Dog-Friendly San Diego: 4 Off-Leash Dog Beaches in San Diego

San Diego is prized for it’s amazing long stretches of beaches up and down the coast and gorgeous year round weather.  Some ask, “Are dogs allowed at the beach in San Diego?”  The good news is that there are great beaches that welcome you and your dog!  Here’s our list of four beaches to enjoy with your four-legged friends here in San Diego:

Dog Beach in Ocean Beach

Ocean Beach Dog Beach is a dog park that welcomes dogs and their owners all year round. This beach is a 24 hour off-leash dog park where dogs, people and surfers share this beautiful gem in San Diego.  This off-leash dog beach is located at the west end of Voltaire Street and is one of the most popular in San Diego.  It also happens to be one of the first dog beaches in the country! 

There’s a large parking lot nearby and also on-street parking options available.  The beach features plenty of sand to post up, a grassy picnic area and also a volleyball court.  Nearby restaurants and coffee shops are also great options to stop at on your way to the beach.  

Please note that there are no fenced in areas or separate areas for large and small dogs.  Also, surfers have been known to save dogs who get swept out in the rip currents while chasing balls and swimming.  Please be careful and keep a watchful eye!

Address: Dog Beach, 5156 W. Point Loma Blvd, San Diego

Fiesta Island in Mission Bay

Located in Mission Bay Park, Fiesta Island has a 90 acre dog park which is open daily from 4:00 AM to 10:00 PM.  This peninsular park welcomes you and your dog to swim, paddle board, boat, jet ski, grill and enjoy a nice bonfire.  The bay offers calmer waters and is more protected than the ocean.  There are also amazing sand dunes to run on, but be aware that there are seasonal prickly thorns around - they hurt!

This park has lots of open space, not a typical small fenced in area like many dog parks.    It’s also right on the shoreline of Mission Bay! Plenty of parking available and you can park right where you set up.  There’s a lot of space to stop and park on the beach on the mile long road that circles one way around the island.   Many enjoy walking their dogs around the loop as well.  Cars drive the loop at 25MPH and also share the road with area cyclists.

This is also a great spot to watch the fireworks from Sea World at night.  Please check the Seaworld® website for the firework schedule in case your dog is fearful of them.  Many dogs have been known to run and get separated from their owners during the firework show.  Also, remember to bring water as there are no water fountains!

Address: 1590 E Mission Bay Dr, San Diego, CA 92109

Coronado Beach & Dog Park

Located at the North end of Coronado Beach, (up from the iconic Hotel Del Coronado) is Coronado Dog Beach.  Dogs of all ages, sizes and breeds enjoy running up and down the beach, digging holes, chasing balls and swimming.  Parking is on the street and can be quite difficult during peak times, weekends and holidays.  But a nice stroll through the multi-million dollar neighborhoods isn’t so bad.

There’s a nice rollout walkway leading to the beach so your dog isn’t walking in all that hot soft sand, which is perfectly groomed, by the way!  Dog litter bags are located at the entrance for your convenience.  There are also water fountains and trashcans nearby.  Dogs must be leashed until you reach the beach.  When you arrive, the leash is optional.  

Please note that there are no fenced in areas and no seating.  Feel free to bring your own chairs, towels, etc…It is a fantastic place to spot planes heading to Naval Air Station, watch ships and enjoy the sunset.  When you’re ready to go home, there’s a convenient water station to help get off the extra sand from you and your dog.  How clever!

Address: 100 Ocean Blvd Coronado, CA 92118

Del Mar Dog Beach

This Del Mar landmark is located at the river mouth along Highway 101, between 29th Street and Via De La Valle.  A cute garden greets you as you enter the beach with porte potties, water fountains and doggie bags for your use.  Enjoy the magnificent views of the ocean and two different areas to enjoy the water.  There’s the shallow sandy bottomed ocean which is great for the dogs that just want to splash in the water, and not swim.  And there’s also the deeper San Dieguito River Mouth where dogs love to chase balls and swim.

Pack your chairs, picnic blanket, towels, umbrella and maybe even a volleyball to enjoy the nearby volleyball courts!  This is definitely a place where you and your dog will want to spend the day. Be sure to check the tide if you like to walk the beach.  High tide may dampen your ability to get a long beach walk in towards Solana Beach, so it is recommended to check the surf report before heading out.

This dog beach is an off-leash beach with the exception of the summer season.  From June 16th to Labor Day, pups must be leashed.  The beach is patrolled during the summer months and they do reprimand those that do not follow the rules.  Fines may even be imposed.  There is metered parking and also free street parking spaces.  

Address: 3902 29th St, Del Mar, CA 92014

San Diego is a Wonderful Dog-Friendly Place To Live!

This dog-friendly place has so much to offer whether you’re looking to live in a Downtown San Diego condo or an oceanfront home.  There are many great things to do with your dog around San Diego County whether it be taking your dog on an amazing hike, going to a dog park or a dog friendly restaurant.  Looking for the perfect home in San Diego?  Contact Jett Real Estate Group of eXp Realty at 858-732-9001.