San Diego, a city coined “America’s Finest,” is famed for its miles of white sandy beaches and world-class, family-fun attractions. To top it off, there’s also a plethora of dog-friendly parks, beaches, and hiking trails at your disposal – it’s no wonder so many local pet parents and people house sitting in San Diego call it a dream destination.
To uncover the best of dog-friendly San Diego, we teamed up with Trusted members and Ambassadors, Maryse and Jeff, who know this city inside out - along with a little digging of our own.
So, whether you and your pet are locals or you’re a San Diego pet sitter wanting to explore the city with your new furry friend, here's how to have the best time in San Diego with a pooch pal in tow...
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A dog playing on Del Mar beach
Dog-friendly restaurants, San Diego
Before heading off on your adventure, fuel up at some of the best dog-friendly restaurants San Diego has to offer.
Casa de Freds
Proudly declaring themselves to be the only dog-friendly restaurant in San Diego’s Old Town, pups can enjoy a selection of treats from the special doggie menu on the pet-friendly patio of this local Mexican restaurant.
Location: 2470 San Diego Ave, San Diego, CA 92110
Shorehouse Kitchen
Brunch is better with a pup by your side, especially when there’s a doggie menu featuring honey-cured bacon bits and grilled chicken with eggs.
Location: 2236 Avenida De La Playa, La Jolla, CA 92037
Bull’s Smokin’ BBQ
Customers on two legs are kept happy with slow-cooked meats, smoked ribs, and freshly baked cornbread, while beef bones and bowls of water are served up for furry friends.
Location: 1127 Morena Blvd, San Diego, CA 92110
Queenstown Public House
Step into this New Zealand farmhouse–style pub with a dog-friendly patio (and an Instagram page dedicated to its furry visitors – @dogsofqueenstownsd).
Location: 1557 Columbia St, San Diego, CA 92101
Woody’s Breakfast and Burgers
Located right on Pacific Beach Boardwalk, this is the perfect pit stop if you’re taking your pooch for a stroll in the area. Bring your friends, bring Fido, and soak up some sunshine on their patio from sunrise to sunset.
Location: 4111 Ocean Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109
Working Class
Enjoy a bite to eat and a beer at this indoor-outdoor spot, which has a special “Puppy Chow” menu serving beef patties and chicken breast.
Location: 4095 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104
Station Tavern
This fuss-free restaurant offers dog-friendly dining in the outdoor area, which has rustic wooden tables and cozy booths for you and your best bud to kick back in.
Location: 2204 Fern St, San Diego, CA 92104
Dog-friendly activities in San Diego
Find activities both you and your four-pawed pal will love in dog-friendly San Diego.
Petco Park
Catch a Padres game with your pup at their special Bark at the Park Nights.
Cost: Tickets start at $32.45 for humans and $28.97 for dogs.
Date and time: Six dates throughout the 2025 season.
Location: 100 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101
Mission Beach Boardwalk
If you’re in the Mission Bay area, pop your furry friend on the leash and take them for a stroll down Mission Beach Boardwalk, passing shops, restaurants, and an old-school amusement park.
Location: W Mission Bay Dr, San Diego, CA 92109
Cadman Recreation Center
A playground, a ball field, and an off-leash dog park make this a great spot for the whole family.
Cost: Free
Date and time: Monday - Friday 10 am - 5 pm, Saturday 8 am - 2 pm, closed Sundays.
Location: 4280 Avati Dr, San Diego, CA 92117
Otay Ranch Town Center
For a bit of retail therapy, head to Otay Ranch Town Center, just a few minutes from downtown San Diego. This open-air shopping center features a fenced-in area for pups, with fresh water bowls and poop bags provided.
Cost: Free
Date and time: Open daily 11 am - 8 pm.
Location: 2015 Birch Rd, Chula Vista, CA 91915
Eco Boat Rentals
Take a dog-friendly pedal boat ride with scenic San Diego views.
Cost: Starting from $52.
Date and time: Check the website for opening hours.
Location: 2803 Emerson St Dock #1, San Diego, CA 92106
Rooftop Cinema Club
Enjoy a movie under the stars with your pup at special dog-friendly “Wooftop” screenings.
Cost: $16
Date and time: Various, check for “dog-friendly screenings”.
Location: Sports Courts, 1 Market Place 4th Floor, Harbor Tower, San Diego, CA 92101
Seaport Village
Take your furry friend for a stroll along the waterfront past souvenir shops and seafood restaurants.
Cost: Free
Date and time: Open daily 10 am - 9 pm.
Location: 849 W Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
Mission Beach
Dog-friendly parks in San Diego
Speaking of dog-friendly places, San Diego is packed with open spaces designed especially for your furry best friend. Where better to stretch those paws than one of these dog parks?
Encinitas Dog Park
Located inside a 44-acre community park, this dog park is split into three grassy sections – one for larger pups and two for smaller ones. Freshwater fountains are provided and there’s also an agility course.
Location: 335 Santa Fe Dr, Cardiff, CA 92007
Balboa Park
This iconic park is one of the most dog-friendly places in America, and it’s a must-visit for tourists in San Diego. You can stroll through the park with Fido on a leash, but the real fun awaits at its three dog parks – including the popular Nate’s Point Off-Leash Dog Park.
Location: San Diego, CA, United States
Kearny Mesa Dog Park
This one-acre park provides a large, open space for furry friends of all shapes and sizes to explore, along with plenty of large trees and seating areas — perfect if you or your pooch need to cool down in the shade.
Location: 3170 Armstrong St, San Diego, CA 92111
Alga Norte Dog Park
This off-leash park has separate areas for small and large dogs, plus an agility course for extra fun.
Location: 6565 Alicante Rd, Carlsbad, CA 92009
Canine Corners Dog Park
This off-leash dog park is a great place for pups to congregate, featuring small, medium, and large dog separation pens, as well as multiple shady spots to rest in.
Location: Washington St, La Mesa, CA 91942
Orpheus Park
Orpheus Park boasts gorgeous ocean views for both you and your pup to enjoy during designated off-leash hours (up-to-date hours are available on the website).
Location: 482 Orpheus Ave, Encinitas, CA 92024
Dusty Rhodes Neighbourhood Park
Dusty Rhodes features a huge off-leash and fully fenced-off dog park for your pooch to enjoy. Dog water fountains are also available.
Location: 2469 Sunset Cliffs Blvd, San Diego, CA 92107
Morley Field Dog Park
Here, furry friends of all shapes and sizes can burn off some energy in the large, off-leash dog area. Or pop your four-pawed pal on a leash and explore the nearby Florida Canyon Nature Trails.
Location: 2225 Morley Field Dr, San Diego, CA 92104
Mount San Miguel Park
Mount San Miguel Park has separate areas for both large and small dogs to play in, as well as plenty of benches for pawrents to sit and rest.
Dog-friendly hikes, San Diego
Move over dog-friendly parks, what about the dog-friendly walks San Diego is known for?!
Mission Trails Regional Park
Mission Trails Regional Park has 60 miles of trails to explore, from a gentle, one-mile walk to an energetic, five-mile elevated hike. Dogs are allowed at this regional park but must be kept on a leash at all times.
Location: 1 Father Junipero Serra Trail, San Diego, CA 92119
Tecolote Canyon Natural Park
Tecolote Canyon Natural Park offers around 6.5 miles of scenic trails that run alongside a creek, providing a suitable terrain for jogging, walking, or mountain biking. Leashed dogs are welcome throughout.
Location: 5180 Tecolote Rd, San Diego, CA 92110
San Elijo Lagoon Trail
This three-mile hike by the lagoon is great for birdwatching, with shaded rest spots and poop bags along the way. Just remember, dogs must be kept on their leashes here.
Location: 2710 Manchester Ave, Cardiff, CA 92007
Iron Mountain Trail
For an active afternoon, hit Iron Mountain Trail for a six-mile hike, with plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife and make furry friends along the way.
Location: 14847-14909 CA-67, Poway, CA 92064
Off-leash area at Del Mar North Beach
Dog-friendly beaches, San Diego
Of all the dog-friendly places in San Diego to explore, the beach has to be the number one spot. With 70 miles of coastline, the good news is that plenty of sandy spots welcome furry friends.
Del Mar North Dog Beach
This two-mile stretch of beach is off-leash (except during the summer months, between June 15th and Labor Day) and is a great place to take your pooch for a run around while you soak up the rays.
Location: 3902 29th St, Del Mar, CA 92014
Coronado Beach Dog Park
Located directly across from Sunset Park on Ocean Boulevard is Coronado Beach’s leash-free dog park. Fun for humans and four-pawed pals alike, this San Diego spot is great for watching the sun go down with your pooch by your side.
Location: Ocean Blvd, San Diego, CA 92118
Ocean Beach Dog Beach
A true dog (and dog lover) paradise, Ocean Beach’s vast, off-leash dog beach is a popular spot for furry friends to play along the shore or indulge in a game of fetch.
Location: San Diego, CA 92109
Fiesta Island Dog Park
Head on down to Fiesta Island Dog Park for sandy dunes and tranquil, bay waters. There’s more than enough room for your pup to run, swim, and explore, plus plenty of opportunities to make a four-legged friend or two.
Dog-friendly cafes, San Diego
Start your day with a caffeine boost at a delightfully dog-friendly cafe, San Diego.
Communal Coffee
With locations in North Park and South Park, this spot not only serves up delicious coffee but also offers pup cups for its canine customers.
Location: 2335 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92104
Newbreak Coffee & Cafe
Situated near Ocean Beach, this cafe is a favorite among locals. They offer a variety of breakfast options and, best of all, a dog-friendly patio where your canine companion can lounge by your side.
Location: 1959 Abbott St, San Diego, CA 92107
James Coffee Co.
This hipster joint serves great brews and other coffee-related drinks made from house-roasted beans.
Location: 2355 India St, San Diego, CA 92101
Annual dog events in San Diego
Mark your calendars for these annual events in dog-friendly San Diego.
Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon
If you’re in San Diego at the right time, this is a must-see! It’s fun to watch and supports a great cause – oh, and you might even catch a glimpse of the TrustedHousesitters team!
Cost: Free
Date and time: TBC
Location: TBC
Doggie Street Festival & Adopt-A-Thon
Held annually at NTC Park in Liberty Station, this festival is a must-visit for dog lovers. The event features pet adoption opportunities, vendor booths, and plenty of activities for both dogs and their pawrents.
Cost: Free
Date and time: November 22, 2025.
Location: 2455 Cushing Rd, San Diego, CA 92106
Pupapalooza
This summer festival lays on dog-friendly activities like photo ops, pop-up shops, and more, all in aid of The Animal Pad.
Cost: Free
Date and time: TBC
Location: TBC
TrustedHousesitters events
We organize plenty of events in the city of San Diego, from pool paw-ties to member meet-ups. Be sure to check out the Community Forum to keep up to date with what’s going on.
The best dog-friendly bars, San Diego
Unwind with a drink at a bar that welcomes both you and your canine companion.
The Dog Society
The Dog Society blends cafe culture with a bar and restaurant vibe, and it’s seriously dog friendly, with a “Chow Menu” and a beer garden where furry friends can mingle off the leash.
Location: 6331 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92115
Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens – Liberty Station
This hip brewery not only offers a wide selection of craft beers but also has dog-friendly outdoor seating, where pawrents can enjoy some grub and a drink with their pooch by their side.
Location: 2816 Historic Decatur Rd UNIT 116, San Diego, CA 92106
Quartyard
Quartyard is an urban park and events venue with a beer garden, food trucks, and even an off-leash dog park!
Location: 1301 Market St, San Diego, CA 92101
Poochie’s Hooch Urban Cidery
Tasty cider, friendly service, and part of the profit goes to dog rescue charities – oh, and furry friends are welcomed with open paws!
Dog-friendly wineries in San Diego
Wine lovers, rejoice! These vineyards serve up the perfect pairing – fine wine and canine companionship.
Carruth Cellars Urban Winery – Liberty Station
Enjoy handcrafted wines with your pup in this laid-back tasting room.
Location: 2710 Historic Decatur Rd Barracks 17, San Diego, CA 92106
Mia Marie Vineyards
Enjoy a tasting session while taking in the picturesque views of Escondido with your pup at this family-owned vineyard.
Location: 15036 Highland Valley Rd, Escondido, CA 92025
Milagro Winery
Nestled in the Ramona Valley, Milagro Winery has a dog-friendly outdoor patio complete with a play area and scenic views.
Location: 18750 Littlepage Rd, Ramona, CA 92065
Tips on dog-friendly things to do in San Diego from dog owners and pet sitters
So there you have it, our guide to dog-friendly San Diego, packed full of things to do with your pooch pal. Want more ideas? Our members love swapping their best tips on our Community Forum, here are some of their top recommendations for your time in the sunshine city.
- You might be spoilt for beaches, but there’s one you can’t miss, according to @Julie_A –
“I LOVE La Jolla! I was born and raised in San Diego and grew up just 15 minutes from this beach.”
- If you fancy giving back to the community, @cnj840 suggests the following –
“I have excellent recommendations for San Diego (Porchlight Community Services doing ‘pantry prep’).”
- Fancy a train ride along the seafront? @Brigitte reminisces –
“I remember taking the train “The Pacific Surfliner” along the coast from LA to San Diego. Beautiful area.”
Tips for pet parents
Are you a pet parent heading to San Diego? Here are a few suggestions.
Hit the best dog beaches
Let your pup splash around at Ocean Beach Dog Beach or Coronado’s North Beach, two of the most popular off-leash spots in town.
Explore scenic dog-friendly trails
Take in the views with your four-legged friend at Tecolote Canyon Natural Park, Mission Trails Regional Park, or Fiesta Island’s off-leash area.
Stay flea-free all year round
San Diego’s warm climate means fleas and ticks are active year-round, so stay on top of prevention – especially after hikes or beach trips.
Know the local leash laws
While many parks require leashes, places like Nate’s Point Dog Park in Balboa Park allow off-leash fun.
Plan a staycation for your pet while you vacation
Going away and can’t take your four-pawed pal? No problem! Our trusted San Diego sitters will take care of your furry family member like their own, providing care and companionship around the clock while you’re away.
Tips for pet sitters
If you’re lucky enough to be house sitting in sunny San Diego, here are a few things to consider.
Plan pooch-friendly outings
Whether it’s a walk through Balboa Park, a beach day at Del Mar Dog Beach, or a hike at Mission Trails Regional Park, there are endless dog-friendly places to explore in San Diego.
Stay cool on hot days
San Diego gets warm, so avoid midday walks and take pups to tree-lined trails or shaded pet-friendly patios.
Keep pups hydrated
Always carry extra water, especially if you're heading to the beach or out on a long walk.
Join a TrustedHousesitters meet-up
We host regular meet-ups in San Diego – bring your furry friend along and get to know some fellow pet people!
Discover San Diego through house and pet sitting
Speaking of TrustedHousesitters, why not give it a go? Explore the city in a whole new way while caring for adorable pets.
Dog-friendly San Diego: Things to do in San Diego with a dog – FAQs
Yes, many restaurants in California welcome well-behaved dogs in their outdoor dining areas – but be sure to check with the establishment first. Service dogs are always allowed inside.
Absolutely! Leashed dogs are welcome throughout Balboa Park, and there are three designated off-leash areas where they’re free to explore off the leash.
No, San Diego Zoo does not allow pets, comfort animals, or emotional support animals – but don’t worry, there are plenty of other dog-friendly places to explore in San Diego!
Yes! San Diego is a paradise for pups, with dog-friendly beaches, dog parks, and pet-friendly patios all over the city.
Check out Ocean Beach Dog Beach, Fiesta Island, Balboa Park, and pet-friendly patios like Shorehouse Kitchen. There’s no shortage of dog-friendly places in San Diego!
