Dog-friendly Berkeley CA: things to do in the city

Live in California with a furry friend or house sitting in Berkeley, and want something to do in the city? 

Look no further than this handy guide to dog-friendly Berkeley. Below we explore a list of cafes, walks, dog parks and the dog-friendly restaurants Berkeley has to offer. 

Be sure to share this city guide with your pet sitter so that your pooch has the ultimate staycation while you’re out of town.

Dog-friendly restaurants in Berkeley

Dining with your four-legged friends is a real treat, so find a list of the pet-friendly restaurants in Berkeley below. Before turning up, be sure to call ahead to check the dog policy - local businesses are entitled to change these at any time, so it’s always worth double checking.

Jupiter

In the mood for home-brewed beers and wood-fired pizza? Well your furry friend doesn’t have to miss out on any of the fun - head to Jupiter’s pet-friendly patio for well-reviewed pizza and a popular craft beer menu.

Location: 2181 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, CA 94704, United States

In the Wood

Popular with local dog owners, this pet-friendly gastropub is perfect for a midday snack or evening bite to eat with your furry friend. Choose from an eclectic global menu of soups, pasta dishes, salads and tacos.

Location: 2930 College Ave, Berkeley, CA 94705, United States

La Note

Head to La Note’s dog-friendly patio for classic French bites for breakfast, brunch  or lunch - whether it’s les ouefs, pain perdu or a simple salad that takes your fancy.

Location: 2377 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, CA 94704, United States 

Creekwood 

Got a craving for Neapolitan-style pizza? Head to Creekwood - a modern Italian restaurant with an American twist.

Location: 3121 Sacramento St, Berkeley, CA 94702, United States

El Patio

More of a meat on the grill kind of diner? Head to El Patio’s dog-friendly garden for a delicious feast in a pet-friendly environment.

Location: 2056 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley, CA 94702, United States

Angeline's Louisiana Kitchen

Bringing the flavors of New Orleans to Berkeley, choose from jambalaya, gumbo and beignets at Angeline’s Louisiana Kitchen.

Location: 2261 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, CA 94704, United States

Skates on the Bay

For a dog-friendly restaurant serving up classic American fare with waterfront views, look no further than Skates on the Bay which has been described as ‘a memorable dining experience’ by locals.

Location: 100 Seawall Dr, Berkeley, CA 94710, United States

The Berkeley Boathouse

San Francisco skyline views - hello! Head to The Berkeley Boathouse - a dog-friendly restaurant with an impressive outdoor seating area, brunch classics and an upmarket dinner menu.

Location: 200 Marina Blvd, Berkeley, CA 94710, United States

The Smokehouse

Want somewhere low-key to grab a bite to eat with your furry friend? Head to the Smokehouse - a dog-friendly hamburger restaurant on Telegraph Avenue.

Location: 3115 Telegraph Ave, Berkeley, CA 94705, United States

Dog-friendly breweries in Berkeley

Fancy a drink with your furry best pal? Check out the pet-friendly breweries and pubs in Berkeley, where you’ll find craft ales and local beers.

Way Station Brew

Whether it’s a quick coffee you’re after or a beer from local breweries, head to Way Station Brew where your furry friend is more than welcome.

Location: 2120 Dwight Way, Berkeley, CA 94704, United States

Headlands Brewing

Stopping for a beer or fancy something to eat? Check out Headlands Brewing's eclectic menu that pairs perfectly with a cold one.

Location: 1280 Gilman St, Berkeley, CA 94702, United States

Drake’s Dealership

Located in a former auto-shop, Drake’s Dealership is a popular taproom with local beer lovers and pet parents alike.

Location: 2325 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612, United States

Gilman Brewing Company

If you’re serious about your beer, check out Gilman Brewing Company - a neighbourhood taproom. Choose from delicious house-brewed pints and Detroit-style pizzas, and enjoy with a view of the brewing tanks.

Location: 912 Gilman St, Berkeley, CA 94710, United States

Fieldwork Brewing Company

Popular amongst Berkeley’s craft beer community, Fieldwork Brewing Company isn’t one to be missed - enjoy this spot’s outdoor seating area and vast beer menu.

Location: 1160 Sixth St, Berkeley, CA 94710, United States

Dog-friendly activities in Berkeley

Between trying the dog-friendly restaurants Berkeley has to offer, want to know about a few pet-friendly things to do in Berkeley? Make a start with our list of dog-friendly activities below.

Head to a local dog park

Dog parks are the perfect place to let your pooch burn off some energy, and are a great way to meet local pet lovers if you’re house sitting in Berkeley. Find a list of the city’s neigborhood dog parks below, and get planning your pet-friendly day out.

Locations: 

• Oholone dog park, 1800 Hearst Ave, Berkeley, CA 94703, United States
• Point Isabel dog park, 2701 Isabel St, Richmond, CA 94804, United States
• Bruce King Memorial dog park, Ohlone Greenway, El Cerrito, CA 94530, United States

Explore city parks and gardens

One great way to get to know a city - and sometimes its history - is to explore local parks and gardens. Often popular with dog walkers, check out Berkeley’s parks and gardens, and remember to always check the signage before entering with your dog, or considering letting them off the leash.

Locations: 

• Cesar Chavez Park. 11 Spinnaker Way, Berkeley, CA 94710, United States
• Willard Park. 2730 Hillegass Ave, Berkeley, CA 94705, United States
• Codornices Park. 1201 Euclid Ave, Berkeley, CA 94708, United States
• Live Oak Park. 1301 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, CA 94709, United States

Dog-friendly hikes in Berkeley

It’s no secret that a dog’s favorite thing to do is - you guessed it - walk. Luckily for pet parents and Berkeley’s pet sitters, the city is surrounded by green spaces perfect for walking and hiking with your furry friends. Find a few places to walk with your dog in and around the city below, and remember to always double check the signage and local rules before arriving.

Claremont Canyon Regional Preserve

Explore the dog-friendly trails of Claremont Canyon Regional Preserve - including Stonewall-Panoramic Trail, where you can soak up the incredible views of Oakland, Berkeley, San Francisco Bay, and the Golden Gate Bridge. Be sure to keep your dog on a leash for all of Claremont Canyon’s dog-friendly trails.

Location: Claremont Ave, Berkeley, CA 94705, United States

Strawberry Canyon

Head to Strawberry Canyon’s dog-friendly fire trails for scenic views and off-leash zones. Keep an eye out for the Redwood trees and Californian poppies during your hike.

Location: Centennial Dr, Berkeley, CA 94705, United States

Lake Anza Trails

Just a ten-minute drive out of central Berkeley, Lake Anza is the perfect place to get out of the city’s hustle and bustle with your furry pal. Keep them on a leash and enjoy scenic views of the lake - the ideal way to spend an afternoon with your canine companion.

Location: Lake Anza, California 94708, Berkeley, CA 94708, United States

Grizzly Peak

For panoramic views of Berkeley and beyond, explore Grizzly Peak’s dog-friendly trails. If you plan on summiting, make sure both you and your dog are fully prepared for the strenuous hike.

Location: 3092-3148 Grizzly Peak Blvd, Berkeley, CA 94705, United States

Dog-friendly cafes in Berkeley

Whether you’re on your way to a morning hike or you’d simply rather not leave your pooch at home on the coffee run, you won’t be short of coffee shops in dog-friendly Berkeley. Make a note of the pet-friendly cafes and coffee shops the city has to offer below.

• Cafe Leila. 1724 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley, CA 94702, United States
• The Hidden Cafe. 1250 Addison St Suite 111, Berkeley, CA 94702, United States
• Artis Coffee. 1717 Fourth St B, Berkeley, CA 94710, United States
• My Coffee Roastery. 2080 Martin Luther King Jr Way, Berkeley, CA 94704, United States
• Cafe Réveille. 760 Hearst Ave Suite 102, Berkeley, CA 94710, United States
• Tomate Cafe. 2265 Fifth St, Berkeley, CA 94710, United States
• Peets Coffee. 2124 Vine St, Berkeley, CA 94709, United States

Tips for pet parents

So you’re all set for a day out in dog-friendly Berkeley - follow our tips below for keeping your pooch happy and safe while you’re both in and out of the city.

• Explore Berkeley’s taproom scene. Did you know that there are a few popular taprooms and breweries across the city that welcome dogs? Check them out to connect with likeminded beer and pet lovers.
• Plan a hike. Berkeley is surrounded by stunning areas of natural beauty to explore with your furry friends, so plan a hike if your dog is up to it.
• Plan ahead for your vacation. With so many dog-friendly places to explore, why not keep your pooch happy at home next time you’re away on a trip? Vets agree our furry friends are more content in their own environment, so connect with an in-home pet sitter to give your pooch the ultimate staycation, and click below to find out how.

Tips for pet sitters

Fancy exploring California with a furry friend by your side, every step of the way? We thought so! Check out our tips for house sitting in Berkeley below.

• Explore nearby pet parks. There’s nothing like a local dog park run for getting to know the local neighborhood and likeminded pet lovers you’re surrounded by.
• Dine with your furry pal. Berkeley is brimming with dog-friendly places to eat, so treat yourself (and your new canine friend) for an evening out.
• Ask pet parents for advice. If you’re unsure about whether your new furry friend will enjoy your dog-friendly plans, run it by their pet parents first.
• Explore Berkeley through house sitting. So, want to exchange in-home pet care and get a place to stay in return? Naturally - click below to find out how it works.

Useful resources

• Dog-friendly Oakland: things to do in Oakland with a dog
• Dog-friendly San Francisco CA: things to do in SF with a dog
• Dog-friendly San Jose: Things to do in San Jose with a dog
• A dog-friendly guide to Pittsburgh: things to do in Pittsburgh with your dog
• Dog-friendly guide to Sacramento: things to do in Sacramento with a dog