Dog-friendly San Diego: Great Pet-friendly Things To Do in Coronado, Balboa Park and More!
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San Diego is not only known for its stunning beaches and perfect weather, but also for being one of the most dog-friendly cities in the United States.
I know the importance of options and flexibility when traveling with your pet. I enjoy traveling with my dogs and watching them have fun on vacation is fun for me too. On my last visit with my dogs (jack russell, Thandi, and my border terrier, Sam) they thought San Diego was pretty fantastic.
With numerous dog parks, pet-friendly restaurants, and hotels that welcome four-legged guests with open arms, San Diego has become a haven for dog lovers from across the country. There are plenty of tail-wagging experiences to be had in this vibrant city. So grab your furry friend and get ready to explore all that dog-friendly San Diego has to offer!
What other 13 places made the list of the most dog-friendly cities in the United States? Check back as more city guides are added. I hope to keep adding to the list of possibilities as you look to your next adventure.
Speaking of adventures, it is because of people sharing their stories and opinions that we are able to make this guide. If you have traveled with your dog in the United States or other countries, share your experience!
The Ultimate Travel Guide to Exploring San Diego with Your Dog
Since the United States is not generally known for its amazing public transportation system, it will probably be easiest to travel in your own car with your dogs.
If you don’t have your own car, you can rent one from Discover Cars.
Why San Diego is a top dog-friendly city
San Diego is like the OG of dog-friendly destinations. They created one of the first official off-leash dog beaches in the country.
A local pet owner shared that when she lived in San Diego for 3 years, her dog rarely stayed home because San Diego is so dog friendly.
Visitors find they can take their dogs almost everywhere! There are so many fun adventures to be had. By the end of the day, their pups are worn out from all the exciting things they did that day.
By the Numbers: Why San Diego is rated one of the most dog-friendly cities
The weather in San Diego plays a big part in making it so great for pet owners. It’s rarely below 44°F or above 84°F. It doesn’t rain that often and never snows. It’s the perfect climate for spending time outdoors on all the beaches and restaurants.
San Diego has top marks for dog-friendly restaurants. It ranks as one of the most of any city in the country. During Covid, many California cities encouraged restaurants to open parklets to encourage outdoor dining. That means that almost every restaurant has at least a few outdoor tables.
It also comes 1st for the number of pet businesses per capita.
I also noticed when I was looking at vacation rentals, the number of properties that charged an additional pet fee was significantly lower than I’m used to seeing. There were also many properties that just said, “pet friendly” and didn’t include a number of restrictions as part of their pets policies.
Top Activities for Dogs and Their Owners in San Diego
Here are some great activities in the area that you and your dog can enjoy together.
With over 20 off-leash dog beaches and parks to choose from, you couldn’t even visit all of them on a traditional vacation. I’ll highlight a few of the crowd favorites.
Dog-friendly beaches in San Diego: time for some furry fun in the sun!
Can dogs go on all the beaches in San Diego? While San Diego beaches are very open to our pups, there are some limits.
Leashed dogs are welcome on all San Diego beaches in the morning before 9 am and in the evening after 6 pm during Day Light Savings and 4 pm once the time falls back.
Don’t worry about the restrictions because there are some amazing dog beaches to visit, so there’s always somewhere you can go together.
Coronado Dog Beach
The soft sandy beach looks like the California beach of your imagination. Parking is tough, so expect to walk. It is worth it to have a chance for your dog to play here. It is next to a naval base, so that’s either a bonus since it can be fun watching the jets or a problem if you have a pup that is sensitive to loud noises. One local shared, this beach is the cleanest of the ones close to downtown and the people and dogs seem to be friendlier.
Dogs are not allowed on the main Coronado Beach
Fiesta Island
The calm waters at Mission Bay make it a safe place for dogs that like swimming but can’t handle the surf. The beach is huge meaning there is a lot of space so the dogs aren’t right on top of each other. There is also a grassy area available too.
Dog Beach-Ocean Beach
No list of beaches in San Diego could be complete without mentioning the one that started it all. This was one of the first official off-leash beaches in the country. There is a park nearby making it a nice place to spend the whole day with the family.
Dog Beach Dog Wash is nearby, so when your dog is done playing, you can wash off there instead of bringing a big pile of beach sand home with you.
Aqua Adventures Kayaks & Paddleboards
Located near Fiesta Island They have a “paddle with your pup” lesson available for both kayaks and SUPs. This could be your dog’s new favorite hobby.
Best dog-friendly parks in San Diego
Balboa Park Dog Parks
Dogs are welcome on leash throughout the park, but there are three off-leash dog parks within Balboa Park. Nate’s Point and Morely Field are available 24 hours a day. Grape St. Park is not available at night.
Nate’s Point
Nate’s Point is one of the most popular dog parks in the San Diego region. It is a large space with many amenities including water and picnic tables. Since it is located in the lovely Balboa Park, both dog and owner can really enjoy the experience.
The ground is dirt, so some people don’t like how they and their dogs come back dusty. Others love it because it is popular with locals. Their dogs make friends and they have regular play-dates.
Little Italy Dog Park
This charming green park is a great place to bring dogs of all sizes. There is a separate section for small dogs. The whole park is very pleasant with flowers, shady trees, and a coffee shop right on site.
The neighborhood association raises money to keep everything up-to-date and well-maintained. The only downside is that you have to pay for nearby parking.
From tails to trails: Dog-friendly hikes in San Diego
Sunset Cliffs San Diego
This walking trail runs along the Point Loma Peninsula and overlooks the ocean. It is a spectacular place to come watch the sunset.
There are also a few sets of stairs leading down to the shore where you can get a whole different vantage point and enjoy tide pooling at low tide. Dogs are welcome on leash on the trails.
It’s a popular place for people to come with their dogs, so be ready for some company.
Balboa Park walks and hikes
The grounds of the park cover 1000 acres, so you can never run out of new places to walk with your leashed-pup. The Balboa Park Gardens Loop is a particularly popular walk that can be appreciated by everyone especially when the roses are in bloom.
The best trail for dogs might be the Morely Field Trail. It’s more of a nature trail with some elevation changes. Your dog will enjoy being part of the more natural settings. I know mine get pretty excited to see a squirrel or a rabbit. You can also visit the Morely Field if you want to give your dog on and off-leash options.
Unleash the fun: Unique dog-friendly activities in San Diego
Whale Watching
If your pup is okay with getting help onto the boat, they are welcome to join you on a whale watching trip. They will even provide water and a bed to lay on during the voyage. Confirm pets are allowed on your particular day/time before booking
⛵ Check rates and availability
Old Town San Diego
While you may have to miss out on some of the key museums and shops if you come here with a dog, it can still be great fun to bring your leashed pup to this atmospheric historical site. Soak up the historical buildings from the outside and outdoor booths.
Your furry friend can also enjoy one of the items off the dog menu at Fred’s Mexican Cafe including a snoopy’s scramble or a cujo’s carne
Rooftop Cinema Club
Watch a movie on top of the Manchester Grand Hyatt (The hotel also allows dogs). Cushioned Adirondack-style chairs are set up with an outdoor screen playing classic favorites as well as some new features. Dogs are welcome to the wooftop showings. With almost perfect weather, it could be a fun snuggle opportunity to go out to the movies with your furry friend.
You will create tons of memories in San Diego with your furry companion. At these iconic San Diego destinations, you are definitely going to want to take photos of your pets.
We would love to see your San Diego pics! Have fun with our caption generator and share them with us on IG
Best restaurants in San Diego that welcome dogs on their patios
Caffè Caritàzza
Local Favorite: This non-profit coffee shop is right outside the Amicci house and next to the Little Italy Dog Park. Pick up a coffee, tea, or snack from one of the friendly baristas. Start your morning with a cuppa for you and an off-leash romp for your furry companion.
Sally’s Fish House & Bar
Sally’s has a specialty menu just for dogs including pupcakes, chicken and rice, rawhide bones and more! The human patrons will likely enjoy their variety of seafood and sushi options.
Lighthouse Ice Cream & Yogurt
When you need to cool off and get a sweet treat in the afternoon, your four-legged companion doesn’t have to get left out. You can order your dog a Frosty Paws high-quality protein (no sugar added) treat. Don’t worry, there are over 20 human flavors that still have sugar in the mix.
Discovering pet-friendly accommodations in San Diego
These are places I recommend due to their pet-friendly policies and amenities. If you would like to see a full list sorted by area, check out the 15 best dog-friendly hotels in San Diego.
🛌 Frequent Dog Traveler Tip from Courtney:
We just took our dog with us and stayed at the Staypineapple, Hotel Z in the popular Gaslamp District. It is a very dog-friendly hotel. He was spoiled by the staff there!
This hotel is self-proclaimed dog obsessed. They actually allow you to leave your dog in the room if you want to go out in the evening to do something that isn’t dog friendly. They also offer a pet bed and some special treats
Tip: Book directly with the hotel for the pet package and to get their special -dogs stay free during February.
🛌 Resort Life
If you want to enjoy the resort life, Paradise Point Resort & Spa is an award-winning resort for families in a fantastic location on the beach and right across from Fiesta Island. It’s also just down the street from Sea World.
The pet fees are on the higher end, but it is in line with the types of fees resorts often charge. They offer beach access, swimming pools, a marina, tennis, bonfires, etc. If you can tear yourself away long enough to check out the rest of San Diego, the concierge offers suggestions for what to do with your four-legged friend.
🛌 Vacation rental (VRBO)
Park-view beach house – Ocean Beach
This 2 bedroom 2 bathroom house is very pet and family-friendly. While the house has its own backyard, just go through the fence and you are in Dusty Rhodes Park where you can find a dog park.
But who needs a dog park when you are only 1/4 mile away from Dog Beach?
Up to 4 dogs are allowed. No fee is charged for the first pet.
Getting to San Diego with a dog and how to get around
It is easiest to get around California in a car. This could be your own or a rental car.
🚙💨 If you need to rent a car, check out the rates and availability with Discover Cars.
One of the reasons a car is so helpful is that large dogs are not allowed on public transportation.
San Diego’s bus and trolley services allow for small dogs who can fit inside a carrier. Since many dogs don’t fit in a carrier, it will be helpful to have transportation they are allowed in.
It is a similar situation with Amtrak. The Amtrak Pacific Surfliner can be a nice way to get from LA to San Diego with a dog under 20 pounds who fits in a carrier.
Service dogs trained to perform a task are the exception to all these circumstances.
San Diego is near to so many other fun things to do in Southern California. The closest national park is Joshua Tree. A combined trip of Joshua Tree and Palm Springs makes a fabulous weekend getaway from San Diego with your dog.
FAQs
Yes, San Diego loves dogs! It has plenty of beaches, parks, and trails where you can take your furry friend. Many restaurants, cafes, and shops also welcome dogs, and there are several events throughout the year, such as the annual Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon. However, some restrictions may apply in certain areas, so it’s always best to check beforehand.
Only service animals are allowed at the Zoo or Safari Park. Pets and emotional support animals are not permitted
Just so you know, you can’t bring your pup to the beach, boardwalk, or parks next to it between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. from April 1 to Oct. 31. You can go outside those hours, but you have to keep your furry friend on a leash
During the busier season from April 1 to October 31, dogs can roam on La Jolla Shores Beach before 9 AM and after 6 PM. From November 1 to March 31, you can bring your leashed pup to the beach whenever you want, no worries.
If you’re bringing your pet on the bus or trolley, you have to make sure they’re fully contained in a carrier that can be held on your lap and carried by you. Exception for service animals.
No, but SeaWorld offers a pet facility for $25 a day, where you can leave your dogs. It’s first come, first-served though, so no reservations allowed. The kennels are around 4ft by 8ft and have some sun coverage, but they’re outside, just so you know.
You will need to follow the CDC guidelines. If you come from a non-high rabies country the most important things are the health certificate and proof of rabies vaccine. This guide will provide a full set of directions. Flying in with a small dog will be easier than with a large dog, but both are possible.
It is just over 2 hours drive from LA to San Diego. Just kidding, when can you ever get anywhere in Southern California without hitting at least some traffic? If you are driving, Here are some ideas to keep your dog comfortable on the drive. Small dogs can also ride on Amtrak.
The Top 12 dog-friendly cities in the United States
I looked into what the data said and I surveyed people who regularly travel with their dogs to come up with the most dog-friendly cities in the US.
San Diego is very high up on people’s list of favorites and the numbers back it up. If you are wondering what other cities made the cut, here’s my list of the most dog-friendly cities in the US.
Best Dog-friendly cities on the East Coast
Best Dog-friendly cities on the West Coast
Best Dog-friendly cities in the Southwest
If you have been to one of the places on my list or if you have a suggestion of another fabulous pet destination, I’d love to hear your story on our review page for the United States.
If you are looking for other dog-friendly destinations near San Diego, this list might offer some inpiration.
Final Thoughts: San Diego is One of the Most Dog-friendly Cities in the US
San Diego is undoubtedly one of the most dog-friendly cities in the United States. From its numerous beaches, parks, and trails, to its welcoming restaurants, cafes, and shops, there’s no shortage of things to do with your furry friend. Plus with weather this good, you can enjoy these activities pretty much all year round. San Diego offers endless opportunities to explore and enjoy with your pet. So, next time you’re planning a vacation for yourself and your furry friend, don’t hesitate to bring Toto along and experience all that this wonderful city has to offer!
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