FRIDAY FIVE
It is such a treat to have a dog in San Francisco. On cold, foggy nights, you don’t have to turn to Tinder to find someone to cozy up with—no, you are way above that and have your loyal best friend. But city life is not always a walk in the park for our furry friends. Tiny apartments with roommates and no backyards can lead to pent-up energy causing our dogs to act a little out of character. The best way to tire them out is to let them burn off their wild energy by taking them to a dog park. And lucky for you, San Francisco is home to several with expansive fields and gorgeous views that will make it a memorable trip for the both of you.
1. Fort Funston
If dog napping were a thing, this would be the place to do it. OK, that’s maybe not the best way to describe this park, but seriously, dogs abound here. Some would call it doggy heaven. This park is located on the southwestern corner of San Francisco and right on the beach. You and your dog can go for a nice hike together down a cliff and to the shore, where your little pup will likely make a new friend.
TBI tip: Look out for the hang gliders.
2. Rincon Hill Dog Park
For the more urban dog owners among us, this spot in SOMA has been called a “gem” by many who have stumbled upon it. Tucked away in between commercial apartment complexes and warehouses, this dog park has everything you need for a dog-friendly afternoon in San Francisco—including poop bags. There’s also a separate area for small dogs.
TBI tip: Walk a couple of blocks and take in a view of the bay.
3. Corona Heights Park
A small park for dogs, as in there isn’t that much space for them to run around in, but the uphill climb offers both exercise and a lovely 360-degree view of the city. It’s a great place for an urban hike with your pup, but watch out—on foggy afternoons it can get windy up there.
TBI tip: Watch out for kids if your pup doesn’t play well with them.
4. Bernal Heights Park
A hillside dog park that offers a beautiful view of the city. This is another park on top of a hill (notice a trend?). A 10-minute hike will lead you to an expansive park with trails. The parking lot is notably small, so be prepared to possibly park elsewhere. Like when you vist the other parks, don’t leave your jacket at home unless it’s a rare sunny day.
TBI tip: There’s a tree swing.
5. Buena Vista Park
A San Francisco staple. This lovely 36-acre park can be described by some as magical (especially during the golden hour). Tucked between the Haight and Cole Valley, it’s a place where dogs run wild and free. There’s also a communal feel to this park, as dog owners usually gather here every morning at 8:00 a.m.
TBI tip: Sometimes there are coyote warning signs, so keep your eyes peeled and your pups safe.
Hey! The Bold Italic recently launched a podcast, This Is Your Life in Silicon Valley. Check out the full season or listen to the episode below featuring Aarti Shahani, technology reporter at NPR. More coming soon, so stay tuned!
