House sitting as a pet sitter in Encinitas, or live in this Southern California beach town with your pooch? This guide to dog-friendly Encinitas was made for you! We’ve rounded up all the best dog parks, dog beaches, restaurants, and local activities to enjoy with your four-legged friend, so no one misses out on the fun!
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Dog parks in Encinitas
There’s nothing better than watching your furry friend run free, sniff around, and make new pals, and luckily, Encinitas has some great spots for pups to do all three! Read on to find the best dog parks in and around town.
Maggie Houlihan Memorial Dog Park (Encinitas Dog Park)
Located within Encinitas Community Park, this grassy 2-acre space is the perfect leash-free zone. It has three separate areas – one large and two smaller fenced sections for small dogs, plus a mile-long pathway that stretches around the whole park.
Hours: Open daily from 8 am until sunset. Closed Thursdays 1-3 pm, and in May and October for maintenance.
Location: 335 Santa Fe Dr, Cardiff, CA 92007
Power Lines Dog Park
This park is large and wild in the best way possible! With scenic views and plenty of room to explore, it’s easy to find a quiet spot or let your pup socialize and make new friends – whatever they’re in the mood for.
Hours: Open daily from 6 am to 9 pm
Location: 1679 Mountain Vista Dr #1601, Encinitas, CA 92024
Encinitas Viewpoint Park
This expansive lawn is fully fenced and welcomes furry friends off-leash during specific times.
Off-leash hours: 6 am to 9 am and 3 pm to 8 pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays
Location: 56 E D St, Encinitas, CA 92024
Orpheus Park
This small park permits pups off-leash, but only in designated areas and times. Don’t miss the gorgeous ocean views while you’re there!
Off-leash hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 6 am to 7:30 am and 3 pm to 8 pm; Sunday 6 am to 9 am and 3 pm to 8 pm
Location: 482 Orpheus Ave, Encinitas, CA 92024
Sun Vista Park
Perfect for a sunny day outing, this park has shaded picnic spots where you can relax while your pup plays. It’s not entirely enclosed, so it works best for good listeners with reliable recall.
Off-leash hours (allowed only on the east side of the park): Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, 6 am to 9 am and 3 pm to 8 pm
Location: 2017-2087 Avenida La Posta, Encinitas, CA 92024
Olympus Park
This small, family-friendly park has an enclosed dog park with plenty of room for four-legged furries to run around without a worry.
Hours: Open from dawn until dusk
Location: 701 Olympus St, Encinitas, CA 92024
Mountain Vista Trail
Not far from Power Lines Dog Park, this dog-friendly trail allows pups to investigate off-leash.
Location: 1679 Mountain Vista Dr, Encinitas, CA 92024
Dog-friendly restaurants in Encinitas, CA
After all that running around, we’re sure you and your favorite furry have worked up quite an appetite! Luckily, Encinitas is full of dog-friendly restaurants serving everything from breakfast through dinner, and everything in between. Most welcome pups in their outdoor seating areas, but it’s always a good idea to double-check before heading in.
Le Papagayo
Le Papagayo is known for treating furry guests just as well as human ones – staff make sure water bowls stay full, and the heated dog-friendly patio keeps things cozy. The menu is filled with Mediterranean and Latin fusion fare, including seafood enchiladas, paella, and Hawaiian kalua pork. Don’t miss Happy Hour deals from 4-5:30 pm daily!
Location: 1002 N Coast Hwy 101 Suite 10, Encinitas, CA 92024
The Cottage
For a Southern California dining experience, head to the dog-friendly patio at The Cottage. Breakfast, brunch, and lunch classics made from locally sourced ingredients are served in the relaxed, beachy setting.
Location: 127 N El Camino Real Suite H, Encinitas, CA 92024
Union Kitchen & Tap
Pair your classic American pub meal (made from fresh, local ingredients) with a craft cocktail, local brew, or a glass of vintage wine, all while your pup enjoys their own doggy menu! That’s right – you can choose between chicken or beef for your four-legged sidekick.
Location: 1108 S Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024
Modern Times Far West Lounge
Modern Times has an impressive lineup of 30 beers on tap, along with both plant-based and non-plant-based food menus (cooked on separate surfaces).
Location: 470 S Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024
The Crack Shack
This local hotspot serves drool-worthy fried chicken for humans and water bowls for pups. Go big with a whole bird meal or keep it simple with fire-tossed tenders, biscuits, and hand-cut fries.
Location: 407 Encinitas Blvd, Encinitas, CA 92024
Potato Shack Cafe
The Potato Shack is famous for massive portions, like pancakes as big as manhole covers, and all-you-can-eat breakfast potatoes. Come hungry, and bring your pup along to the sidewalk seating section.
Location: 120 W I St #4436, Encinitas, CA 92024
The Regal Seagull
This is the place for really good grub, grog (a rum-based drink), and craft beer – there are 24 rotating beers on tap! The vibes are always on point here, and to top it all off, there’s a dog-friendly patio.
Location: 996 N Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024
Encinitas Fish Shop
Choose your fish, pick a marinade, and decide how you want it served (taco, sandwich, salad, or plate). Come here for some of the most delicious fresh seafood, and of course, the dog-friendly patio.
Location: 1010 S Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024
Encinitas Cafe
Described by locals as a home away from home, Encinitas Cafe welcomes pups on the shaded patio, where they might even score a treat or two! Stop by for mimosas, Bloody Marys, draft beers, and comforting homestyle cooking.
Location: 531 S Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024
Ocean Beach Dog Beach, San Diego
Dog-friendly beaches, Encinitas
While there isn’t technically a dog-friendly beach in Encinitas, there are plenty of great options nearby. From leashed walks by the water to wide-open off-leash sand, here are the best dog-friendly beaches in and around Encinitas.
Cardiff State Beach
This is the closest thing to an Encinitas dog beach – it’s a beautiful spot for a seaside stroll, but there are some rules you must follow. Pups must stay south of Tower 16 and remain on a 6-foot leash at all times.
Location: Encinitas, CA 92007
North Beach, Del Mar
Just a short drive down the coast, the two-mile stretch of sand between Solana Beach and Del Mar welcomes pups for around 9 months of the year. It’s perfect for a leashed walk along the water, but since access varies seasonally, be sure to check the Del Mar Dog Beach website before heading out.
Location: 3902 29th St, Del Mar, CA 92014
Ocean Beach Dog Beach, San Diego
This iconic spot holds a special place in dog history – it was the first official off-leash dog beach in the U.S. It’s well worth the trip as furry friends are free to roam, splash in the shallow water, and meet other pups.
Location: Dog Beach, San Diego, CA 92107
Fiesta Island Dog Park, San Diego
If your pup has lots of energy, Fiesta Island is hard to beat. Most of the island is leash-free, with wide sandy areas and calm water that’s perfect for swimming.
Location: 1750 Fiesta Island Rd, San Diego, CA 92109
Other dog-friendly things to do in Encinitas
Beyond beaches and patio dining, here are some more dog-friendly activities and outings for you and your pup to enjoy.
Visit a local farmers’ market
The city of Encinitas and the surrounding coastal towns are home to several dog-friendly farmers’ markets, where you can shop for freshly grown produce, handmade cosmetics, and homemade dog treats.
- Leucadia Farmers Market: 185 Union St, Encinitas, CA 92024
- Cardiff Farmers Market: 3333 Manchester Ave, Cardiff, CA 92007
- Solana Beach Farmers Market: 444 S Cedros Ave #295, Solana Beach, CA 92075
- Del Mar Farmers Market: 1050 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, CA 92014
Eco Boat Rentals
Did you know, furry friends can join for a pedal boat ride with Eco Boat Rentals? Pups are welcome to join as you cruise around San Diego Bay – each boat can accommodate up to two small/medium-sized dogs, along with two people.
Location: 2803 Emerson St Dock #1, San Diego, CA 92106
Encinitas Oktoberfest
Every year, local vendors come together to host this pet-friendly event, with Bavarian music and dancing, a German beer garden, and an international food court.
Date & time: Sunday, September 28, 11 am - 7 pm
Location: Mountain Vista Drive (between Wandering & Rambling Roads), Encinitas, CA 92024
Cardiff Dog Days of Summer
This free event includes dog contests, live music, food trucks, and more! It’s a great way to meet other pet parents and enjoy a day of fun with your furry friend.
Date & time: Sunday, August 2, 2026, 10 am - 3 pm
Location: 425 Santa Fe Dr, Encinitas, CA 92024
The Encinitas coastline
Tips for pet parents: Important things to know about Encinitas
- Check the beach rules before you go. Encinitas doesn’t have a fully off-leash dog beach, and enforcement can be strict. Spots like Cardiff State Beach allow dogs only in specific areas and always on leash. Rules can change seasonally, so it’s worth checking signs (or city updates) before heading onto the sand.
- Watch the pavement temperature. Sunny beach days can mean hot sidewalks, especially along Coast Highway 101. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for paws. Stick to shaded routes, walk closer to the beach when possible, or head out during cooler hours.
- Arrange vacation pet care early. Planning ahead is always a good idea, especially when it comes to your pets! Vets agree pets are happiest at home (yes, even when you’re away!), so why not find a loving, in-home pet sitter to take care of your furry family members next time you travel? Find out more via the link below.
Connecting with pet sitters in Encinitas
Tips for pet sitters
- Check patio policies before sitting down. Encinitas is very dog-friendly, but not every restaurant follows the same rules. Some patios allow dogs freely, others require leashes, and a few have size or seating restrictions. A quick check with staff avoids awkward moments.
- Plan walks around the coastal crowds. Popular areas like Swami’s, Moonlight Beach, and downtown Encinitas can get busy, especially on weekends. For calmer walks with your pup, try early mornings or explore quieter neighborhoods in Leucadia or along the Coastal Rail Trail.
- Explore Encinitas as a house sitter. Exploring Encinitas with a dog by your side sounds pretty ideal, right? If that sounds like your kind of adventure, find out how to start your house and pet sitting journey via the link below.
House sitting in Encinitas
More dog-friendly travel guides near Encinitas
Thinking about house sitting near Encinitas, visiting a nearby town with your canine companion, or welcoming a pet sitter soon? Explore our travel guides below for dog-friendly places to visit, along with local tips and advice.
