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Dog runs on Baker Beach come with an iconic SF view; photo by <a href="http://jamesngo.com/">James Ngo</a>
Dog runs on Baker Beach come with an iconic SF view; photo by James Ngo

Top Ten Picturesque Dog Parks in SF

By Esther Hahn
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Dog runs on Baker Beach come with an iconic SF view; photo by James Ngo
By Esther Hahn

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Dog parks in the city are great escapes from the everyday hustle and bustle of this tech-driven town. Even better that most options for running your dog in SF are set in lush landscapes, complete with killer views. There's a little something for everyone (and every dog) from hikes up steep hills to paddles in the Bay to sprints in meadows. So next time you and your four-legged friend check out one of these dog parks, remember to take your running shoes and your camera. There's no better framed print (or holiday card) than your better, furry half smiling huge with a stunning view in the background.


· Pet Week 2014 [Racked]

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Crissy Field

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Crissy Field is the classic, off-leash dog destination in SF. There's everything from a running path to grassy fields to beach time on the sand with sweeping views from the Golden Gate Bridge to Alcatraz. [Photo via]
1199 East Beach, San Francisco, CA 94129
(415) 561-7690
(415) 561-7690

Baker Beach

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This mile-long stretch of beach on the Pacific Ocean side of the peninsula offers panoramic views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Marin Headlands, and Lands End. Plan for a visit at low-tide for a run on the packed sand with your pooch. There are strong rip tides in the water so be aware if your dog loves to swim. [Photo by James Ngo]
1504 Pershing Dr, San Francisco, CA 94129
(415) 561-4323
(415) 561-4323

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Alamo Square Dog Park

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This dog park comes with a view of the Painted Ladies. Only the western half is off-leash, and there's no fencing to keep dogs off the streets, so this park is really for the view and a quick romp with puppy friends. [Photo via]
Steiner Street & Hayes Street, San Francisco, CA 94117

Golden Gate Dog Training Area

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Golden Gate Park has a few off-leash dog options scattered throughout the grounds, but this particular area comes with a direct view of the bison. So head over to this sandy enclosure to enjoy a mini-safari with your four-legged friend. [Photo via]
1237 John F Kennedy Drive, San Francisco, CA 94121

Buena Vista Park Dog Run

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A quick hike through this wooded park leads to a hilltop view of the Golden Gate Bridge. There's also a view of St. Ignatius Church from the western rim of the off-leash park. The one thing the park lacks is open space for full on dog play. [Photo via]
Buena Vista Park, San Francisco, CA 94117

Mission Dolores Park

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The hub of daytime Mission social activities is currently under construction. But come next year, Mission Dolores Park will feature dog parks, and owners will once again be able to enjoy cityscape views while their furry friends run and play. [Photo via]
Dolores St, San Francisco, CA 94110

Bernal Heights Park

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This park is wide, open, and (at times) steep. The climb to the top rewards both human and dog with 360-degree views of the city. [Photo via]
Bernal Heights Rd, San Francisco, CA 94110

Glen Canyon Park

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The NY Times describes this park as "a 70-acre swath of city-owned wilderness nestled in a sweeping ravine and just out of sight of several major roads." It's a magical slice of the city for jogs and hikes, but dogs must be kept on-leash. [Photo via]
Glen Canyon Park, San Francisco, CA 94131

Stern Grove Dog Park

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The large, open meadows are the main draw for this off-leash haven for dogs. Take a frisbee or a ball and let your pooch run to his or her content while you enjoy the view of the bordering tall trees. Or, a quick walk around the lake with pup in tow is just as pleasant. [Photo via]
Sloat Rd, San Francisco, CA 94132

Fort Funston

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Fort Funston's diverse and dramatic landscape is a Mecca for doggy playtime. It's like a choose-your-own-adventure story when you step out of your car in the parking lot. One route takes you through the dunes with city views while another zig zags down to the beach. Each visit will uncover something new to see. [Photo via]
500 Skyline Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94132

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Crissy Field

1199 East Beach, San Francisco, CA 94129
Crissy Field is the classic, off-leash dog destination in SF. There's everything from a running path to grassy fields to beach time on the sand with sweeping views from the Golden Gate Bridge to Alcatraz. [Photo via]
1199 East Beach, San Francisco, CA 94129
(415) 561-7690
(415) 561-7690

Baker Beach

1504 Pershing Dr, San Francisco, CA 94129
This mile-long stretch of beach on the Pacific Ocean side of the peninsula offers panoramic views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Marin Headlands, and Lands End. Plan for a visit at low-tide for a run on the packed sand with your pooch. There are strong rip tides in the water so be aware if your dog loves to swim. [Photo by James Ngo]
1504 Pershing Dr, San Francisco, CA 94129
(415) 561-4323
(415) 561-4323

Alamo Square Dog Park

Steiner Street & Hayes Street, San Francisco, CA 94117
This dog park comes with a view of the Painted Ladies. Only the western half is off-leash, and there's no fencing to keep dogs off the streets, so this park is really for the view and a quick romp with puppy friends. [Photo via]
Steiner Street & Hayes Street, San Francisco, CA 94117

Golden Gate Dog Training Area

1237 John F Kennedy Drive, San Francisco, CA 94121
Golden Gate Park has a few off-leash dog options scattered throughout the grounds, but this particular area comes with a direct view of the bison. So head over to this sandy enclosure to enjoy a mini-safari with your four-legged friend. [Photo via]
1237 John F Kennedy Drive, San Francisco, CA 94121

Buena Vista Park Dog Run

Buena Vista Park, San Francisco, CA 94117
A quick hike through this wooded park leads to a hilltop view of the Golden Gate Bridge. There's also a view of St. Ignatius Church from the western rim of the off-leash park. The one thing the park lacks is open space for full on dog play. [Photo via]
Buena Vista Park, San Francisco, CA 94117

Mission Dolores Park

Dolores St, San Francisco, CA 94110
The hub of daytime Mission social activities is currently under construction. But come next year, Mission Dolores Park will feature dog parks, and owners will once again be able to enjoy cityscape views while their furry friends run and play. [Photo via]
Dolores St, San Francisco, CA 94110

Bernal Heights Park

Bernal Heights Rd, San Francisco, CA 94110
This park is wide, open, and (at times) steep. The climb to the top rewards both human and dog with 360-degree views of the city. [Photo via]
Bernal Heights Rd, San Francisco, CA 94110

Glen Canyon Park

Glen Canyon Park, San Francisco, CA 94131
The NY Times describes this park as "a 70-acre swath of city-owned wilderness nestled in a sweeping ravine and just out of sight of several major roads." It's a magical slice of the city for jogs and hikes, but dogs must be kept on-leash. [Photo via]
Glen Canyon Park, San Francisco, CA 94131

Stern Grove Dog Park

Sloat Rd, San Francisco, CA 94132
The large, open meadows are the main draw for this off-leash haven for dogs. Take a frisbee or a ball and let your pooch run to his or her content while you enjoy the view of the bordering tall trees. Or, a quick walk around the lake with pup in tow is just as pleasant. [Photo via]
Sloat Rd, San Francisco, CA 94132

Fort Funston

500 Skyline Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94132
Fort Funston's diverse and dramatic landscape is a Mecca for doggy playtime. It's like a choose-your-own-adventure story when you step out of your car in the parking lot. One route takes you through the dunes with city views while another zig zags down to the beach. Each visit will uncover something new to see. [Photo via]
500 Skyline Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94132