In the southern tip of California, just to the north of Mexico, San Diego is a beach town on the San Diego Bay with love for dogs like no other. Whether you have a tiny terrier, a huge hound, or something in the middle, you will find a plethora of fun things to do with your fur buddy in this coastal city. The locals have made sure there are places for pooch parents all over the city so that they and other dog lovers can enjoy the beauty of San Diego like everyone else does.
From dog parks to beaches to shopping, restaurants, and more – San Diego is a terrific dog-friendly city! You will not have any trouble staying busy here, no matter what you feel like doing. But we know that beaches are one of the most popular spots for fur babies and their humans, so we did some research.
We found dozens of dog-friendly beaches in San Diego! To help you out, we listed our top 15 choices for you to explore and enjoy the 840 miles of the Pacific coastline.
The Original Dog Beach
Located in the northern section of Ocean Beach by Sea World, The Original Dog Beach is a leash-free beach bonanza for all fur babies. You can let your little buddy run around all day here without worry. But if you are going to let him swim, we recommend a doggie life vest, no matter how good a swimmer he is. The current can be dangerous for everyone so you should wear one too if you are going in with him.
This large beach park has a lifeguard, restrooms, and showers, as well as picnic areas and surfing. You will have access to Smiley Lagoon as well as the ocean, and there are several eateries to fuel up after your swim, like Wild Things Pizza & Beer or the OB Noodle House & Sake Bar. Nearby, you can get your pooch all cleaned up at the Dog Beach Dog Wash before taking him to the farmers’ market or one of the other nearby shopping destinations.
Fiesta Island Park Beach
If you have never been to Fiesta Island, this is a place you should not miss. You will find more than 27 miles of beach at Fiesta Island Park, with fire pits, water sports, and a leash-free beach for fur babies! In fact, the whole island is a leash-free zone for dogs, but they do not mind sharing it with you. The calm waters of the bay make it the perfect swimming destination for those who are not strong swimmers, and Enchanted Cove is a nice place to splash around and watch water skiers.
Although there are no bathrooms here, you will find portable toilets here and there. You will notice that you are right next to SeaWorld, which can be stressful for your pup if he does not like the sound of the crowds and the screams from parkgoers on the thrill rides. Also, make sure you check out the schedule for the fireworks if your fur baby is afraid of them.
La Jolla Cove
Located just north of San Diego at the northeastern end of Ellen Browning Scripps Park, La Jolla Cove is a beautiful beach. The most popular cove in the city, La Jolla Cove, is a magical place with stunning views and crashing waves. Your fur baby is welcome before 9 AM and after 6 PM from April through October and before 9 AM and after 4 PM from November through March. However, your pup has to be on a leash here. But that does not mean you cannot swim and play on the beach.
Explore the tide pools, take a walk along the bluffs, or just sit in awe of the crystal clear waters as you watch the sea life darting about the beach shallows. There are sea lions, sea caves, and other trails to enjoy as well, and you can do some snorkeling to see even more of the marine creatures under the waves. Nearby, La Jolla Village has a variety of shops and eateries you can check out.
Pacific Beach
Pacific Beach stretches from Pacific Beach Drive to Crystal Pier, with over a mile of sandy beaches and clear blue waters. Get there early or after dinner to take your fluffy pup for a swim or a walk along the boardwalk. Dogs are not allowed on the beach, boardwalk, and nearby parks between 9 AM and 4 PM from November 1 through March 31 or 6 PM from April 1 through October 31, and you will need to bring doggie waste bags.
Along the sand, you and your pup can grab some grub at Woody’s Breakfast & Burgers, Tacos El Gordo, or the Baja Beach Cafe. You may even like shopping at Pacific Beach Plaza or Promenade at Pacific Beach, but you will need to ask for permission to venture indoors. There are restrooms, showers, playgrounds, and picnic areas at the beach as well, but no glass bottles or alcohol are allowed.
Coronado Dog Beach
White sand beaches and calm, clear water with a leash-free area for your fur baby! Coronado Dog Beach is just across the bay from San Diego by Sunset Park and the North Island US Naval Station and offers a stretch of beach just for pups and their parents to enjoy. The area is marked by signs running along Ocean Boulevard from Ocean Drive to the border of the U.S. Naval Station. However, make sure your pup behaves because aggressive actions and excessive barking are not allowed.
Although there is no restroom, there is a shower at the entrance, and the park provides doggie waste bags to pick up after your pooch. Also, there is a restroom at the nearby North Beach. Just make sure you put Fido’s leash back on before going there. Coronado is a dog lover’s paradise since the whole island is walkable from the ocean to the bay. Afterward, take a walk to Wag’N Tails where you can give your dog a bath before shopping for some toys and treats.
North Beach
Between Solana Beach and Powerhouse Park & Beach, North Beach is a dog-friendly beach in Del Mar where your pup can run around and play off-leash from Labor Day until June 15th. Between June 16th and Labor Day, your dog is allowed there as well, but he has to be on a leash. However, from 25th through 29th Street, your pooch can be unleashed from dawn until 8 AM all year long. It can get confusing, so make sure you get a copy of the rules online before heading out.
You will also need to be mindful of the hotels and resorts in the area that may not be for public use. However, the beach at the intersection of the Pacific and San Dieguito River by Camino del Mar. The beach is typically crowded with volleyball games and locals enjoying the surf, but you should be able to find a spot for you and Fido to enjoy. While you are there, take your fur baby up the trail to James Scripps Bluff, where you can see for miles.
Cardiff State Beach
Just to the north of North Beach and south of San Elijo Creek, Cardiff State Beach is a dog-friendly beach on the San Diego coastline where dogs can play as long as they are on a leash. The park provides hours of entertainment, digging in the sand, playing frisbee, and splashing in the ocean. The sand is soft and clean, and the water is clear blue, so you can do some snorkeling to see some of the vibrant sea life. Don’t forget to bring extra water and doggie poo bags.
In the rest of the park along highway 101, you will find trails to explore with your pup, as well as fishing areas, surfing, restrooms, showers, and more. The gentle slope of the sand is often referred to as the Riviera of the West, and it is a popular place with locals as well as visitors. You will often find food trucks and pop-ups during the summer and several restaurants like the Chart House, Ki’s, and Cardiff Beach Bar.
San Elijo State Beach
With two miles of golden sand, San Elijo State Beach in Cardiff-by-the-Sea offers dog-friendly trails, roads, and even campgrounds. Dogs are allowed on the beach from the Lifeguard Tower 16 south, but they must be on a leash at all times. There are restrooms, showers, and a snack bar, as well as several beach shops and eateries at San Elijo. Some of these include Fish 101, The Shanty, and Pipes Cafe. There are other fast food places, too, like Jack-in-the-Box and Starbucks.
In addition to the beach and surf, you will also find picnic areas with grills and picnic tables as well as 156 campsites. However, if you plan to camp, book early because the sites are typically filled at least six months in advance. There is a camp store where you can get anything from t-shirts to dog food, as well as ice, bug repellant, sunscreen, and refreshments. Your dog will love this fun place, and so will you.
Corona Del Mar State Beach
South of Lookout Point and north of Inspiration Point, this state beach allows your pup to enjoy the half-mile of sand and surf along the Balboa Reach section of the Pacific coastline. You will have to avoid the beach from 10 AM until 4:30 PM, though. It is best to call the beach office to find out the exact hours when you plan to visit with your fur baby, just to be sure. It is a popular spot with the locals so expect it to be crowded during the summer.
The beach also has hiking trails, fishing, and picnic areas, as well as restrooms, outdoor showers, and water fountains. If you get hungry, you will find several concessions and a restaurant called The Jetty, where you can grab a bite with your pup. From breakfast burritos to lobster rolls, you and Fido will find what you want right on the beach so you can get back to the fun.
Imperial Beach
North of Palm Avenue and south of Imperial Beach Boulevard, you and your fur buddy can enjoy the sand and surf as long as he is on a leash. You will not have any trouble finding the northern section because it starts with the Spirit of Imperial Beach Statue and ends at the Red ART Tubes sculpture. There is about ½ mile of golden sand and clear blue water to enjoy as well as numerous dining opportunities like Katy’s Care, SEA 180, Babycakes, and Mike Hess Brewing.
Dunes Park is also near the northern section of this beach where dogs can go so you and your pup can enjoy the picnic areas, playground, paths, arbors, and beach. South of Imperial Beach Boulevard, you can enjoy the beach and surrounding parks all the way to the Mexican border at Friendship Park. Be sure to stop at Border Field State Park and the Tijuana Estuary while you are in the area.
Coronado Cays Dog Park
This dog park is fantastic and boasts six acres of play area beside the awesome sandy beach. Just to the south of Silver Strand State Beach, you and your furry friend can spend the whole day and evening here playing in the sand, swimming in the bay, and you can even have a picnic. There are over a dozen benches and numerous picnic tables, as well as a long dog run where your canine companion can run off his leash with the other pups.
There are tennis courts in the park, so you can almost always find errant tennis balls around the grounds. You will also find basketball courts, baseball diamonds, a pickleball court, and restrooms, as well as walking trails, a bikeway, and a large grassy area for everyone to enjoy. Be sure to bring doggie waste bags to clean up after your pooch and extra water for both of you.
Imperial Beach Dog Park
Between Imperial Beach and Coronado Cays, the Imperial Beach Dog Park is a nice little fenced area in Veterans Park. Letting your dog run free off his leash with other dogs is a nice break from always being restrained when you go out. Although the rest of the park is dog-friendly, your pup needs to be on a leash when outside the fenced area. The park has doggie waste bag dispensers, but it is a popular park so bring your own just in case.
The dog section also has dog-drinking fountains, so your pooch can get a drink, but you will have to bring your own water. The rest of the park features picnic tables, barbecue pits, a playground, horseshoe pits, and restrooms. There is a double-gated entrance/exit where you can remove your dog’s leash but keep it handy just in case of trouble. Be sure your pet has all his shots and has a rabies tag.
Pepper Park
Located on Sweetwater Channel, Pepper Park is a 5.5-acre paradise with all sorts of amenities and fun. Named after city leader Leonard Pepper, the park is right across the water from the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge, so you may see or hear some of the fantastic wild creatures of southern California. If you happen to have a boat, kayak, or canoe, take your fur baby for a ride on the water using the boat launch.
Thinking of catching some fish? The fishing pier is the perfect spot to cast a line and wait for the whopper. If you do not have bait, don’t worry, there is a bait store nearby where you can also get tackle, snacks, beverages, and ice. Behind the park is the marina, where you can rent water equipment, have a bite to eat, or just watch the boats go in and out and behind that is the Bayshore Bikeway.
Waterfront Park
It may not have a beach per se, but it has plenty of water access as well as a spray park. This is a popular park with the locals featuring several gardens, including the Diversity Garden, West Plaza, Mediterranean Garden, and a small central plaza. There are also promenades to explore, where you can take in all the beauty of the entire park while enjoying the great So-Cal weather. Be sure not to miss the public art display and fountains.
The historic space is right on the water where you and your fur buddy can get your feet wet or just stroll along the banks of San Diego Bay. On the water, you can find several ships and museums, including the Star of India, the Maritime Museum of San Diego, HMS Surprise, the San Salvador, and the Californian. Although you cannot bring your pup inside, you can get some very unique selfies here.
Balboa Park
Last but not least, Balboa Park has more than 1,200 acres of space to explore, with a whole park full of attractions such as the Zoo, a number of botanical gardens, the San Diego Junior Theatre, and several dog parks. Nate’s Trail Dog Park is 2.3 acres of fences space with room to run off-leash, lots of shade, benches for the pup parents, and several water fountains. They have doggie poo bags but bring your own just in case.
The Morley Field Dog Park is a scenic spot in a canyon with hiking trails and a large grassy field for some off-leash fun. It is open 24 hours a day and has lots of areas to explore. The Grape Street Dog Park is the largest, with five acres to run wild in. The open fields are surrounded by eucalyptus trees, and there are two fountains and restrooms for the pooch parents. The off-leash hours here are 7:30 AM to 9 PM.
The Final Woof
Each of these parks and beaches has something special for your dog, whether you are looking to swim, play on the beach, or let him run off-leash in a safe, enclosed space. You will also be surrounded by shopping and dining opportunities.
Cafe 222 on Island Avenue boasts breakfast all day in the Gaslamp Quarter. Lazy Dog Restaurant and Bar on Camino Del Rio is made special for pups and their humans with a special dog menu. Or you can try the Edgewater Grill on Harbor Drive in Seaport Village, where you can get pizza, seafood, or lamb meatloaf. No matter where you go with your pooch, make sure you always have doggie waste bags to clean up after him.
