Day Trips for You and Your Dog

As summer comes to a close, many Bay Area residents are planning their last day trips and weekend outings before the cooler temperatures set in. Now is the time to take advantage of the incredible late summer weather and the beautiful landscapes. The Bay Area offers many pet-friendly activities and you can expect to see lots of locals out with their furry friends because pets enjoy good weather and beautiful scenery too! Before you grab your leash and your car keys, take a minute to plan your day. Here are a few things to consider before you head out on your way:

Follow the Rules: Make sure dogs are allowed on the trails or at the outdoor market you’re attending. Once you’ve verified that dogs are permitted, check for specific limitations and rules and make sure you follow them.

Physical Fitness: Ensure that the hike you’re taking is reasonable for your dog’s health. If your canine isn’t in the best shape, an uphill, eight-mile excursion is a bad idea. If your dog is super energetic, then a small, on-leash walk at a park might not be a good fit either. Find excursions that are a good fit for you and your dog’s fitness levels.

Be Prepared: Pack what you’ll need to stay safe and comfortable. Bring water for yourself and your dog. If unseasonably hot weather is in the forecast, consider bringing dog booties to protect your dog’s paws and any other items you may need. The most important thing to consider is your dog’s tolerance of the heat based on their age and disposition. If the weather is extremely hot or cold, you need to consider your pets comfort. This day trip is supposed to be enjoyable for both of you.

Now that you’ve taken everything into consideration and you’ve confirmed that your destination is dog friendly, it’s time to pack what you’ll need and head outside for the day. Here’s a short list of great dog-friendly excursions in the Bay Area:

Stevens Creek Trail: Located in Mountain View, this trail crosses woodlands, marshes, train tracks, and neighborhood parks. The trail is about five miles long and is paved. Dogs are allowed on a leash from Sleeper Avenue north to the Crittenden Trailhead.

Seal Pointe Park: Located in San Mateo, this dog park allows dogs to run off leash to their hearts content. The ground is gravel-based to reduce mud during the winter rainy season. The downside is it can be a bit dusty during the dry season. This park is well-known for its large size, so your dog can chase after balls or play freely with other friendly pups. There’s a drinking fountain nearby.

Redwood Regional Park: This park, in the Berkeley Hills, allows dogs off leash (many East Bay trails allow this). Redwood Regional Park offers views of San Francisco and the Pacific Ocean. It can be busy on the weekends, but the views make fighting the crowds worth it.

Beresford Park: This San Mateo park features tennis courts, bocce ball courts, picnic areas, playgrounds, restrooms, and a community garden. It’s a nice place to take your dog for a walk and do some people watching at the same time. The grounds are beautiful.

Now it’s time to get outside and enjoy the remaining long days of summer before the shorter days and colder temperatures set in.