Skip to content

Condé Nast readers go all-in for the San Francisco Bay Area

A vibrant dog park bathed in sunlight features abundant greenery with mature trees, offering ample shade for leisurely outdoor activities. In the distance is a well-equipped playground that presents an additional activity area. An inviting picnic table spreads out nearby, ideal for enjoying meals al fresco or taking relaxing breaks from play. A neatly-placed trash bin aids in maintaining the park's cleanliness for everyone's enjoyment. Dominating the scene is a generously wide dirt path gracefully curving through the expanse of grass, promising exploratory walks and lively fetch games.
Lobby of the Lodge at the Presidio. Photo by Paul Dyer.

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

A MarketWatch 2024 review of Trust for Public Land and other research determined which U.S. cities are the most dog-friendly by considering several factors, including walkability, pet-friendly restaurants, affordable veterinary care, and even squirrels to chase per square mile.

San Francisco ranked #1 for the best place for dog walkability, based upon year-round temperature and number of dog parks per capita. And about the most squirrels per square mile, San Francisco came in 5th. Please read more about three award-winning Bay Area hotels known for their over-the-top dog-friendly attitudes.

The Claremont Club & Spa, a Fairmont Hotel, is a DogTrekker favorite near the Berkeley/Oakland border. It ranked #23 in the recent Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards Best Hotels in the World. Known for a mix of nature access, history and modern charm, the Claremont welcomes well-behaved pets of any size for a $49 daily fee.

The restored retreat has one-of-a-kind views and elegant accommodations, plus a full-service spa, on-site dining and expansive grounds for on-leash exploration. 

Speaking of San Francisco, for the first time ever, two of the hotels in the Presidio have landed on the top 10 list of San Francisco’s finest hotels. Located in the City’s most scenic and dog-friendly area, the Lodge at the Presidio came in at #5 and the Inn at the Presidio #9. The properties are steps from the Main Post Lawn, where dog walkers are treated to bay and bridge views, and from the new Presidio Tunnel Tops park. Follow the stairs down to Crissy Field for on-leash trails and off-leash room to run.

 

Related stories from Berkeley

DogTrekker Two women with dogs sit at a patio table with wine glasses; PawSport Napa Valley logo appears on an orange background to the left.

New for you: DogTrekker’s ulti-mutt spring event guide

The start of spring brings warmer days, golden sunlight and brilliant wildflowers that brighten the...

Read More
Brown and white puppy on left, long-haired white and brown cat on right; center text: “Bark & Meow” adoption, Aug 23, Berkeley.

Bark and Meow Around the Block

Berkeley Humane’s annual Bark and Meow Around the Block returns Saturday, August 23, from 10...

Read More
A vibrant dog park bathed in sunlight features abundant greenery with mature trees, offering ample shade for leisurely outdoor activities. In the distance is a well-equipped playground that presents an additional activity area. An inviting picnic table spreads out nearby, ideal for enjoying meals al fresco or taking relaxing breaks from play. A neatly-placed trash bin aids in maintaining the park's cleanliness for everyone's enjoyment. Dominating the scene is a generously wide dirt path gracefully curving through the expanse of grass, promising exploratory walks and lively fetch games.

Capitol Corridor’s pet-friendly rail program marks successful first year

When the Capitol Corridor launched its “Pets Onboard” rail service a year ago, many Northern...

Read More
Puptopia

Paw-some events for the dog days of summer

With summer in full swing, pup-friendly festivals are popping up across California. Lucky dogs can...

Read More
A vibrant dog park bathed in sunlight features abundant greenery with mature trees, offering ample shade for leisurely outdoor activities. In the distance is a well-equipped playground that presents an additional activity area. An inviting picnic table spreads out nearby, ideal for enjoying meals al fresco or taking relaxing breaks from play. A neatly-placed trash bin aids in maintaining the park's cleanliness for everyone's enjoyment. Dominating the scene is a generously wide dirt path gracefully curving through the expanse of grass, promising exploratory walks and lively fetch games.

California’s top tail-wagging destinations: adventure awaits

Traveling with my dog has always transformed ordinary trips into unforgettable adventures. California, with its...

Read More
A vibrant dog park bathed in sunlight features abundant greenery with mature trees, offering ample shade for leisurely outdoor activities. In the distance is a well-equipped playground that presents an additional activity area. An inviting picnic table spreads out nearby, ideal for enjoying meals al fresco or taking relaxing breaks from play. A neatly-placed trash bin aids in maintaining the park's cleanliness for everyone's enjoyment. Dominating the scene is a generously wide dirt path gracefully curving through the expanse of grass, promising exploratory walks and lively fetch games.

DogTrekker’s official spring/summer event guide is live!

With sunlight lingering longer and wildflowers breaking into bloom, now’s the perfect time to play...

Read More
A vibrant dog park bathed in sunlight features abundant greenery with mature trees, offering ample shade for leisurely outdoor activities. In the distance is a well-equipped playground that presents an additional activity area. An inviting picnic table spreads out nearby, ideal for enjoying meals al fresco or taking relaxing breaks from play. A neatly-placed trash bin aids in maintaining the park's cleanliness for everyone's enjoyment. Dominating the scene is a generously wide dirt path gracefully curving through the expanse of grass, promising exploratory walks and lively fetch games.

DogTrekker’s official spring/summer event guide is live!

With sunlight lingering longer and wildflowers breaking into bloom, now’s the perfect time to play...

Read More
A vibrant dog park bathed in sunlight features abundant greenery with mature trees, offering ample shade for leisurely outdoor activities. In the distance is a well-equipped playground that presents an additional activity area. An inviting picnic table spreads out nearby, ideal for enjoying meals al fresco or taking relaxing breaks from play. A neatly-placed trash bin aids in maintaining the park's cleanliness for everyone's enjoyment. Dominating the scene is a generously wide dirt path gracefully curving through the expanse of grass, promising exploratory walks and lively fetch games.

Is the dog park the new dating scene in California?

Tired of swiping? Worried about flirting at work? Church picnics not your thing? For California...

Read More
Best friend for life concept, girl with her dog at a beach during sunset

Season of giving: support animal welfare organizations in California

As the season of giving unfolds, the DogTrekker team turns our hearts and pocketbooks towards...

Read More
A vibrant dog park bathed in sunlight features abundant greenery with mature trees, offering ample shade for leisurely outdoor activities. In the distance is a well-equipped playground that presents an additional activity area. An inviting picnic table spreads out nearby, ideal for enjoying meals al fresco or taking relaxing breaks from play. A neatly-placed trash bin aids in maintaining the park's cleanliness for everyone's enjoyment. Dominating the scene is a generously wide dirt path gracefully curving through the expanse of grass, promising exploratory walks and lively fetch games.

Condé Nast Traveler readers’ top Northern California hotel picks

The #1 priority topic among our DogTrekker community has always been recommendations for the most...

Read More
A vibrant dog park bathed in sunlight features abundant greenery with mature trees, offering ample shade for leisurely outdoor activities. In the distance is a well-equipped playground that presents an additional activity area. An inviting picnic table spreads out nearby, ideal for enjoying meals al fresco or taking relaxing breaks from play. A neatly-placed trash bin aids in maintaining the park's cleanliness for everyone's enjoyment. Dominating the scene is a generously wide dirt path gracefully curving through the expanse of grass, promising exploratory walks and lively fetch games.

Condé Nast Traveler readers’ top Northern California hotel picks

The #1 priority topic among our DogTrekker community has always been recommendations for the most...

Read More
A vibrant dog park bathed in sunlight features abundant greenery with mature trees, offering ample shade for leisurely outdoor activities. In the distance is a well-equipped playground that presents an additional activity area. An inviting picnic table spreads out nearby, ideal for enjoying meals al fresco or taking relaxing breaks from play. A neatly-placed trash bin aids in maintaining the park's cleanliness for everyone's enjoyment. Dominating the scene is a generously wide dirt path gracefully curving through the expanse of grass, promising exploratory walks and lively fetch games.

Check into a Berkeley classic, the Claremont Club & Spa

The top-rated hotel for discerning travelers visiting the Berkeley and Oakland area, Claremont Club &...

Read More

Related listings in Berkeley

DogTrekker

Residence Inn by Marriott Berkeley

Escape to the Gold Leed Certified Residence Inn by Marriott Berkeley for a rejuvenating getaway....

Read More
A vibrant dog park bathed in sunlight features abundant greenery with mature trees, offering ample shade for leisurely outdoor activities. In the distance is a well-equipped playground that presents an additional activity area. An inviting picnic table spreads out nearby, ideal for enjoying meals al fresco or taking relaxing breaks from play. A neatly-placed trash bin aids in maintaining the park's cleanliness for everyone's enjoyment. Dominating the scene is a generously wide dirt path gracefully curving through the expanse of grass, promising exploratory walks and lively fetch games.

Hotel Shattuck Plaza

Hotel Shattuck Plaza is located in a historic, mission-style building in Berkeley, where dogs are...

Read More
DogTrekker

Softpaws Pet Tech

Softpaws Pet Tech, located in Berkeley, Alameda County, in the vibrant East Bay Area, offers...

Read More
DogTrekker

Wizard of Paws

Wizard of Paws, located in Berkeley, Alameda County, is a premier destination for dog grooming...

Read More
DogTrekker

Holistic Hound

Holistic Hound, established in 2003, is a renowned pet boutique in Berkeley, Alameda County, offering...

Read More
A vibrant dog park bathed in sunlight features abundant greenery with mature trees, offering ample shade for leisurely outdoor activities. In the distance is a well-equipped playground that presents an additional activity area. An inviting picnic table spreads out nearby, ideal for enjoying meals al fresco or taking relaxing breaks from play. A neatly-placed trash bin aids in maintaining the park's cleanliness for everyone's enjoyment. Dominating the scene is a generously wide dirt path gracefully curving through the expanse of grass, promising exploratory walks and lively fetch games.

Tilden/Redwood Valley Railway

The Tilden Park Steam Train, also known as the Redwood Valley Railway, is located in...

Read More
DogTrekker

Berkeley Dog & Cat Hospital Special Veterinary Services

Berkeley Dog & Cat Hospital (BD&C) and Special Veterinary Services (SVS) has been the Bay...

Read More
DogTrekker

Rockhound Pets

Rockhound Pets offers a unique selection of pet accessories crafted with natural semi-precious stones, catering...

Read More

© 2026 DogTrekker.com