Ocean Beach

• Fort Funston, San Francisco. This stretch of rugged headlands just south of Ocean Beach in the southwest part of the city is not fenced, but it’s nirvana for off-leash dogs and woofing with canine activity even on drizzly, foggy days. more »

In San Francisco, GGNRA lands wrap the shoreline almost all the way from Fort Mason in the north to Fort Funston in the south, with a few breaks along the way. Dogs and their people can enjoy miles-long leashed walks with ocean views and, at a few places, unclip their canine companions to chase the surf and run free. more »

If the National Park Service’s proposed dog rule goes through, it will constitute the largest single reduction in recreational access for people in the history of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. more »

Canine-friendly hotels abound in San Francisco, but those in the Kimpton chain rate especially high with experienced DogTrekkers. Kimpton kicked off the dog-friendly lodging craze more than a decade ago and pampers pooches with in-room beds, bones, bowls and other amenities at all nine of its San Francisco properties. Some even keep a "director of pet relations" on staff. Best of all, there's never an extra charge for canine visitors.

If you don't have the kibble for Kimpton, consider the Ocean Park Motel, (dog fee $10-$20 per day) a streamline, modern jewel with ship-shape rooms, a grassy courtyard, a romantic hot tub—and free parking. There's lots of history at this 1936 landmark in the Sunset District, but what's best for dogs is a location just two blocks from Ocean Beach and adjacent Fort Funston, a leash-free canine playground that ranks as ranks as one of the premier dog hangouts in the city.

Photo courtesy Kimpton Hotels.