Dog-friendly San Francisco CA: things to do in SF with a dog

Updated 20 Dec 2024

Live in San Francisco with a dog, and want to know where is safe to bring them along? No worries, fellow pet parent. Stick with us and explore our guide to dog-friendly San Francisco CA. 

Here we’ll guide you through the dog-friendly restaurants San Francisco has to offer. We’ll also list pet-friendly coffee shops, bars, walking trails and activities you can do with your canine companion in San Fran.

Always double check it’s okay to bring your pooch along - local business owners change, and so do rules around pet-friendliness. 

Dog-friendly restaurants San Francisco

One of the best ways to explore dog-friendly San Francisco is eating with your furry friend, of course. And luckily for foodie dog owners, there are heaps of dog-friendly restaurants in San Francisco. In fact, some even reward you for bringing your canine companion along!

So without any further ado, explore our handy list of the restaurants in SF that’ll welcome you and your dog.

Zazie

Not only is Zazie tip-free, this dog-friendly restaurant in San Francisco serves up well-reviewed French food. Plus on Mondays, you get $10 off a bottle of wine if you bring your dog with you!

Location: 941 Cole St, San Francisco, CA 94117, United States

Hook Fish

This was a dog-friendly restaurant recommended by our member @PVGemini who grew up in San Francisco’s suburbs. The restaurant welcomes furry friends and is great for fish lovers, serving up tacos, burritos, sandwiches and more.

Location: 4542 Irving St, San Francisco, CA 94122, United States

Kitchen Story

If you love Californian eats, head to Kitchen Story where you’ll find classics like burgers and benedicts. This SF dog-friendly restaurant welcomes pups, so you can dine for brunch or dinner in the company of your furry friend.

Location: 3499 16th St, San Francisco, CA 94114, United States

Palm House

For a taste of the Caribbean, head to this dog-friendly restaurant in SF - they even have a dog-friendly menu, serving up beef patties, liver gravy, bone broth, cookies and more.

Location: 2032 Union St, San Francisco, CA 94123, United States

Park Chalet

Like many of the best dog-friendly restaurants in San Francisco, Park Chalet serves up American fare for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner.

Location: 1000 Great Hwy, San Francisco, CA 94121, United States

AT Water Tavern

Enjoy water-side views and Californian dishes at this San Francisco dog-friendly restaurant, where pups are welcome on the outdoor patio.

Location: 295 Terry A Francois Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94158, United States

Blackwood

For a taste of Thailand, head to SF’s Blackwood where dogs are welcome, and you can choose from spring rolls, Thai soups like Tom Kha, curries and noodles.

Location: 2150 Chestnut St, San Francisco, CA 94123, United States

Beach Chalet Brewery and Restaurant

If you’re walking your dog at San Fran’s popular Golden Gate Park, this dog-friendly restaurant in San Francisco CA will be ideal for you both. Situated inside the park itself, dogs are more than welcome and you’ll be spoiled by its ocean views.

Location: 1000 Great Hwy, San Francisco, CA 94121, United States

Rose’s Cafe

If a laid-back Italian restaurant is more your thing, Rose’s welcomes dogs. You’ll have the chance to choose from homey classics like gorgonzola salad, bolognese and homemade soup of the day.

Location: 2298 Union St, San Francisco, CA 94123, United States

Delancey Street Restaurant

For a dog-friendly restaurant in San Francisco where all the money goes to a good cause, check out Delancey. It’s a key training school for the Delancey Street Foundation, where locals are housed and trained on-site while rebuilding their lives.

Location: 600 The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94107, United States

Sessions at the Presidio

Like a spot that serves up local craft beers as well as great food? Check out this gastropub which sits just on the edge of Presidio of San Francisco.

Location: 1 Letterman Dr, San Francisco, CA 94129, United States

Best dog parks in San Francisco CA

One of the best ways to explore dog-friendly San Francisco is to head to a local dog park. Luckily, there are heaps of off-leash dog parks to choose from, where dogs can run free, and you can meet other like-minded dog lovers. So without any further ado, explore the dog parks San Francisco has to offer with our handy list below.

Rincon Hill Dog Park

Sitting just next to the water, Rincon Hill dog park San Francisco is perfect for letting your dog off the leash. And as one of the fenced dog parks San Francisco has to offer, you don’t need to worry about your pooch going AWOL.

Location: Bryant St & Beale St, San Francisco, CA 94105, United States

Stern Grove Dog Park

Stern Grove dog park San Francisco CA is situated in the city’s Sunset District - the perfect local spot if you live in the area or you’re pet sitting.

Location: San Francisco, CA 94132, United States

Centennial Dog Park

For a well-reviewed space for walkies and games of fetch, head to Centennial dog park in south San Francisco for off-leash fun.

Location: SSF, Centennial Way Trail, South San Francisco, CA 94080, United States

Upper Douglass dog play area

Head to Douglass dog park San Francisco for a vast area of land to let your pooch run free, and find water stations, poop dispensers and trash cans.

Location: 800-898 27th St, San Francisco, CA 94131, United States

Walter Haas Dog Park

If you’re after an enclosed dog park in San Francisco, Walter Haas is ideal for pet parents with small pups.

Location: 8515 Diamond Heights Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94131, United States

Field of Dogs

As the name suggests, this dog park is ideal if you’re a local safe space to roam with your pooch. The field is ¾ acre, and complete with picnic tables, water faucets and benches.

Location: McLaren Park, San Francisco, CA 94134, United States

Dog Play Area, Alamo Square

Live in central San Fran? Alamo Square dog park San Francisco is likely minutes away from you and your pooch.

Location: Alamo Square Park, Steiner St &, Hayes St, San Francisco, CA 94117, United States

Lafayette Park Dog Play Area

For great views of the ocean and a safe space for your pooch to run free and meet other pups, head to this dog park in San Francisco CA.

Location: Lafayette Park, San Francisco, CA 94109

Channel Street Dog Park

Just next to Mission Creek channel, this dog park in San Francisco is a small community dog park, popular with local pet parents.

Location: 738 Long Bridge Street, San Francisco, CA 94158

Mountain Lake Park Dog Play Area

Situated right next to San Francisco’s Mountain Lake, this dog park is the ideal place to let your pooch run free after soaking up the lake’s views.

Location: 1 Funston Ave, San Francisco, CA 94118

John McLaren Park

If you live in southeastern San Francisco, this dog park is likely on your doorstep. With over 3 acres of land where your pooch can run free, it’s the ideal spot to meet other dogs and pet owners.

Location: 100 John F Shelley Dr, San Francisco, CA 94134

Alta Plaza park

If you live anywhere near San Francisco’s Pacific Heights neighborhood, Alta Plaza (dog) park San Francisco is a public space with stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Dogs can enjoy time off-leash on the paved pathways and sloped grass area of the southeast corner of the park.

Location: Jackson St. &, Steiner St, San Francisco, CA 94115, United States

Balboa Park dog play area

Balboa dog park San Francisco is part of the larger park where sports communities play soccer and tennis. If you explore outside of the dog play area, be sure to keep your pooch on the leash.

Location: San Francisco, CA 94112, United States

Berry Street dog park 

If you live anywhere near Bayside village, Berry Street dog park San Francisco is the perfect place to let your dog off the leash and socialize with other pups.

Location: 451 Berry St, San Francisco, CA 94158, United States

Dog-friendly coffee shops San Francisco

Our guide to dog-friendly San Francisco wouldn’t be complete without a pit stop at the dog-friendly coffee shops San Francisco has to offer. So, fancy a coffee? Take a look below for cafes that’ll welcome you and your canine companion.

• Java Beach Cafe. 1396 La Playa St, San Francisco, CA 94122, United States
• Stable Cafe. 2128 Folsom St, San Francisco, CA 94110, United States
• Le Cafe du Soleil. 400 Waller St, San Francisco, CA 94117, United States
• Golden Island Cafe. 1300 Noriega St, San Francisco, CA 94122, United States
• Xochi the Dog, Cafe. 1038 E 21st St, Oakland, CA 94606, United States
• Atlas Cafe. 3049 20th St, San Francisco, CA 94110, United States
• The Mill. 736 Divisadero St, San Francisco, CA 94117, United States
• Earth Tone Cafe. 1097 Irving St, San Francisco, CA 94122, United States
• Another Cafe. 1191 Pine St, San Francisco, CA 94109, United States
• Flywheel Coffee Roasters. 672 Stanyan St, San Francisco, CA 94117, United States

And for a true local’s recommendation, check out Cafe Seventy8, recommended by our member @Catgoddess_99, a ‘local San Franciscan’.

“One of my favorite cafes, Cafe Seventy8 located in Bernal Heights on the border of Noe Valley is dog-friendly and have treats on the counter for pups.”

Dog-friendly brunch San Francisco

Want to meet a friend for brunch in the city but not sure where you can bring your pooch? Check out these dog-friendly San Francisco brunch spots below.

• Sweet Maple. 2101 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA 94115, United States
• Kitchen Story. 3499 16th St, San Francisco, CA 94114, United States
• Chloe’s cafe. 1399 Church St, San Francisco, CA 94114, United States
• Palm House. 2032 Union St, San Francisco, CA 94123, United States
• Friends With Benedict's Pop Up Brunch. Elks Lodge, 450 Post St 3rd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94102, United States
• Mama's On Washington Square. 1701 Stockton St, San Francisco, CA 94133, United States

Fun dog-friendly activities, San Francisco

In dog-friendly San Francisco, there are countless activities where your pooch is totally welcome. From local parks where you can take your pup on a leash to bakeries for dogs, you won’t be short of things to do with your furry friend. So without any further ado, take a look below for more dog-friendly things to do in San Francisco.

Golden Gate park 

San Fran’s Golden Gate Park is a must for locals and visitors alike. It’s a park popular with pet parents, boasting a dog play area made especially for pet owners and their canine companions.

Location: 6335 Fulton St, San Francisco, CA 94121, United States

Crissy Field

For incomparable views of Golden Gate bridge and the Bay, head to Crissy Field for a dog-friendly place to walk, run and experience the city.

Location: San Francisco, CA 94129, United States

Le Marcel Bakery for Dogs

Did you know that sweet shops for dogs exist in San Francisco? Well this dog bakery in SF is the perfect dog-friendly activity. Your pup can choose from dog-friendly cookies, pastries, and all kinds of other meaty, nutritious treats.

Location: 2066 Union St, San Francisco, CA 94123, United States

Dogue

If you’re looking for dog-friendly indoor places in San Francisco, Dogue offers up fresh whole foods for pups, all made by chefs. If you fancy treating your canine companion, head to Dogue on a Sunday, where the spot turns into a dog cafe.

Location: 988 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94110, United States

16th Avenue Tiled Steps

This work of art (AKA a very colorful set of steps, also known as the Moraga Steps), leads up to Grandview Park and makes for the ideal exercise for you and your pup.

Location: 16th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94122, United States

Tunnel Top Park Presidio

Another of San Francisco’s dog friendly places is Tunnel Top Park Presidio, where you can explore the outdoor areas of the Presidio with your dog on a leash.

Location: 210 Lincoln Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94129, United States

Black Bird Bookstore

If you love nothing more than curling up with a book or simply searching for your next favorite cover, head to Black Bird Bookstore, where well-behaved dogs are welcome.

Location: 4541 Irving St, San Francisco, CA 94122, United States

Misalignment Museum

It’s not often that museums are dog-friendly, so make the most of your dog’s company and learn about AI at San Francisco’s Misalignment Museum.

Location: 1699 3rd St. San Francisco, CA, 94158

Palace of Fine Arts

Originally built in 1915 for the Panama-Pacific International Exposition as an art exhibit, the grounds are now open to the public, and dogs must be kept on a leash.

Location:601 Lyon St, San Francisco, CA 94123, United States

Marina Green

This park and garden was recommended by our member @PVGemini - a San Francisco local who knows the city better than most. Leashed dogs are welcome here, and our member recommends getting takeout from Souvla and sitting by the water - sounds like the perfect dog-friendly afternoon!

Location: Marina Green, San Francisco, CA 94123, United States

Best dog-friendly hikes San Francisco

Dog-friendly San Francisco wouldn’t be complete without walkies. While the city certainly boasts multiple dog parks, there are also heaps of other spots perfect for a longer walk. So with that in mind, let’s take a look at San Francisco’s dog-friendly hikes, walking trails and popular walking spots.

Fort Funston

Fort Funston is one of the most popular walking areas in San Francisco, and is home to many dog-friendly off-leash trails. When planning your walk, be sure to double check that the area you’re exploring is open to dogs off-leash. Otherwise, keep your furry friend on the leash.

Location: Fort Funston Rd, San Francisco, CA 94132, United States

Lands End Trail

This is a popular coastal spot with runners, walkers and lovers of the outdoors. Be sure to keep your pooch on a leash at all times, and bring water for your dog.

Location: Lands End Trail, San Francisco, CA 94121, United States

Bernal Heights Park trail

Head to Bernal Heights for impressive views of Golden Gate Bridge, San Bruno Mountain, San Francisco Bay, and downtown. You’ll find a dog play area, but when exploring elsewhere, keep your pooch on a leash. 

Location: Bernal Heights Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94110, United States

Tilden Regional Park

With over 2000 acres of hiking trails and paths for horseback riding, Tilden Regional Park is just a 20-minute drive out of central San Francisco.

Location: 2501 Grizzly Peak Blvd, Orinda, CA 94563, United States

Twin Peaks

Explore Twin Peaks for impressive views of the city and a walk at elevation with your pooch. If you’re wondering - is Twin Peaks dog-friendly - the answer is yes, but keep your canine companion on a leash.

Location: Twin Peaks, San Francisco, United States

Barbary Coast Trail

If history is your thing, head to Barbary Coast Trail (with your dog on a leash) to experience historic sites and landmarks from the California Gold Rush.

Location: Barbary Coast Trail, San Francisco, United States

Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park

This is a stunning park of natural beauty just a 25-minute drive from central San Francisco. Plus, dogs can roam the park off-leash if kept under control (apart from Stream Trail and Serpentine Prairie Trail, where they must be kept on the leash).

Location: 7867 Redwood Rd, Oakland, CA 94619, United States

Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve

If you’re looking for a dog-friendly hike near San Francisco, Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve is only 30 minutes in the car. Dogs are allowed off-leash, but pet parents, dog walkers and sitters must be carrying a leash, and dogs should be responsive to voice commands.

Location: Redwood City, CA 94062, United States

Corona Heights Park

If you’re interested in getting to know your local wildlife, this park is filled with Douglas iris, checkerbloom, mule’s ears and more during the spring. You’ll also find Corona Heights dog park play area, where your dog can run free, off-leash.

Location: 263 Roosevelt Way, San Francisco, CA 94114, United States

Annual dog events in San Francisco

Depending on the season, you’ll find a variety of dog-friendly San Francisco activities. Whether it’s a local meet-up, dog show or a dog-friendly competition, there are various activities where pet owners can meet like-minded animal-lovers, and pets can socialize with each other. For a taste of San Francisco’s dog-friendly activities, take a look below.

Your Average Joe’s Dog Show

If your furry friend loves the limelight, head to Your Average Joe’s Dog Show in Gold Bar Whiskey Distillery Tasting Room. The event is usually held in November, but check the website for specific dates and times.

Cost: $0 – $15

Location: 1 Avenue of the Palms #167, San Francisco, CA 94130, United States

Palm House Bark Bash

Love Halloween and got a pooch who loves nothing more than socializing with other dogs and humans? Head to Palm House Bark Bash and be sure to check the website for the yearly date and time.

Cost: $0 – $33.85

Location: 2032 Union St, San Francisco, CA 94123, United States

Dog Days of Summer

Meet other dogs and pet parents at this yearly dog-friendly brunch event.

Cost: Free entry

Location: 250 Main St, San Francisco, CA 94105, United States

Paint for Paws Fundraising

This event isn’t strictly with dogs, but it’s for dogs. And as a pet lover, we thought you might want to hear about it. The clue is in the name, so head to Nido’s to paint your heart out and raise money for California Bully Rescue.

Cost: Free entry

Location: 104 Oak St, Oakland, CA 94607, United States

The best dog-friendly bars in San Francisco

• Holy Water. 309 Cortland Ave, San Francisco, CA 94110, United States
• Tornado. 547 Haight St, San Francisco, CA 94117, United States
• Bender’s Bar and Grill. 806 S Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA 94110, United States
• Dogpatch Saloon. 2496 3rd St, San Francisco, CA 94107, United States
• Park Chalet. 1000 Great Hwy, San Francisco, CA 94121, United States
• Doc’s Clock. 2417 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110, United States
• Molotov’s. 582 Haight St, San Francisco, CA 94117, United States
• Fireside Bar. 603 Irving St, San Francisco, CA 94122, United States
• Woods Lowside. 530 Haight St, San Francisco, CA 94117, United States
• Black Hammer Brewing Company. 544 Bryant St, San Francisco, CA 94107, United States

Dog beaches, San Francisco

It’s no secret that dogs simply love the beach, and luckily for you and your canine companion, there are a number of dog beaches in San Francisco. So, as part of your city exploration of dog-friendly San Francisco, head to one of the beaches below that welcome dogs. And remember, always check the rules when planning your trip, and be sure to stick to the correct trails, or you could face a ticket.

• Ocean Beach. Ocean Beach, San Francisco, CA, United States
• Crissy Field East Beach. San Francisco, CA 94129, United States
• Baker Beach. Baker Beach, San Francisco, CA, United States
• Bolinas Beach. Bolinas Beach, California, United States
• Pacifica Esplanade Beach. 360 Esplanade Ave, Pacifica, CA 94044, United States
• Rodeo Beach. Rodeo Beach, California 94941, United States
• Thornton State Beach. Thornton Beach Rd, Daly City, CA 94015, United States
• Mile Rock Beach. Lands End Trail, San Francisco, CA 94121, United States

Tips for pet parents

For pet parents like you living in San Francisco, it should hopefully be clear by now that there is a lot to do with dogs. From dog-friendly cafes to local dog meet-ups, restaurants and bars, you aren’t short of places to enjoy with your furry friend.

But what happens when the time comes to take a vacation, away from your home in San Francisco? Well did you know that vets agree pets are happier kept in the comfort of home? 

Yup, your dog will be a whole lot happier in your San Fran home, kept in the company of a verified sitter - over a cramped kennel, any day.

So if you’re heading off for vacation any time soon, click below to find out how welcoming a house sitter in San Francisco works.

Tips for pet sitters

Staying in San Francisco soon, or thinking about pet sitting in the city? Great choice, fellow pet lover. 

Well now you know just how much you could be getting up to with your new furry friends, why not take a look at how securing a house sit works? 

In exchange for caring for pets in the comfort of their own home, you get a place to stay in spots you’ve always dreamed of. Click below to find out more.

Useful resources

• The 10 best solo hiking trips in the US for female travelers
• 8 dog cafes in NYC (that actually allow dogs inside)
• The most dog-friendly cities in the world