San Diego is one of the most dog-friendly travel destinations in California with a wide selection of hotels and destinations that your pup can enjoy with you. The weather is usually very pleasant so spending the day outside is no biggie.

My husband and I used to live in the San Diego area with our Black Labrador Holly. We would bring her all over the city with us, so we've had plenty of personal experience with finding dog-friendly things to do and places to eat.

This blog post covers San Diego dog-friendly parks, beaches, walkable neighborhoods, restaurants and more.

Scroll to the bottom of this post to see my top pet friendly San Diego hotels. These hotels have modern design and are located in the best areas around the city.

Dog Friendly Beaches in San Diego

Coronado Off-Leash Dog Beach

At the main portion of Coronado Beach next to the hotel, dogs must remain on leash. If you head north to the top tip of Coronado Beach, you’ll see signs for the off-leash dog beach. The exact address to the Coronado Dog Beach is 100 Ocean Blvd, Coronado, CA, US, 92118.

Mission and Pacific Beach

Both Mission Beach and Pacific Beach are popular beaches for visitors to frequent. Along the Oceanfront Boardwalk there’s plenty of restaurants, ice cream spots and shops to explore. Sadly these areas do not allow dogs, not even on leashes for the majority of the day.

There’s very limited hours where dogs ARE allowed on leashes. Basically there are allows early in the morning and later at night once the crowds have cleared out.

November 1 - March 31 dogs are NOT allowed on the beach, boardwalk or adjacent parks between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
April 1 through October 31 dogs are NOT allowed on the beach, boardwalk or adjacent parks between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.

There’s NO time when dogs are allowed off-leash in Mission and Pacific Beach.

Ocean Beach Dog Beach

Dogs are allowed to roam free at the designated dog beach at the most northern tip of Ocean Beach City Beach. You’ll see signs in the sand that specifically say “Dog Beach.” Parking for the dog beach is at W Point Loma Blvd and Voltaire St
in San Diego, CA 92107.

Fiesta Island Dog Beach in Mission Bay

Dogs are allowed off-leash at Fiesta Island, and they also allow bonfires in the designated bonfire rings. Fiesta Island Park is located at 1590 E Mission Bay Dr, San Diego, CA 92109.

Del Mar Dog Beach

This picturesque beach is favorite among dog lovers. Dogs are allowed to roam off-leash. My husband grew up bringing his dogs here and it remains our go-to spot. Located at 3902 29th St, Del Mar, CA 92014.

You can find more information about the dog policies from the official San Diego government page.

Best San Diego Restaurants with Outdoor Patio Seating

Communal Coffee

Communal Coffee has several locations around San Diego and most of them have outdoor patio seating that welcomes dogs. The South Park location is all open air outdoor seating and it’s so cute!

Puesto Tacos

Puesto Tacos also has multiple restaurants around San Diego. Most locations have outdoor seating that allows dogs. We love the La Jolla Puesto Tacos spot because afterwards you can walk your dog down to the Children’s Pool seaside lookout spot and see the seals swimming in the cove.

Station Tavern Beer Garden

Located in the trendy neighborhood of South Park, this friendly beer garden welcomes both dogs and children. They serve burgers and salads with a wide selection of beer.

Encontro

Encontro is a trendy brunch and dinner spot located in the heart of North Park. Their menu is lengthy with all kinds of fresh California cuisine. They have a dog-friendly patio and rumor has it that they even provide a dog menu.

The Crack Shack

This popular San Diego chain has made chicken and egg dishes uber cool. The Little Italy location has an extra large patio that allows dogs on leash. There’s also other locations in San Diego, Encinitas and Costa Mesa that allow dogs too.

Breakfast Republic

Another popular San Diego chain that millennials love to frequent. You can order breakfast from 7am - 3pm at any of their locations. Several of their restaurants have outdoor seating that welcomes dogs.

Best San Diego Neighborhoods for Dog Walking

North Park

A very popular neighborhood with trendy eateries and shops. There’s many colorful murals scattered throughout the streets which makes for an eventful stroll. Plenty of restaurants have outdoor seating which is most likely pre-friendly. My favorite North Park spots is Lucha Libre Tacos, Holy Matcha Cafe and Pigment boutique store.

Little Italy

Little Italy is a popular hangout spot located right next to the harbor. The nightlife scene is very lively and the blocks are filled with restaurants and shops. You can walk with your dog through the main streets of Kettner Blvd and India Street, or head to Waterfront Park where there’s less foot traffic.

La Jolla

Every time I’ve been to La Jolla it’s been very calm and peaceful without too many crowds. The downtown strip along Prospect St has shops and restaurants. There’s several lookout spots where you can see beautiful ocean views. You can walk your dog on leash along the shoreline and take in some panoramic beach scenery.

Dog Friendly Parks in San Diego

Mission Bay Park

Mission Bay Park spans an extremely vast area of over 4,000 acres. There’s some very large green grass areas with paved walking trails and picnic areas which are perfect for dogs on leash. The scenery is filled with bay views and palm trees, the perfect place to relax with your pup.

Balboa Park

Balboa Park is a must-see spot if you’re visiting San Diego. The Botanical Building and Lily Pond are San Diego landmarks and they make excellent backdrops for vacation photos. Dogs are allowed on-leash throughout the park, and there’s even some designated off-leash areas that you can read about on their park rules page.

Old Town San Diego State Historic Park

Old Town in San Diego is a fun area to explore, especially for history buffs. Several of the buildings have been restored to replicate the 1800’s when San Diego was just being founded as a mission. There’s also restaurants and shops with authentic Mexican artisan products. Dogs are allowed on-leash inside the Old Town State Park.

Kit Carson Park in Escondido

Escondido is my husband’s hometown which is located in North County of San Diego. Kit Carson Park is comprised of 285-acres and has many trails, picnic areas with barbecues, open grass and ponds. Dogs are allowed on leash at most areas of the park.

Dog Friendly Hiking Trails in San Diego

Hike to Potato Chip Rock

If you’re looking to break a sweat and get a good workout, the hike up to Potato Chip Rock is a great option. Your calves will feel the burn as you climb up Mount Woodson to the funny rock named after a potato chip. Dogs are allowed on leashes on the trail. Be careful with overheating and snakes in the brushes.