Although the famous fog may spoil your plans for sunbathing, several dog friendly beaches in the Bay Area of Northern California welcome pooches in the mist.

7x7SF, a website that features the best of everything the Bay Area has to offer, lists the following beaches as some of the most dog friendly.

Before you go, be sure to read 5 Things You Need for a Trip to the Beach With Your Dog.

It’s every pet parent’s nightmare, but if your dog is somehow swept into the ocean, it’s very important not to go in after him. Dogs almost always manage to make it safely back to shore, but humans aren’t as fortunate. Click here for safety tips from the U.S. Coast Guard and other groups.

 

Kehoe Beach – 5550 Pierce Point Road, Inverness (map)

“The beautiful grassy hills, wildflowers and mustard plants along the trail make the trip worth it,” writes Anna Pan on 7x7SF. “Bring your own food since there aren’t many restaurants nearby.”

The beach is located on Tomales Bay along the Point Reyes National Seashore, about 30 miles north of San Francisco.

According to the National Park Service (NPS) website, “Dogs are allowed on a 6-foot leash on this beach to the north of the trail. Dogs are not permitted south of the trailhead as this area is protected habitat for the endangered snowy plover.”

 Baker Beach – Gibson Road, San Francisco (map), 415-561-3000

“The picnic areas and gorgeous view of the Golden Gate Bridge are definite draws to many of the sunbathers here,” Pan writes. “Warning: don’t walk toward the north end unless you’re prepared for nudity.”

A Yelp review has another very important warning: “Careful when wading into the water, there are riptides. Your dog, friend, child and you can be ripped away from shore and be sent off to the swirly 20 feet out!”

 Limantour Beach – Limantour Road, Inverness (map)

Like Kehoe Beach, Limantour is located along the Point Reyes National Seashore.

“This wide beach is known for its tranquil atmosphere,” notes Pan. “Enjoy a quiet afternoon without crowds. Not to mention, the parking is free!”

According to the NPS, “Dogs are allowed on a 6-foot leash on the southeast end of this beach. Dogs are not permitted to the northwest as this area is protected habitat for harbor seals and the endangered snowy plover.”

 Fort Funston National Park – Skyline Blvd., San Francisco (map), 415-561-4323

“The walk to this beach may be brutal,” Pan warns of the steep stairway to this popular hang-gliding spot, “but there will be tons of dogs and their owners to keep you company.”

Dogs are allowed off leash at the beach. “Fort Funston is one of those magical places where people and dogs experience nature at its very best,” writes a Yelp reviewer. “There isn’t a more superb, pristine or peaceful place for our four-legged friends (or us perhaps) in all of San Francisco, with its mix of surf, sand, forest and cliffside.”

Another Yelp reviewer writes, “People take their human children to Disneyland as a sign of the greatest affection available to man, and Fort Funston is the equivalent for your furry children.”

 Lands End – Seal Rock Dr. at El Camino Del Mar, San Francisco (map)

“At every turn of the trail on this wild and rocky northwestern corner of San Francisco, there is another stunning view,” notes the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy website. “Along the way you’ll see hillsides of cypress and wildflowers, views of old shipwrecks, access to the epic ruins of Sutro Baths, pocket beaches and a new Lookout Visitor Center.”

Pan writes, “Come relax among the cypress trees. If for some reason you’re unhappy with this rugged coast, you can walk to the other pocket beaches nearby.”

Related Tips:

Water Safety Tips for Dogs

Tips for Canoeing or Kayaking With Your Dog

PHOTO: Dennis Mojado

Category : Dog Parks & Beaches &TRAVEL TIPS