The Best Dog-Friendly Beaches in San Diego

There is not much San Diego doesn’t readily offer when it comes to beautiful beaches or entertaining ways to spend your days in the sun. Whether you want to go to a dog park, get your steps in with a hike or go out to a dog-friendly restaurant for a bite to eat, there are so many different dog-friendly things to do in San Diego.

However, planning a beach day at the beach for your pet can be a bit trickier. Because every dog deserves their beach day, we’ve compiled a list of the best dog-friendly beaches in San Diego. Keep reading… your dog will thank you.

Off-Leash Dog Beaches

Ocean Beach Dog Beach

If you’ve spent time in San Diego, you’re more than likely familiar with Ocean Beach, but you may not know that Ocean Beach also has its very own dog beach. At its Northernmost point, past the bike path, and as it reaches the mouth of the San Diego River, this is where you will find a long sandy spit that is perfect for a day in the sun with your furry best friend.

Not only is Ocean Beach Dog Beach dog–friendly, but dogs are allowed to roam off-leash altogether, allowing them to swim and play freely. This area is also full of restaurants and local shops that will be just as welcoming to your pet, so don’t be afraid to take a walk around once your beach time is up. Bump the experience up a notch by inviting friends and their own dogs as well for a day of fun.

You’ll find parking for this dog beach on the western end of West Point Loma Blvd. Just don’t forget your doggy bags in the car! 

Map for Parking

Dog Run Beach (Coronado Island Dog Beach)

Dog Run beach is located at the northern portion of Coronado Beach, another popular spot for San Diego locals to enjoy their days. This is a fantastic surfing spot for humans and dogs who love to spend time in the waves. In fact, if you do a quick internet search, you’ll quickly come across video after video of dogs riding waves at Dog Run Beach!

While leash rules are strictly enforced around the area, dogs are allowed off-leash to roam freely once they are within the designated area. When you’ve had your fill of fun in the sun, leash your pet back up and walk a short distance to enjoy lunch or dinner down the street at Hotel Del Coronado.  

Parking can be found directly outside of the naval base entrance on the north end of Ocean Blvd.

Fiesta Island

You may know Fiesta Island for the wild parties and crowds it draws throughout the Spring and Summer months as locals pull their cars onto the beaches and float in the water for hours. What you may not know is that it is also a great place to spend a day with your dog. 

For those unfamiliar, Fiesta Island is a spit of land that stretches out into Mission Bay, creating a long stretch of beaches that visitors are welcome to drive out to and park their cars on for the day. While this is great fun for humans, it’s an even better time for dogs, who are welcome to spend the day playing and swimming as they please. 

Fiesta Island is an excellent place for furry friends because of the lack of busy streets or potential for them to run off as they are limited to the bounds of the island. 

Del Mar Dog Beach

North Beach, Del Mar is an extremely popular spot for dog owners and their pets as it is the only dog-friendly beach within city limits. If you aren’t sure what portion of the beach you should take your pet to, stick between 29th street and Solana Beach. Pack a picnic lunch and umbrella to make a day of your excursion, but make sure to keep an eye on your food around so many nosey pups. 

Because the dog portion of these beaches is so extensive, many love the fact that their dog can run and play without being jam packed in one area. If your pet prefers a less crowded environment, this is probably the spot for you. Plus, there is nothing to boost the mood like watching happy dogs gallop along the beautiful beach cliffs. 

The only catch is that dogs must remain leashed in Summer months when the beaches are crowded but can be let free once the busy season is over. Off-leash months stretch from Labor day until June 15th each year. 

On-Leash Dog Beaches

Fortunately, the city also has several on-leash dog beaches where you can enjoy the surf and sand with your pup. We will guide you through the on-leash dog beaches in San Diego, along with the specific rules for each beach.

Note: All dogs must be on a 6′ leash and under owners control.

San Diego County

San Diego County beaches allow dogs during certain hours but they must be leashed.

City of San Diego

Generally dogs are allowed on City of San Diego beaches:

April 1 – Oct 31: Before 9:00 am and after 6:00 pm

Nov 1 – Mar 31: Before 9:00 am and after 4:00 pm from

California Department of Parks and Recreation

No dogs allowed

La Jolla Shores

The City of San Diego beach rules apply at La Jolla Shores.

Dogs are allowed before 9:00 am and after 6:00 pm from April 1st to October 31st, and before 9:00 am and after 4:00 pm from November 1st to March 31st.

Pacific Beach & Mission Beach & Mission Bay

Dogs are allowed on the beach, boardwalk or adjacent parks in Pacific Beach and Mission Beach before 9:00 am and after 6:00 pm from April 1st to October 31st, and before 9:00 am and after 4:00 pm from November 1st to March 31st.

Mission Bay follows the same rules.

Remember to follow the posted signs and hours for on-leash dog access. We have heard of people getting tickets for bringing dogs off leash or not realizing the time changes between seasons.

Cardiff State Beach

Cardiff State Beach  is the only state beach in San Diego that allows dogs. Dogs are allowed on the beach during beach hours which are 7am to sunset.

Imperial Beach

Imperial Beach follows the City of San Diego rules.

Dogs are allowed before 9:00 am and after 6:00 pm from April 1st to October 31st, and before 9:00 am and after 4:00 pm from November 1st to March 31st.

Dogs are not allowed between Imperial Beach Boulevard to Palm Avenue.