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Top 7 Amazing Off-Leash Dog Parks in Berkeley, CA (2024 Update): Places to Run Free

Elizabeth Gray

By Elizabeth Gray

german shepherd dog with his owner at the park

Berkeley is located in the northern part of the state and is probably most associated with the University of California campus. A city full of college students, young professionals, and families is bound to bring a lot of dogs along with them, and Berkeley is no exception. If you’re a Berkeley dog owner in need of a local spot to let your dog safely run off some energy, this article is for you. Here are seven amazing off-leash dog parks in and around Berkeley, CA.

Divider 3The 7 Off-Leash Dog Parks in Berkeley, CA

1. Ohlone Dog Park

🗺️ Address: 1800 Hearst Ave Berkeley, CA 94703
🕐 Open Times: 8 am to 8 pm on weekdays, 9 am to 9 pm on weekends/holidays
💲 Cost: Free, may need to pay for parking
🐕 Off-leash? Yes
  • Fully fenced with separate large and small dog areas
  • Street parking only, no on-site lot
  • Shade, water, picnic tables, and benches are available
  • Park is located in a residential neighborhood
  • Dogs must be licensed and wear ID/rabies tags

2. Cesar Chavez Dog Park

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bv0moscloTX/

🗺️ Address: 11 Spinnaker Way Berkeley, CA 94710
🕐 Open Times: 6 am to 10 pm
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-leash? Yes, in designated areas only
  • 17-acre, unfenced off-leash area located within the larger Cesar Chavez Park
  • Beautiful views of San Francisco landmarks, including the Golden Gate Bridge
  • Portable restrooms, waste bags, and water are available
  • Dogs must be on a leash everywhere else in the park
  • If your dog is a digger, you’re required to fill the holes

3. Point Isabel Dog Park

🗺️ Address: 2701 Isabel St., Richmond, CA 94804
🕐 Open Times: 5 am to 10 pm
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-leash? Yes
  • Located about 8 miles north of Berkeley
  • A beautiful, 50-acre, off-leash space along the shoreline
  • Shared recreational space, so keep your dog under control and pick up waste
  • Parking, restrooms, and a dog-friendly cafe are available
  • Very popular spot—expect crowds

4. Bruce King Memorial Dog Park

🗺️ Address: 1600 Lexington Ave, El Cerrito, CA 94530
🕐 Open Times: Sunrise to sunset
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-leash? Yes
  • Located about 5 miles north of Berkeley
  • Fenced, but the fence is not very tall
  • Street parking only
  • Water, shade, benches, a separate small dog area, and agility equipment are available
  • Can get muddy when it rains and is often noisy from trains passing overhead

5. Linda Ave Dog Park

🗺️ Address: 333 Linda Ave, Piedmont, CA 94611
🕐 Open Times: 7 am to 8 pm
💲 Cost: Annual permit required for use: $18 or $43 (for dogs not spayed or neutered)/year for residents. Non-resident permits are $38 or $70/year
🐕 Off-leash? Yes
  • Located about 5 miles south of Berkeley
  • Small, fenced, hilly dog park with no grass
  • Street parking only
  • No separate area for small dogs
  • Park may close after heavy rain

6. Rockridge-Temescal Greenbelt Dog Park

🗺️ Address: 5500 Claremont Ave, Oakland, CA 94618
🕐 Open Times: 24 hours
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-leash? Yes
  • Located about 3 miles south of Berkeley
  • Also known as FROG Park, it’s located along a popular greenbelt trail
  • Limited street parking
  • Water and waste bags are available
  • Located underneath a freeway—it gets noisy!

7. Joaquin Miller Dog Park

🗺️ Address: 3950 Sanborn Dr., Oakland, CA 94602
🕐 Open Times: Sunrise to 8 pm
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-leash? Yes
  • Located about 8 miles south of Berkeley
  • Free on-site parking
  • Separate large and small dog areas
  • Bring your own water, bowls, and waste bags
  • Dog park closes periodically due to other events in the area

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Final Thoughts

If you’re willing to brave Bay Area traffic and parking, the city of San Francisco is home to many off-leash-friendly parks, hiking spots, and even beaches. However, these seven options are closest to home for Berkeley pet parents. It’s best to keep your dog carefully supervised and under control when visiting any off-leash play area. Before you leave a dog park, pick up after your pet to keep the area clean and safe for all visitors, canines, and humans.

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Featured Image Credit: Happy monkey, Shutterstock

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