A National Geographic article in 2006 talked about dogs in San Francisco’s Marina District having appointments with masseurs, acupuncturists, sitting on command to have their portraits taken and of course having their star charts read by their astrologers.

It was estimated that San Francisco at that time had 745,000 residents and 110,000 dogs packed into a 49 square mile area of land.

If you have just relocated to San Francisco and have a dog it is safe to say that San Francisco is still just as dog-friendly as it was in 2006. The North side of town made up of Pacific Heights, Cow Hollow and the Marina has several off-leash dog parks and dog play areas that may be of interest to you if you already have a dog, or plan on joining the crowd now that you are in town.

• Crissy Field – located at the end of Mason St in the Marina has 100 acres of walkable terrain that offers seacapes and also some unique views of this city by the bay at nearby Ft. Point.
  Note: California beach areas have some restricted access due to endangered species- click here for more information
• Mountain Lake Park – Located at 9th and Lake St.and built in 1875 by Willliam Howard Hall the architect of the Golden Gate Park, the dog walking area is located at the east end of the park. The park is home to small birds and ducks and at one time housed a white alligator someone once took for a walk there and left behind.
• Alta Plaza Park – a former rock quarry that was built in 1888. It is bordered by Clay St., Steiner, Jackson St and Scott St. and has 12 acres of dog walking area, public restrooms and is very popular with people who live in the area.
• Also located nearby, but not an off leash dog walking area is Lafayette Sq park that is popular with dog walkers. During some parts of the day in the tall Eucalyptus trees at the east end of the park you can find the famed “Parrots of Telegraph Hill” who were featured in a movie by Judy Irving, a well known San Francisco filmmaker.

On a sunny day in the Marina, Cow Hollow, or Pacific Heights you will find dog’s not only in the parks chasing frisbees, but also lounging in cafes along Union, Fillmore, or Chestnut street, because for a lot of San Franciscan’s dogs are really part of the family.

Posted By: Bill Wygant