Best San Diego Dog Parks
In 2009 San Diego was voted the Friendliest Dog City in America. This reclaimed a title San Diego had previously held in past years. The reason is simple, San Diego has some of the best Dog Parks and Dog Beaches anywhere in California and arguably the best in the country.
The original Ocean Beach Dog Beach has been around for decades and attracts tens of thousands of dogs and their families every year. Coronado Island Dog Beach is like a dog's paradise. The waves striking the very long stretch of white sand beach is pleasure for any pooch. From agile frisbee catching dogs Border Collie to big huskies to little daschund the dog beaches are shared by all dog breeds. For a dog nothing beats swimming in the Pacific Ocean and playing on the sand with dozens of different dog breeds and their owners. Both dog beaches are off-leash and free.
Ocean Beach's Dog Beach is located at the end of West Point Loma Boulevard about 5 blocks north of Newport Avenue. A large parking lot has lots of spots but fills up quickly on peak days.
Coronado Dog Beach is located about 10 blocks north of the landmark Hotel del Coronado. On the north border of dog beach is the United States Naval Base and a fence on the beach seperates the dog beach from the Navy's beach. In addition to a monstourous amount of sand for the dogs to play on, Coronado Dog Beach has running water to wash your dogs off when you leave the beach. Parking is on the street and finding a spot close to dog beach can be tough. A short walk may be required if you end up parking a couple blocks away.
Dog Parks in San Diego are pretty much everywhere. Ocean beach has a dog park next to Robb Field that has a large fenced in dog park inside the large field. Pacific Beach has a nice park on top of a hill overseeing all of San Diego. Mission Beach and Mission Bay have some nice trails along the bay which are great places to take your dogs.
The absolute best dog park in San Diego is certainly Balboa Park. Balboa Park has so much property to explore that a leashed dog could be very satisfied. Additionally, Balboa Park has two fenced in dog parks that are off-leash where your pet can mingle with other dog breeds.
Balboa Park
- Nate's Point - Cross streets Balboa Drive and El Prado, which is on the south side of the Cabrillo Bridge.
- Morley Field - next to the tennis courts.
- Both dog parks open 24 hours a day.
Dog Beach
- Ocean Beach at the end of Voltaire Street.
- 24 hour access everyday.
- Beach surrounded on one side by ocean, one side by water inlet and one side by parking lot. Water inlet popular place for dogs that want to bathe without the waves.
Coronado Dog Beach
- Beach access.
- Great view, use caution as waves can be strong.
- Street Parking. Dog shower.
Fiesta Island
- Inside Mission Bay Park
- Everyday 6:00 a.m. - 10 p.m.
- Miles of asphault plus a large fenced in area with walking trail.
Dusty Rhodes Neighborhood Park
- Sunset Cliffs Boulevard between Nimitz Bouldevard and West Point Loma Avenue.
- Enter parking area from West Point Loma or from Sunset Cliffs
- Drinking fountain for dogs. Benches and chairs. One large fenced in area.
Doyle Community Park
- 8175 Regents Road, behind Doyle Recreation Center.
- Two fenced pens: one for small dogs and one for large dogs
- Open 24 hours, no lights at night.
Grape Street Park
- Cross streets Grape Street and 28th Street.
- No fence, but off leash is ok during certain hours. Morning to 9:00 p.m.
Kearny Mesa Community Park
- 3170 Armstrong Street next to the Kearny Mesa Recreation Center.
- One fenced in area with lights. Open daily from 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- Dog and people fountains. Day time parking is difficult as Mesa College students fill up the parking lot.
Maddox Neighborhood Park
- 7815 Flanders Street.
- Small park with drinking fountain.
Rancho Bernardo Park
- 18448 West Bernardo Drive.
- Large park. Leash free space. Next to Rancho Bernardo Community Park with parking for dog park patrons.
Nobel Park
- 8820 Judicial Drive. North University Community Branch Library is next to the park. Dog park is also near the Nobel Athletic Fields and Recreation Center.
- Two fenced in areas and easy parking.
Torrey Highlands Park
- Lansdale Drive off Del Mar Heights Road.
- One acre with grass and mulch.
Rancho Peñasquitos Park
- Cross streets Salmon River Road and Fairgrove Lane. Across from Rancho Peñasquitos Branch Library.
- Two fenced areas. Benches. Parking. 24 hours a day.
Cadman Community Park
- Clairemont area, 4280 Avati Drive
Capehart Park
- On the corner of Felspar and Soledad Mountain Road.
- Two fenced dog pens: one for small dogs and one for large dogs. Drinking fountain. Picnic tables. Benches. Parking area. Open 24 hours every day.