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Has Bowser been giving you that look, the one that says “I could do better?” Well, maybe he’s just bored and ready for an adventure or two.
Here are five fun outings — from hikes, shops and treats to a Tail Waggers’ wag-athon — you can do with your pet in San Francisco, Berkeley and beyond.
1 San Francisco Water Taxi Company
Not only is this the most scenic, fun and easy way to traverse San Francisco’s waterfront, this adorable yellow boat also lets your dog ride for free. The water taxi service runs 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Sunday, and the ticket ($10 per person) lets you hop on and off all day. Stops include Hyde Street, Pier 39, the Exploratorium, Pier 1.5 neat the Ferry Building and Pier 40 (AT&T Park), with more stops promised in the future. 415-926-1114; sanfranciscowatertaxi.org
2 Lands End Trail
As long as you’re in the city, why not take a hike on the trail that BringFido Traveler gave a 5-bone rating? You’ll need to keep your dog on leash, but this trail, in what has been called San Francisco’s most rugged corner, is pup-friendly. The 3.4-mile hike includes a cliff-top walk with views of the rocky, windswept coast, a visit to the Sutro Baths and Cliff House, and Ocean Beach. 916 El Camino Del Mar, San Francisco; www.nps.gov/goga
3 Paw Patch Pastries
Treat your dog to some Beastro Bones, BonBons or Droolers at this San Francisco bakery, which specializes in pet treats. Owner Carla Ocfemia was trained as a chef, but decided cooking for dogs was more fun that cooking for humans. The treats — you also can order custom cakes — are organic and most of them contain no wheat, corn, soy or gluten. For dogs on diets, the shop also sells an assortment of Chewy Vuitton plush toys. The store is open from 2 to 5:30 p.m. Fridays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays and 10 a.m. to noon on Sundays. 3150 18th St. #112, San Francisco (The bakery’s new location on Potrero Hill at 701 Pennsylvania Ave. opens Aug. 1.) Details: www.pawpatchpastries.com
4 Paco Collars
If your dog (or cat) has distinctive fashion needs, Berkeley’s Paco Collars store specializes in eye-popping leather collars for your pet. The inspiration for the store arose when owner Ana Poe needed a sturdy collar for her pit bull, Paco, that didn’t contribute to the notion that all pits are blood thirsty. In other words, no spikes and chains. Instead, gems and precious metals are part of the design in this assortment of collars — with names such as the Celtic, the Chainsaw and the Dude. Everything is handmade by the store’s crew. Paco Collars, which is across the street from Berkeley Bowl, is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. 2905 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley; pacocollars.com
5 South County Tail Waggers 5K Wagathon
Take Fido on a walk for a good cause at the second annual Wagathon July 14 at Gilroy’s Christmas Hill Park. Proceeds from this easy, no-pressure walk help support Tail Wagger’s ongoing efforts to create a free monthly spay-and-neuter clinic for South County dog owners, who cannot afford those veterinary services. The festivities, which run from 8 to 11 a.m., include music by DJ Mistik, face-painting for kids, snacks, water and a complimentary Wagathon bag. Admission is $15-$35; bring a non-retractable leash. Details: www.sctailwaggers.org
