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Top 8 Dog Friendly Beaches in San Diego, CA (2026 Update): Off & On-Leash Places
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.
The 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 |
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 |
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) |
4. Dog Beach
| 🗺️ Address: | San Diego, CA 92109 |
| Open Times: | 24 hours, 7 days a week |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | Yes, various hours |
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 |
6. La Jolla Cove
| 🗺️ Address: | San Diego, CA 92037 |
| Open Times: | 24 hours, 7 days a week |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | Yes, various hours |
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 |
8. Pacific Beach
| 🗺️ Address: | San Diego, California 92109 |
| Open Times: | 24 hours, 7 days a week |
| Cost: | Free |
| Off-Leash: | Yes, various hours |
Final 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!
See also: 10 Dog-Friendly Trails in San Diego
Featured Image Credit: K E Walker, Shutterstock
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Greg Iacono is a self-taught writer and former chiropractor who, ironically, retired early due to back problems. He spends his time writing scintillating content on a wide variety of subjects. Greg is also an accomplished video script writer known for his ability to take a complex subject and make it accessible for the layperson.
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