Ocean Beach

About the dog park

• Water play for dogs
• Run by the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (National Park Service)

The northern stretch of Ocean Beach is one of the few places in the national park where dogs under voice and sight control may run off leash. South of Stairwell 21 to Sloat Boulevard, dogs must be leashed from July 1 to May 15 to protect wintering snowy plovers, and leashes are required on all beach stairwells.

Rules

The Golden Gate National Recreation Area lets dogs off leash only in its designated voice-control areas, and only if they come back when called and stay in sight. Everywhere else the leash can be no longer than six feet, and parking lots, paved roads and picnic areas are on-leash. From July 1 to May 15, the snowy plover areas on Ocean Beach (Stairwell 21 to Sloat Boulevard) and at the west end of Crissy Field are leash-only. Pick up after your dog right away. Professional walkers with four to six dogs need a permit, and six dogs is the limit. (National Park Service)

Rules and hours can change, and dog parks sometimes close for repairs. Check the signs at the gate.