Best Dog Beaches In San Diego

by Gallant Staff
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Below, we’ll share some of the best dog beaches in San Diego so that you can enjoy the ocean with your furry friend. 

Fiesta Island

This dog beach in San Diego is famous for its large expanse of off-leash land for your furry friend. The park features plenty of sandy beaches for your dog to take a dip or relax in the sand. There’s also hiking trails on site so that you can experience the beautiful seaside views without getting wet. 

Fiesta Island has plenty of room for pups to spread out and explore. There’s also shallow areas of the water which is perfect for smaller sized furry friends. With hills, water, and plenty of shore to explore, this dog beach is hard to beat. 

The Original Dog Beach 

One of the most popular pooch destinations is the north end of Ocean Beach in San Diego. This dog-friendly section of the beach features plenty of shore and a shallow inlet for your furry friend to explore. Dogs can enjoy spending time off-leash in this section of the beach and socialize with a wide variety of furry friends. 

There aren’t any public water bowls at the beach, so be sure to bring plenty of water to keep your hound hydrated. If Spot is a bit too sandy after your expedition, you can stop by the “dog wash” two blocks away from the beach to give Buddy a bath. 

Coronado Dog Beach

This 24-hour beach is open to off-leash pets on the Western side of the beach. Surrounding the beach, you’ll find plenty of attractions to keep you and your furry friend entertained. This dog beach provides waste bags and is closely monitored to ensure that all hounds are in harmony. 

It’s separated from the all-purpose beach by fencing and even has a station to hose off your pooch after playing in the sand. This beach is equally fun for dogs and owners with its gorgeous view of the pacific ocean. 

Cardiff State Beach 

This dog-friendly beach along the San Diego coast is open daily from 6am to sunset. While you’ll need to keep your furry friend on a leash, pups are sure to enjoy the gentle lapping waters and soft sloping sands. If Spot needs a break from the sea, you can also enjoy the neighboring parks including the San Elijo Lagoon trail. This is a great opportunity for puppies or dogs who are still learning their manners around other mutts. With the enforced leash law, you can ensure that your dog can socialize as little or as much as he’d like to. 

Pacific Beach Boardwalk

While your pooch isn’t allowed on the sandy beach, he’s welcome to roam with you on the famous boardwalk touring restaurants, bars, and other attractions. Many of the surrounding restaurants are pet-friendly, so you can get a bite to eat with your best buddy while enjoying sprawling views of the seaside. 

Beach Day Checklist

Ready to head out with your furry family member? Here are a couple of things you’ll want to bring with you to ensure that your dog has a pawsitive experience at the beach. 

Plenty of water and portable water bowl 

Beach umbrella or something to provide shade for Spot

Food for Fido 

Waste bags

Towels 

Booties for hot sand

You and your best buddy are bound to enjoy some time together in the sand. Have fun exploring these fur-friendly seaside spots!