Point Isabel Regional Shoreline

For animal lovers who navigate toward the outdoors, the world is often divided into two halves: dog-friendly, and not dog-friendly. When it comes to family outings to the national parks, much of the time, four-legged family members are restricted from trails. Ironically, the wide open parks seem like the best place to bring them, where they can run and fetch for miles on end.

Luckily, there’s a place just for Fido in the Bay, where you’ll find the biggest dog park in the country. Point Isabel in Richmond boasts 23 off-leash acres of flat open fields and hilly terrain.

The Hoffman Channel along the center of the park offers a swimming area for water-loving breeds. This area is protected from the high tides of the Bay, which stretches beyond the borders of Point Isabel, offering picture-perfect views of Marin County and the famous Golden Gate Bridge on the other side.

According to the East Bay Regional Park District, 500,000 dogs visit Pt. Isabel each year. But the park’s not just for the four-legged. While the dog plays, their owners can play, too, with bike riding, bird watching, picnicking, and kite flying among the list of possibilities.

Or, simply take a walk along the landscaped trail to enjoy the view and the sound of happy barking all around you. Picnic tables are available in the area, and the Sit & Stay Café is available for those who didn’t remember to bring their own lunch.

Here’s when you discover this place understands people as well as dogs. When your creature is full of mud and ready to return to your newly vacuumed car, you can spare your upholstery from the wet-dog smell. There’s a dog-washing area on-site at Mudpuppy’s, where you can hire someone else to bathe the dog for a change!

HelloSanFrancisco tip: Remember to bring a leash, even if you don't need to use it. They're required, just in case.

- by Renee M. Rutledge, San Francisco Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

Renee M. Rutledge

Renee M. Rutledge currently writes articles on local travel and culture for Red Tricycle, Parents' Press, Oakland Magazine, and Alameda Magazine.