6 Best Dog Parks in Berkeley, California (2023)

Are you searching for the best dog parks in Berkeley, California? Then this list of the best dog parks in Berkeley, California, is just what you need. Although Berkeley, California, has a Mediterranean climate featuring warm, dry summers with cool ocean breezes.

The nights and early mornings are cool even in the summers, making dog parks in Berkeley quite a treat for pets and their owners to exercise, run around, and make new friends.

This review of the most reliable dog-friendly parks in Berkeley, California, will highlight the salient features, rules, and fees of all listed parks so that you can make a well-informed decision about your next playdate with your canine companion.

Before you scroll further down this list of dog parks in Berkeley, California, you can check out these other dog-related recommendations from our team at We Love Doodles: Best Dog Parks in San Francisco, California, and Best Dog Parks in Bakersfield, California.

Table of Contents

Find a Dog Park Near Me in Berkeley, California

We’ve also included some dog parks nearby to broaden your options.

Dog Product Recommendations: Best Dog Shampoos For Smelly Dogs and Best Whelping Heating Pads For Dogs.

1. Ohlone Dog Park

Ohlone Dog Park is situated at Grant Street and Hearst Avenue in Berkeley, a block west of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue. The City of Berkeley established this experimental off-leash dog park in 1979, and the park features a plaque claiming Ohlone Dog Park is “widely considered to be the world’s first dog park.”

The all-fenced dog park features separate areas for small dogs (under 30 pounds) and large dogs, where the latter can play fetch, chase balls, charge after Frisbees, and socialize with other dogs. All dogs must wear a leash until they are inside the fenced area and must be licensed.

They must also wear a collar, be spayed/neutered, and be vaccinated against rabies. The park has water fountains, picnic benches and tables, and a fully paved sidewalk that is wheelchair accessible. Aggressive puppies or dogs are not allowed inside the park.

Presently known as the Martha Scott Benedict Memorial Park, this exceptional five-block-long, multi-use modern park in the city’s heart also includes playgrounds for kids, soccer fields, and softball fields.

Moreover, The Ohlone Dog Park Association (ODPA) was established as a club in 1984 and was later recognized as a California non-profit educational establishment in 1986. ODPA facilitates the development of other dog parks and helps improve the general conditions for owners and pets in the Berkeley/East Bay area.

The park timings are as follows:

Weekdays: 8 AM to 8 PM
Weekends: 9 AM to 8 PM
Holidays: 9 AM to 8 PM

Ohlone Dog Park Details

Website: Ohlone Dog Park
Address/Location: 1800 Hearst Ave, Berkeley, California, United States
Post Code: 94703
Email Address: [email protected]

2. César Chávez Park

This 90-acre off-leash dog park in Berkeley, California, features a 17-acre dog park named after and dedicated to Cesar Chavez, a dog enthusiast whose dying wish was to be buried alongside roses and his two cherished German Shepherds.

Built using raw materials from a landfill, the park features hilly terrain and outstanding views of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Bay. Despite being an off-leash park, there is no fencing around the dog area, so owners must keep dogs with insufficient recall on a leash.

Visitors must cover any holes made by their dogs and repair any other property damage to avoid accidentally inconveniencing other visitors. All dogs entering the park must be vaccinated and have a valid state license tag on their collars.

Visitors are encouraged to bring water bottles to keep themselves and their canine companions well-hydrated after all the running around. Moreover, the park has picnic spots in shaded areas for pet owners to enjoy a relaxing outdoor snack with families and friends.

The park also provides complimentary poop bags and washrooms for visitors. An important thing to consider when coming to César Chávez Park is the foxtail grass.

The foxtail grass particles can become embedded in the dog’s hair, skin, and paw pads and are extremely painful to remove. Park officials also caution that cell service is limited at the park. Access to the park is free of charge, and park timings are 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

César Chávez Park Details

Website: César Chávez Park
Address/Location: 11 Spinnaker Way, Berkeley, California, United States
Post Code: 94710

3. Point Isabel Regional Shoreline Dog Park

Since there aren’t many dog-friendly parks in Berkeley, California, we’ve included some in nearby cities, beginning with Point Isabel Regional Shoreline Dog Park in Richmond, California. Featuring more than 23 acres of terrain to explore off-leash, Point Isabel Park welcomes more than half a million dogs each year.

Various recreational opportunities in the park include hiking, bay fishing, birdwatching, jogging, and biking. Owners must carry a leash (six-foot maximum), ensure their dogs obey voice control, and remain within seeing range.

Additionally, dogs with a history of aggression are not allowed in the park, and any dog exhibiting rowdy behavior must immediately be leashed. In addition, owners must stop their pets from digging holes or damaging park resources.

Disposable poop bags are also available. Mudpuppy’s Tub & Scrub is a favorite at the park, a dog-centered and dog-washing retail facility. The latter offers full-service DIY dog baths, toys and treats, and other animal-related supplies.

There is also the Sit & Stay Cafe next to Mudpuppy’s, which features doggie treats and eatables for pet owners, such as coffee, Gourmet espresso drinks, sandwiches, pastries, soups, smoothies, soups, ice-cream, cookies, and the house-famous Road House Chili. The park is free of charge, and park timings are 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

Point Isabel Dog Park Details

Website: Point Isabel Dog Park
Address/Location: 2701 Isabel St, Richmond, California, United States
Phone Number: (888) 327-2757
Post Code: 94804

4. Mission Dolores Park

Spread over 35 acres is Mission Dolores Park, located near San Francisco’s Mission District and the Castro. This off-leash dog park is popular among dog owners because of its languish grounds and amazing city views. The park also welcomes leashed dogs who can enjoy a stimulating stroll with their families.

The usually sunny weather of the Mission district makes Dolores Park perfect for long summer walks and picnics. However, there are few paved areas or hiking trails, and the park mainly consists of large grassy areas, so it’s best for walks, jogs, runs, and some well-needed outdoor time.

Mission Dolores Park Details

Website: Mission Dolores Park
Address/Location: 19th St & Dolores St, San Francisco, California, United States
Post Code: 94114

5. Golden Gate Dog Park

Golden Gate Park is another popular dog-friendly park in San Francisco. The park’s four off-leash sections make it unique for dogs to enjoy running around and playing with their owners and other dogs.

The landscape features vast green areas ideal for walks or a picnic. There is also a lake within the park, usually surrounded by seagulls.

The Golden Gate fenced-in sand/Astroturf dog park provides benches, toys and balls, water fountains, and water bowls. There are separate sections for big and small dogs; however, they are connected through a gate to allow them to interact and play with each other.

Golden Gate Park Details

Address/Location: 6220 Fulton St, San Francisco, California, United States
Post Code: 94121

6. Walnut Creek Open Space Dog Park

And last but not least, on our list of dog parks in Berkeley, California, is Walnut Creek Open Space Dog Park. It features 177 acres of gorgeous land and 3 miles of trails for hiking, running, and jogging with your canine comrade.

Other amenities at the park include a ranger station, theater, group camping reservation, and one of the last black walnut orchards in the city. Owners are advised to carefully dispose of their pet’s waste and always carry a leash to protect their dog, visitors, and wildlife.

Moreover, dogs must be kept on a leash in picnic areas and historic sites. The dogs must follow voice and sight commands, and any dog displaying aggressive behavior will be asked to leave immediately. The park is open only during daylight hours – half an hour before sunrise and half an hour after sunset.

Walnut Creek Open Space Dog Park Details

Website: Walnut Creek Open Space
Address/Location: 2161 Youngs Valley Road, Walnut Creek, California, United States
Post Code: 94596

How to Choose Dog Parks in Berkeley, California

As our list highlights, there are many decent off-leash dog parks in Berkeley, California, and nearby areas. However, when choosing a dog park, you must consider your individual needs and match them with the park’s offering. First off, assess your dog’s personality.

Coming to a park means your beloved canine will be exposed to various new sights, sounds, scents, people, and dog breeds. Consider the following: is your dog shy? Does he like interacting with new people and animals? Is his behavior safe in unfamiliar settings?

Based on all these factors, you should choose the vastness and crowdedness of your dog park. Secondly, ask around and do some research before selecting a park. Our review will help you evaluate the basics, but for more information, consult local pet owners and read reviews on websites such as Yelp and BringFido.

Once a park seems good, you should visit before taking the dog. Assess the atmosphere, number of people and animals, and available amenities. Lastly, assess the resources available at the park. Is the doggie pool safe and clean? Are the fences secure?

Is the equipment your dog will be playing on/with safe? Moreover, assess your comfort since you’ll be accompanying your dog and would like to rest and relax. Check for shaded areas, water fountains, comfortable benches, garbage bins, and other things that would facilitate your visit.

Conclusion For The “Best Dog Parks in Berkeley, California”

A visit to the dog park can be a wonderful experience for your canine companion. They can exercise, play fetch, socialize, and interact with nature. Select a park that suits your dog’s personality and temperament. Your visit will be fun and refreshing if you take the necessary safety precautions and follow the designated rules.

For more guides similar to this list of dog parks in Berkeley, California, you can check out these other dog-related recommendations from our team:

Before you bring your companion to a dog park in Berkeley, California, you can learn more about what it’s like by watching “Husky Visits the Dog Park” down below: