Dog Parks & Off-Leash Areas

Photo of a dog.

NOTICE: Fitzgerald Field will be closed through mid-November for the construction of San Mateo's seasonal outdoor ice rink. After construction, the outfield will re-open as usual from 6:00 – 8:00 a.m. for our dog off-leash hours.

Dog Parks

Location Day Start Time
End Time
MapIT!
Bayside-Joinville Park

FENCED AREA NOTICE: The site is a fenced area near the Waste Water Treatment Plant off Detroit Drive.
Daily 6 a.m. 10 p.m.
View Map
Laurie Meadows Park (fenced off-leash area) Daily Sunrise Sunset View Map
Los Prados Park

FENCED AREA NOTICE: The site is fully fenced area at the southwestern end of the park near the south diamond.
Daily 6 a.m. 10 p.m.
View Map
Seal Point Park (fenced areas) Daily 6 a.m.
Sunset View Map

Off-Leash Dog Areas

Location Day Start Time End Time MapIT!
Beresford Park (Chanteloup Field Only) Monday - Sundays 6 a.m. 8 a.m. View Map
Central Park (Fitzgerald Field Only)

CLOSURE NOTICE: Fitzgerald Field will be closed through mid-November for the construction of San Mateo's seasonal outdoor ice rink. After construction, the outfield will re-open as usual from 6:00 – 8:00 a.m. for our dog off-leash hours.
Mondays - Sundays
6 a.m.​
8 a.m. View Map

Central Park DOLA Trial Area 

The current trial at Central Park is open daily from May 1, 2023 to September 1, 2023.*

*The trial has been extended until the mini train is operational and sufficient time has passed to better assess the results of the trial.

Hours:

4 p.m. - Sunset

*Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times except when in the designated DOLA during permitted times. (SMMC 8.02.070)

Location:

Central Park Dog Off-leash Trial Area


Dogs are allowed in our other parks, but must be kept on a leash.

Our dog park and off-leash areas are very popular and we continuously work with dog owners to make the parks safe and fun areas to exercise your pet.

Please follow us on Twitter @SMFieldUpdates for the most recent updates regarding field closures due to inclement weather.

Photo of dog walking with human on trail.

Some helpful hints to remember:

  • 3’s the limit: Because it is difficult to handle more than 3 dogs at a time, we enforce a “no more than 3 dogs per handler” rule.
  • Clean up after your dog: In order to keep parks safe and clean for everyone, dog owners must pick up after their dogs. We provide doggie waste bags and many garbage cans.
  • Use a leash for your dog: In all parks except for the off-leash parks, you dog must be on a leash. Unleashed dogs are a safety issue for you, your dog and others – and it’s against the law.
  • When to unleash your dog: Dogs in the off-leash exercise areas should be unleashed. If you keep your dog leashed when others run free, it increases the odds of an aggressive encounter. But remember to keep you leash handy in an emergency.
  • Be in control: You should be in voice command of your dog at all times and be attentive to what your dog is doing. Please leave aggressive or anti-social dogs at home for the safety of your dog and others.
  • No food: Dogs love treats – sometimes a little too much. In order to avoid any food-related confrontations, please leave your treats at home.
  • License and vaccinate: It is important to vaccinate for the health of your dog, but it’s also the law. No unlicensed or unvaccinated dogs can enter the park.
  • In heat? Stay at home. Female dogs in heat can encourage dog fights. If your dog is in heat, please do not bring her to the dog park.
  • Kid friendly? Ask first: Not all dogs are comfortable around children. Ask before interacting and remember that children under 14 should be closely supervised.