More than 60,000 dogs live in Marin, according to estimates from the Marin Humane Society. Open space is the draw for residents and visitors alike, with tens of thousands of acres available for on- and off-leash activities. The Marin County Open Space District alone manages 34 preserves totaling 15,000 acres open to public recreation. At all but 10, well-behaved dogs under voice control can accompany you unleashed on fire prevention roads.
Another 130 miles of trails are managed by the Marin Municipal Water District within the Mount Tamalpais watershed. Four-legged hikers are welcome both on and off the pavement, but a "love 'em and leash 'em” policy is strictly enforced.
Photo: Bon Tempe Meadow - Coleen Proppe (CC)