeralda, Bernal Heights Park spans about 39 acres. No need to bring a leash but be prepared to meet up with tons of other dogs as this is a hot spot for dogs and their owners from all over the city. Great views!
St. Mary’s Park in Bernal Heights
At Murray Ave. and Justin Dr., St. Mary’s Park is a lesser inhabited neighborhood park in Bernal Heights. It’s about 35 acres, but only a small portion of that is open to off-leash dogs. This part of the park is completely fenced in and there’s even a dog water fountain!
Buena Vista Park in Haight Ashbury
Haight Ashbury’s Buena Vista Park at Buena Vista West and Central Street is over 35 acres and rarely used by anyone other than neighborhood dogs and regular walkers, likely due to its proximity to Golden Gate Park. The fun part for your dog is the wooded, winding trails, since there are few open spaces to run. Your pal will burn off lots of excess energy off leash here!
Dolores Park in the Mission
If you’re looking for lots of action, lots of dogs and lots of people, then Dolores Park is the off leash dog park for you. Located between 18th St. and Dolores & Church, Dolores Park covers about 35 acres, but only about 10 are open to dogs off leash. Head up to the top of the park past the playground and enjoy some incredible views of the city.
Golden Gate Park in the Haight
Golden Gate Park isn’t just one of the best parks in the city; it’s one of the best parks for dogs as well. Located between the Sunset and the Richmond District, Golden Gate Park is so big that it doesn’t have a single address, and it has more than just one area dedicated to off-leash dogs! The four off-leash dog sections can be found at the fenced area at 38th Avenue and Fulton; the northeast section at Stanyan and Grove; the area between Lincoln Way, King Drive, 2nd Avenue and 7th Avenue; and the area between 34th Avenue and 38th Avenue and King Drive and Middle Drive.
All over San Francisco, there are tons of great places to let your dog explore off leash. Leave a comment with your favorite off-leash San Francisco dog park below!
Sources:
Bernal Heights Park Dog Play Area
St. Mary’s Park and Dog Park
Buena Vista Park
Mission Dolores Park
Golden Gate Dog Park
