Sutro Heights Park sits on a hilltop in San Francisco with views that stretch all the way to the Pacific Ocean, and dogs on leash can explore the whole place with you. This was once Adolph Sutro’s Victorian estate, and you can still see European statues scattered throughout the grounds and ruins that hint at the elaborate gardens and conservatory that used to be here. Walking the pathways, you’ll notice some sections are manicured and formal while others feel more wild and overgrown—both have their appeal.

The park’s layout works well for dogs. There are open lawns where you can let your dog move around (though they need to stay leashed), and the pathways wind through enough vegetation that there’s always something interesting to sniff. The ground is mostly grass and dirt rather than pavement, which is easier on paws. On clear days, you get that ocean view the entire time you’re walking, which makes it feel less like you’re in a city at all.

What surprised me was how quiet it usually is. The park sits above the Cliff House area, so people tend to head to the more famous tourist spots nearby, leaving this place relatively peaceful. Your dog might encounter other leashed dogs here, but it’s not crowded the way some San Francisco parks get. The elevation means there are some hills, so it’s a decent workout depending on which paths you take.

Pack water for your dog since there aren’t many shade areas once you’re out on the main lawns. The statuary and ruins make for interesting photo stops if you want to document your visit. The park is free to enter and open during daylight hours year-round. Morning visits tend to be quieter if you prefer fewer people around, and the light is usually better for photos anyway.