San Francisco is an incredible city and one of the best in California to explore with your dog by your side. There are so many places to walk, visit and have fun with your furry pal, including several dog-friendly beaches. Several of San Francisco’s beaches are ideal for dogs, with plenty of space, safe access to the water, and lots of off-leash opportunities.
If you live in the city or you’ve just arrived for a visit with your canine chum, San Francisco’s 14 amazing dog-friendly beaches are all well worth visiting. You and your dog are sure to find one that you’ll go back to over and over. To examine them all as well as hours, leash rules, and more, read on.
The Top 14 Dog-Friendly Beaches in San Francisco, CA
1. Albany Beach
A phenomenal and popular off-leash dog beach in San Francisco
The off-leash area is a smaller sandy beach that almost disappears at high tide
The views of San Francisco Bay are phenomenal, and the water is usually calm
Lots of birds and wildlife around to get your pup excited
Bring water and waste bags
2. Albany Bulb Beach
Small archipelago near Albany Beach with on-leash walking trails
Beautiful views of San Francisco Bay and the surrounding area
No water or waste bags are provided
The garbage dumped here years ago has been made into modern art, and the area is very clean
Some areas tolerate off-leash walking with well-behaved dogs
Port-a-potties are available in the parking area
3. Baker Beach
Beautiful, wide beach with a spectacular view of the Golden Gate Bridge
Dogs can go off-leash north of Lobos Creek but not south
Picnic facilities are available, as well as restrooms
Be aware that car break-ins are reported near the beach
The beach is very busy in summer and on the weekend
No waste bags are provided
4. Bolinas Beach
Fantastic off-leash beach for all dogs
When the tide comes in, the beach gets smaller quickly
The shoreline and waves are usually safe for dogs
The beach is rather small, so it’s best to visit during the week
The beach is very popular with surfers
Bring water and waste bags
5. Crissy Field Beach
Grassy fields meet the sand and sea at this lovely beach
Designated off-leash area for your pups, or you can use the other areas leashed
A water fountain and washing station for dogs are available
No waste bags are available
A great place to bring active, social dogs to meet others
6. Esplanade Beach
This is the only off-leash beach in Pacifica
Dogs are allowed off-leash at the beach’s north end
You’ll find parking on the street along Esplanade Ave
Waste bags are provided and located where the ramp to the beach begins
One of the highest-rated dog parks in San Francisco
Be aware of strong undertows
7. Fort Funston Beach
A true dog beach with off-leash allowed year-round
A very popular place with many dogs
Bring foul-weather gear, as the wind and temperature can change quickly
The climb back to the parking area can be difficult for older dogs
Bring plenty of water and waste bags
8. Land’s End Beach Off-Leash Dog Area
Off-leash dog area located within the Golden Gate National Recreation Area
Your dog must be well-trained and obey voice controls
This is a popular beach with ocean access
There are trails to enjoy
Bring water and waste bags
9. Montara State Beach
🗺️ Address:
📍 Montara, CA 94019
🕐 Open Times:
8:00 AM to sunset, 7 days a week
💲 Cost:
Free
🐕 Off-Leash:
No
This is more of a place to walk your dog on fantastic trails than on the beach
No garbage cans are near the beach
Access to the beach can be limited at times and problematic for older dogs
Many people go there with their dogs to fish in the surf
There are several tidal pools to explore with your dogs
10. Muir Beach
A 450-foot bridge connects parking to this amazing off-leash beach
The waves here can get rough
No waste bags or water are provided
Keep an eye open for whales
The beach is popular but quiet, and best at low tide
11. Ocean Beach
Several areas on the beach are off-leash
The beach gets very crowded on the weekends, and the parking fills fast
Be aware of the changing tides and check tide reports
From the north end to stairwell 21, dogs are allowed off-leash
12. Pacifica State Beach (Linda Mar)
This is a popular beach that is on-leash, but many allow their well-trained dogs to go off leash
No water or waste bags are provided
Parking is $7 for 4 hours and is a short walk to the beach
There are several restaurants near the beach
Beware of the changing tides and strong currents
13. Pillar Point Harbor
On-leash dog beach that’s also a bird and animal sanctuary
Visitors are encouraged to keep their dogs on leashes when visiting to protect wildlife
This is a great place for your dog to swim
Weekends at this beach are very crowded
There is a fishing pier and a boat launch nearby
14. Stinson Beach
A county beach that dogs can enjoy on-leash
No waste bags or water are provided
Dogs aren’t allowed on the nearby Stinson State Beach
There are picnic areas set up
The beach is gorgeous
Final Thoughts
San Francisco is a great city to be a dog that adores the beach! The 14 beaches in and around the city all have their charms and their small drawbacks, but the fun and memories they provide are priceless. While some provide water, showers, and waste bags , most don’t, so it’s always recommended to bring your own. Whichever dog-friendly San Francisco beach you choose to visit, we hope you and your four-legged friends have a safe time filled with the surf, sand, and lots of sniffing around !
Featured Image Credit: ArtTower, Pixabay