Walk down any street in San Francisco and you’ll see quickly that it’s a very dog-friendly place. On the other hand, if you want to get out of the city and hike with your furry friend, your options are (unfortunately) more limited. A lot of the local and state parks and beaches surrounding San Francisco don’t allow dogs on trails, making it a challenge to find a great place to hike. Don’t worry, though. We’ve put together a guide to dog-friendly hiking areas within an hour of the city for you and your doggie. All you’ll need to worry about is bringing plenty of water and treats (for both of you, that is.)

Fort Funston

Courtesy of Doggoes

Don’t have a car or desire to leave the city? Just head to Fort Funston at the edge of Lakeshore with your dog via MUNI. Look for Fort Funston Trail a 1.9-mile dog-friendly loop with plenty of pooches around to keep you company. The trail features sandy bluffs, magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean on a sunny day, and plenty of wildflowers. Parts of the trail are also leash-free, so your dog can run free and enjoy. 

Marin Headlands

Marin Headlands just north of the Golden Gate Bridge

You and your dog have plenty of options for hiking in the scenic Marin Headlands located just beyond the Golden Gate Bridge close to Sausalito. There are three trails to choose from where they can walk leash-free: Wolf Ridge Loop, the Loop Trail starting in the Rodeo Beach parking lot, and the Coastal Trail from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Wolf Ridge Loop. Your dog can also run leash-free on Rodeo Beach. 

Mori Point

People Enjoying Mori Point

Pacifica is a dog-friendly beach town, only a 20-30 minute drive from the city. You and your pooch will enjoy hiking along the jagged ocean cliffs at Mori Point. You’ll find three miles of dog-friendly trail with plenty of scenic spots to rest and take selfies with your best pal. Take note that parts of the Coastal Bluff Trail can be narrow and steep, so take care. Also, note that the beach near the trail has a very strong current/rip tide and typically isn’t safe for dogs or humans to swim in.

Redwood Regional Park

Two dogs amongst the trees in Redwood Regional Park

Heading to the East Bay is another close option for hiking, and Redwood Regional Park near Oakland is only a short drive from San Francisco. In the park, you’ll find 1,830 acres of wildernessess, gorgeous redwoods, and 40 miles of hiking trails for all fitness levels to enjoy. Most of the trails are dog-friendly, but be sure to observe all the signs. Note: There’s a $5 charge per vehicle to park, and a $2 charge for dogs to enter the park on weekends.

Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve

Tree-lined trail at Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve

Another option is head south with your dog to the Pulgas Ridge Trails near Palomar Park in Redwood City. The open space preserve features 366-acres of beautiful nature, six miles of trails, and an off-leash area that’s popular with dogs of all sizes. The 17.5-acre off-leash area is accessible via the Cordilleras Trail, Polly Geraci/Hassler Trails, and the Blue Oak Trail. Whatever path you choose, you’ll be rewarded during your hike with gorgeous Bay and hill views and patches of wildflowers. Take note though, parts of the trails are not shaded and can get hot, so be sure to pack plenty of water and a hat for yourself.