Ever since we got our sweet boy, Molokai, we’ve tried to find dog friendly places to take him to! I want to share with you some of the best dog friendly spots in San Diego!
Luckily, San Diego is a great place for dog lovers as there are many dog-friendly spots to explore with your furry friend. Whether you’re looking for a scenic walk, a place to grab a bite to eat or relax with your dog, or a spot to let your dog play, San Diego has got you covered.
Here are some of the best dog-friendly spots in San Diego:
Dog Beach
At the north end of Ocean Beach, there is Dog Beach! It’s a 24-hour off-leash beach where dogs can run and play in the waves. Dog Beach is a great spot for dogs who love to swim and socialize with other dogs. While your pup plays, you can relax and enjoy the ocean breeze, chat with other owners, and enjoy the San Diego views!
Balboa Park
Balboa Park is a beautiful 1,200-acre park that offers plenty of dog-friendly trails, gardens, and museums. I love Balboa park as a whole, but it’s extra awesome that they allow dogs!
Dogs are allowed on-leash in most areas of the park, and there are several dog-friendly restaurants and cafes nearby. (They are strict about leash rules, so make sure to keep your pup on leash!)
La Jolla Cove
La Jolla Cove is a beautiful beach known for its crystal clear water and sea caves. Dogs are allowed on-leash before 9 am and after 4 pm, making it a great spot for an early morning or late evening walk with your furry friend.
Coronado Dog Beach
Coronado Dog Beach is a great spot for dogs who love to run and play in the sand. It’s a 24-hour off-leash beach located on the northern end of Coronado Beach, and it offers beautiful views of the Hotel Del Coronado.
(p.s. this one is our personal favorite!)
Stone Brewing World Bistro and Gardens
Stone Brewing World Bistro and Gardens is a dog-friendly restaurant located in Escondido that offers a great selection of beer and delicious food. Dogs are allowed on the patio, which offers beautiful views of the gardens.
The Dog Society Bar
The Dog Society is a unique spot in San Diego! It serves as a sports bar, cafe, and a great place for your pup. They offer daycare services, boarding, training, and grooming for your dogs!
From their website: “The Dog Society is a space for dogs and their humans to relax, socialize and enjoy a modern puptopia. From boarding to grooming, to a beer garden and outdoor game area, there’s something for every doggo, pupper, fluffer, floof and woofer—with a team of friendly pack leaders helping create a safe, fun experience along the way.”
Kate Sessions Park
Kate Sessions Park is a beautiful park located in the Pacific Beach neighborhood that offers stunning views of San Diego Bay and the city skyline. Dogs are allowed on-leash, and there are several trails and picnic areas where you can enjoy a relaxing day with your dog.
Best Off Leash Locations
Fiesta Island
Fiesta Island is a 500-acre off-leash dog area located in Mission Bay. Dogs are allowed to run and swim off-leash 24 hours a day. The island has a sandy beach area and a lagoon for dogs to play in.
Nate’s Point Dog Parkhttps://balboapark.org/parks-trails-gardens/dog-parks/
Nate’s Point Dog Park is located in Balboa Park and is a 2.3-acre off-leash park that features a fenced-in area for small dogs and a separate area for larger dogs. It also offers shaded seating areas for owners and water fountains for dogs.
Grape Street Dog Park
Grape Street Dog Park is a 5-acre off-leash park located in South Park. It features separate areas for small and large dogs, water fountains, and a shaded seating area for owners.
Morley Field Dog Park
Morley Field Dog Park is a 1.5-acre off-leash park located in the North Park neighborhood. It has separate areas for small and large dogs, water fountains, and a shaded seating area for owners.
Dusty Rhodes Dog Park
Dusty Rhodes Dog Park is a 1.5-acre off-leash park located in Ocean Beach. It features separate areas for small and large dogs, water fountains, and a shaded seating area for owners.
Doyle Community Park
Doyle Community Park is a 10-acre off-leash park located in the Mira Mesa neighborhood. It features separate areas for small and large dogs, water fountains, and a shaded seating area for owners.
Kearny Mesa Dog Parkhttps://www.sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation/parks/dogs/leashfree
Kearny Mesa Dog Park is a 1.5-acre off-leash park located in the Kearny Mesa neighborhood. It features separate areas for small and large dogs, water fountains, and a shaded seating area for owners.
Rancho Bernardo Dog Park
Rancho Bernardo Dog Park is a 2.7-acre off-leash park located in the Rancho Bernardo neighborhood. It features separate areas for small and large dogs, water fountains, and a shaded seating area for owners.
We haven’t tried all of these, but we’ve personally found Coronado to be our favorite place to take our pup. We’ve noticed it to be extremely dog friendly, and we love taking Molokai there. He has sat with us at restaurants on the outdoor patios, loves Wag’N Tails pet store, and has the best time at the dog beach there.
On top of that, he gets tons of love and attention when we walk down Orange Ave. and the beach sidewalk!
Ready to Explore More of San Diego?
Check out the blogs linked below!
Our Favorite San Diego Restaurants and Things to Do in San Diego
