If you’re looking for the best dog friendly beaches in the Bay Area, then you’ve come to the right website.
We’ve got loads of pup-friendly information on the top beaches in the Bay Area that allow dogs.
And click on the following links if you want county-specific information on either dog friendly beaches in Marin County or dog friendly beaches in Sonoma County.
So come on in. We’re looking forward to helping you out!
Table of contents
1. Buchanan Dog Beach
- 24 Buchanan Street, Albany, CA 94710
- Fabulous spot between the Albany Bulb Peninsula and the Bay Trail
- Small sandy beach where dogs are allowed to run off leash
- Normally not very crowded
- Great place to bring your pup for a swim at any time of the day
Buchanan Dog Beach is more formally known as Albany Beach.
It’s located in Albany, California, on the east shore of San Francisco Bay. And it’s less than 20 minutes from downtown San Francisco.
This is a small, sandy Bay Area dog beach that has gentle waves and is rarely crowded. On a clear day, you can see across the bay to San Francisco and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge.
A Fantastic Off-Leash Dog Beach in the Bay Area
Nearby is the 500-mile-long Bay Trail, a walking and cycling path that runs around the entire San Francisco Bay.
But the very best part of this fantastic beach, is that your pup can run around and frolic in the waves, all off-leash!
Buchanan Dog Beach in Albany is open daily, from 5am to 10pm.
Website: Buchanan Dog Beach
2. Baker Beach
- Battery Chamberlin Road, San Francisco, CA 94129
- Stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge
- Dogs are permitted off leash north of Lobos Creek
- Swimming is NOT advised, due to cold water temperatures and powerful riptides
- Picnic area with tables, barbeque pits and restrooms
Baker Beach is a beautiful, mile-long stretch of sandy beach.
It’s located on the western shoreline of the Presidio of San Francisco, close to the 25th Avenue Gate.
If you’re after some idyllic views of the Pacific Ocean, the Marin Headlands and the Golden Gate Bridge, then Baker Beach is most definitely the place to be!
The beach has good facilities, with a sheltered picnic area, picnic tables, barbeque pits and restrooms.
One Of The Best Bay Area Dog Beaches
Your pup can roam around off leash north of Lobos Creek. But south of Lobos Creek they must be leashed.
Please note that swimming at Baker Beach is NOT advised. This is due to the cold water temperatures and powerful riptides of this part of the Pacific Ocean.
Despite this, Baker Beach is without doubt one of the best dog friendly beaches in the Bay Area. And a place that you and your furball are going to want to visit time and time again!
Website: Baker Beach
3. Rodeo Beach
- 11050 Mitchell Road, Sausalito, CA 94941
- Part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area
- Dogs are allowed off leash at Rodeo Beach, provided they are under voice control
- Picnic tables, on-site barbecues, restrooms, outdoor showers and access to trails
- Sheltered by cliffs and bounded by a lagoon
Rodeo Beach lies just 3 miles northwest of the Golden Gate Bridge.
And this fantastic Bay Area dog beach is just 15 minutes from Sausalito and less than 25 minutes from downtown San Francisco.
The beach enjoys a wonderful location, being sheltered by cliffs and bounded on the eastern side by Rodeo Lagoon.
There are good amenities here, including restrooms, outdoor showers, picnic tables and on-site barbecues.
If you’re looking for access to delightful trails, then park along Bunker Road, close to the Marine Mammal Center.
Your Pup Is Allowed To Roam Off-Leash Here All Year Round
Please note that neither people nor pets are allowed in any part of Rodeo Lagoon. This is for the protection of the beach and the endangered tidewater goby.
The best thing about Rodeo Beach is that your pup is allowed to roam off-leash here all year round! The one stipulation is that she must be under full voice control at all times.
Website: Rodeo Beach
4. Fort Funston Beach
- 206 Fort Funston Road, San Francisco, CA 94132
- Stunning views, clean sand, and usually lots of other pups to play with
- Dogs are allowed off leash at Fort Funston Beach, provided they are under voice control
- Surrounded by hills with fantastic trails
- Note that it’s a steep, strenuous hike down to the beach and back up
Fort Funston Beach is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
It’s located on the ocean-facing west coast of the Bay Area, 15 minutes from downtown San Francisco.
And it’s just 2 miles south of the ever-popular San Francisco Zoo.
You can park in the parking lot off Skyline Boulevard. The road here is around 200 feet above sea level. It’s then a steep, strenuous hike down to Fort Funston Beach.
But it’s worth it.
A Long Stretch Of Sandy Beach, With Beautiful Views
Once there, you’re rewarded with a long, sweeping stretch of sandy beach, with stunning views.
And provided they are under voice control, dogs are allowed to run around off leash here!
Horses are allowed on this beach too, so make sure to bring a leash with you, in case your pup needs it.
Swimming is NOT recommended at Fort Funston, though, as the surf and undertow are powerful, and can be very dangerous.
Many Locals Believe Fort Funston Is The Best Dog Place In The Bay Area
With its gorgeous views, clean sand and off-leash rules, Fort Funston Beach is undoubtedly one of the best dog friendly beaches in the Bay Area.
In fact, many locals believe that this is the best dog place in the Bay Area.
So what are you waiting for?! Get out there and have fun with your furball!
Website: Fort Funston Beach
5. Crissy Field East Beach
- 1199 East Beach, San Francisco, CA 94129
- Pet-friendly promenade
- Crissy Field East Beach is a designated off-leash dog beach
- Excellent amenities, including a dog water fountain and washing station
- Stunning views across San Francisco Bay
Crissy Field East Beach enjoys one of the most spectacular locations of any beach in the Bay Area.
It’s on San Francisco’s north shore, in the northeastern corner of the Presidio.
And the views from this beach are simply amazing! You’re rewarded with fantastic views across San Francisco Bay of the Marin Headlands, the Golden Gate Bridge, Angel Island and Alcatraz Island.
Free Parking And Excellent Amenities
The Crissy Field Beach parking lot offers free parking. And just across Mason Street is an additional paid parking lot.
The amenities here are excellent and include picnic tables, restrooms and grills. There’s also a dog washing station by the restrooms and a dog water fountain nearby.
Take a stroll with your pup along the 1.8-mile length of the pet-friendly Golden Gate Promenade. It runs through Crissy Field between historic Fort Point and the Marina District.
Bring Your Dog For A Swim At Crissy Field East Beach
Unlike many other Bay Area beaches, the water here is calm and the waves lapping the shore are usually small. So it’s completely safe for swimming. And a great place for your furbaby to frolic in the surf!
And the very best part about this beautiful beach?
Crissy Field East Beach is a designated off-leash Bay Area dog beach!
Website: Crissy Field Dog Beach
Conclusion About Dog Friendly Beaches in the Bay Area
The Bay Area is without doubt one of THE best areas in the US for dog friendly beaches.
Many of the Bay Area beaches don’t have any time or seasonal restrictions on pets, which in itself is a wonderful thing.
And on top of that, many of them are also off-leash. Or have at least a section of the beach where your pup is free to roam around without a leash.
There are also lots of beaches where it’s completely safe for both humans and dogs to go for a swim. Though don’t take that aspect for granted. Many beaches in the Bay Area have powerful waves, currents and riptides and are definitely NOT recommended for swimming.
So do your homework, ALWAYS obey beach signage and get out there and enjoy some amazing Bay Area dog beaches!
So what do YOU think? Which is YOUR favorite dog beach in the Bay Area? Let us know by leaving a comment – we’d love to hear from you.
Things change all the time, so if any of the information in this article is incorrect or out-of-date, please let us know – just leave us a comment below. Many thanks!
If you’ve enjoyed finding out all about the best dog friendly beaches in the Bay Area, then take a look at our comprehensive round-up of some of the best dog beaches in the US
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Friendly Beaches in the Bay Area
Yes, Baker Beach is dog friendly. Dogs are permitted off leash north of Lobos Creek. But south of Lobos Creek they must be leashed.
No, unfortunately dogs are not allowed at China Beach.
No, unfortunately dogs are not allowed at Marshall Beach. Only service dogs are allowed there.
Crissy Field, Baker Beach, Albany Bulb and Buchanan Dog Beach all have fantastic views of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.
