Fort Funston, San Francisco

By: DogTrekker Staff

A vibrant dog park bathed in sunlight features abundant greenery with mature trees, offering ample shade for leisurely outdoor activities. In the distance is a well-equipped playground that presents an additional activity area. An inviting picnic table spreads out nearby, ideal for enjoying meals al fresco or taking relaxing breaks from play. A neatly-placed trash bin aids in maintaining the park's cleanliness for everyone's enjoyment. Dominating the scene is a generously wide dirt path gracefully curving through the expanse of grass, promising exploratory walks and lively fetch games.

• Fort Funston, San Francisco. This stretch of rugged headlands just south of Ocean Beach in the southwest part of the city is not fenced, but it’s nirvana for off-leash dogs and woofing with canine activity even on drizzly, foggy days.

The Fort Funston area (the name comes from its days as a military outpost) is what most of the “Outside Lands” looked like before the dunes were leveled to build Golden Gate Park and attract housing to the Sunset district. Water spigots are located in the parking lot and trails leading to the moody, wave-swept beach that is as rejuvenating to the human spirit as it is irresistible to our furry friends.

Elsewhere in San Francisco, your dogs will have a blast romping off-leash on Ocean Beach, Baker Beach and the beach at Crissy Field. For descriptions and more options, click here.

Photo Credit: @princesshasegawa