December 2005 Dog Scene: Crissy Field
Off-leash Miracle Mile
Crissy Field is a stunning park site within the Golden Gate National Parks. Crissy Field’s 100 acres of wild, windswept shoreline are a favorite place for walkers, dog walkers, joggers, boardsailors, bicyclists, thousands of birds and the occasional seal.
Crissy Field
- Location:
- Along the Presidio waterfront in San Francisco. Extends from Fort Mason to the Golden Gate Bridge
- Type of Scene:
- City, beach
- Distance:
- 1 mile
- Parking:
- Yes, free and plenty
- Water:
- Yes
- Restrooms:
- Yes
- Level of difficulty:
- Easy
- Wheelchair Access:
- Yes
- Leash Requirements:
- Off leash recreation is legal on the beach. Just adhere to the signage
- Pros:
- On bright, clear, warm days, you simply can’t beat it for allowing the pooch to romp in the water. In the winter, it’s easier to clean off sand from your dog, rather than the mud that is plentiful in our city parks
- Cons:
- When it’s really windy, it’s cold, and not unlike being sand blasted
- Paw Rating:
Just off the main Crissy Field parking lot, the off-leash area extends for about a mile. If you’re not sure when to allow your dog off leash, just look for the dogs at the beach, or wait until you cross the pedestrian bridge. Of course, a good rule to remember is to not allow your dog to interrupt the beach goers on their way the beach.
After that, it’s canine heaven.
There are picnic tables and small BBQ pits, if you happen to want to stay for a while and have lunch. Since the facility was restored in 1998-2000, the facilities are in excellent condition and there is wheelchair access. There is even a "dog" water fountain.
The Parks Conservancy operates two cafes and two bookstores at Crissy Field. The Crissy Field Center Café and Warming Hut feature organic and locally grown food and beverages. Small bookstores at the Center and Warming Hut offer fun and educational merchandise focusing on themes of national parklands and environmental sustainability.