15 Best Dog-Friendly Hotels in San Diego, California

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dog is feeling happy at San Diego dog friendly hotel

San Diego is a well-known city in southern California popular for its beaches, warm weather, and fun attractions. In fact, it has almost 70 miles of beaches, and it enjoys about 270 days of sunshine compared to the national average of 213 days. It only rains 20 to 22 days per year and never snows, so outdoor activities like swimming, boating, and hiking are popular here, especially with your canine companion. 

The city has more than 500,000 fur babies, so you can imagine how many dog-friendly activities you will find here. But it is also great for those who bring their cuddle buddies with them on vacation. There are hundreds of hotels in San Diego, and over half of them allow dogs. In fact, many of them encourage you to bring your pup and have special packages just for pup parents. 

However, you may be looking for something more specific in your hotel choices. For example, if you have a Great Dane or another extra-large breed, you will need a hotel that accepts large dogs. And if you want to stay a while, you would need an extended-stay hotel. We narrowed it down for you to the 15 best dog-friendly hotels in San Diego with specific features. 

The Dana on Mission Bay

https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/the-dana-on-mission-bay.en-gb.html

1710 W Mission Bay Dr.  Mission Bay, San Diego, CA 92109

Best for: Wheelchair accessible Overall

If you need a room that is easily accessible, take a look at The Dana on Mission Bay. They have oversized bathrooms with lowered sinks, higher toilets, grab rails, wide doorways, lowered shelves, and counters. The roll-in showers have shower heads that are removable for easy access, and the hotel will provide shower chairs and toilet extenders on request. This hotel has two pools, a spa, a beachfront area, and all sorts of activities too, like popsicle hour, craft beer tasting, wine Wednesday, and dive-in movie night.

All pet parents that stay at The Dana receive a custom water bowl, dog treats, doggie bags, a ‘Pet in Room’ privacy sign, and a list of dog-friendly attractions, parks, and restaurants. And unlike other hotels, your canine companion can join you for a meal at the Firefly Eatery & Bar, where they get a treat and bowl of water. Get the Dana For Dogs Package with a daily $25 credit for food and drinks and your pup stays free. And you can use their dog-sitting service while you enjoy SeaWorld, Belmont Park, or Mission Beach nearby.

Pet policy:

  • Dog fee: $40 per night per dog. Free if you get the Dana For Dogs Package.
  • Pet deposit: No deposit is required, but you will be charged for any damages caused by your dog.
  • Breed Restrictions: None.
  • Weight Restrictions: Maximum of 80 pounds combined.
  • Dogs allowed per stay: Two.

Manchester Grand Hyatt Hotel

https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/manchester-grand-hyatt-san-diego.en-gb.html

One Market Place, Downtown San Diego, San Diego, CA 92101

Best for: Luxury

Whatever your idea of luxury is, you will find it at Manchester Grand Hyatt Hotel. There are two pools (one is on the roof), hot tubs and jacuzzis, a modern fitness center, eight different eating establishments, three bars, and the best part is that your pup is always welcome. For just $100, your pooch can stay for up to six nights. Oh yeah, it is also right on the beach so you can enjoy any water sports you want during your stay and you do not even have to leave the hotel. 

All the rooms and suites are fantastic but the penthouse is the most luxurious with 1,450 square feet on the top floor with a separate bedroom, living room, and dining area. You will enjoy a 65-inch HDTV, plush robes and slippers, Keurig coffee maker, microwave, and fridge. In fact, even the smallest room has a huge TV, robe, slippers, and coffeemaker. And there are tons of attractions nearby as well, including Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo, and SeaWorld. 

Pet policy:

  • Dog fee: $100 per stay up to six nights.
  • Pet deposit: No deposit is required but you will be charged for any damages caused by your dog.
  • Breed Restrictions: None.
  • Weight Restrictions: Dogs weighing up to 50 pounds with a maximum of 75 pounds combined.
  • Dogs allowed per stay: Two.

Kimpton Alma San Diego, an IHG Hotel

https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/kimpton-alma-san-diego.en-gb.html

1047 5th Avenue, Downtown San Diego, San Diego, CA 92101

Best for: Large dogs

With special water bowls, plush pet beds, and plenty of treats, the Kimpton Alma San Diego will pamper your pup just like they pamper you. They love dogs as much as you do and know they come in all sizes, so they do not care if your fur baby is a huge Hound or a tiny Terrier, they are always welcome for FREE. And they have even partnered with a local dog-walking and sitting service, so you do not even have to worry about that during your stay. 

You can use that pet sitter while you enjoy the rooftop pool, 24-hour fitness center, the hosted social hour from 5 to 6 PM, or one of their awesome eateries. They believe in yoga too, with a yoga mat in every room and rooftop yoga classes on Saturdays at 10 AM. You are only a short walk from the San Diego Zoo, Petco Park, and Balboa Park, as well as the beach, so you do not have to go far to find some fun. 

Pet policy:

  • Dog fee: None.
  • Pet deposit: No deposit is required, but you will be charged for any damages caused by your dog.
  • Breed Restrictions: None.
  • Weight Restrictions: None.
  • Dogs allowed per stay: Two.

Andaz San Diego – a Concept by Hyatt

https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/andaz-san-diego.en-gb.html

600 F Street, Downtown San Diego, San Diego, CA 92101

Best for: Rooftop pool

Enjoy cocktails and beer while staying cool in the crystal clear water where you can also enjoy the sunset. And if you get hungry, they have you covered. The Rooftop by STK is a swanky rooftop eatery right next to the spectacular pool with everything from steak to seafood. Or you can rent a cabana to relax after swimming. Your pooch will be perfectly happy in your room being pampered by the dog sitter so you do not have to worry about him. 

While the sitter is there, you can visit the Sunset Cliffs, Balboa Theatre, San Diego Hall of Champions, or the USS Midway Museum. The hotel is in the Gaslight District in downtown San Diego so you are close to everything. Rooms vary from the 385-square-foot King Room with a minibar, robes, and a 46-inch TV to the Andaz Star Suite with 1,275 square feet, king bunk beds, a separate bedroom, and a full bar.    

Pet policy:

  • Dog fee: $75 per stay.
  • Pet deposit: No deposit is required, but you will be charged for any damages caused by your dog.
  • Breed Restrictions: None.
  • Weight Restrictions: Dogs weighing up to 50 pounds with a maximum of 75 pounds combined.
  • Dogs allowed per stay: Two.

Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego Bay Downtown

https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/embassy-suites-san-diego-bay-downtown.en-gb.html

601 Pacific Highway, Downtown San Diego, San Diego, CA 92101

Best for: Indoor pool

Even with such perfect weather, San Diego does sometimes get too chilly or rainy for a swim. So, Embassy Suites has an indoor pool so you can relax and have a swim no matter what the weather. The stunning pool area is filled with gorgeous decor and loungers for you to enjoy. And the hotel is right on the Pacific Highway across from the harbor, where you can take a walk by the water or hit the beach. 

It is also within walking distance to Seaport Village and Embarcadero Marina where dogs are welcome so you can take your cuddle buddy out for a walk or let him play in the water as long as he is leashed. Or leave your pooch with a sitter and catch a game or concert at Petco Park, check out the animals at the San Diego Zoo, or see some cool art at the San Diego Museum of Art. 

Pet policy:

  • Dog fee: $75 per stay up to four nights, $125 for stays of five or more days.
  • Pet deposit: No deposit is required, but you will be charged for any damages caused by your dog.
  • Breed Restrictions: None.
  • Weight Restrictions: Maximum of 75 pounds combined.
  • Dogs allowed per stay: Two.

Fairmont Grand Del Mar

https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/the-grand-del-mar-san-diego.en-gb.html

5300 Grand Del Mar Court, San Diego – California 92130

Best for: Extended stay

Fairmont has grand suites that are larger than an average home with 2,840 square feet, two bedrooms, a stone fireplace, a balcony over the golf course, a large dining room for eight, sunken tubs, and a 13-inch TV in the bathroom! The hotel boasts four pools, five restaurants, three bars, and exceptional service. They even have a kids club, bike rental, archery, golf, horseback riding, hiking, tennis, a nightclub, and movie nights, as well as live music and sporting events. 

And your fur puppy is welcomed with a gift basket and pet bowls, as well as a plush bed to sleep in. Their pet sitting services will come in handy when you want to get out on the town and enjoy some of the attractions. Some of these include SeaWorld, San Diego Botanic Garden, Birch Aquarium, and Old Town. Or if you want to take your pup out to run around off his leash, Torrey Hills Dog Park is less than two miles away!

Pet policy:

  • Dog fee: $150 per stay.
  • Pet deposit: No deposit is required but you will be charged for any damages caused by your dog.
  • Breed Restrictions: None.
  • Weight Restrictions: Under 50 pounds each.
  • Dogs allowed per stay: Two.

The Pendry San Diego

https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/pendry-san-diego.en-gb.html

550 J Street, Downtown San Diego, San Diego, CA 92101

Best for: No pet fee

The Pendry loves dogs as much as you do and they encourage you to bring your fur baby by offering no pet fee. The hotel also offers dog beds, treats, bowls, doggie bags, and a small grassy space for pooches to do what they have to. In the middle of the Gaslamp Quarter, you will be close to everything, including Petco Park, The Children’s Museum, Old Town, and Balboa Park. Or take your canine companion to the Little Italy Dog Park so he can run around off his leash. 

Whether you just want a 350-square-foot single room or a deluxe suite with 1,500 square feet, The Pendry has all that and more. They all come with fully stocked bars, marble counters, pillow-topped mattresses, luxurious baths, and a room safe. When you get hungry, there are numerous restaurants nearby as well as several in the hotel for you to choose from. Or relax at the pool, where they serve cocktails and light fare.   

Pet policy:

  • Dog fee: None.
  • Pet deposit: No deposit is required but you will be charged for any damages caused by your dog.
  • Breed Restrictions: None.
  • Weight Restrictions: Maximum of 20 pounds per pet.
  • Dogs allowed per stay: Two.

Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines

https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/hilton-la-jolla-torrey-pines.en-gb.html

10950 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92037

Best for: Private jacuzzi/hot tub 

The Hilton is known for its exemplary service and pristine rooms and this one at La Jolla Torrey Pines will not disappoint! Choose the Champion Suite for a private jacuzzi whirlpool tub, 55-inch TV, furnished terrace, equipped bar, living room, dining room, and even a grand piano. Your pooch will love having almost 3,000 square feet to explore and enjoy while you kick your feet up and watch the sunset from your living room couch. 

Right on the coast with its own 18-hole golf course, you get a stellar view, outdoor gardens, a sparkling pool, and tennis courts. There are also three restaurants, a fitness center, yoga, and hiking. And you are right by SeaWorld, the Birch Aquarium, and the American Presidents Museum as well as five-star Michelin restaurants and bars. You can rent a cabana at the pool with a sofa and private service, hop on the Breeze bus to hit the beach, play tennis, or work out at the fitness center too. 

Pet policy:

  • Dog fee: $75
  • Pet deposit: No deposit is required, but you will be charged for any damages caused by your dog.
  • Breed Restrictions: None.
  • Weight Restrictions: Maximum of 75 pounds combined.
  • Dogs allowed per stay: Two.

San Diego Mission Bay Resort

https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/san-diego-mission-bay-resort.en-gb.html

1775 East Mission Bay Drive, Mission Bay, San Diego, CA 92109

Best for: Beach

You cannot get much closer to the beach than San Diego Mission Bay Resort. It has its own stretch of golden sand and clear blue waters on the Pacific coastline, where you can spend the day swimming, sunbathing, surfing, or even fishing on the pier. If you want to get out there on the water, Action Sport Rentals is right there on the beach, and they have boats, kayaks, paddle boards, and surfboards. Or rent a bike and enjoy the Bayside Bikeway. 

Back at the hotel, you can swim in their oversized heated pool and enjoy a cocktail, get in a good workout at the state-of-the-art gym, or grab some food at one of the four restaurants. The rooms are beach chic, and all of them have great views of either the garden or Mission Bay. The suites range from 670 to 1,463 square feet and have private furnished balconies. And your pooch gets his own bed and bowls.

Pet policy:

  • Dog fee: $100 per dog per stay for three days and $25 additional for every day after.
  • Pet deposit: No deposit is required, but you will be charged for any damages caused by your dog.
  • Breed Restrictions: None.
  • Weight Restrictions: Maximum of 75 pounds combined.
  • Dogs allowed per stay: Two.

Bahia Resort Hotel

https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/bahia-resort.en-gb.html

998 West Mission Bay Drive, Mission Bay, San Diego, CA 92109

Best for: Kitchenette

Between Santa Barbara Cove, Mission Bay, and Ventura Cove, the Bahia Resort Hotel has everything you need for a fun vacation with your cuddly canine companion. If you like to have a kitchen where you need it, Bahia has that, too. The deluxe suites each have a full-sized stove with an oven, fridge, microwave, and toaster, so you can prepare your own meals if you want to. But you certainly do not have to because they have a fantastic waterfront restaurant, pool bar & grill, and a food truck by the lobby.

The resort also has beach bonfires with s’mores, a whirlpool, a tropical garden, shuffleboard, and a fitness center, as well as tennis courts and a playground. It is located on Mission Bay, where they have a variety of beach activities like volleyball, kayaking, surfing, swimming, and just relaxing in a lounge. You can rent whatever you need at Action Sport Rentals, where they even offer lessons for those who need them. There is even a dog beach where your pup can play and swim off-leash!

Pet policy:

  • Dog fee: $125 per stay.
  • Pet deposit: No deposit is required, but you will be charged for any damages caused by your dog.
  • Breed Restrictions: None.
  • Weight Restrictions: One dog 50 pounds or less or a combined 75 pounds for two.
  • Dogs allowed per stay: Two.

Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina

https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/hyatt-regency-mission-bay-spa-and-marina.en-gb.html

1441 Quivira Road, Mission Bay, San Diego, CA 92109

Best for: Waterpark

If you are bringing the kids and want to enjoy the water, you do not have to leave the hotel to enjoy water park fun. Hyatt Regency Mission Bay has three pools and several water slides to enjoy. And they are not just for kids! In fact, one of them is adults only. If you would rather play in the ocean, they have a vast array of water activities to choose from. You can rent a boat, jet skis, kayaks, and paddleboards or take a whale-watching tour. 

Dogs are totally welcome and they even provide special treats and bowls for your fur baby. You can also get your hair and nails done, get a massage, or enjoy a body wrap. They even have a sailing and a yacht cruise that includes a private chef-catered dinner. The rooms are awesome too with everything from a basic single to a rooftop terrace room. You are close to all the fun attractions in downtown San Diego as well, so you can go out on the town.

Pet policy:

  • Dog fee: $100 for up to six nights. An additional $100 for 7 to 30 days.
  • Pet deposit: No deposit is required, but you will be charged for any damages caused by your dog.
  • Breed Restrictions: None.
  • Weight Restrictions: One dog of 50 pounds or less or two dogs up to 75 pounds.
  • Dogs allowed per stay: Two.

Paradise Point Resort & Spa

https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/paradise-point-resort-spa.en-gb.html

1404 Vacation Road, Mission Bay, San Diego, CA 92109

Best for: Resort

Located on Vacation Island, Paradise Resort has it all and then some. It is 44 acres of fun, taking up the entire western side of the island. The bungalow rooms are arranged like cottages with some lining the beach, others by the pools, and many in the gardens. The spa is renowned for drift massages, saunas, and whirlpools, all with a glass of champagne. You can also enjoy five different pools, the fitness center, and a variety of sports. 

Hit the beach with your pooch where they have a special section for him to swim, play in the sand, and run around without a leash. He will love it! There is also a marina with boats and jet skis, as well as other rentals. Dogs are welcome in your room whether it is a standard guestroom or a beach bungalow with bedrooms. The resort is right between North Cove Beach., Vacation Isle Park, and Ski Beach so you will have plenty to do outside the hotel too. 

Pet policy:

  • Dog fee: $150 per stay per dog.
  • Pet deposit: No deposit is required but you will be charged for any damages caused by your dog.
  • Breed Restrictions: None.
  • Weight Restrictions: None.
  • Dogs allowed per stay: Two.

Hotel Iris – Mission Valley-San Diego Zoo-SeaWorld

https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/hotel-iris-mission-valley.en-gb.html

625 Hotel Circle South, Mission Valley, San Diego, CA 92108

Best for: Affordable

With rooms under $100 that have all the amenities, Hotel Iris is perfect for everyone, including pup parents. Bringing your cuddly canine with you is inexpensive, too at just $20 a night, and they have special treats for your pooch. You will be less than five miles from everything, including the San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, the Midway Museum, SeaWorld, Sunset Cliffs, and even several off-leash dog parks. Why spend more when you can get all that you need for less?

Some rooms are decked out with 50-inch HDTVs, plush bathroom features, free Wi-Fi, and a few of them have kitchens. The King Room even has a hot tub with jets. Being a smaller hotel with just 79 rooms, you get personalized service and daily housekeeping as well as laundry and dry cleaning services. There is also a sparkling swimming pool with loungers and umbrella tables, as well as a spa with a hot tub and jacuzzi.

Pet policy:

  • Dog fee: $20 per night per dog.
  • Pet deposit: No deposit is required, but you will be charged for any damages caused by your dog.
  • Breed Restrictions: None.
  • Weight Restrictions: Call for details.
  • Dogs allowed per stay: Two.

The US Grant, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Diego

https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/the-us-grant.en-gb.html

326 Broadway, Downtown San Diego, San Diego, CA 92101

Best for: Spa

Not only does the US Grant have a spa with all the amenities, but it also has a gym with a personal trainer, couples massage, and a variety of wellness packages. Enjoy a hot stone massage, aromatherapy, and facial, or get your hair and nails done for a night on the town. It is located in the Gaslamp Quarter, where you can enjoy a game at Petco Park, see over 3,000 animals at the San Diego Zoo, let your dog run leash-free at Nate’s Point Dog Park, and even take your fur buddy swimming at Coronado Dog Beach. 

The hotel has everything from a single queen room to a two-bedroom penthouse with three televisions, 800 square feet, a dining room, a living room, a robe, and slippers. They all have exquisite furnishings and artwork and pillow-top beds. You can dine at the Grant Grill or hit one of the Michelin-starred eateries nearby. The Grant has live music on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights too! Your pup will be pampered, too, with a plush bed, treats, and special bowls.

Pet policy:

  • Dog fee: $150 per stay.
  • Pet deposit: No deposit is required, but you will be charged for any damages caused by your dog.
  • Breed Restrictions: None.
  • Weight Restrictions: Maximum of 35 pounds.
  • Dogs allowed per stay: One.

The Lodge at Torrey Pines

https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/the-lodge-at-torrey-pines.en-gb.html

11480 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92037

Best for: Rustic

If you want to get away from all the hustle and bustle of the city, The Lodge at Torrey Pines is perfect. It has 45 acres at the edge of the Torrey Preserve on the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. The hotel overlooks the Torrey Pines Golf Course and has sensational views of the ocean as well as exceptional dining and a full-service spa with yoga classes, massages, and a fitness center.

The Lodge also loves dogs and will help you with dog sitting while you enjoy the extras or go out on the town. You are never too far from a five-star restaurant anywhere in San Diego, but The Lodge actually has its own famous dining at A.R. Valentien with Chef Kelli Crosson. Head out to the heated pool, where there are underwater speakers for your added enjoyment, or you can play a round of golf right on-site. They also have croquet, hiking, biking, and live music.  

Pet policy:

  • Dog fee: $150.
  • Pet deposit: No deposit is required, but you will be charged for any damages caused by your dog.
  • Breed Restrictions: None.
  • Weight Restrictions: One dog up to 50 pounds or two combined under 75 pounds.
  • Dogs allowed per stay: Two.

The Final Woof

San Diego is a dog-friendly city with over 30 dog parks and eight dog beaches for you and your canine companion to enjoy. Many of the hotels are also pup popular, some without any fees and others that allow dogs of any size or breed. We found 15 of the best dog-friendly hotels that have a variety of amenities, from having a beach to those with a water park to enjoy. You can choose a simple but elegant suite with a jacuzzi or even a penthouse with a grand piano. We chose The Dana as the overall best because not only does it have a beach, spa, and two pools but it also has special activities and a special package called Dana For Dogs. You can even take him to the on-site restaurant with you. 

Photo of author
Patty Oelze is a freelance writer who is also in the process of getting her PhD in Psychology. She has been writing about dogs and other critters for about 10 years and has a plethora of animals at her home including several cats, some chipmunks, a dozen raccoons, two foxes, one coyote, and herds of deer. She and her husband have been living in the Missouri Ozarks for years where she enjoys taking care of wildlife, fishing, photography, boating, and of course, writing.

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