San Francisco, United States
Dog Friendly San Francisco
Where To Walk, Eat And Stay With Your Dog In San Francisco
San Francisco loves its dogs almost to a fault, with more dogs than children and a coastline of off-leash trails and beaches to prove it. Fort Funston is a clifftop off-leash institution, Crissy Field runs beach and bay right under the Golden Gate, and Lands End threads the wild western edge of the city. This is our working guide: where to walk, where to eat, and the certified hotels that genuinely welcome them.
Where to walk
Dog Friendly Parks, Trails and Walks in San Francisco
The coastal trails, big parks and off-leash beaches San Franciscans actually use. Tap any one to open it in Google Maps.
Golden Gate Park
The city's great park over in Richmond, a dependable choice when the dog needs a proper walk outdoors.
Crissy Field
Bayfront & beach over in Marina, a dependable choice when the dog needs a proper walk outdoors.
Fort Funston
Clifftop off-leash trails, Lakeshore, one of San Francisco's reliable spots to get the dog out into the open air.
Lands End
Coastal cliff trail, out in Outer Richmond, with room for a proper dog walk and a welcome for well-behaved dogs.
Dolores Park
Sunny city green, Mission, and a favourite with San Francisco dog owners for an hour out on four legs.
The Presidio
Forest & bluffs over in Presidio, a dependable choice when the dog needs a proper walk outdoors.
Where to eat and drink
Dog Friendly Restaurants, Bars and Cafes in San Francisco
Not just tolerated under the table, genuinely welcome: a water bowl, a spot by the fire, and no eyebrow raised when you walk in with a dog.
Violet's
An Outer Richmond restaurant that keeps a proper welcome for dogs, worth a stop for a meal in San Francisco.
Sociale
A Presidio Heights restaurant that keeps a proper welcome for dogs, worth a stop for a meal in San Francisco.
Zazie
Restaurant in Cole Valley, and reliably dog friendly, a go-to in San Francisco when you have the dog with you.
Ireland's 32
One of San Francisco's dependable dog friendly bars, in Inner Richmond and glad to see a dog through the door.
Simple Pleasures Cafe
An Outer Richmond cafe that genuinely welcomes dogs, an easy spot for a coffee with the dog alongside.
Um.Ma
Restaurant in Inner Sunset where dogs are welcome as standard, an easy stop for a meal while you explore San Francisco.
Côte Ouest Bistro
Bistro in San Francisco with a proper welcome for dogs, worth a stop for a meal on a day out together.
Bi-Rite Creamery
A cafe in San Francisco where the dog is part of the plan, not left outside while you have a coffee.
Delancey Street Restaurant
A genuinely dog friendly restaurant, a handy San Francisco stop for a meal when the dog is with you.
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Where to stay
The Best Dog Friendly Hotels In San Francisco
Every hotel here has been inspected and ranked against the Dog Friendly Standard. No pay to play, no vague pet friendly badge, just the ones that earned their place, best first.
Dog Friendly San Francisco · Good To Know
Is San Francisco a good city to visit with a dog?
San Francisco is one of the most dog friendly cities in America, with more dogs than children and a coastline of off-leash beaches and trails. Many cafes, patios and shops welcome dogs, and the mild climate suits them year-round. The hills and the busy Muni peak hours are the main things to plan around.
Where can my dog run off the lead in San Francisco?
Fort Funston is the city's favourite off-leash spot, with clifftop and beach trails under voice control. Ocean Beach allows off-leash play at its northern end for most of the year, and Baker Beach is off-leash north of Lobos Creek. Crissy Field is another popular choice with Golden Gate Bridge views.
Can I take my dog on Muni in San Francisco?
Yes, but only outside the weekday peak hours of 5 to 9am and 3 to 7pm. Off peak, one leashed and muzzled dog per rider may travel on your lap or under the seat, paying the same fare as you. Assistance dogs travel any time without these limits.
Are dogs allowed in San Francisco restaurants and bars?
Plenty of restaurants and cafes welcome dogs at outdoor tables, especially in North Beach, the Mission and Nob Hill. Some bars with outdoor space are relaxed about dogs too. Indoor dining rooms are off limits under health rules, so aim for a patio.
What dog friendly things can I do in San Francisco?
The coastal trails at Lands End, the Presidio's forest paths and the beaches all make for excellent days out with a dog. Crissy Field pairs a beach walk with bridge views, and Golden Gate Park has huge open spaces. Most indoor attractions are assistance dogs only.
Are the beaches in San Francisco dog friendly?
Yes, several of the city's beaches welcome dogs, and some allow off-leash play. Ocean Beach, Baker Beach and Fort Funston are the best known, though the off-leash zones are seasonal or limited to certain stretches. Check the signs, as the rules can change along the same beach.
Are there day trips from San Francisco with a dog?
The Marin Headlands, Muir Beach and the coast north of the city are all within easy reach and very dog friendly. To the south, the beaches around Pacifica and Half Moon Bay welcome dogs too. A short drive opens up a lot of open coast and trail.
What are the rules for dogs in San Francisco?
Dogs must be licensed, on a lead in most public areas, and off-leash only in designated spots. You must clean up after your dog everywhere. Voice control is required in the off-leash areas, so your dog should come back when called.