Best Dog-Friendly Things to do in San Diego
San Diego is known for its beautiful beaches, great restaurants, and other fun activities, but some of these places don’t allow dogs. If you’re trying to find the best dog-friendly restaurants, dog-friendly hotels, and even dog-friendly beaches, don’t worry! There may be restrictions, but if you have a dog in San Diego, California, there are many places to explore.
There’s certainly no shortage of dog-friendly things to do in San Diego, and you’ll find that you can take your four-legged friends to San Diego dog parks, a dog beach, and dog-friendly restaurants from downtown San Diego to places like North Park and Ocean Beach , among many others. You might be surprised to learn how many places in San Diego are dog friendly, especially for leashed dogs.
When searching for the best dog-friendly things to do in San Diego, we look at outdoor spots like Mission Bay and San Diego Bay, as well as indoor spots with a pet-friendly vibe. So stay close as we dive into San Diego’s best dog-friendly spots with pet amenities, so you, the dog owner, don’t have to worry about your furry best friend being denied entry.
The 9 Best Dog-Friendly Things to Do in San Diego
If you are looking for a dog-friendly vacation, visit San Diego. As a dog owner, you’ll find great outdoor parks, dog-friendly hotels, and restaurants that will either let your dog inside or at least allow them to hang out with you on the patio. We’ll focus on cool outdoor activities as there are so many of them, but there’s no shortage of things to do with your four-legged friend in sunny San Diego.
1. Go to Del Mar Dog Beach – Del Mar
Located in Del Mar, this aptly named dog beach is one of the best places in San Diego for puppies to play and people to explore in harmony. Dogs are allowed off-leash from sunrise to 8am, but must be leashed afterward due to the large, open area of ​​the area. You will see that some dogs are off leash and playing in the shallow water near a bridge in the area, but you have to make the call that you think is best. This is a beautiful place to visit even if you don’t have a dog, and there are many sand volleyball games, picnics, and gatherings that dogs can attend.
2. Hike the Tecolote Canyon Trail – Clairemont Mesa West
Many people come here to walk or leash their dogs, and easy access to nearby neighborhoods makes it a hotspot among locals. As a visitor, this is a fantastic way to get outside with your dog in a unique way than going to a dog park or beach. If you’re looking to explore the local walking scene in a dog-friendly way, you’ve come to the right place! Then head to the Lazy Dog Restaurant and Bar in nearby Mission Valley for something to enjoy with your dog by your side.
Or say you need to walk the dog before a day of activities he may not be able to continue. This is a good length to get her energy out and make you feel like you can spend a day without her.
3. Grape Street Dog Park – Balboa Park
Image – Dog owners from Grape St
This dog park is spread over 12 acres and has some extra amenities like a water fountain. Despite being on the very edge of Balboa Park, Grape Street Dog Park happens to be the largest of Balboa’s three dog parks. Here you’ll find open fields surrounded by eucalyptus trees that make the space extra comfortable for spending time with your furry friend. Visit during the off-leash period, 7:30am to 9pm on weekdays and 9am to 9pm on weekends. At all other times of the day, your dog must be on a leash, but the park is open 24 hours a day.
There are also toilets and two additional water fountains for dogs.
4. North Beach (dog walking beach) – Coronado Island
Image – Coronado Visitor Center.com
North Beach, Dog Run Beach as it is also known, is a beautiful sandy beach where you and your dog can take a leisurely walk on the beach. With no big boulders or hills, this is a nice, laid-back place to walk your dog while in San Diego. Located on the northern part of Coronado Island, you have a great view of the Hotel del Coronado, where you can also stay with your dog. Not only is it a beautiful, historic San Diego landmark, but it’s also pretty dog-friendly. Leroy’s Kitchen and Lounge is a great place to grab a bite and you can even bring your dog here!
5. Kate Sessions Memorial Park – Pacific Beach
Picture hidden San Diego
While this is not a dog park, you can easily enjoy a picnic with your pooch at this quaint neighborhood park that overlooks downtown San Diego and the water. Dogs should be leashed here, although many are not, and it doesn’t seem to be a problem in most cases. Use your own judgment when doing this, however, as the rule technically still stands.
Walk your dog through the grassy, ​​hilly park a few times to recharge your batteries, then sit down to a nice picnic lunch or dinner while taking in the sights of San Diego. You can sit on a picnic blanket or use one of the many picnic tables. If you just want to go to the park, go to the PB Fish Shop for a meal afterwards. They are dog friendly and they put out dog bowls and treats for your pup.
6. Sunset Cliffs Natural Park – Ocean Beach
Image – Taylor Reilly
For a short, accessible hike that welcomes dogs off-leash and on-leash, this trail is open year-round and offers some beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean, especially at sunset. Between the trails, some recently renovated to be more accessible, and the cliffs overlooking the ocean, your pup can release their energy while you enjoy one of San Diego’s best sunset spots. Visit the nearby Ocean Beach Raglan Public House for great kiwi-inspired dining on the dog-friendly patio.
7. Fiesta Island – Mission Bay
Fiesta Island is an open space bordered by the waters of Mission Bay. It has a large dog park, an area with nice picnic tables, and plenty of space for your dog to run around. You can bring groceries and park your vehicle very close to the water, and the site only gets really crowded on summer weekends. That being said, there is plenty of space and privacy to walk your dog and just let him interact with other dogs as he pleases. The area itself is beautiful with clear views of downtown and plenty of water and sand for your dog. There are no restrooms here, so keep that in mind when planning your day.
8. Hit Up The Dog Society – Rolando Park
The Dog Society is a super cool San Diego spot that’s dog-centric with people in mind. It is a sports bar, dog daycare, café, dog groomer, outdoor playground and boarding school all in one. Dogs are as central as their needs, but dog owners can stop by and work at the cafe or sip a local craft beer with friends. You don’t even have to be a dog owner to come here and get your fill of all the dogs around, which only adds to the appeal for many dog ​​lovers.
Dogs must be kept on a leash in the feeding areas but are allowed to roam freely in the dog daycares.
9. Visit the Original Dog Beach – Ocean Beach
The Original Dog Beach is nationally recognized as one of the first official off-leash dog beaches in the country. Located near the San Diego River, this is a hub for dog lovers and beach lovers to come together and share a wonderful experience. You’ll see surfers in the water, with dogs playing along the edge, while families and pets of all kinds stroll the beach.
Dog Beach really is a great place to experience during your time in San Diego.
Wrap up
There is so much to do with your dog in San Diego that it fits in with whatever activities you already do or want to see. Make sure you use all of the decking areas on the beach, as most of them allow dogs and provide water bowls. When in doubt, ask us! Many places in San Diego are dog-friendly, but be sure to check ahead of time to avoid confusion. Go exploring with your furry friend now!
