San Francisco

A vast urban park larger than Central Park, with gardens, lakes and meadows. Dogs are allowed on a leash on most trails, plus a few signposted fenced off-leash dog play areas.

A former airfield turned waterfront promenade with a head-on view of the Golden Gate Bridge. Hugely popular with dogs: on a leash along the promenade, with a beach stretch that allows off-leash access.

Wild clifftops in the city's south-west, a famous off-leash dog paradise above the ocean. Sandy trails, hang-gliders and long beaches: one of California's best dog spots.

A long sandy beach pounded by the Pacific along the city's western edge. Dogs allowed on wide stretches, on a leash or under voice control; strong currents make swimming inadvisable.

A lively sloping park in the Mission district, with a view over the skyline. Leashed dogs welcome on the sunny lawns, with a dedicated dog area; crowded on fine-weather weekends.

A redesigned waterfront along the bay, from the Ferry Building to the piers, ideal for a long flat walk. Leashed dogs welcome outdoors; access inside the Ferry Building marketplace may vary by vendor.