Are you and your dog in the mood for some beachside fun? If you’re in the San Francisco area, you’re in luck. We’ve put together a big list of fantastic options, featuring classic Golden Gate views, cliffside landscapes, and surf destinations. We’re sure you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for.
Click the map below for more information on each location, and scroll down to learn more about each beach, and see pictures of other dogs enjoying these favorite dog-friendly beaches.
Top 14 Dog-Friendly Beaches in San Francisco
- Baker Beach
- Fort Funston
- Lands End Beach
- Montara State Beach
- Esplanade Beach
- Pacifica State Beach
- Bolinas Beach
- Albany Bulb
- Rodeo Beach
- Stinson Beach
- Buchanan Dog Beach
- Crissy Field Beach
- Muir Beach
- Ocean Beach
1. Baker Beach
- Baker Beach is free, but busy; try to arrive early or on weekdays for easy parking
- bring your camera for some classic San Francisco photo ops (but please use discretion, as some people may be sunbathing in the nude)
- dogs must be leashed
- swimming at Baker Beach is dangerous (due to rip tide), so try to stay in the shallows
2. Fort Funston
- take a short but steep walk down the cliffside to the beach, where you can enjoy views of the water, hang-gliders, wildlife, and your happy dog
- be careful swimming at the beach, because the surf and rip tide can be dangerous
- your dog is welcome to play off-leash
3. Lands End Beach
- this gorgeous, secluded beach is located within Lands End, a Golden Gate National Recreation Area; you will need to hike to the beach
- some people call Lands End Beach “Swimsuits End”; if you are uncomfortable with nude sunbathing, you may want to steer clear
- your dog is welcome to play off-leash
4. Montara State Beach
- a popular destination for surf fishing and exploring tidepools, Montara State Beach offers unique and undisturbed natural coastline habitats
- dogs must be leashed at all times
- find more information about the beach and rules for visitors here
5. Esplanade Beach
- a secluded and sometimes hard-to-find beach; ask locals if you have trouble finding beach access points
- go at low tide to explore more of the beach; bring your binoculars for whale-watching
- your dog is welcome to play off-leash
6. Pacifica State Beach
- a busy but large beach, popular for surfing, fishing, and beach-combing
- dogs must be leashed
- you’ll need to pay a state park fee to enter; for more information, visit the park’s website
7. Bolinas Beach
- a quiet beach in the town of Bolinas, popular for water sports, bird-watching and sunbathing
- the beach can get busy on the weekends, so consider arriving early or on a weekday to secure a good parking spot
- your dog is welcome to play off-leash
8. Albany Bulb
- a funky, urban-meets-nature experience (bring your camera!)
- dogs should be leashed, but often are not
- for a quick and thought-provoking read, check out this piece on Albany Bulb
9. Rodeo Beach
- part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Rodeo Beach is a destination for hikers, bird-watchers and photographers
- if you’re in the mood for a hike, consider heading south to explore the defunct military batteries at South Rodeo Beach
- your dog is free to be off-leash, if under voice control
10. Stinson Beach
- Stinson beach is well-know for great swimming and is a popular spot for water sports, volleyball and hang-gliding
- if you want to get in on the boogie boarding, shops nearby rent equipment for use on the beach
- dogs must be leashed, but are not allowed on certain beach areas; visit the park’s website for more information
11. Buchanan Dog Beach
- a small but secluded dog beach, with gentle waves (perfect for swimming)
- be sure to bring your own water, baggies, and any other supplies you need
- dogs are welcome to play off-leash
12. Crissy Field Beach
- a busy, popular beach with views of the Golden Gate Bridge
- close to food, coffee, and other attractions
- dogs are allowed off-leash in designated areas
13. Muir Beach
- enjoy a quiet beach, popular with locals
- keep an eye out for whales and shorebirds, and consider exploring nearby trails to see more natural habitats, which are home to diverse animal species
- dogs are allowed off-leash in designated areas
14. Ocean Beach
- a popular spot to stroll, fly a kite, or bring your dog
- dogs are allowed off-leash in designated areas; some off-leash areas may be difficult to access at high tide
- swimming is not recommended, due to very strong currents
Too busy to get your dog to the beach for some much-needed exercise? Rover is here to help. Check out our dog-walkers in the San Francisco area.
Looking for a pet sitter in San Francisco? Find a sitter on Rover here.
Interested in learning more about services on Rover?
Dog Boarding | Pet Sitting | Cat Sitting | Dog Walking | Doggy Day Care | House Sitting | Dog Training