5 Dog-Friendly Beaches in San Diego
Summer is here, and that means getting outside with your dog for some fun in the sun — as long as you’re doing it safely, of course! And in the San Diego area, there are plenty of options to hit up some sand and surf with your pup. That’s because there are plenty of dog-friendly beaches in San Diego!
If you need a cheat sheet, here are five dog-friendly beaches in San Diego. Grab a frisbee, a cooler, plenty of water, and some sunscreen, and check out these San Diego dog beaches!
La Jolla Cove
La Jolla Cove Beach is one of the most well-known beach in La Jolla, and for good reason. The water is crystal-clear, and you get stunning views from different vantage points. You will likely also spot sea lions! Visitors can spend the day at the beach or in the grassy shade. And, this dog beach is known to be kid-friendly as well.
When planning your dog walk, note that dogs are allowed at certain times only, so plan your visit accordingly! Leashed dogs are allowed on the beach before 9 a.m. and after 6 p.m. from April until October (from November to March, the dog-friendly hours change).
Parking can be difficult to find, so plan to arrive early, especially on weekend afternoons, and drive around Coast Boulevard to find a spot. From there, you will be walking for a while to get to the cove. Another option is to pay for public parking in La Jolla Village if you can’t find a spot along the street.
Coronado Dog Beach
If your pup loves to roam without a leash, your dog is in luck! Coronado Dog Beach is the only beach in Coronado that allows dogs to roam without a leash. Make sure to find the dog-designated beachfront area. You will see signs and arrows pointing to the location when you arrive at Coronado. Coronado Animal Control strictly enforces the rules, and violations carry a $500 fine. As you might imagine, this spot gets busy on weekends, so park on the street and prepare for a bit of a walk.
You will see sweeping views. Once you get to the dog-designated area, you will see pups roaming free and playing in the water. They definitely have a good time at Coronado. You might also catch a glimpse of the Navy SEALS training nearby.
Del Mar North Dog Beach
If your furry friend loves to run wild, Del Mar North Beach, also known as “Dog Beach,” is another spot where dogs can stroll without a leash in the dog-designated area and during specific times of the year. For summertime dog walks, from June 16th to Labor Day, dogs are allowed to roam leash-free from dawn until 8 a.m. In the off season, dogs can roam leash-free.
There is metered parking along the street on Camino del Mar and at 29th Street. This spot gets busy, especially on weekends, so try to get there early or plan for a little extra time to find parking.
Fiesta Island
While on the topic of leash-free, Fiesta Island is a must. Most of this large sandy island in Mission Bay is designated leash-free for dogs. Fiesta Island Off-Leash Dog Park has lots of sandy dunes to romp in, and the calm bay waters allow the more adventurous dogs take a quick dip. There is a designated off-leash location on the backside of the island as Sea World will be on your left, fenced-in front with signs. Bring water for your dogs. Check the Seaworld website to confirm firework schedules if Fido is scared of the loud bangs.
Cardiff State Beach
Cardiff State Beach, north of the city, is a great spot to stroll and watch surfers. Dogs must be on a leash and under owner’s control at all times, according to state park rules. A wonderful thing about Cardiff State Beach is that beach wheelchairs are available for visitors. You can check out a wheelchair with a photo ID at the San Elijo State Beach Campground entrance. Wheelchair use is free and they are available on a first come, first served basis.
For park entry, General Admission Day Use Fee is $12-$25 per vehicle (they have a demand based pricing) or you can use a valid annual California State Parks Vehicle Day Use Pass. Make sure to arrive early – Cardiff State Beach is a popular surfing spot and parking is busy year round.
Now that you have options on where to take your pup, enjoy the beach and go explore! Get your steps in, bask in the sunshine, and let your dog see new sights. And if you need to make sure your dog is ready for the surf and sand, bring them into Southpaw today!
Contact us to make an appointment today!
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