Discover the perfect dog park for you and adventurous pooch and explore the wonders of Oakland’s urban wildlands. Oakland’s Park, Recreation and Youth Development offers multiple fenced dog play areas; on-leash areas; and off-leash parks - including Estuary Park; Glenn Daniel/King Estate; Park Boulevard Plaza; and South Prescott Park – all for community and visitor use. Please be sure to review the ‘safety first’ “Dog Play Area Rules” before heading off with your four-legged friend.

Other ideas include the 1,833 acre Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park, located just a few miles from downtown Oakland, which provides a hidden gem of redwood forest and trails to sniff and explore. The park also offers reservable picnic sites. Entrance fees are $2 per dog.
 

 

At Joaquin Miller Park, dogs are allowed on leash throughout rustic woodland trails, which lead through redwood groves and oak woodlands and across lush creek sides and wet meadows. The dog park is a fenced-in, off-leash park including benches, waste bags, and nearby restrooms, as well as separate areas for large and small dogs. The park also features a lookout area to view the entire Bay Area (perfect for a selfie with your pooch!!)

Woman walking dog on top of a hill at Joaquin Miller Park in Oakland California

From Dunn Trail + Roberts Park in Roberts Regional Recreation Area, you can take various alternate trails that are all great for pups. Added bonus: You can bring your dog, on-leash, to the children's playground at Roberts (which is accessible via the Dunn Trail). For additional trails to explore with four-legged hikers, the East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) has compiled a comprehensive list of resources.

Hunter the dog at the Park

If your idea of an outdoor adventure is, well, less adventurous, Plank provides a unique Oakland experience where friends; family; and their dogs can play outdoor games; view sports on outdoor TV’s; or listen to live music. Visitors may also enjoy the indoor 18-lane bowling alley and arcade. Communal-style seating is available on the longest outdoor bar in Oakland to enjoy signature menu items along with 48 beers on tap.

The Oakland Ale Trail paves the way to sip and sample new brews alongside your pup. Many breweries feature outdoor seating options that include parklets for needed naps; heat lamps for cold feet; and water bowls for quenching thirst.


Oakland also features many picturesque neighborhoods for you and your pup to stroll; sniff; and explore…Piedmont Avenue has a romantic small-town vibe, with quaint boutiques for window shopping and a must “I scream for Ice Cream” stop for a scoop (or two) of handmade Rocky Road from Fenton’s Creamery, which may be casually enjoyed at one of the pet-friendly outdoor tables.  

A Dachshund eating a cup of whipped cream At Fentons in Oakland, CA

College Avenue in Rockridge is a lovely suburb filled with eclectic shops and restaurants to stroll and sniff as you pass by and, with its several outdoor restaurants, Jack London Square is an extremely dog-friendly neighborhood and the waterfront provides a beautiful backdrop for a walk for dogs and humans alike. 


So, give your dog sitter a break and pack your pup, book your stay, and come spend some dog-friendly time in Oakland!
 


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