Best Beaches To Bring Your Dog In San Diego
San Diego is one of the most dog-friendly coastal destinations. Dogs are allowed on city-operated beaches at designated hours. Dog beaches, such as the Coronado Dog Beach and Ocean Beach Dog Beach, welcome off-leash dogs 24 hours a day. Find out everything you need to know to plan a fun beach adventure with your furry friend.
Are Dogs Allowed On The Beach In San Deigo?
Most beaches operated by the City of San Diego allow dogs at specified times. Leashed dogs are welcome on city-operated beaches before 9 a.m. or after 6 p.m. between April 1 and Oct. 31, and before 9 a.m. or after 4 p.m. from Nov. 1 through March 31. Be sure to bring bags to pick up anything your dog leaves behind to keep the sand and water clean.
Ocean Beach Dog Beach
Ocean Beach Dog Beach is a sandy spit located at the northern end of Ocean Beach City Beach. Dogs are prohibited between the Ocean Beach Bike Path and the Ocean Beach Pier, but are allowed to go off-leash 24 hours a day in most areas north of the bike path. The dog beach faces a long rock jetty that separates the mouth of the San Diego River from the Mission Bay Entrance Channel. Look for a parking spot in the lot near the intersection of West Point Loma Boulevard and Voltaire Street.
Coranado Dog Beach
The northern stretch of Coronado Beach in front of Sunset Park is designated as the Coronado Dog Run Beach. The Dog Beach is the only part of the shoreline of Coronado Island where dogs are allowed to be off leash. Dogs must be leashed from the parking areas until you reach the designated off-leash area situated at the north end of the beach. Park on the northern stretch of Ocean Boulevard in permitted areas near the entrance to the North Island Naval Air Station.
La Jolla Shores Beach
While La Jolla Shores is not a designated dog beach, dogs on leashes that are no longer than six feet are allowed on La Jolla Shores Beach before 9 a.m. and after 4 p.m. between Nov. 1 and March 31. From April 1 to Oct. 31, dogs are allowed on the beach before 9 a.m. and after 6 p.m. During the busy season, dogs are prohibited at the beach, on the boardwalk and in adjacent Kellogg Park between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. The restricted hours shorten to 9 a.m. through 4 p.m during the off-season.
Pacific Beach
Pacific Beach has the same standard dog rules as other city-operated beaches. You can bring your dog to this beach on leash before 9 a.m. or after 6 p.m. April 1 through Oct. 31, or after 4 p.m. between Nov. 1 and March 31. Explore North Pacific Beach from Tourmaline to Crystal Pier or the stretch of coastline to Pacific Beach Drive. Find parking in the lot on Tourmaline Street, on side roads on the north side of the pier or in pockets around Grand Avenue and P.B. Drive.
These are four of the best beaches for dogs in San Diego. Some other beaches in this area, such as the Del Mar Dog Beach, allow dogs to go off leash after Labor Day in early September through mid-June. Head for a beach where your dog can play off leash or follow rules regarding the times of day when leashed dogs are permitted on city beaches. In addition to beaches where your dog can get exercise and play, the San Diego coast offers opportunities for whale watching and a wide range of recreational activities.