The Embarcadero Waterfront

The Embarcadero (why do we put "the" in front of everything?) is one of the best places in the city to sight see. On the one hand, there's some cool landmarks like that bow and arrow sculpture and a random rocketship, but there's also the Ferry Building, Pier 39, TCHO, and a few other great spots along the way. Walking along the Embarcadero is not only a regular commute for many Marinites working in the city, but also a favorite route for dog walkers and joggers, and even people being dragged along on a walk by their big dogs. There's some park areas along the way where pups can do their business too!

If you want a nice, flat area to take Fido for a stroll, I recommend the Waterfront. If you're fortunate to go on a Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday, score some awesome sausages at 4505 Meats at the Farmer's Market!

The Embarcadero - it's part touristy, part local, part yuppie, and very San Francisco. This is one of my favorite walks in town, and I'm not alone. On any given day you'll see visitors with big cameras taking photos of the skyline, ridiculously fit joggers, couples out with baby strollers, people out walking their dogs, yuppies and young pros brunching or lugging bags of fresh finds from the Ferry Building Farmers Market.

The road starts at AT&T Park and passes under the Bay Bridge, but doesn't really get interesting until Rincon Park at Folsom St. It's a small patch of grass with the city skyline on one side, a view of the water and bridge on the other, and a giant bow and arrow stuck in the grass (you can't miss it). I never fail to see children, little dogs and puppies playing on the grass. Too cute. Definitely friendly for small dog play dates.

When you have recovered from the cute overload, continue north to the Ferry Building. There are tons of really cute, interesting and expensive foodie shops in there. I don't know if they allow pets inside, but there are a bunch of benches and cafes/restaurants with patios behind the building, adjacent to the ferry landing. And that is where I usually stop, or hop on the ferry to Larkspur.

If you keep moving north you'll eventually get to Pier 39 and Fisherman's Wharf, which is tourist town. I don't know who would buy half the random stuff in those stores, and the clam chowder and seafood I've tried has been very so-so... but still an area you have to explore if you're new to the city (though probably not with your dog; it can get crowded).