When most people think of Southern California, they imagine miles upon miles of golden beaches dotted with towering palm trees, beautiful multi-colored cliffs carved by the Pacific, smiling beachgoers soaking in the sun, and surfers dominating the waves. Well, I have good news! The beaches of San Diego, CA are all of this and more, and there’s several that allow your pets to experience it all with you.
After visiting all of the dog-friendly beaches in San Diego, we’ve ranked our absolute favorites so you and your pups will know exactly where to go for a family beach day on the Golden Coast!
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4 of the Most Dog-Friendly Beaches in San Diego: Ranked
4. Del Mar Dog Beach
Also known as Del Mar North Beach, the Del Mar Dog Beach in San Diego is a great option for those looking to spend a few hours underneath the California sunshine. I’ve brought Lady to this beach several times on our way home from work so she can run and stretch her legs after a full day at the office, and its always the highlight of our day!
The entire two-mile stretch of beach is accessible to people and their dogs throughout the year. They must be leashed June 15th through Labor Day, but they are allowed to run about off-leash after the holiday and through June 14th.
*Parking*: There are metered parking spots along the street right beside the beach, but if you want to avoid paying to park, just drive across the bridge into the nearby residential area and park along the street there. It will require a further walk, but personally, it’s not far enough that it isn’t worth saving a few bucks.
3. The Original Dog Beach
The name may seem simple, but that’s because this slice of shoreline was one of the first designated off-leash dog beaches in the country! Dog Beach is a favorite to many locals and visitors alike for its landmark status and the wide variety of dogs that come to enjoy it. Dogs are always invited to run freely along the shore, splash in the ocean, and lounge with their owners on any given day of the year.
What I love most about this dog-friendly San Diego beach is that it’s incredibly clean and well-maintained despite the tremendous amount of people and dogs that visit it daily.
*Parking* A large public parking lot is located right at the entrance to the dog beach. On a crowded day, you may also find parking spaces along West Point Loma Boulevard.
2. Dog Beach Coronado
Although this dog beach is the smallest on the list, myself and many other pet owners hold it in high regard. Its location just down the shore from the famous Hotel Del Coronado (also one of the many is ideal, the sand is so beautiful it glitters (quite literally), and there are always many other friendly pups to play with.
After a full day at the Coronado Dog Beach, the charming downtown area is just a short walk away and provides several pet-friendly restaurants and shops to relax in with your dogs.
*Parking* You can usually find plenty of street parking among the residential area that borders the entrance to the beach. Parking along Ocean Boulevard by the main beach (just a short walk from the dog beach) and Orange Avenue in downtown are free, but spaces can fill up quickly. I highly recommend planning to get here early if you don’t want to search for parking, especially during holidays and the summer season.
1. Fiesta Island Dog Beach
We’ve saved the best for last! Fiesta Island is a small peninsula in Mission Bay that has been made popular by the many annual charity walks and bicycle races that take place here. However, it’s also well-known among dog owners in the San Diego community for its enormous fenced-in dog beach and park. Whether you’re in search of a spot to enjoy a fun-filled beach day with your entire family or a blissful walk with your pup…this is it!
When you arrive on the island, follow the main road to the western side of the island. Here, you’ll be greeted by stretches of open fields, a wide beach overlooking Vacation Isle and Pacific Beach, a bayside beach with calmer waters, and shaded picnic areas. The best part? It’s all OFF-LEASH, meaning your dog can explore everything this San Diego gem has to offer freely.
Plus, you’ll be treated to great views of Mission Bay, Downtown San Diego, and Sea World practically anywhere you go on the island. Lady and I have spent full days just unwinding on the beach and exploring the fields on-foot, and I’m sure you and your four-legged companions will love to do the same!
*Parking* You can park your car practically anywhere on the island. In some areas, you can even park right on the beach! For use of the dog park, you’ll find a large parking area off the street to the right when you arrive.
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Have you visited any of the dog-friendly beaches in San Diego listed above? If so, would you have ranked them differently? Let us know in the comments!
Check out some of the best dog-friendly destinations that Lady and I have visited for ourselves! You may also want to check out these helpful dog health and safety tips that will keep your pets safe and healthy while on the road or at home.
We’ve also got some great pet product reviews that we’ve used and given two-paws up for pet parents like you!
Happy Travels!
