Dog-friendly San Diego: Things to do in San Diego with a dog

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...

Dog-friendly restaurants, San Diego

Before heading off on your adventure, fuel up at some of the dog-friendly restaurants San Diego has to offer. Below find a few options, and be sure to always call ahead to make sure your pup is still welcome.

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 - be sure to plan your day out ahead, and always check dogs are allowed, following any local leash rules.

Petco Park

Catch a Padres game with your pup at their special Bark at the Park Nights.

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.

Location: 4280 Avati Dr, San Diego, CA 92117

Otay Ranch Town Center

For some 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.

Location: 2015 Birch Rd, Chula Vista, CA 91915

Eco Boat Rentals

Take a dog-friendly pedal boat ride with scenic San Diego views.

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.

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. 

Location: 849 W Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101

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 a must-visit for visitors and locals 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 dog 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 pet parents and dog walkers to sit and rest.

Location: 2335 Paseo Veracruz, Chula Vista, CA 91914

Dog-friendly hikes in San Diego

Move over dog-friendly parks, what about the dog-friendly walks San Diego is known for?! Explore some of the most popular dog walking areas San Diego has to offer below, and be sure to always follow the signage, keeping your dog under control around local wildlife.

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

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 — always double check the rules before entering any beach with your dog.

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.

Location: 1750 Fiesta Island Rd, San Diego, CA 92109

Dog-friendly cafes in San Diego

Start your day with a caffeine boost at a delightfully dog-friendly cafe, San Diego — be sure to check with a member of staff that dogs are welcome before taking a seat with your pup.

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

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 

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.

Dog-friendly bars in 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 pet parents can enjoy a bite to eat 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!

Location: 7559 Mission Gorge Rd, San Diego, CA 92120

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 dog 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 for pet parents in San Diego

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 pet 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 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 dogs hydrated. Always carry extra water, especially if you're heading to the beach or out on a long walk.
• Discover San Diego through house and pet sitting. Explore the city in a whole new way while caring for adorable pets — click below to find out how it works.

More dog-friendly travel guides near San Diego

Thinking about house sitting near San Diego, 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.

• Dining with canines: Dog-friendly restaurants, San Diego
• Southern California: Pet-friendly guide
• A guide to dog-friendly Las Vegas
• Dog-friendly Phoenix: Things to do in Phoenix with a dog
• The 10 best solo hiking trips in the US for female travelers
• A guide to pet-friendly Santa Barbara
• Dog-friendly Long Beach: Things to do in Long Beach with a dog
• Pet-friendly Santa Monica: restaurants, beaches & dog parks
• Pet-friendly Newport Beach: restaurants, dog parks & walks
• Pet-friendly Palm Springs CA: Restaurants, hikes & dog parks
• Pet-friendly San Luis Obispo: Restaurants, hikes, & beaches
• Dog-friendly Oceanside, CA: Beaches, parks & where to eat
• Dog-friendly Encinitas: Parks, beaches & restaurants