The East Bay is home to some of the most gorgeous and dog-friendly parks and natural areas in California. From accessible and local city parks to green and seemingly endless regional parks, you and your dog are not short of places to visit and fun things to do. Whether you want to take a leisurely walk, challenging hike, grab something to eat, or just sit and take in the amazing scenery, the East Bay offers it all.

Point Isabel, Richmond

This 21-acre regional park is not only the largest off-leash park in the nation, but also boasts some of the most magnificent views of Marin and the Golden Gate Bridge. Roughly 500,000 people visit each year. With plenty of parking, plastic poop bags, and bathrooms at both entrances, this park is a favorite of dogs and dog owners alike. After your dog takes a swim in the bay or plays Frisbee on the landscaped grounds, visit nearby Mudpuppy’s Tub & Scrub, a dog wash and dog-specific retail shop. Take a picnic or visit the Sit & Stay Café, next door to Mudpuppy’s, which features treats for humans.

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Redwood Regional Park, Oakland

Another fabulous park is Redwood Regional Park in Oakland. With two main entrances, parking is ample and dogs are numerous. Take your dog on the featured 3.7 mile loop hike with a total elevation change of about 700 feet or stroll along one of the many ridge trails. Some picnic sites are available and can be reserved. Dogs must be leashed in parking, picnic, playground, and bathroom areas. Poop bags are provided near the restrooms at both the Redwood Road entrance and the Skyline Gate Staging area. If you enter on the Redwood Road side, there is a seasonal parking and dog fee.

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Joaquin Miller Park, Oakland

Joaquin Miller Park in the Oakland hills is home to 500 acres of redwood groves, miles of lovely and scenic trails, picnic areas, wedding areas, cascading waterfalls, and the Woodminster Amphitheater. Dogs are allowed on leash in almost the entire park and can also run free in the two off-leash play areas which are complete with poop bags and water. There is ample parking and no entrance or parking fee. Restrooms, a pay phone, maps, and drinking water are available at the ranger station. The off-leash area is closed about 30 days a year when it is used for special event parking.

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Ohlone, Berkeley

The Ohlone Greenway in North Berkeley is a five-block long stretch of green space that includes picnic areas, baseball diamonds, soccer areas, tot and school-age play areas, a community garden, and an off-leash dog park. The first official dog park in the nation, Ohlone Dog Park was recently named the best U.S. off-leash play area for dogs by Dog Fancy Magazine. Officially named the Martha Scott Benedict Memorial Park, this off-leash area is big enough for lots of dogs at once and provides picnic tables and benches for owners. There is never a shortage of poop bags and water is available for the dogs. On-street parking is abundant.

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Cesar Chavez Park, Berkeley

The 17-acre off-leash dog area on the north side of Cesar Chavez Park at the Berkeley Marina offers stunning views of the Bay and San Francisco and provides a great place for your pooch to run free. Take your time to visit the whole park which boasts a world class kite flying venue, Adventure Playground for the kids, and 1.7 mile walk along the Bay. Parking is plentiful, but dogs must be leashed from the parking lot to the off-leash area. On your way home, stop by the Seabreeze Market at West Frontage and Bay Trail. With outdoor seating, your dog will be as welcome as you are.

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Tilden Park, Alameda and Contra Costa Counties

There are so many things to do at Tilden Park you would need days to see it all. One of the oldest parks in the East Bay, Tilden offers countless picnic areas available for reservation, a botanical garden, facilities for wedding receptions, group camping, and golf course. Dogs are allowed on-leash in almost all areas of the park and off-leash in many spots including the non-swimming parts of Lake Anza. Dogs are even allowed on the 12-minute steam train ride for free! The hiking trails are as varied in diffculty as they are in views and scenery. Grab a map at a visitor center and explore some of the most beautiful places around. There are many parking lots and restrooms throughout the park.

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Alameda Crown Beach, Alameda

Although dogs aren’t allowed on the beach at the Alameda Crown Beach, don’t worry; they are invited to enjoy the rest of this beautiful park. Located at 8th and Otis Drive, the park hosts the Alameda Dog Exercise Area and the Alameda Small Dog Park for dogs 30 pounds and under. Both have running water, trees, grass, sand, and even chairs. Parking and restrooms are nearby. After your off-leash romp, take a walk with your leashed dog along the waterfront and enjoy the amazing views of the Bay, the San Francisco skyline, and Golden Gate Bridge, and then turn around to see the Oakland hills in all their glory.

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