With thousands of miles of coastline, the Bay Area is home to some remarkable beaches. And for a city that has more registered dogs than children, many of these beaches are dog-friendly beaches. So, if your dog’s happy place is running free with the sand between his toes or diving into the salty waves to retrieve his ball, you have a decision to make – which beach will you go to?
Before we dive into reviewing our top 5 Bay Area dog-friendly beaches, let’s take a look at some helpful information to ensure you and your pup have a fun yet safe visit to the beach.
Table of Contents
Dog-Friendly Sunscreen
Hot Sand
Fresh Water
Safety Vests
Powerful Riptides
Rules and Regulations
B. Beach Friendly Dog Toys and Accessories
Water Friendly Dog Toys
Waterproof Dog Collars
Beach Accessories
C. The Bay Areas Best Dog-Friendly Beaches
Crissy Beach
Baker Beach
Buchannan Beach
Fort Funston
Rodeo Beach
Keeping your dog safe at the beach.
To ensure that both you and your pup have an enjoyable time at the beach, here are a few safety measures to keep in mind.
Dog-Friendly Sunscreen
Although dogs don’t get sunburn as quickly as humans can, it is still possible. So, if you are enjoying the beach on a sunny day, a little sunblock might not be a bad idea. For dogs with short-coats, hairless dogs, or light-colored fur, dog-friendly sunscreen may be needed. And be sure to pay special attention to sensitive areas like your dog’s nose, ears, the inside of their hind legs, and anywhere else that gets direct sun exposure.
To learn more about sunscreen for dogs, CLICK HERE.
Hot Sand
Have you ever taken your shoes off excited to dig your toes into the sand, but Oouch, the sand is hot! If the sand is hot to your toes, it’s hot for your dogs too. So, be sure to bring a blanket or a towel for your pup to take comfort when he’s done romping around. And set up shop near a picnic bench or shady trees so your dog can escape the hot sun.
Bring plenty of water
To keep your pup cool and to prevent them from drinking seawater, bring along plenty of fresh water. And if you see your dog drinking or ingesting seawater, remove them from the water immediately to prevent unnecessary vomiting.
Safety Vests
Although the assumption is that dogs are natural swimmers, the truth is not all dogs can swim, especially dogs in the bulldog family, so a safety vest may need to be a part of your essential beach kit. If you have a puppy or even a dog who hasn’t been exposed to much water, make the wise decision, and get a safety vest.
Powerful Riptides
If your dog loves the water, be mindful of the beaches you are visiting for many Bay Area beaches have very strong and deadly riptides.
Rules and Regulations
The recreation and parks districts have a guideline of rules and regulations posted at nearly every park; they are there to either keep you, others, or the environment safe. And don’t forget to scoop your dogs’ poop. Leaving your dogs’ poop behind can be harmful to those environments’ natural habitat.
To learn more about the importance of picking up your dog’s poop, CLICK HERE.
Beach friendly dog toys and accessories
Just like us humans, swimming is a great exercise for dogs, for it strengthens their heart and lungs without the harsh impact on their joints. But a wet dog collar or harness can quickly become irritating on your dog’s skin, and not to mention the smell of dried seawater on your dog’s collar – YUCK.
So, to keep your pup happy at the beach here are some great sand and water-friendly accessories and toys.
Water Friendly Dog Toys
West Paws Boz Ball
Leave the tennis ball at home for your pup will love the Boz Ball. Made from a lightweight bouncy material that is easy to throw and soft enough for your dog to cath.
ChuckIt! Amphibious Shark Fin
Don’t let the ocean eat another dog toy. With self-righting technology, the ChuckIt! Amphibious Shark Fin is designed to always land fin up so it’s easy to find on land or water. Plus, it fits perfectly in the ChuckIt! Launcher.
Kurgo Skipping Stones
Join your dog in some fun with the Kurgo Skipping Stones designed to skip the water just like real rocks so you can play like a kid again while your dog enjoys fetching these dishwasher safe stones.
WaterProof Dog Collars
Cycle Dog Bottle Opener Dog Collars
Cycle Dog Bottle Opener Dog Collars are made in the USA with an upcycled backing that is sustainable, eco-friendly, waterproof and doesn’t stink. Even after hours of water play, these collars are guaranteed to not stink.
Heavy Duty Reflective and Waterproof Regal Collar
These handmade collars are designed to never adsorb moisture, dirt or bacteria making them an ideal color for those water loving dogs. They also feature a reflective strip for extra safety.
Water Pooch Signature Waterproof Collar
The Signature Waterproof Collar is designed with a special coating to prevent water, dirt, oil, and bacteria from settling into the fabric making these collar odor-free.
Beach Accessories
Outward Hound Fun Fish Life Jacket
Give yourself and your dog a little peace of mind when it comes to swimming with the Fun Fish Life Jacket. Made of lightweight material to allow your dog flexibility to swim while also keeping them afloat when they get tired.
Heavy Duty Reflective and Waterproof Regal Collar
These handmade collars are designed to never adsorb moisture, dirt or bacteria making them an ideal color for those water loving dogs. They also feature a reflective strip for extra safety.
Water Pooch Signature Waterproof Collar
The Signature Waterproof Collar is designed with a special coating to prevent water, dirt, oil, and bacteria from settling into the fabric making these collar odor-free.
The best Bay Area Dog-Friendly Beaches
Now that you know how to keep your pup safe at the beach, it’s time to choose the best beach for your excursion with your four-legged companion.
1. Crissy Beach
With fantastic views of the famous Golden Gate Bridge, Crissy Beach is a great spot to let your dog run free while you take in some history of San Francisco. Grab some coffee or lunch from nearby shops and enjoy your tasty treat as your dog splashes in the water. Ample and free parking is available along with restrooms and washing stations. And if you prefer to keep the sand at the beach and not on your dog, you can still enjoy the water and the view of the bridge while your pup can explore the open field at Crissy Field.
2. Baker Beach
Explore the endless trails of the Presidio and finish your hike with a cool down at Baker Beach, located on the western shore of the Presidio. Or, if hiking isn’t your thing, pack the picnic basket and take advantage of Baker Beaches picnic areas. Baker Beach is also known for its stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge, but be mindful that might not be the only thing you see, for this beaches views also include nudes. If you’re looking to escape the crowds, this might not be the spot for you, for it can get quite crowded on beautiful days, and parking fills up fast.
3. Buchannan Beach at Albany Bulb
This hidden gem is not the largest beach around, but it’s the perfect urban getaway that certainly beats walking the same neighborhood blocks. If your pup is learning how to swim, this is an excellent option for there is minimal current, with exception to windy days. This beach is part of a more extensive dog-friendly park that makes for a great walk once your dog has had his beach fix. And if you visit during the spring or early summer, the trails are lined with beautiful wildflowers.
4. Fort Funston
Be ready for a hike, but know that it’s worth it. Follow the winding trail to the base of the cliffside to a picturesque beach that stretches for miles and let your dog run free. Fort Funston is a popular spot for dogs and owners, but due to its size, it’s never overcrowded. But because this is the ocean, be extra careful of riptides here. And be sure to save some energy for the hike back to the top where you will find ample parking along with several trailheads to explore the cliffside.
5. Rodeo Beach
Away from the hustle and bustle of San Francisco, this secluded beach is tucked away in a little cove on the west side of the Marin Headlands. It’s only 10 miles from San Francisco but feels like it’s many miles away. After a scenic drive through the Headlands, you end at a large parking lot with restrooms and several trailheads. The choice is yours, take a quick stroll first, or skip the walk and lounge on the beach as your pup runs free.
From beach safety to beach-friendly toys and accessories, you are officially ready for any beach outing. So, grab your pup your beach bag and go have some fun!
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