Is your favorite dog full of energy and ready for some sand, surf, and sun? Don’t worry because we’ve found the best dog-friendly beaches in San Diego for you and your pup to run, splash, and swim.
Click on the beaches in the map below for more info on the beaches, and scroll down for Instagram photos of each beach.
Top 2 Dog Beaches in San Diego
1. Fiesta Island
2. The Original Dog Beach
1. Fiesta Island
1590 East Mission Bay Dr, San Diego, CA 92109
Let your four-legged friend run off-leash to her heart’s content throughout this island in Mission Bay. The perimeter of the island is covered with continuous beaches and lots of sandy dunes for exploring.
Pups who like to splash can swim in the calm, shallow water of Mission Bay. If your dog is a less confident swimmer, this calmer water is a better bet than the coastal surf of The Original Dog Beach.
From Fiesta Island, you can explore the other 17 beaches located along Mission Bay Drive in Mission Bay Park. These beaches have grassy picnic areas and sandy shorelines, but limit dog visitors to before 9 a.m. and after 6 p.m. April-Oct; after 4 p.m. Nov-March. All dogs at these beaches must be kept on-leash.
2. Original Dog Beach
5156 W Point Loma Blvd, San Diego, CA 92107
Located at the northern end of Ocean Beach, the Original Dog Beach is one of the first off-leash beaches in the U.S. and a popular place to meet friendly pups and owners.
Let your pup run, fetch, and soak up the beachy vibes on the sand or splash in the salty coastal waters. These waters have stronger waves and currents than the calmer bay water of Fiesta Island.
After wearing out your little tail-wagger in the off-leash area, you can walk along Ocean Beach with your pup on-leash before 9 a.m. or after 6 p.m. April-Oct; after 4 p.m. Nov-March. Park in the adjacent lot or at the foot of Voltaire Street or Santa Monica Avenue. Scoop bags are available, but bring your own water.
Need to leave your dog in San Diego while you travel? Rest easy knowing that you can easily hire a local dog boarder who will be happy to take care of your pup.
