Oyster Bay Off Leash Park spreads across a generous fenced area right on the bay’s edge, with views of the water and the Oakland hills beyond. The park’s best feature is how the landscape slopes naturally toward the water—you get real topography here, not a flat square, which means different sightlines and more interesting terrain for dogs to explore.

The main off-leash area is grassy with good drainage, and there’s a separate small-dog enclosure if your dog does better away from the bigger crowd. Water access is immediate: dogs can wade or swim directly in the bay depending on tides and your comfort level. Bring a rinsing jug if saltwater bothers your dog’s coat. The park has scattered shade from mature trees, but afternoon sun can be intense in summer—come earlier in the day. There are no designated water bowls, so pack your own or use the bay. The park closes at dusk and opens at dawn; mid-morning on weekends pulls the largest crowds, particularly 10 a.m. to noon.

Oyster Bay sits at the foot of Neptune Drive in San Leandro’s bayside district, accessible from the main parking lot near the playground and picnic area. The surface is mostly grass with some decomposed granite in higher-traffic zones, which stays manageable in most conditions. The terrain can get muddy near the water’s edge during rainy seasons—not a deal-breaker, but worth knowing if you’re headed home to a light-colored carpet. The bay itself is the real draw here; if your dog is a swimmer, this is one of the few Alameda County parks where off-leash dogs can actually access open water. Bring a towel.