Dog beaches and leash rules in Marin
Where you can take your dog to the beach in Marin, what the leash rules actually are, and which trails to skip. Official NPS and park rules only.
Marin has some of the best dog beaches in the Bay Area, but the rules are not obvious and they vary by park. Rodeo Beach and Muir Beach are both part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and allow dogs off-leash under voice control on the sand — but only on the sand, not on the dunes or in the parking lot. Point Reyes National Seashore is stricter: dogs are allowed on a 6-foot leash at Kehoe Beach and parts of Point Reyes Beach, but not on trails or at Limantour. Tennessee Valley does not allow dogs on the trail to the beach at all. The rules come from the NPS and the park system, not from us, so check before you go if you are not sure.
GGNRA dog-friendly areas — NPSPoint Reyes pet rules — NPS
Sausalito
Rodeo Beach
Off-leash under voice control from the shoreline to the crest of the dunes. Leash required from the dunes inland, in parking lots, and in picnic areas. The beach is pebbly and dramatic, with bunkers behind it. Parking is free but fills early on weekends.
Muir Beach
Muir Beach
Off-leash under voice control from the shoreline to the crest of the dunes. Leash required from the dunes inland and in parking areas. Smaller than Rodeo, calmer, and easier to get to from Mill Valley. The Pelican Inn is across the road.
Point Reyes Station
Kehoe Beach
Dogs allowed on leash north of the Kehoe Beach trail. Leash must be 6 feet or shorter. Part of Point Reyes National Seashore. The beach itself is wide and wild, with driftwood and usually not many people. The hike in is about a mile.
Point Reyes Station
Point Reyes Beach
Dogs allowed on leash from the North Beach parking lot south to the historic lifeboat station. Leash must be 6 feet or shorter. Seasonal closures for snowy plovers from March through September in some years — check the NPS site before you go.
Tam Valley
Tennessee Valley
Dogs are not allowed on the Tennessee Valley Trail to the beach. It is a popular hike with kids and the NPS wants to keep it that way. If you want to bring your dog, pick another trail.