dogpark.fyi

McLaren Shelley Dog Play Area is one of the largest off-leash areas in San Francisco, located at John F. Shelley Drive and Cambridge Street within the 313-acre McLaren Park — the city's second-largest park. With expansive open fields, diverse trails, and the space behind the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater, dogs have a remarkable amount of room to run, explore, and roam freely.

Terrain & Layout

The majority of the area bounded by Shelley Drive is open for off-leash use, creating a vast expanse of varied terrain. The natural landscape includes grassy meadows for open running, dirt trails for exploration, and wooded sections that provide shade and interesting smells for curious dogs. The area behind the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater offers particularly generous flat space for active play and fetch. The terrain is unfenced and open, with gentle hills and natural boundaries formed by the surrounding parkland.

Amenities

• Seating: Benches and picnic tables placed throughout the area
• Water: A water fountain available on-site
• Parking: On-site parking available along Shelley Drive
• Restrooms: Available on-site within the McLaren Park complex
• Lighting: Limited — primarily a daytime destination

Best For

High-energy dogs who need extensive room to run and explore varied terrain. The sheer size means dogs can stretch their legs without bumping into other groups. Ideal for owners who enjoy longer walks combining off-leash play with trail exploration. Reliable recall is essential given the unfenced, open layout.

Busy Times

Weekend mornings draw the most visitors, particularly from the Excelsior and Visitacion Valley neighborhoods. Weekday mornings and late afternoons see a steady stream of regulars. The park's vast size means it rarely feels crowded even at peak times.

Tips

• Dogs must be kept on-leash during performances, camps, and events at the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater, as well as near children's play areas and picnic areas
• Try the trails branching off from the main meadow areas for a more adventurous outing
• The companion McLaren Geneva Dog Play Area on the park's western side offers a different experience if you want to explore both