If you’re in San Diego and looking for the perfect day out with your dog, Rover has you covered. We talked to our community of dog people in America’s Finest City to get their recommendations for the best dog-friendly activities San Diego has to offer. This complete route includes a fabulous dog walk, dog park, and dog-friendly restaurant. Your dog is ready for this! Read on for all the details you need.
For more dog adventures, check out our dog-friendly guides to cities across the country.
Total Distance: 1.1 miles / 23 minutes total walking time
Start your day in San Diego at Ocean Beach’s famed Dog Beach, a year-round off-leash area for dogs to dip into the Pacific!
After showering off sandy paws, head to get a bite at Daybreak Island Grill. Walk just under half a mile along W. Point Loma Blvd. toward Robb Field until you reach your next destination at the intersection of Bacon Street and W. Point Loma Blvd.
After your pup enjoys his gourmet meal from the special dog menu, set out for another half-mile stretch along Bacon Street to OB Gift Shop by taking a left on Newport Avenue, where you can buy Dog Beach swag to commemorate the day.
Finish out your day with a special treat. After shopping, walk just a couple of minutes down Newport Ave toward the pier for some dog-friendly ice cream at Lighthouse Ice Cream.
Dog's Day Out: San Diego
Dog Beach
Address: Voltaire Street & W. Point Loma Blvd., Ocean Beach Bike Path, San Diego, CA 92109
Dog Beach is a sandy area at the north end of the beach between the Mission Bay Harbor Channel and the jetty. This dog-run area allows dogs to be off-leash all year round, 24 hours a day!
Hours:
- Daily, 24 hours
Why we love it:
It’s California’s only 24-hour beach for dogs! You can stay along the ocean side, or if your pet likes calmer waters, walk parallel to the jetty down to Smiley Lagoon.
Daybreak Island Grill
Address: 2296 Bacon Street, San Diego, CA 92107
Description: Fuel up with Kona coffee and Hawaiian comfort food including classics like Loco Moco, Maui Wowie pancakes and other breakfast plates. A laid-back, beach-y vibe and outdoor patio with spots to leash your dog make it comfortable.
Contact info: (619) 222-0406
Hours:
- Mon-Fri: 8am-2:30pm
- Sat-Sun: 7am-4pm
Why we love it:
There’s a special Doggy Menu! For $3.95 your pup can have their own ‘Dog Meal’ with freshly baked boneless, skinless chicken breast, potatoes, eggs, and veggies.
OB Gift Shop (no website)
Address: 4949 Newport Avenue, San Diego, CA 92107
Dogs are welcome to join their owners while they shop for souvenirs, which include funky, colorful beach blankets and a wide variety of San Diego-themed goods.
Contact info: (619) 777-0057
Hours:
- Sun-Thurs: 9:30am-8pm
- Friday-Sat: 9:30am-9pm
Why we love it:
There’s a wide variety of fun Dog Beach swag including mugs, bumper stickers, dog shirts, bandanas and more.
Lighthouse Ice Cream
Address: 5059 Newport Ave, Ste 102, San Diego, CA 92107
Home of the famous hot waffle ice cream sandwich, Lighthouse Ice Cream is a pet-friendly favorite among locals and tourists. While dogs that aren’t service animals can’t go inside, there’s a spacious patio with leash hooks and doggie treats available.
Contact info: (619) 222-8600
Hours:
- Mon-Fri: 11am-10pm
Why we love it:
Bring your dog in for what Lighthouse calls a ‘Frosty Paws’ – a high-quality protein treat with no sugar added.
Dog-Friendly San Diego Video
Want More?
You’ve taken the walk, but are hungry for more dog-friendly restaurants and activities in San Diego. We’ve got you covered with our picks for dog-friendly eateries, dog parks and more in and around America’s Finest City.
- Dog-Friendly Restaurants in San Diego
- Dog-Friendly Beaches in San Diego
- Where to Take Your Dog Swimming in San Diego
- Dog Parks in San Diego
