The 80,000-acre Golden Gate National Recreation Area was created in the 1970s with substantial donations of land from the City of San Francisco. From that day to this, residents of San Francisco, San Mateo and Marin counties have flocked to the GGNRA for its designated purpose: multiple-use recreation for urban residents.
Only about one percent of the GGNRA is dog-friendly, but that one percent includes jewels like Fort Funston, Crissy Field, Rodeo Beach and beautiful Muir Beach, where dogs can play off-leash in designated areas.
Canine companions on leash or under voice control are allowed on many trails, making the GGNRA a treasured resource for Bay Area dog lovers. Rules vary from place to place, so make sure to check out the regulations before searching for a parking spot.
Open space aside, the GGNRA includes many museums and historic sites holding relics from more than 200 years of history.