Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve is a small, well-managed public and recreation area with a large off-leash dog area in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Formerly a tuberculosis sanitarium owned by the City of San Francisco, the 366-acre park still boasts some old retaining walls and steps from the buildings but has now been cleared of all foreign vegetation and has more than six miles of hiking trails with access to cool canyons and beautiful views of the bay and surrounding hillsides from a ridge top. The trails are dog-friendly, and there are plenty of areas for dogs to run and play on and off-leash. Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve is open from dawn to half-an-hour after dusk.

Pulgas Ridge Preserve, Redwood City, CA 94062, Phone: 650-691-1200

If you are traveling with your dog, here are some helpful tips.

Ready to go?
Step 1: Visit the website and book directly and/or call ahead to confirm their hours.
Step 2: If you are spending the night, search for Hotel Deals nearby. Read the reviews, then call the hotel directly to book and ask for a romantic, kid-friendly or pet-friendly amenity if you need it.
Step 3: If you are flying, compare Flights. Book directly with the airline, add your frequent flier number and reserve your seat.
Step 4: Estimate your driving time using Google Maps (click the blue 'Directions' arrow in the search box).

Need some more help?
Read our Reservations & Travel Planning Tips guide.