10 Dog-Friendly Activities in San Diego

With its sunny weather and myriad of outdoor attractions, San Diego offers dogs and their owners lots of fun ways to enjoy spending time together. In the rare instances that the weather isn’t ideal for outdoor fun, there are even some indoor venues where four-legged best friends are welcome too. Whether you live in or near San Diego or are visiting with your pet, you’ll want to consider checking out the following 10 dog-friendly activities in San Diego.

Go On a Hike 

Although the temperatures can soar in San Diego depending on the time of year and how far inland you trek, you can generally expect lots of sunshine when hiking the trails inside or around the city. San Diego brims with hills and valleys that make some of the trails quite a workout for both humans and dogs. Some of the most popular trails for hikers and their dogs are located at Mission Trails Regional Park and Tecolote Canyon Natural Park. 

Pedal Boat Fun

If your dog likes getting out on the water, rent a pedal boat and enjoy the views of the city while floating around the Point Loma area. Eco Boat Rentals features paddles boats that can accommodate three adults and one child and they’re pet friendly! The boats have sun protection and are easy to operate. Pedaling is similar to pedaling a bicycle on a flat road. They’re also easily operated by just one person. Your dog can relax and enjoy the ocean breezes while you do the pedaling! 

Dog Beach Fun

San Diego features some of the best beaches in the country, and some of them are perfectly welcoming to dogs. Beach walk can be the best dog friendly activities while you in San Diego area. While many of the beaches have strict leashing requirements for dogs, Ocean Beach is one of the popular beaches that does not require a leash. That means that your dog can romp and play in the surf or on the sand until they’re out of energy. Other popular dog beaches include Coronado (specifically, the North Beach Dog Run) and Del Mar Dog Beach. 

Dog Park

If you’re not in the mood for sand and surf, head to an area dog park where your dog can run free for a while with other dogs. Capehart Dog Park features two fenced sections–one for big dogs and one for smaller breeds. Cadman Community Park near Old Town is not fenced but doesn’t require leashing except on holidays or specially announced times. Bring along a frisbee or ball and spend some time at one of these locations with your furry pal. 

Enjoy a Lunch Date at Balboa Park

As one of San Diego’s most popular attractions, Balboa Park is loaded with museums, strolling paths, and picturesque gardens. Although dogs must be leashed, they are perfectly welcome to stroll along with their owners, and there are area restaurants that are happy to accommodate dogs too. Panama 66, for instance, is a well-known dog-friendly cafe. It’s a great place to relax over lunch and a cool drink. 

Catch a Baseball Game at Petco Park

You and your dog can root on the Padres at Petco Park where dogs are welcome. There aren’t too many major league ballparks in the country that are willing to accommodate man (and woman’s) best friend, but Petco Park is one of them. The park even features pet-friendly amenities like a pet drinking fountain and shade umbrellas. Depending on how the Padres are playing, it’s often more fun to watch the dogs enjoying themselves at the park. 

Watch the Seals at La Jolla Cove

La Jolla is an especially dog-loving community where even many of the shops welcome pets inside. La Jolla Cove is a popular destination for seal watching, and many people bring their dogs along to enjoy the views. Along the beach, visitors will find vendors selling everything from ice cream to rocks and minerals. Although the beach here is rocky for the most part, there is a lovely stretch of green grass where many people spread blankets for reading, people watching, and relaxing with their pet. 

Staycation at an Upscale Dog-Friendly Hotel 

San Diego is a world-class tourist destination and, as such, brims with upscale hotels and resorts. Several of the most notable welcome dogs. If the weather is especially hot and you’ve soaked up enough sun outside, relax at one of the city’s premier hotels like the Hotel Coronado or San Diego Mission Bay Resort where dogs are welcome and room service is fast. You and your pup can hang out in your ultra-plush suite and enjoy your hotel’s first-class amenities. 

Shop with Your Dog at Old Town

With its outdoor marketplace filled with both indoor and outdoor shops, Old Town is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. Many visitors to Old Town bring their dog along for the excursion. Although you’ll want to keep your dog leashed when shopping the outdoor market for things like Mexican blankets, pottery, and other handicrafts, you can stop and relax at the Historic Plaza where there’s usually live music. Because there are many outdoor restaurants or restaurants with outdoor patios, you can typically enjoy a meal at a dog-friendly venue like Fred’s Mexican Cafe with your dog. 

Explore the Dunes at Fiesta Island

Since most of Fiesta Island features no leash requirements except for specified areas, dog owners and their pets flock to its beach and dunes. Located in Mission Bay, the peninsular park features a long, uninterrupted stretch of beach that’s perfect for jogging along with your pooch. Many pet owners drive right up to the beach and bring a picnic lunch to enjoy with their dog and other companions.

Keep these dog friendly activities in San Diego in mind when you’re looking for something to do with your dog in America’s Finest City. The sunshine and warm weather promises to enhance your outdoor fun while you and your dog enjoy Southern California’s amazing climate.