Dog-Friendly Water Fun near San Francisco Bay Area

Featured water fun

Albany Bulb Beach

Albany

Albany Bulb Beach, situated behind Golden Gate Fields racetrack along the Alameda County coast in California, is a haven for dog lovers seeking a waterfront adventure.

Baker Beach

San Francisco

Dog-friendly Mile-long Baker Beach in San Francisco lies at the foot of the rugged cliffs on the western shoreline of the Presidio.

Baltimore Canyon Open Space

Larkspur

Marin County Parks Open Space Leash Policy: Dogs on leash are welcome to enjoy trails. Dogs are allowed off-leash under strict voice control on fire protection roads. Please follow posted rules.

Sonoma County Regional Parks manages 6 public access trails in The Sea Ranch, a private community south of Gualala. Trails start at Highway 1 parking areas and cross bluff-top meadows and forests to rugged coastline.

Bluff Top Sea Ranch Access

The Sea Ranch

Sonoma County Regional Parks manages the Bluff Top Sea Ranch Access Trail, one of six public access trails in The Sea Ranch, a private community located south of Gualala.

Bolinas Beach

Marshall

Bolinas Beach is an off-leash beach that can be hard to find, as residents of Bolinas do not openly court visitors and regularly remove road signs.

California Canoe & Kayak

Pleasant Hill

Dog-friendly California Canoe & Kayak is committed to providing safe and enjoyable classes and trips, and would love to help you discover and develop your paddlesport endeavors.

Carmet Beach

Bodega Bay

Long sandy beaches below rugged headlands, a craggy coastline with natural arches and secluded coves are features that make Sonoma Coast State Park one of California's most scenic attractions.

Chicken Ranch Beach

Point Reyes Station

Chicken Ranch Beach, located in Point Reyes Station, Marin County, California Coast, is a picturesque destination offering access to Tomales Bay.

China Camp State Park

San Rafael

China Camp State Park is located along the shores of San Pablo Bay, near San Rafael, California. The park encompasses 1,640 acres on the San Pedro Peninsula, which extends out into the Bay, approximately 15 miles north of San Francisco.

Christmas Hill Park

Gilroy

Located in Gilroy, Santa Clara County, within the vibrant San Francisco Bay Area, Christmas Hill Park is a sprawling 57-acre community park managed by the City of Gilroy.

Crissy Field

San Francisco

Crissy Field is a great place to enjoy with your dog in San Francisco. It used to be an airfield that belonged to the United States Army.

Del Valle Regional Park

Pleasant Hill

Please check Del Valle Regional Park website for cyanobacteria (toxic algae) warnings before your visit. Del Valle Regional Park, part of the East Bay Regional Park District, is a 5,000-acre park set amid oak-studded hills.

Dillon Beach: A adventure

Marshall

When planning a trip to Dillon Beach, always double-check the latest off-leash rules. While DogTrekker provides regular updates, ensure the area still allows voice control for your dog before letting them off the leash.

Doran Regional Park

Bodega Bay

Doran Park has a 2-mile stretch of sandy beach and is a popular place for visitors to picnic, build sand castles, fly kites, surf, fish and stroll. And best of all, dogs on leash are welcome throughout the park.

Duncan’s Landing

Bodega Bay

Duncan's Landing, located in Bodega Bay, Sonoma County, is renowned for its historical significance as an early-day landing point for coastal ships and its reputation as the most perilous spot along the Sonoma Coast, characterized by its large and unpredictable surf.

Encinal Boat Ramp

Pleasant Hill

Encinal Boat Ramp, located in Alameda, Alameda County, in the East Bay Area, offers a picturesque setting for boaters and sailors to enjoy stunning views of Alameda and San Francisco.

Fort Funston

San Francisco

Fort Funston, on the western edge of San Francisco, is a 200-foot high windy bluff offering some of the best hang-gliding opportunities in the country.

Furlong Gulch

Bodega Bay

Long sandy beaches below rugged headlands, a craggy coastline with natural arches and secluded coves are features that make Sonoma Coast State Park one of California's most scenic attractions.

Grand Street Boat Ramp

Alameda

Grand Street Boat Ramp in Alameda, located at the north end of Grand Street, offers a convenient and well-equipped facility for boaters and fishing enthusiasts.

Lake Merced

San Francisco

Lake Merced, located in San Francisco, offers a delightful off-leash area for furry companions at the North Lake area, situated at Lake Merced Blvd and Middlefield Drive.

Limantour Beach

Point Reyes Station

Please note: leashed dogs are allowed on the southeast end of this beach. Dogs are not permitted to the northwest as this area is a protected habitat for harbor seals and the endangered snowy plover.

Marin Headlands

Sausalito

You've seen the views a million times in photographs, but if you haven't soaked them up in person, well...don't forget your camera!

Marshall Gulch

Bodega Bay

Long sandy beaches below rugged headlands, a craggy coastline with natural arches and secluded coves are features that make Sonoma Coast State Park one of California's most scenic attractions.

Martin Luther King Jr

Oakland

Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline is a dog-friendly 741-acre park leased from the Port of Oakland, protecting the remainder of a once-extensive marshland at San Leandro Bay.

Mile Rock Beach

San Francisco

Mile Rock Beach in San Francisco offers a peaceful setting, perfect for a leisurely stroll with your dog while exploring the natural beauty of Lands End Park.

Miller Boat Launch

Marshall

Miller Boat Launch is a very popular four acre site on the east side of Tomales Bay, a few miles north of Marshall.

Muir Beach

Muir Beach

Muir Beach, located just 16 miles north of San Francisco, offers a peaceful escape from city life, with its rugged coastline and serene atmosphere. For dog lovers, the good news is that a portion of Muir Beach is dog-friendly.

Ocean Beach

San Francisco

Ocean Beach in San Francisco is the widest and longest expanse of sand on San Francisco’s shores, extending from the Cliff House to Fort Funston along the Pacific Ocean, and is adjacent to Golden Gate Park.

Oyster Bay Regional Park

San Leandro

Oyster Bay Regional Shoreline waterfront parkland is on the site of a former landfill is a work in progress popular with dog owners from surrounding communities.

Pacifica Esplanade Beach

Pacifica

Pacifica Esplanade Beach in Pacifica is a beautiful stretch of Pacific coastline on the San Francisco Peninsula where dogs can enjoy the sand, surf, and salty ocean air.

Pebble Beach Coastal Access

The Sea Ranch

Sonoma County Regional Parks oversees six public access trails in The Sea Ranch, a private community located south of Gualala along the stunning California Coast.

Phoenix Lake

Ross

No matter what kind of shape you are in, there is a hike at Phoenix Lake for you and your dog. This is also popular place for families and cyclists, but everyone seems to have a smile on.

Pinnacle Gulch Coastal Access

Bodega Bay

The Pinnacle Gulch Coastal Access Trail leads to a beautiful, quiet beach on Bodega Bay. Each access point is a steep, half-mile trail that leads to a spectacular view of hidden coves and rock formations.

Point Reyes National Seashore

Point Reyes Station

Point Reyes National Seashore is a 71,000-acre preserve on a distinctive, triangle-shaped peninsula north of San Francisco in Marin County.

Portuguese Beach

Bodega Bay

Three miles north of Bodega Bay on Highway 1, Portuguese Beach in Sonoma County is a haven for water fun enthusiasts and their furry companions.

Robert W. Crown

Alameda

Robert W. Crown Memorial State Beach, part of the dog-friendly East Bay Regional Park District, offers a splendid blend of natural beauty and recreational facilities over its 2.5-mile sandy expanse.

Russian River Adventures

Healdsburg

Yes! Russian River Adventures are inviting back adventurers on their all-day excursions. Russian River Adventures offers canoe rentals on the most secluded section of Russian River. The company’s custom-designed SOAR inflatable canoes are stable enough for the entire family.

Santa Maria Beach

Point Reyes Station

Santa Maria Beach, located in Point Reyes National Seashore, is a serene coastal gem on Drakes Bay.

Sea Ranch Public Access Trails

The Sea Ranch

Shadow Cliffs Regional

Pleasant Hill

Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area, located in Pleasant Hill, Alameda County, in the East Bay Area, offers a delightful retreat for outdoor enthusiasts and their furry companions.

Shell Beach Coastal Access

The Sea Ranch

Sonoma County Regional Parks manages 6 public access trails in The Sea Ranch, a private community south of Gualala. One of these trails, the Shell Beach Coastal Access Trail, offers a picturesque 0.65-mile one-way journey through pines and coastal landscapes.

Steelhead Beach Regional Park

Forestville

Steelhead Beach Regional Park is known best for its beach access to the Russian River. However, this 26 acre park also includes several short trails that may be connected to make a .9 mile loop through a forested area.

Stengel Beach Coastal Access

The Sea Ranch

Temporary Closure: Stengel Beach access is closed for stairway repairs. Sonoma County Regional Parks manages 6 public access trails in The Sea Ranch, a private community south of Gualala.

Stillwater Cove Regional Park

Jenner

This 210 acre park includes a campground with coin operated shower facilities and flush restrooms, and day use parking. There is a half-mile trail leading to the historic one-room Fort Ross Schoolhouse.

Stinson Beach and Upton’s

Stinson Beach

Parking at Upton's Beach from Stinson Beach is near the southern end of the strand, which is owned by the federal government.

Tilden Regional Park

Berkeley

One of the East Bay Regional Park District's three oldest parks, Charles Lee Tilden Regional Park has been called the jewel of the system, and its recreational activities have become a happy tradition for generations of East Bay youngsters.

Uvas Canyon – Waterfall Loop

Morgan Hill

Lushly wooded Uvas Canyon County Park has 6 miles of hiking trails on 1,133 acres located in upper Uvas Canyon on the eastern side of the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Walk On Beach Sea

The Sea Ranch

Sonoma County Regional Parks oversees 6 public access trails in The Sea Ranch, a private community located south of Gualala along the stunning California Coast.

101 Surf Sports

San Rafael

Located in the vibrant city of San Rafael, 101 Surf Sports is a haven for water enthusiasts and their furry companions in the picturesque Marin County of the San Francisco Bay Area.

Agate Beach

Bolinas

Agate Beach, a 6.6-acre coastal gem near Bolinas in Marin County, California, beckons water enthusiasts with its nearly two miles of ocean shoreline accessible at low tide.

California Canoe & Kayak

Half Moon Bay

California Canoe & Kayak is a dog-friendly boat or houseboat experience in Half Moon Bay in California’s San Francisco Peninsula.

Cloverdale River Park

Cloverdale

Cloverdale River Park runs along the west bank of the Russian River in northern Sonoma County.

Forestville River Access

Forestville

The trail leads to a spectacular view, perfect for swimming and enjoying the scenery. Fishing is excellent but challenging. A great place to spend an enjoyable day.

Getaway Adventures

Santa Rosa

Embark on a memorable adventure with your furry companion at Getaway Adventures, where the beauty of Sonoma and Napa Valley awaits to be explored.

Hudeman Slough Boat Launch

Sonoma

The Hudeman Slough boat launch is located in the Carneros region of southeastern Sonoma County and provides paddlers access to the tidal waterways that link to San Pablo Bay.

Kehoe Beach

Inverness

A half-mile walk alongside a marsh and over a series of sand dunes takes you to the northern end of Kehoe Beach. Once at the beach, turn left to explore a stream meandering its way into the Pacific Ocean.

Lake Lagunitas

Greenbrae

Lake Lagunitas in the Mount Tamalpais watershed is popular with walkers and stroller-pushers due to its wide trail (actually a fire road), flat grade and abundant shade.

Mavericks Beach

Half Moon Bay

Mavericks Beach in Half Moon Bay, San Mateo County, is where the annual big wave surfing competition takes place, and dogs are welcome on-leash.

Napa Valley Paddle

Napa

Napa Valley Paddle offers a unique and exciting way to experience the beauty of Napa Valley with your furry companion by your side.

Pacifica State Beach/Linda Mar

Pacifica

The most popular and frequently visited beach in Pacifica is a picturesque three-quarter-mile crescent-shaped shoreline that serves as the northern gateway to the coastline stretching south of San Francisco.

Poplar Beach

Half Moon Bay

Poplar Beach in Half Moon Bay, San Mateo County, along the California Coast, offers a serene escape for beach-loving dog owners. Visitors can take a steep trail down to Poplar Beach, where they will find a stretch of open coastline.

Rockaway Beach

Pacifica

Rockaway Beach in Pacifica, located in San Mateo County along the California Coast, offers a range of activities for visitors. Dogs are allowed on-leash, making it a solid spot for pet owners looking to enjoy the outdoors with their dogs.

Rodeo Beach

Mill Valley

Rodeo Beach in Mill Valley, Marin County, along the California Coast, is a dog-friendly destination that welcomes visitors of all ages.

Sandy Beach at Monte Rio

Monte Rio

While DogTrekker regularly updates off-leash rules, it is important to check to be sure that this area still allows voice control prior to removing your dog’s leash. Sandy Beach is part of Monte Rio Recreation & Park District.

Schoolhouse Beach

Bodega Bay

Schoolhouse Beach in Bodega Bay, Sonoma County, is a charming spot for water fun that welcomes furry companions. Visitors rave about its unique pebble-covered shore, offering a delightful change from traditional sandy beaches.

Shell Beach

Bodega Bay

Shell Beach, located between Jenner and Bodega Bay on Highway One, is a beloved destination for beachcombing, tidepooling, and outdoor education.

Soulajule Reservoir

Nicasio

Marin Municipal Water District does not actively promote this pretty lake tucked into the hills of North Marin, probably because it is surrounded by private land. Fishermen and hikers are few and no boats or swimming are allowed.

Stow Lake

San Francisco

Boating on this Golden Gate Park lake has been a popular pasttime since the Victorian era.

Sunset Beach River Park

Forestville

Sunset Beach River Park in Forestville, Sonoma County, offers a serene escape for both humans and their furry companions. This picturesque park boasts seasonal fishing and river access, making it an ideal destination for water-loving dogs and their owners.

Wright’s Beach

Bodega Bay

Long sandy beaches below rugged headlands, a craggy coastline with natural arches and secluded coves are features that make Sonoma Coast State Park one of California's most scenic attractions.

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Kayla and her big ball. Photo by Dave Kendrick.

Splash hits: Summer delights for water-loving dogs

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Fetch sun and sea on the San Francisco Peninsula

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Water fun near San Francisco Bay Area

Water fun near San Francisco Bay Area near me..

Water fun near San Francisco Bay Area

Water fun near San Francisco Bay Area

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