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Top 8 Dog Friendly Beaches in San Diego, CA (2024 Update): Off & On-Leash Places

Gregory Iacono

By Gregory Iacono

Shetland Sheepdog on a beach at the beach

Are you looking for dog-friendly beaches in San Diego that you can explore with your favorite canine? If so, you’re in luck! At least eight amazing dog-friendly beaches in the city are waiting for you and your dog to visit and enjoy. Most will let your dog romp on the sand, splash in the water, and have a fun time off-leash. Some dogs even go surfing! Read on to discover all eight dog-friendly beaches in San Diego, as well as their hours, amenities, off-leash rules, and more.

Divider 7The Top 8 Dog Friendly Beaches in San Diego, CA

1. Cardiff State Beach

🗺️ Address: 📍Encinitas, CA 92007
🕐 Open Times: 7:00 AM to sunset, 7 days a week
💲 Cost: General Admission Day Use Fee is $12–$25 per vehicle (demand-based pricing) or a valid annual California State Parks Vehicle Day Use Pass.
🐕 Off-Leash: No
  • A 6-foot leash is required
  • A gently sloping beach makes it easy for all dogs to enter the water
  • No area to wash off your dog
  • It’s a busy, popular beach, so plan to go early
  • Lots of room for your dog to run up and down the beach

2. Coronado Dog Beach

🗺️ Address: 📍Ocean Blvd, Coronado, CA 92118
🕐 Open Times: 6:30 AM–9:00 PM Monday through Sunday
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes
  • The western part of the beach is leash-free
  • Parking is available at Ocean Boulevard
  • Make sure you keep your dog on-leash until you reach the beach. Fines are high if you don’t
  • No restrooms, but there is a free shower at Ocean Boulevard
  • The beach is very wide and clean
  • It’s a long walk to get to the beach

3. Del Mar Dog Beach (aka North Beach)

🗺️ Address: 📍3902 29th St, Del Mar, CA 92014
🕐 Open Times: Open 24 hours, 7 days a week
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes and No (Changes frequently based on time of day and year)
  • Dogs can be off-leash from the day after Labor Day through June 15th
  • Beautiful beach for both humans and dogs, with lots of wildlife to see
  • Street parking is nearby
  • Largest off-leash beach for dogs in the Southern CA area

4. Dog Beach

🗺️ Address: 📍San Diego, CA 92109
🕐 Open Times: 24 hours, 7 days a week
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes, various hours
  • Another gorgeous beach where your dog can run off-leash
  • One of the 1st beaches for dogs in the United States
  • Large, wide beach with (usually) calm water and gorgeous sunsets
  • A very popular beach, so go early for good parking
  • Locals need help defending the beach from development

5. Fiesta Island Dog Park

🗺️ Address: 📍1750 Fiesta Island Rd, San Diego, CA 92109
🕐 Open Times: 4:00 AM until 10:00 PM, Monday through Sunday
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes
  • Beautiful and big off-leash dog park and beach
  • Designated off-leash location is close to SeaWorld
  • SeaWorld has fireworks often, so be aware that there might be loud noise
  • Bring water and waste bags
  • There’s lots of grass for dogs who don’t want to go in the water

6. La Jolla Cove

🗺️ Address: 📍San Diego, CA 92037
🕐 Open Times: 24 hours, 7 days a week
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes, various hours
  • A beautiful cove that’s an amazing place to explore
  • Dogs are welcome before 9 AM and after 6 PM. from April 1 to October 31, and before 9 AM and after 4 PM from November 1 to March 31
  • The tide pools are big attractions
  • Dogs usually allowed to enter after 6 PM but sometimes sooner
  • You’ll probably see sea lions and other wildlife

7. Shores Park

🗺️ Address: 📍8300 Camino Del Oro, La Jolla, CA 92037
🕐 Open Times: Open 24 hours, 7 days a week
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Unsure
  • Grassy area near the beach for dogs to play
  • Lots of places around to walk, eat, relax and enjoy with your dog
  • No water or waste bags provided
  • Beach and park are only about 1 mile long

8. Pacific Beach

🗺️ Address: 📍San Diego, California 92109
🕐 Open Times: 24 hours, 7 days a week
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes, various hours
  • Off-leash hours constantly change at this beach
  • One of the nicest beaches in the United States
  • Large pier to explore and see the coast
  • Bring water and waste bags
  • Dogs are usually allowed on the beach after 6 PM

Divider 7Final Thoughts

There are some truly amazing beaches to see and visit in San Diego with your dog. Most allow off-leash play but have various morning and afternoon hours when it’s allowed. Also, parks and beaches often don’t provide water or waste bags, so be sure to bring your own. The same goes for showers and bathroom facilities, which are hit-and-miss.

It’s recommended to check the hours and rules wherever you visit so that you don’t run afoul of the local police. Lastly, when a leash is needed, it can’t be longer than 6 feet. Besides that, have a fantastic time with your favorite canine exploring the eight amazing dog-friendly beaches in San Diego, CA!


Featured Image Credit: K E Walker, Shutterstock

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