Are you looking for the best spots in Oakland to take your furry best friend? Check out our list of the top dog-friendly outdoor spaces around town - updated for 2024.
Hey Oaklanders… Ready to get outside and have some fun in the sun with your favorite little furbaby? Great! Because there are tons of gorgeous places you can bring your pup to in Oakland, CA. Whether you’re looking for a dog park, dog-friendly beach, or just a dog-friendly green space, we’ll give you a list of all the top places to go in and around town.
And it’s no wonder that Oakland is nicknamed “bright side of the Bay.” With beautiful weather and blue skies like this… Who wouldn’t love to live or visit here with their precious pup? Whatever your doggy needs may be—we can help you find it!
If you’re looking for pet-friendly patios at delicious eateries, we’ll help guide the way. Click here to find the best dog-friendly restaurants, bars, and breweries in Oakland. Not only do they serve mouthwatering meals and great brews, but they’ll welcome your pup to their establishment with open arms.
And don’t forget about the local pet care businesses. Whether you need a cat sitter, dog walker, or pet groomer, just click here to find the top local pet care companies in town.
But if you’re ready for that fun in the sun… let’s get onto the list!
The 15 Best Dog-Friendly Beaches, Dog Parks, and Off-Leash Areas in Oakland, CA:
- Baker Beach
- Bolinas Beach
- Buchanan Dog Beach
- Crissy Field Marsh and Beach
- Dimond Park
- Esplanade Beach
- Fort Funston
- Grove Shafter Park
- Hardy Park and Dog Play Area
- Jefferson Square Park
- Joaquin Miller Park and Dog Run
- Lands End Beach
- Main Street Linear Dog Park
- Point Isabel Dog Park
- Redwood Regional Park
Baker Beach — 1770 Gibson Rd. San Francisco, CA 94129
Baker Beach is a free dog-friendly beach in the Bay Area with a great view of the Golden Gate Bridge. Because of its popularity, it can get pretty busy—so try going early in the day or on weekdays. Dogs are allowed to accompany you on this beach, but they must remain on-leash. And keep in mind that there is a strong riptide here, so swimming is discouraged.
Bolinas Beach — Ocean Pkwy And Evergreen Rd. Bolinas, CA 94924
Bolinas Beach is a popular dog-friendly beach. This one also gets busy on the weekends, so try visiting on a weekday. Dogs are welcome to play off-leash here. You’ll find many people playing water sports, hanging out with their dogs, or just enjoying some relaxation in the sun. And make sure to bring your own water and waste bags.
Buchanan Dog Beach — 24 Buchanan St, Albany, CA 94710
Buchanan Dog Beach is a dog-friendly area located at Albany Beach. Dogs can run, swim, and play off-leash here. This beach is a little smaller, quieter, and is a nice spot to relax on the sand, or splash and play with your pup.
Crissy Field Marsh and Beach — 1199 East Beach, San Francisco, CA 94123
Crissy Field Marsh and Beach is a dog-friendly park and beach where you can bring your pup for a fun afternoon outdoors. You can also enjoy great views of the Golden Gate Bridge here. And there’s a specific area of the beach where dogs are allowed to play and swim off-leash. This beach is also conveniently located near multiple restaurants and coffee shops, so you can swing by for a bite or drink to relax after.
Dimond Park — 3860 Hanly Rd, Oakland, CA 94602
Dimond Park is a gem nestled in the Dimond District, offering lush greenery and open spaces perfect for your furry friend to explore. With ample shade and benches for owners, it's an ideal spot to relax while your pup plays. The Sausal Creek running through the park adds to its serene ambiance, making it a peaceful retreat within the city.
Esplanade Beach — Esplanade Ave And W Beaumont Blvd. Pacifica, CA 94044
Esplanade Beach is a dog-friendly beach where pups can run free and off-leash. You can enjoy running and sitting on the soft sandy beach while having large, rocky cliffs right behind you. “This secluded beach can be accessed via a long set of switchback trails and stairs at the north end of Esplanade Drive, near the Lands End Apartments.” Just make sure to check for high tides before you visit because the beach is very narrow.
Fort Funston — Fort Funston Rd, San Francisco, CA 94132
Fort Funston is a dog-friendly park and beach where your pup is not only welcome to hang out, but they are free to run and play off-leash. It is not a fenced-in area, so make sure that your dog is good at coming back when called. Swimming isn’t recommended here—for humans or dogs. But your pup can still splash and play with you along the shore. You’ll love the beautiful views at Fort Funston of the beach right next to the rocky cliffs. And it’s a great place to come for some wildlife sightings.
Grove Shafter Park — M.L.K. Jr Way & 36th Street, Oakland, CA 94609
Grove Shafter Park has an off-leash dog park with two separate fenced-in areas for small and large dogs. This dog park is located in West Oakland. The park as a whole also provides a basketball court, skate park, and even walking trails. So you can let your pup run around off-leash with the other crazy canines for some fun playtime. Or you can take them on-leash for a relaxing stroll on the trails.
Hardy Park and Dog Play Area — 491 Hardy St, Oakland, CA 94618
Hardy Park and Dog Play Area is another great off-leash dog park where pups can run and play together inside a completely fenced-in enclosure. The dog park area has plenty of shade to keep your dog cool in the hot summer months. You can even join the “Hardy Dog Park Group” to connect with other pet parents, to volunteer, and to stay in the know about new improvements. And while you’re at Hardy Park, you can take a walk with your on-leash pup outside of the fenced-in area to check out the rest of the beautiful green space.
Jefferson Square Park — 618 Jefferson St., Oakland, CA 94607
Jefferson Square Park provides its furry guests with a fenced-in dog park where canines can play off-leash. The ground covering is gravel, and there is plenty of street parking nearby. The park itself also has a children’s playground. That’s what makes this park a great space for the whole family.
Joaquin Miller Park and Dog Run — 3590 Sanborn Dr, Oakland, CA 94602
Joaquin Miller Park and Dog Run is another one of the many great green spaces in Oakland for the whole family to enjoy. This 500-acre park provides an off-leash, fully fenced-in dog run. Or you can bring your dog around the rest of the park on-leash. There are tons of wooded trails, peaceful meadows, gorgeous views, and even picnic areas for the whole family to enjoy together.
Lands End Beach — 680 Point Lobos Ave, San Francisco, CA 94121
Lands End Beach is a dog-friendly beach with beautiful ocean views, as well as views of the Golden Gate Bridge, rocky cliffs, and a lighthouse. It just takes a short hike to get down to this beach, but it is peaceful and secluded. Your pup can enjoy playing, running, swimming, and splashing here off-leash. And you can enjoy the famous rock formations of Mile Rock Beach.
Main Street Linear Dog Park — Main St at Atlantic Ave, Alameda, CA 94501
Main Street Linear Dog Park is a fully fenced-in, off-leash dog park. There is just one fenced-in area for dogs of all sizes to play together. And they have a group of volunteers that help maintain this dog park, keep it clean, and even fill up water jugs, so your furbaby doesn’t get dehydrated. There are some trees, but not a ton. And there is plenty of green grass to go around.
Point Isabel Dog Park — 2701 Isabel St, Richmond, CA 94804
Point Isabel Regional Shoreline is a 23-acre park located in Richmond but is often referred to as the Point Isabel Dog Park! This park is a popular dog park that features trails, picnic areas, and a beach with stunning views of the San Francisco Bay. Point Isabel is known to be one of the largest off-leash dog parks in the United States, where dogs can roam freely and socialize with other dogs. The park also has a dog wash station, restrooms, and plenty of parking spaces for visitors. If you are a dog owner, Point Isabel Dog Park is a must-visit destination in the Bay Area.
Redwood Regional Park — 7867 Redwood Rd, Oakland, CA 94619
Redwood Regional Dog Park in Oakland is a popular destination for dog owners and their furry friends. The park is located in the hills of Oakland and features miles of hiking trails, picnic areas, and stunning views of the Bay Area. The off-leash dog park is a fenced-in area where dogs can run and play freely, and there are also several water fountains and waste stations available for use. Overall, Redwood Regional Dog Park is a great spot for a day trip with your dog.
Oakland Must Love Dogs!
With this many dog parks and dog-friendly beaches, it’s easy to see just how much Oakland loves its doggy citizens and visitors. Whether you live here, are moving here, or just want to stay for a short vacation… You and your furbaby will fit right in with all of the other dog-loving pet parents of Oakland, CA.
