San Diego’s Best Dog-Friendly Spots
Given our abundant sunshine, relaxed vibe, and countless dog-friendly establishments located throughout our 100-plus neighborhoods, you won’t find a better place to hang out with your “best friend” than San Diego. If you’d like to get out and enjoy “America’s Finest City” with your furry pal this winter, we’ve put together this handy guide to great places where you and your buddy can get out and enjoy the metro. Check out this guide to the best parks, beaches, restaurants, and other dog-friendly San Diego activities.
Beaches and Parks
Nate’s Point (3 miles)
Located near Balboa Park, the two-acre Nate’s Point off-leash area has entertained vivacious pups since the mid-nineties. Owners and their dogs are welcome here every day of the week.
(Photo: @tailsonajourney)
Fiesta Island (3.9 miles)
Fiesta Island is a park on a peninsula in Mission Bay that’s often home to races and charity events. It’s also a favorite spot for dog lovers to congregate and unleash their furry friends.
1590 E Mission Bay Dr, San Diego, CA 92109
Dusty Rhodes Park (4.9 miles)
Dusty Rhodes Park houses a fenced-in dog park, along with a grassy field where you can play with leashed pups.
2469 Sunset Cliffs Blvd, San Diego, CA 92107
Dog Beach in Ocean Beach (5.3 miles)
Dog Beach is San Diego’s original dog-friendly beach, founded in 1972 as a welcoming and inclusive place for canines and their companions.
Photo credit: @teddythefullbernese
5156 W Point Loma Blvd, San Diego, CA 92107
Mission Trails Regional Park (9.2 miles)
For those seeking a more active outing, Mission Trails Regional Park offers numerous dog-friendly trails. While dogs do need to be on-leash, the vast expanse of natural beauty, including rugged canyons and scenic vistas, provides an excellent setting for an outdoor adventure.
1 Father Junipero Serra Trail, San Diego, CA 92119
La Jolla Shores Beach (10.2 miles)
La Jolla Shores Beach welcomes on-leash dogs, allowing you to enjoy the stunning coastline with your pup. The gentle waves and sandy shores create a serene backdrop for a leisurely walk, and the dog-friendly atmosphere enhances the experience.
8200 Camino Del Oro. La Jolla, CA 92037
Cabrillo Tidepools Trail and National Monument (10.7 miles)
For a dose of history coupled with breathtaking views, the Cabrillo National Monument is a must-visit, and the good news is that leashed dogs are welcome in certain areas. Explore the Old Point Loma Lighthouse and take in panoramic views of the city and the Pacific Ocean while enjoying a stroll with your furry companion.
1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr, San Diego, CA 92106
Del Mar Dog Beach (19 miles)
Dog Beach in Del Mar designates four blocks to off-leash dogs in early mornings during the off season. Leashed dogs are allowed on all other area beaches, including the state beach at Torrey Pines.
Photo credit: @charlie_mutt_superpup
3200 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, CA 92014
Restaurants
Café Bassam (2.6 miles)
Located in the coastal neighborhood of Mission Beach, Café Bassam is a charming spot where you can enjoy a cup of coffee or tea while your dog lounges by your side. The outdoor patio is not only a haven for coffee enthusiasts but also a welcoming space for canine companions.
3088 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
Paw Pleasers Bakery (4.7 miles)
Paw Pleasers Bakery is North Park’s original dog-and-cat bakery, baking peanut butter, pumpkin, and bacon-flavored dog-biscuit birthday cakes shaped like squeaky toys and more.
2818 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92104
Firefly Eatery & Bar (4.9 miles)
(Photo: @fireflythedana)
The signature restaurant at our sister property The Dana on Mission Bay is proud to offer all pups a treat and a bowl of water on our outdoor patio.
1710 W Mission Bay Dr, San Diego, CA 92109
Voltaire Beach House (4.9 miles)
Voltaire Beach House in Ocean Beach is an indoor-outdoor café with an entire menu for dogs, making it a particularly sought-after restaurant for pet parents..
4934 Voltaire St, San Diego, CA 92107
Lazy Hummingbird Coffee & Tea House (5.2 miles)
Nestled in Ocean Beach, Lazy Hummingbird Coffee & Tea House beckons with its pet-friendly outdoor patio. Sip on your favorite brew, indulge in delectable treats, and enjoy the vibe as you and your buddy bask in the California sun.
4876 Santa Monica Ave, San Diego, CA 92107
Regal Beagle (5.4 miles)
The Regal Beagle is an alehouse and grill with a dedicated dog patio, as well as an extensive menu and weekly trivia nights.
3659 India St, San Diego, CA 92103
Hodad’s (5.6 miles)
After a day of sun and surf, get in some bites and barks at the beach over at Hodad’s, a legendary burger joint in Ocean Beach. What makes it even more appealing is its dog-friendly outdoor patio. Indulge in their famous burgers while your pup relaxes beside you, enjoying the beachy breeze.
5010 Newport Ave, San Diego, CA 92107
Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens (30.6 miles)
For beer aficionados with a canine companion, Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens in nearby Escondido is a happy, hoppy haven. This brewery and restaurant boast a spacious outdoor area where well-behaved dogs are enthusiastically welcomed.
(Photo: @stoneescondido)
1999 Citracado Parkway, Escondido, CA 92029
Events/Adventures
SUP Pups Paddleboarding
What could be cooler than learning to paddleboard with your pal? SUP Pups offers stand-up paddleboarding lessons where you and your buddy can learn this fun fitness activity together.
Photo credit: @sup_pups
2592 Laning Rd, San Diego, CA 92106
Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon
Dogs don’t just love paddleboarding, they love surfing, too! This annual competition sees the world’s best canine curl-cutters facing off snout-to-snout to see who takes home the prize for best tail-wagging wave-rider. This year’s event takes place on Sunday, September 8th at Del Mar Dog Beach.
3902 29th St, Del Mar, CA 92014
Bark at the Park With The Padres
Petco Park honors its roots with several dog-friendly annual events. Bring your buddy to the ball game, and root-root-ROOF for the home team! Dogs even get a special baseball-themed bandanna to commemorate their big day out.
(Video: @apolloandgem)
100 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101
Barks & Brews Festival
It’s a pup meetup and beer festival all in one! You and your pooch are welcome to head down to Downtown’s Waterfront Park on Saturday March 23rd for this celebration of beer, great food and your best buddy. The best part? Proceeds go to raise money for The Barking Lot Rescue, so it’s a good time for a great cause.
Waterfront Park, 1600 Pacific Hwy, San Diego, CA 92101
Dog Days
Days Inn San Diego Hotel Circle
Days is happy to be one of the newest and best pet-friendly hotels in San Diego! When traveling with your best buddy, simply notify the front desk at the time of your reservation, and we’ll make sure to make special considerations to accommodate you both. Check out our Amenities page for more information. And when you do stay with us, be sure to tag you and your pup’s adventures on social at @daysinnhc. We look forward to welcoming you and your furry friend!