The City by the Bay has numerous options for waterfront fun with your dog, chief among them Crissy Field and Fort Funston, both part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area administered by the National Park Service. Crissy Field, a former military air installation, affords romping canines and their humans splendid views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Marin Headlands and the city skyline. Fort Funston, a former military outpost on the city’s southwest side, is a spacious area of dunes, trails and shoreline where dogs on leash or under strict voice control share the territory with hang gliders, equestrians, birdwatchers, hikers and families. Some call this the best off-leash area in the state. We call it doggie heaven! In both areas, well behaved dogs are allowed on the beach except where signed as restricted. The park service is reviewing its dog management plan and considering a substantial reduction in acreage open to canines, so enjoy this rare urban freedom while you can.
