One of the many perks of being a dog walker in San Francisco is getting to experience all the beautiful parks throughout the city. At Sniff and Go, we love walking safely on-leash — this allows the dogs in our care to take in all the sniffs and sounds, in an environment that still allows for awareness of our surroundings.
When you’re looking for a place to go have some fun with your pup, hitting up the local dog park is a great idea. That’s why we compiled the top 9 in San Francisco.
Click the titles for more details and maps.
MISSION DOLORES PARK
19th and Dolores Street, San Francisco, CA 94114
Mission Dolores is a hot spot for both humans and pups! Our favorite view is from the top of the park, at Church St and 20th St. The sweeping views of the city are breathtaking! There is an open off-leash area for those doggos with excellent recall. For the rest of us, we love getting our steps in, while walking up and down the small rolling hills of Dolores Park.
ALAMO SQUARE
Hayes and Steiner, San Francisco, CA 94117
Pre-covid, one of our favorite things to do at Alamo Square, was to say hi to the tourists (and snap a friendly pic so their whole party can be in the memory:)) while secretly feeling lucky that we get to visit this park any and every day! We love walking by the Painted Ladies on Steiner St, however, the whole park is lovely to explore. Remember that all SF parks are designated on-leash, except for specific off-leash areas. Alamo Square has its own special spot for those off-leash runners!
PRECITA PARK
3200 Folsom St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Picture one perfectly, grass-filled, rectangle, flanked by local small businesses and the most colorful murals… that is Precita Park. This park is super dog friendly, there is a great toddler park and your choice of small coffee shops and diners. Because of the size of this park, all dogs should be on-leash. The nearest off-leash area is right up the hill at Bernal Heights Park.
LAFAYETTE PARK
Gough & Washington St, San Francisco, CA 94109
The views from Lafayette Park will make you want to keep coming back for more. The views to the north overlook Alcatraz and surrounding the park are many classic victorian homes of Pacific Heights. There is a great off-leash dog park, however, our daily walks are set on covering every path and sniff Lafayette has to offer.
FORT MASON
Bay St, San Francisco, CA 94123
Did you know that there is a park within 10 minutes of every location in San Francisco? The Great Meadow at Fort Mason shows off how San Franciscans get to walk outside and spend a couple of hours enjoying the Golden Gate Bridge in the distance while also being incredibly close to Ghiradelli Square and Fisherman’s Wharf. The open space is great for lots and lots of walkies!
ORACLE PARK
24 Willie Mays Plaza, San Francisco, CA 94107
I get it, the kids play baseball here:). But can you imagine how scrumptious the ballgame bites might smell to your furry friend?! It can be tough to walk by this spot before and after an actual event due to the high number of people, however, walking by while a game is in session is the best! There are multiple grassy areas surrounding the park itself – check out our buddy, Kohi, at McCovey Cove!
HUNTINGTON PARK
California St & Taylor St, San Francisco, CA 94108
The only thing that might be difficult about Huntington Park is pumping yourself up to tackle the intense hills to make it there. Once you get to California St, you’ll get to walk by Grace Cathedral while taking in some sights from old Hitchcock movies. This location flexes one more time by having the historic cable cars roll by every 10 minutes. Sniff and Go ❤️ SF!
UPPER DOUGLAS DOG PARK
26th and Douglass Street, San Francisco, CA 94114
If you don’t know about Upper Douglas Dog Park, now you do! This park has the best of both worlds… it’s big and it’s enclosed:). As on-leash dog walkers, we don’t go to off-leash parks unless the family we are working with, has specifically requested we go (and signs a liability waiver stating they understand unknown dogs will be in close contact). You’ll notice the only photo in this article of dogs without a leash, are sweet faces of Cookie and Rocky. When these two fun girls are not romping around the park, we are also helping out with daycare pet taxi services in the morning and the afternoons. Lucky girls!
CUPID’S SPAN
The Embarcadero & Folsom Street, San Francisco, CA 94117
The best part about going to Cupid’s Span is telling the story (I heard)… Legend has it, Cupid came to SF to help those looking for love. There was already so much love in San Francisco that Cupid gave up and threw down their arrow to the spot you see it at today. In addition to this “love story”, walking along the Embarcadero brings views of the Bay Bridge, the Ferry Building, and all the restaurants along the way – this is a must-see spot for all the enjoy!
What is your favorite park in San Francisco?
If you’re looking for amazing one-on-one walks on a leash and in your own neighborhood, 7 days a week, Sniff and Go is here for you! We have been and continue to be the original dog walking service that focuses our work entirely on solo walks. We believe that private walks are not only safer, but all dogs get more out of the individualized and undivided attention that they provide. We can work with you on your training program, give you detailed and attentive feedback on how your dog is doing with us, and promise to fall completely head-over-heels for your dog. All our walkers are among the best pet care professionals in the nation, employees are rigorously trained to be prepared for every situation and every dog. We even conclude every visit with a journal entry and a photo!