Dog Friendly San Francisco Activities

San Francisco is a city on the bay filled with hills, Victorian architecture, and a fusion of cultures worldwide. The mild climate makes it comfortable to spend time outdoors no matter what month of the year it is. It’s the perfect place to have a dog, travel with a dog, get out in the city, and enjoy time with your dog. Let’s break down some of my top dog-friendly San Francisco activities. 

Is San Francisco Dog Friendly?

Yes. After traveling and living across the United States in various major cities for the last 15 years, San Francisco is the most dog-friendly major city in the country. Dogs are everywhere in the city; you’ll pass them on the sidewalks, parks, and trails. Dogs are welcomed at many parks and can romp off-leash on some beaches. Your furry friend is welcome at many outdoor patios, cafes, and breweries. 

What Are Some Dog-Friendly Hotels in San Francisco?

Kimpton Hotel & Boutiques: Kimpton has two properties in San Francisco and is renowned for being the ultimate pet-friendly hotel chain. They don’t charge extra fees for your pet, offer many courtesy amenities like water bowls and beds, and don’t restrict pet sizes or breeds. 

Hilton Hotels: Hilton has multiple properties in San Francisco that allow dogs for an added fee. Please review each hotel’s pet policy before booking, as the policies vary per property.

Best Western: Best Western has multiple properties in San Francisco and the greater Bay Area that welcome dogs. Each property may have a separate pet policy; please review the individual hotel policy before booking. 

The Laurel Inn is a charming boutique hotel in the Pacific Heights neighborhood that allows one pup up to 50lb max and two dogs up to 75lb combined and offers complimentary dog bowls. While I’ve never stayed at this property with my dog, I did stay here before and liked the location in town. It’s removed from the heavy tourist areas of town and feels like a more “local” location to stay in San Francisco. 

Dog-Friendly San Francisco Activities

If you and your dog are nature lovers, there are plenty of activities for you to do in San Francisco. The city is brimming with dog-friendly activities for you and your pup. 

Fort Funston

Fort Funston is commonly called “Disneyland for Dogs,” and it lives up to its name. The park, a former military installation, is now an off-leash dog park on the southwest side of San Francisco.

There are miles of trails for you and your pup to hike, rugged 200-foot sandy bluffs that descend to the ocean, and miles of coastline for your pup to play in.

Calling it a “dog park” doesn’t do it justice because it’s an entirely gorgeous oceanfront park that happens to allow dogs off-leash. If your dog wants to play with other dogs, there are groups of dog play. Yet, if you want to get away from it all and enjoy quiet fetch time away from the crowds, you can find a spot for you and your pup. 

Fort Funston is the ultimate doggie paradise and a place you should take your dog in the Bay Area if they can be off-leash. The walk from the top of the bluffs to the beach is steep, so wear sturdy shoes.

Golden Gate Park 

Golden Gate Park is one of San Francisco’s most pet-friendly parks. You can walk your leashed dog on the miles of paved walkways throughout the park or relax on the lawns.

There are also four separate off-leash areas throughout the park. One of my favorites is the large off-leash fenced area by the Bison fields. This is a HUGE off-leash play area that is fully fenced.

Dog Play Areas

At the time of writing, San Francisco has over 36 play areas for your pup. No matter your neighborhood, there’s a spot nearby for your dog to stretch their legs and play. 

Ocean Beach

Ocean Beach is a three-mile stretch of the west end of San Francisco that is walkable to many residents and their dogs.

The beach is primarily off-leash, but look for and follow signage to determine where the off-leash portion of the beach begins. 

Grab a Brew at a Brewery 

San Francisco has no shortage of breweries, which tend to welcome dogs on their patios and some inside. Grab a brew and food, and bring your pup out and about. Wherever you are staying in San Francisco, a dog-friendly brewery is likely close to you. 

Some dog-friendly San Francisco breweries include:

• Faction Brewing
• Barebottle Brewing Company
• Woods Outbound
• Standard Deviant Brewing

Walk The Lands End Trail

The Lands End trail is a 3.4-mile loop walking path with stunning views of San Francisco. It covers beautiful grounds from the Sutro Baths to the Golden Gate Bridge. Yes, it’s dog-friendly for leashed dogs. This is a popular trail, so come early; it gets crowded.

Crissy Field Beach 

Crissy Field is another transformed military installation now serving as a San Francisco park in the Presidio neighborhood. Its trails offer many miles of walking with a leashed dog. Additionally, a designated portion of the shoreline is off-leash and dog-friendly. 

Dog-Friendly San Francisco Activities: Final Thoughts

San Francisco is a highly dog-friendly city. Spacious parks and beaches allow humans and dogs to frolic in nature. From leashed trails to off-leash beaches, there is plenty for you and your pup to do in San Francisco.

There are also many more dog-friendly places to enjoy within an hour of the city, including nearby Pacifica, CA. You and your dog will have plenty of adventures in San Francisco.