Dog-Friendly San Diego Spots
San Diego is known for being a very dog-friendly city. The nice weather and outdoor lifestyle affords us the luxury to take our dogs many places. Since adopting Buster earlier this year, a lot of our plans and vacations have been dog-focused. We’ve begun seeking out spots around the city that are great for not only Buster, but us as well.
Whether you’re visiting with your four-legged friend, new to town, or a local that’s looking for new places, here’s a round up of top San Diego spots to enjoy with your dog. While this list is ultimately dog-friendly, make sure to properly pick up after your dog, keep them safely on a leash when required, and pay attention to any additional regulations businesses, parks, and beaches may have.
For more San Diego content, check out some of my previous blog posts:
San Diego Sights: Seaport Village
5 East County San Diego Hidden Gems
5 Instagrammable San Diego Spots: Balboa Park
5 Instagrammable San Diego Spots: North Park
Lake Murray
A shining spot in East County’s La Mesa is Lake Murray. The lake features a large trail that’s popular with bikers, runners, and dog walkers. While the trail is not a full loop (seriously, who thought up that design), you can walk, ride, or rollerblade 3.2 miles to a dam gate, then turn around. Dogs must remain leashed while enjoying the wonderful views that Lake Murray has to offer.
Balboa Park
One of the best places to visit in San Diego, just in general, is Balboa Park. The 1,200 acre park is a great place to bring your dog to explore and play. One of the most popular dog parks in the city, Nate’s Point Off-Leash Dog Park, is just past the picturesque Cabrillo Bridge and is 2.3 acres of fenced in space. Additionally, Balboa Park features multiple trails that are perfect for dogs and humans alike.
Coronado Dog Beach
This one seems pretty self explanatory. The Coronado Dog Beach allows for off-leash fun in the ocean year-round. Not only do humans get to enjoy the beauty of San Diego beaches, but your dog can too!
Seaport Village
The bustling waterfront hotspot of Seaport Village is a great place for dogs and humans to explore. Not only are there multiple paths that are perfect for a leisurely afternoon walk, but there are also plenty of dog-friendly restaurants. From there, walk down to Waterfront Park and lounge about on the large grassy lawns.
Sunset Cliffs
San Diego sunsets are really something else. One of the best places to enjoy them is the aptly named, Sunset Cliffs. With 1.5 miles of coastal views, Sunset Cliffs is a great and easy place to bring your dog, with plenty of space to walk and sit.
Santee Drive-In Theater
You can enjoy the fun of a drive-in movie with your dog at the Santee Drive-In. With double features on two separate screens, this San Diego staple is the perfect summertime activity. Dogs must remain safely in cars during the movie.
The Dog Society
The perfect place for humans and dogs to enjoy together is The Dog Society. The San Diego spot is equal parts sports bar, cafe, groomer, and doggy daycare. You can enjoy free games of pool, shuffle board, mini golf, and corn hole, all while watching a game on the multiple TV screens. Downstairs has an off-leash area, where dogs can play while their owners enjoy a beer. There are a variety of food and drink options for both humans and dogs, making it an enjoyable place for all. Besides the off-leash section, dogs should be leashed to ensure safety and comfortability for all dogs and humans.
Original Dog Beach
One of the first official leash-free beaches in the country, the Original Dog Beach is located in Ocean Beach. It’s a fun place not only for dogs, but also for beach lovers and surfers to enjoy.
Petco Park
During baseball season, Petco Park and the San Diego Padres host a few Bark at the Park nights, where you can take your dog out to a ball game. Seating is on the lawn of Gallagher Square. Additionally, Petco Park features The Barkyard, which are five semi-private, dog-friendly viewing areas in left-center field.
Now, this list barely scratches the surface of what San Diego has to offer. The city features a plethora of dog-friendly restaurants, bars, and breweries that welcome dogs and humans alike. No matter if you’re a tourist or a local, San Diego is the perfect place to bring your dog along for the fun.