The Bay Area is one of the most unique in the United States. The architecture, vibe, year-round cool climate, and many attractions for humans and canines make it a destination for millions every year. There are many dog parks and beaches to let your pooch run off-leash, and plenty of restaurants, breweries, and shops that cater to dogs. Here is a list of the 15 best things to do with your dog in San Francisco.
1. Fisherman’s Wharf
This iconic district has great views, great food, and a fantastic vibe. Take a stroll on Pier 39 to see the classic carrousel, enjoy the smell of fresh seafood chowder, do some souvenir shopping, or take scenic pictures. You can also hop on a bay cruise with your pup, catch a trolly with your service dog, check out the mural art in Umbrella Alley and stay at one of the dog-friendly hotels in the area. Fisherman’s Wharf is bustling with many tourists and locals too.
2. Crissy Field
One of the more picturesque parks to let your furry friend run off-leash is Crissy Field. Enjoy the calm cool water on a summer day with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background. It is a very long park and beach area within walking distance of many other attractions. It is frequented by dog owners, and it’s a great place to build your dog’s confidence.
3. Black Hammer Brewing
This local brewery captures the essence of San Francisco, then adds bubbles and hops to produce amazing craft beers. With two locations, one in SoMa and the other in the Castro, enjoy one of the many eclectic brews. From hoppy to floral, the selection will tantalize your taste buds. They even have a hoppy non-alcoholic zero-calorie beer. They have plenty of outdoor seating and are pet-friendly. Black Hammer Brewing also serves food at the Castro location.
4. Union Square
If shopping is your thing, check out Union Square. You and your dog can walk to many hotels and venues, all of which are easy to get to. This shopping mall in the heart of the city is usually busting with locals and tourists alike. Union Square has everything from salons, restaurants, juice, and coffee shops to large department stores like Macy’s and Nordstrom, many of which are very welcoming to owners and pets.
5. Hotel Caza
This is a dog-friendly hotel located directly in the middle of Fisherman’s Wharf. One dog per room up to 50 pounds is allowed for a nightly fee. It has good reviews and comes with a full set of amenities to help you relax after touring the city. Hotel Caza is also within walking distance of Embarcadero, the pier district that runs along San Francisco Bay, a great place to walk your dog without fear of the unexpected.
6. Presidio National Park
Presidio National Park is a true national treasure. One of the more historic parts of San Francisco, it is home to a historic army fort, beaches, nature trails, Inns, museums, scenic vistas, and restaurants. Take an afternoon hike up Ecology Trail to Inspiration Point for a panoramic view of the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz, and Angel Island. You and your pooch will have a great time hiking!
7. Baker Beach
At the mouth of the bay and on the edge of the Presidio is Baker Beach. A great place to catch the sunset on a rare warm summer day, the water here can be a bit choppy but good to dip your toes in. It has more beautiful views of the Golden Gate Bridge and is a must-stop spot to enjoy the clean air coming off the Pacific Ocean.
8. Lombard Street
This destination is for the physically fit. Lombard Street, also known as the winding road is a tourist phenomenon. A short but very steep walk from Fisherman’s Wharf in Russian Hill, this iconic road is regularly flooded with tourists taking pictures and dodging traffic to get the best shot. It has appeared in many movies and TV shows including “Full House” and “Vertigo.” You can drive the street but a walk up the hill with your pup will be much more satisfying if they’re a high-energy breed.
9. Delores Park
This park in the Mission district is generally sunny, which makes it a hub for recreational activity with locals. Weekends here can be bustling with activity and Delores Park is a great place to socialize, have a picnic, and let your dog sniff around with other dogs. Close to the Painted Ladies and the Mission business district, make an afternoon of exploring, relaxing, and playing with your pooch.
10. Le Marcel Bakery
Your furry friend is going to love this shop stop. Not only does this pet boutique serve freshly baked goodies made especially for dogs, but Le Marcel Bakery sells toys, beds, carriers, and other pet accessories. If you love to spoil your pup, this is the best place in the city to treat them like the princes or princesses they know they are.
11. Red’s Java House
Located by the San Francisco-Oakland Bay bridge on the Embarcadero, this lunch spot is a great place to relax and refuel by the water. Have a beer, and a burger, and share some fries with your pooch before you finish a long day of hiking through the city. They have a great beer selection and make awesome bar eats. It has a greasy spoon feel with a bay view on the patio you can’t beat. Red’s Java House also serves breakfast seven days a week.
12. Novy
If you are looking for a more upscale dining experience to share with your doggie pal, check out Novy in the Noe Valley. In a very cute upscale neighborhood and close to amazing boutiques and shops, your inner foodie will love this restaurant. They feature Greek and Italian-inspired dishes.
13. Blue and Gold Fleet Bay Cruise
Enjoy a boat ride on the cool San Francisco Bay. Sitting back and relaxing on the water with your canine and a tour guide is an awesome experience. Most of the boats touring the bay have concessions and love dog owners. Easy to get to from public transportation or by foot., hop aboard right from Pier 39 in Fisherman’s Wharf. You can take a ride around the famous Alcatraz, under the Golden Gate Bridge, or take a sunset cruise. If your dog likes to swim, you can likely find a dog-friendly beach nearby!
They also have ferries to many routes along the bay in San Francisco or Oakland. Contact Blue and Gold Fleet for details, ports, and to book your trip.
14. Ocean Beach
This three-and-a-half-mile stretch of beach is on the west side of San Francisco in the Sunset district and is more of a local’s spot than other beaches. Ocean Beach has fire pits for beach fires on a first come first serve basis if you can get one. Dogs are allowed off-leash from stairwell 1oneto 21 and on-leash past that. It’s generally breezy but it has more of a beachy feel with no high rises in the background and a sunset view on a clear day if you’re lucky enough to catch one.
15. Golden Gate Bridge
This is one of the most recognizable landmarks and wonders of modern engineering in the world. A great place for a long dog walk, the Golden Gate Bridge is 1.7 miles long and 90 feet wide. There are wide walkways for pedestrians and bicyclists on either side with barriers for protection from passing vehicles.
According to History.com, “Its 4,200-foot main span between the two towers was the longest for a suspension bridge until 1981, while its 746-foot towers made it the tallest bridge of any type until 1993.” If you are lucky enough to get there on a clear afternoon you may even get to see the entirety of the bridge from top to bottom, as it is often foggy in the mornings and early evenings.
