You lucky dog: The East Bay Regional Park District has eliminated dog fees in 2025! That lets pups join their people for free at 73 parks scattered close to San Francisco, Oakland and Silicon Valley. With comfortable, affordable accommodations and a central location, Pleasant Hill is a great base for these East Bay adventures. You’ll enjoy dog-friendly dining and off-leash surprises like Paso Nogal Dog Park. Here’s some inspiration as you embark on your journey.
In a region known for four-paw hiking, East Bay Regional Parks take top honors. Covering more than 125,000 acres across Alameda and Contra Costa counties, the century-old park system boasts 1,250 miles of trails. Winter rains nurture vibrant green hills that give way to colorful spring wildflowers. Along with the end of dog fees, a new $5 flat fee covers parking at parks with kiosks. Remember, dogs must be leashed at all parking lots, picnic areas, developed playgrounds and select trails. Look for posted rules at each park.
Dogs are welcome to run off-leash in open and undeveloped East Bay Regional Park District areas, as long as they’re always under control. A 20-mile trail network attracts hikers to the Hayward hills, where Garin and Dry Creek Pioneer Regional Parks are especially fun for dogs (though winter rains sometimes make the trails muddy). For magnificent meadows, oak-dotted hills and a picturesque lake, head to Del Valle Regional Park south of Livermore.
There’s a 23-acre landscaped dog park with Golden Gate views at Richmond’s Point Isabel Regional Shoreline. Hikers also marvel at panoramic vistas while walking their pups in Claremont Canyon Regional Preserve, set in the hills behind the historic Claremont Hotel. South of Claremont Avenue, the Gwin Canyon Trail is a single-track route that ends above Claremont Creek. It’s a steep, .75-mile climb from Stonewall Road to the Stonewall-Panoramic Trail, but the ridgetop views are well worth the challenge.
