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13 Best Dog Friendly Beaches in San Diego
Are you looking for dog friendly beaches in San Diego?
Determining which beaches are dog friendly when traveling can be challenging. Everywhere has its own rules.
I don’t like to leave my red golden retriever, Theo, at home with a pet sitter. So I found ways to travel with him.
We’ve explored dozens of cities together, including places all over California, and there are some great off-leash dog beaches in San Diego.
Let’s explore some of the most popular San Diego dog beach options.
✅ My #1 choice for a tracking collar is the FI Smart Dog Collar. It’s waterproof and tells me where Theo is anywhere in the USA!
Dog Friendly Beaches San Diego: Off-Leash
1. Ocean Beach Dog Beach
The “original dog beach” of San Diego, Ocean Beach, is the perfect place to go with your dog.
People and dogs can swim, surf, and play in the sand. The east side of Ocean Beach Dog Beach has Smiley Lagoon with calmer water.
Bathrooms and showers are by the parking lot.
Are dogs allowed on Ocean Beach, San Diego? On the Dog Beach, yes. Anywhere else on Ocean Beach, there are on-leash hours available.
Ocean Villa Inn is a dog-friendly hotel nearby, complete with a dog wash area.
Address: The End of Voltaire Street
Hours: 24 Hours
Leash Rule: Off-Leash
Where to Park: Parking Lot and Street Parking
Entrance Fee: Free
2. Fiesta Island Dog Beach in Mission Bay
Fiesta Island is a dog friendly peninsular island in San Diego’s Mission Bay.
While it isn’t much to look at, it’s popular with long stretches of sand and calm bay water.
Fiesta Island has no bathrooms, but there are occasionally porta potties.
Check out Enchanted Cove on the northeast side of Fiesta Island. You can launch your stand-up paddleboard or kayak to have extra water fun with your dog.
Address: 1590 E Mission Bay Dr, San Diego, CA 92109
Hours: 4am-10pm
Leash Rule: Off-leash or On-leash
Where to Park: Parking lots on Fiesta Island
Entrance Fee: Free
3. Coronado Dog Run Beach
Coronado Dog Run Beach is near Sunset Park and the iconic Hotel Del Coronado.
The dog park has a dog wash station to rinse the sand off your fur baby after playing on the beach.
It’s the only beach on Coronado Island where dogs can be off-leash.
There are many dog-friendly shops, restaurants, and hotels nearby. Coronado also has Trusted Housesitters opportunities.
Address: Ocean Blvd and Ocean Drive Coronado, CA 92118
Hours: 24 Hours
Leash Rule: Off-leash
Where to Park: Street Parking
Entrance Fee: Free
4. Capehart (Soledad) Dog Park in Pacific Beach
Located on the east side of Pacific Beach, this dog park is actually not by the ocean.
Capehart (Soledad) Dog Park is a fenced-in dog park. The small dog side has grass, while the large dog side for dogs over 9 kg (20 lbs) is just dirt.
There are picnic tables, benches, and bag dispensers. It’s perfect for dogs to run around and play with doggy friends.
Address: 4747 Soledad Mountain Rd San Diego, CA 92109
Hours: 24 Hours
Leash Rule: Off-leash
Where to Park: Parking Lot
Entrance Fee: Free
5. Del Mar Dog Beach in North Beach
Del Mar is full of beautiful beaches in San Diego, but there are very specific Del Mar Dog Beach rules.
The rest of the year, dogs can only be off-leash between dawn and 8 am.
North Beach is the only dog beach Oceanside offers. Dogs can be off-leash in the off-season from the day after Labor Day (the first Monday in September) through June 15.
North Beach offers a wide-open beach and impressive sandstone bluffs.
The mouth of the San Dieguito River into the Pacific Ocean creates a calm water area for dogs to play.
Address: 3902 29th St Del Mar, CA 92014
Hours: 24 Hours
Leash Rule: Off-leash and On-leash
Where to Park: Parking lot
Entrance Fee: Free
6. Dusty Rhodes Park in Ocean Beach
Dusty Rhodes Park isn’t too far away from Ocean Beach Dog Beach.
It’s along the mouth of the San Diego River. You are further away from the ocean, but there is a grassy area for your dog to run.
The dog park is fenced off from the rest of Rhodes Park, so you don’t need to worry about your dog getting too far away from you.
Enjoy the sunshine, good weather, and open space.
Address: 2469 Sunset Cliffs Blvd, San Diego, CA 92107
Hours: 24 Hours
Leash Rule: Off-leash
Where to Park: Parking lot
Entrance Fee: Free
Dog Friendly Beaches San Diego: On-Leash
7. San Diego City Beaches
San Diego beaches are a huge part of why people visit San Diego.
Even though the number of off-leash dog beaches is limited, you still can walk your leashed dogs at San Diego City Beaches.
So are dogs allowed on Pacific Beach or other famous San Diego beaches?
Yes.
The catch is that it has to be between 6 pm-9 am from April through October or between 4 pm – 9 am from November through March.
There is an exception for service animals if your dog is trained to help with a disability.
San Diego City Beaches
- Pacific Beach
- Ocean Beach
- Mission Beach
- Mission Bay Beaches
- La Jolla Shores
- Children’s Pool
- La Jolla Cove
- Black’s Beach
- Windandsea Beach
8. Imperial Beach
Dogs can be on-leash in Imperial Beach as long as they are south of Imperial Beach Boulevard.
Your furry best friend must be on a leash shorter than 1.8 m (6 ft) long.
South Imperial Beach is a smaller, less crowded beach with soft sand. The bathrooms are by the pier north of Imperial Beach Boulevard, where dogs can’t go.
Check water conditions before swimming close to the Mexican Border. Sometimes there is sewer contamination that far south.
Address: Beach Ave and Seacoast Dr Imperial Beach, CA 91932
Hours: 24 Hours
Leash Rule: On-leash
Where to Park: Parking Lot and Street Parking
Entrance Fee: Free
🌊 I recommend this dog life jacket for large breeds. Theo loves it!
9. Grand Caribe Shoreline Park in Coronado
All of the Port of San Diego parks allow dogs if they are on-leash.
Grand Caribe Shoreline Park is perfect for those who want a nice grass area and a beach.
You can take your dog out on a stand-up paddleboard or a kayak.
Loews Coronado Bay Resort is a nearby pet-friendly hotel. There is an extra fee, and your dog can’t be more than 18.2 kg (40 lbs).
Unfortunately, my 70 lb Theo wouldn’t be able to stay there, but they have grass relief areas, pet walking services, and even a pet welcome gift bag.
Address: 598 Grand Caribe Causeway, Coronado, CA 92118
Hours: 6 am – 10:30 pm
Leash Rule: On-leash
Where to Park: Street Parking
Entrance Fee: Free
10. Mission Beach
You can walk your dog on Mission Beach and the Boardwalk Promenade from 6 pm – 9 am in April through October or between 4 pm – 9 am the rest of the year.
The most unique thing about Mission Beach is that it’s a quick walk to Mission Bay. Many beach houses have views of both the ocean side and the bay side.
It’s a beautiful area and worth a walk during dog friendly hours.
Address: Mission Blvd San Diego, CA 92109
Hours: 4 pm – 9 am or 6 pm – 9 am (with your dog)
Leash Rule: On-leash
Where to Park: Parking Lot or Street Parking
Entrance Fee: Free
11. La Jolla Shores Beach & La Jolla Cove
La Jolla Shores and La Jolla Cove follow the rules for San Diego city beaches. Depending on the time of year, dogs are only allowed on-leash before 9 am and after 4 pm or 6 pm.
Walk past the pier during low tide for some great photo ops and tide pool viewing.
Above La Jolla Cove is La Jolla Coast Walk Trail. Unlike the beaches, dogs are allowed on-leash at any time.
Enjoy the ocean view and look for seals and sea lions as you walk.
Address: Camino Del Oro and Calle Frescota La Jolla, CA 92037
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset, 4 pm – 9 am or 6 pm – 9 am (with your dog)
Leash Rule: On-leash
Where to Park: Parking Lot or Street Parking
Entrance Fee: Free
12. Seaside Beach in Cardiff State Beach
As long as you stay south of lifeguard tower 16, you can walk with your dog on-leash at Seaside Beach and Cardiff Dog Beach.
The beach gets very narrow at high tide. Go at low tide for a wider beach by the bluffs and to see tide pools.
The water is excellent for swimming, and this beach is popular with surfers.
Address: 2504 S Coast Highway 101 Solana Beach, CA 92075
Hours: 7 am- sunset
Leash Rule: On-leash
Where to Park: Parking Lot
Entrance Fee: $12-$25 Fee for Parking
13. Bluff’s Beaches in San Onofre State Beach
San Onofre is beautiful with its ocean waves, soft sand, and seaside bluffs.
Dogs are allowed on the bluffs and trails but not in buildings. Only beaches 1 and 6 allow dogs on-leash.
There is lots of parking and restrooms are available. Be sure to bring your dog’s travel water dish to fill up at the water station.
Address: Old Pacific Highway San Clemente, CA 92672
Hours: 6 am – sunset
map of San Diego Dog Friendly Beaches
San Diego Dog Beach Rules
Tips for Visiting San Diego Dog Beaches
- Check beach rules (leash & collar with license)
- California requires rabies vaccine for dogs
- Prepare for a lot of sun exposure
- Check high tide & water conditions
- Clean up after your dog
- Bring water and travel dog bowl
- Know the Emergency Pet Hospitals in San Diego
- Know how your dog reacts to other dogs
In California, dogs have to be vaccinated for rabies.
Your dog must have a leash no longer than 1.8 m (6 ft) long with their dog license.
The Fi smart dog collar is a great accessory for dog parks. You can monitor your pup’s health and activity while tracking them with GPS.
Pack dog sunscreen or a sunshade. Beaches do not have great shade options for a break from the sun.
Some dog beach San Diego addresses can be tricky, but your GPS should take you to the nearest parking or cross streets.
🌊 I recommend this dog life jacket for large breeds. Theo loves it!
San Diego Beaches that Don’t allow dogs
- Carlsbad State Beach
- Torrey Pines State Beach
- Silver Strand State Beach
- Moonlight State Beach
- San Elijo State Beach
- Leucadia State Beach
Some beaches don’t allow dogs even if they are on-leash.
Don’t worry, there are over 31 beaches in San Diego!
Chances are you can easily find a beach that allows dogs nearby.
Even if there is no dog beach, Carlsbad and other cities have many hiking trails your dog can join you on.
FAQs About San Diego Dog Friendly Beaches
Can dogs go to La Jolla Shores Beach?
Yes. Dogs can be on-leash at La Jolla Shores before 9 am and after 4 pm in winter (after 6 pm the rest of the year).
Does Torrey Pines allow dogs?
No, dogs are not allowed on Torrey Pines Beach. You can take your dog north to Del Mar North Beach Dog Beach for off-leash fun. South is La Jolla Shores, where dogs can be on-leash during certain evening and early morning hours.
Are dogs allowed on Pacific Beach?
Yes, dogs can be on Pacific Beach from 6 pm-9 am April through October, or from 4 pm-9 am the rest of the year. There is also the fenced-in, off-leash Capehart Dog Park in Pacific Beach.
Is Encinitas beach dog friendly?
No, you can not bring your dog to Encinitas Beach. You can go 10 minutes south to Seaside Beach in Cardiff State Beach with your dog on-leash.
Final Thoughts on Dog Friendly Beaches in San Diego
The best dog beach in San Diego is Ocean Beach Dog Beach. It’s got wonderful sand, a beautiful lagoon, and is always off-leash.
If you’re looking for a higher-end vacation feel, then visiting Coronado Dog Run Beach is perfect.
Don’t miss Del Mar North Beach Dog Beach if you want to enjoy the sandstone cliffs. The off-season offers plenty of off-leash beach fun.
Before you go, plan an evening on-leash walk on the Mission Beach boardwalk, then walk a couple of blocks to Mission Bay.
Be sure to book a Sand Diego hotel and stay a few days for the ultimate dog beach vacation!
What do you think? Are you and your dog ready for some surf, sun, and sand?
✅ My #1 choice for a tracking collar is the FI Smart Dog Collar. It’s waterproof and tells me where Theo is anywhere in the USA!
Read More About Dog Friendly Beaches in the USA:
- 14 Best Dog Friendly Beaches Los Angeles
- 15 Best Dog Friendly Beaches in Half Moon Bay, California
- 18 Best San Francisco Dog Friendly Beaches (2023)
- Unleash the Fun: 11 of the Best Dog Friendly Beaches in Tahoe
- 13 Best Dog Friendly Beaches in San Diego
Dog Travel Planning Guide
🐶 How do you travel with a dog?
You can road trip, go camping, fly (depending on your dog’s size), go for day trips, and even live in an RV or motorhome with your dog! I’ve done all of the above with my dog, Theo.
✈️ How to travel with a dog by plane?
Check the airline requirements, if you’re flying with a large dog you’ll need to book far ahead, get a travel crate or carrier, and make sure your pet is up to date on their vaccinations. And don’t forget to bring along a leash, collapsible dish, and plenty of treats! (Read more)
🚗 How to travel with a dog in a car?
Get a seatbelt or car-friendly crate, a seat protector, and a few toys to keep your pet safe and comfortable. Bring along items like a leash, pee pads, treats, collapsible bowl, and some calming treats for anxious dogs. Take frequent potty breaks (I recommend every 2 hours minimum).
🧳 What should I pack in my dog travel bag?
I always pack a collapsible bowl, back up leash, 50ft long leash, Toppl food toy, plenty of dog food, and a few toys for my pup when we go on our travels. It’s important to have all the essentials packed before you leave home since it can be difficult to find pet-friendly stores in some locations. (Read more)
📝 What paperwork do I need to travel with a dog?
The paperwork you need will depend on where you’re going. You will always need your dog’s veterinary records and their vaccine status. You may also need an international health certificate, titre test, and even a spay/neuter certificate.
🐾 What is the best travel dog crate?
This collapsible crate is great for local travel and road trips. For plane travel, I recommend this hard crate for large breeds and this carrier for small breeds.
📍What is the best way to travel with a dog?
It depends! The best way to travel will depend on you and your dog. Small dogs will have an easier time with plane travel. Large breeds are better for long term trips to minimize plane time, or road trips.
🛌 Best dog travel mat?
This non-slip, water-proof, easy to wash travel mat is my go to!
✈️ What’s the best site to buy cheap flights?
To find cheap flights, I recommend Skyscanner.
🏨 What’s the best site to find cheap hotels?
To find cheap hotels, I recommend Booking.com.
Or stay for free with Trusted Housesitters!
🚗 What’s the best site to rent cars abroad?
To find cheap rental cars, I recommend Discover Cars.
🚗 What’s the best site to find tours?
To find epic tours, I recommend Viator.
