Golden Gate Park in San Francisco consists of more than 1,000 acres of public grounds and has many dog-friendly areas. Configured as a rectangle, it is similar in shape but 20 percent larger than Central Park in New York City, to which it is often compared. It is more than three miles long east to west, and about half a mile wide north to south and includes open groves, secluded lakes, grassy meadows, gardens, museums and other public attractions.
When it comes to letting your beloved canine stretch her legs, it is hard to find a more scenic urban environment. The freedom that comes with the release of the leash is one your dog will look forward to every time you bring her to one of the park’s four designated off-leash play areas.
- In the southeast: A section of land bordered by Lincoln Way, Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, as well as 5th and 7th avenues, unfenced.
- In the northeast: An unfenced area tucked away off Stanyan Street, between Hayes and Fulton.
- In the western region: An unfenced section bordered by MLK Jr. and Middle drives, and 34th and 38th avenues.
- There is a fenced dog-training area at 38th Avenue and Fulton Street if you need a little more space to perfect the jumps and leaps of your trickster dog or like the idea of teaching your pet how come, sit and stay amid distractions.
Even though it may be tempting, please keep your dog on-leash when walking around other parts of the park including meadows and be sure to note where they are not allowed at all (i.e. he Big Rec area where athletic playing fields are located).
Find out more about all the places you can explore in the park here.
