Dog Beaches {San Diego Edition}

San Diego is one of the best places to own a pooch. Not only are there a multitude of parks and play areas for dogs to go and socialize but there are also a lot of eateries you can take your dog to as well. There are even dog bakeries! San Diego dogs are some of the luckiest dogs in the US.

We’re a family who loves the ocean and the beach. So when we adopted our coonhound, Scout, 7+ years ago we knew we had to scope out the dog-friendly beaches in San Diego right away. There were a few beach options we knew about right away but then as we started talking to fellow dog owners and we found that there were even more around to check out. I’ve even mentioned a few before. And now that Scout is without his buddy, Jetta, we have been taking advantage of having such wonderful beaches in our back yard.

Below is a list of the dog beaches in San Diego. Do you have a favorite?

Top Dog Beaches in San Diego

1. Coronado Dog Beach
Located in the picture perfect city of Coronado, the dog beach in Coronado is at the most northern end of the beach next to the Naval Air Station. Wide and sandy, with the Pacific surf and the Hotel del Coronado in the background, we’ve found Coronado’s dog beach to be the friendliest in town.

located on Ocean Blvd. near Sunset Park.

2. Fiesta Island – Mission Beach
Most of this large sandy island in Mission Bay is designated leash-free for dogs. Lots of sandy dunes to romp in, and the calm bay waters lets the more adventurous dogs take a quick dip. There’s a semi-fenced off dog area as well to let the dogs romp safely without running into the one-way road. We’ve found Fiesta Island the best dog beach to exercise with our dogs at.

(off-leash) – located in Mission Bay Park, dogs are allowed in all areas except for the Youth Campground and Least Tern nesting sites (seasonal). Daily 6:00 am – 10:00 pm.

3. Dog Beach – Ocean Beach
Located in northern Ocean Beach, Dog Beach is the original dog beach and one of the most popular places to take your dog. This beach area is located at the west end of the San Diego River Floodway, also known as the Ocean Beach Flood Control Channel.

With a large amount of sand to run and frolic in, this is a large area for dogs to have fun at. This is also the best beach for your pooch to catch waves AND wade around in the calm(er) flood channel. And as always, beware of left-over accidents (most owners are conscientious about cleaning up after their dogs).

(24 hr. off-leash) – located at the west end of Voltaire St.

4. Del Mar Dog Beach
A nice, low key spit of sand to let your dog roam in lovely Del Mar, but with limitations: the off-leash designated is seasonal only, so bring your dog without its leash only from September to June. Parking is also at a premium, and parking tickets flow freely in Del Mar (believe me… I’ve had personal experience with this).

(October thru May off-leash) – located at Via de la Valle and Highway 101 at the rivermouth. Off-leash area is north of 29th St.

5. North Beach Dog Beach – Oceanside
While I’ve never been to this beach I’ve heard that it’s good for dogs who like strong surf. And it’s a great option for those a little farther north of the San Diego beaches.

(24 hr. off-leash) – located on Ocean Blvd. near Sunset Park at the northern end of the beach next to the U.S. Naval Station entrance. Dogs must be leashed until you reach the beach. Foot shower and free dog litter bags at the entrance to the run.