Alamo Square -- Located in Hayes Valley between Fulton & Hayes, Steiner & Scott Streets. This is an historic district bordered by exquisitely-maintained Victorian homes. The 700 block of Steiner Street contains a group known as "post card row" because it's one of the most photographed stretches of houses in the city. From the park's summit, you can see a 360-degree view of the urban neighborhoods, with the Financial District and the Bay backing the eastern vista. There are plenty of grassy hills to explore with other leashed dogs.

Buena Vista Park -- Enter at the intersection of Buena Vista Avenue & Central Street, south of Haight Street. This is an off-leash area but beware of foxtails in late Spring! Dirt and paved trails (some lined with old tomb-stones) wind through the Eucalyptus-covered hills. From the top you can see the Pacific Ocean. Avoid Lover's Lane and be alert for harmless (?) vagrants at the entrance.

Golden Gate Park Panhandle -- A great dog hangout between Oak and Fell Streets. Heavy traffic on both sides of this 8-block strip of land that is technically outside Golden Gate Park.

Corona Heights Park/Red Rock Park -- Located at Museum Way and Roosevelt Avenue near the Randall Museum. Newly fenced off-leash area at the end of the upper field near the base of the hill. Can become very muddy during the rainy season. Lovely at early sunrise! (Big fox tail area, though.)

Twin Peaks -- A "must see" place for humans, but not much for a dog to do since they are not allowed at the summit. Also heavy traffic with lots of tour buses. Usually windy, and often cold, so be prepared.

McLaren Park -- Near the intersection of Mansel Street and Shelly Drive. A beautiful, large, underutilized, off-leash area. Beware of the heavy traffic on Mansel and be sure to keep your dog out of the reservoir!! The park is bounded by some rough neighborhoods and may be dangerous after dark.

Glen Canyon Park -- At Bosworth Street & O'Shaughnessy Blvd., this looks like a dog's paradise due to its Cypress forests, streams and grassy hills. BUT -- many of the trails are overgrown, hiding poison oak, and numerous citations are being issued for unleashed pets, especially during the summer day-care session.

Douglass Playground -- This is an official off-leash area at the intersection of 27th Street and Diamond, but it is bounded by a steep cliff making it extremely dangerous. Skip it!!

Dolores Park - The park is located in one of the most densely populated neighborhoods in San Francisco. It also boasts one of the largest off leash dog areas. On a daily basis hundreds of dog run together on the south western slope. There is also a nearby playground where dog owners with children can play while their dog socialize. There is even a fountain there specially designed for dogs. This is easily the best park for city dogs. (Won Best Dog Park in the Guardian's Best of the Bay 2000 Readers Poll)
However this is currently under threat. There has been a proposal that would limit the off leash area to a small fenced dog run sandwiched between the tennis courts and soccer field. Anyone interested in helping to keep our current off-leash area can contact Dolores Park Dogs at doloresdogs@yahoo.com or finding the Dolores Park Dogs group at www.eGroups.com