Dog-friendly beaches, parks and trails in San Diego County
San Diego County has 643 places in our guide; 453 of them welcome dogs today, 81 of them off-leash. Here are the ones to start with.
Open to dogs now first, then off-leash places and those with a photo.
Dog parkNate's Point Dog ParkOff-leash
Photo by RightCowLeftCoast, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Dog parkAlga Norte Dog ParkOff-leash
- Dog parkAnn D. L'Heureux Memorial Dog ParkOff-leash
- Dog parkCanine Corners Dog ParkOff-leash
- Dog parkCapehart ParkOff-leash
- Dog parkCentrum Dog ParkOff-leash
- Dog parkCivita Dog ParkOff-leash
- BeachCoronado Dog BeachOff-leash
- BeachDel Mar Dog BeachOff-leash (hour limits)Off-leash: Jun 16 to Labor Day, dawn-8 a.m.; Leash required: Jun 16 to Labor Day; Off-leash: Other timesLeash required from Jun 16, 2027
- Dog parkDel Sur dog parkOff-leash
- Dog parkDeputy Lonnie G Brewer County ParkOff-leash
- BeachDog BeachOff-leash
- Dog parkDog park at Berry Street ParkOff-leash
- Dog parkDog park at Borrego Springs County ParkOff-leash
- Dog parkDog park at Charles Lewis III Memorial ParkOff-leash
- Dog parkDog park at Childrens ParkOff-leash
- Dog parkDog park at Lamar County ParkOff-leash
- Dog parkDog park at MontevalleOff-leash
- Dog parkDog park at Nobel Athletic AreaOff-leash
- Dog parkDog park at North Park Community ParkOff-leash
- Dog parkDog park at Stylus ParkOff-leash
- Dog parkDog park at Sunset ParkOff-leash
- Dog parkDog park at The Back PorchOff-leash
- Dog parkDog park at Torrey Highlands ParkOff-leash
- Dog parkDog park at Waterfront ParkOff-leash
- Dog parkDog park in 4S RanchOff-leash
- Dog parkDog park in 4S RanchOff-leash
- Dog parkDog park in Borrego SpringsOff-leash
- Dog parkDog park in CarlsbadOff-leash
- Dog parkDog park in CarlsbadOff-leash
- Dog parkDog park in Castle ParkOff-leash
- Dog parkDog park in Downtown San DiegoOff-leash
- Dog parkDog park in EncinitasOff-leash
- Dog parkDog park in Johnstown, LakesideOff-leash
- Dog parkDog park in Otay RanchOff-leash
- Dog parkDog park in Otay RanchOff-leash
- Dog parkDog park in Otay RanchOff-leash
- Dog parkDog park in Pacific Highlands RanchOff-leash
- Dog parkDog park in Rancho BernardoOff-leash
- Dog parkDog park in Sun Ridge VistaOff-leash
- Dog parkDog park in University CityOff-leash
- Dog parkDoyle Dog ParkOff-leash
- Dog parkDusty Rhodes Dog ParkOff-leash
- Dog parkFiddler's Cove Dog RunOff-leash
- Dog parkFiesta Island Dog ParkOff-leash (hour limits)No dogs: 10 p.m.-4 a.m.; Off-leash: Other times
- Dog parkFour Gee County Park Leash Free Dog AreaOff-leash
- Dog parkGompers Dog ParkOff-leash
- Dog parkGrape Street Dog ParkOff-leash
- Dog parkGreen BeltOff-leash
- Dog parkHollandia Dog ParkOff-leash
- Dog parkImperial Beach Dog ParkOff-leash
- Dog parkKearny Mesa Dog ParkOff-leash
- Dog parkLas Palmas Dog ParkOff-leash
- Dog parkLittle Italy Dog ParkOff-leash
- Dog parkMaddox Neighborhood Dog ParkOff-leash
- Dog parkMaggie Houlihan Memorial Dog ParkOff-leash
- Dog parkMarlado Highlands Dog ParkOff-leash
- Dog parkMast Dog ParkOff-leash (hour limits)No dogs: dusk-dawn; Off-leash: Other times
- Dog parkMeanley Dog ParkOff-leash
- Dog parkMorley Field Dog ParkOff-leash
- Dog parkOrion Dog ParkOff-leash
- Dog parkPacific Highlands Ranch Dog ParkOff-leash
- Dog parkPoinsettia Dog ParkOff-leash
- Dog parkPoway Dog ParkOff-leash (hour limits)No dogs: 10 p.m.-sunrise; Off-leash: Other times
- Dog parkRancho Penãsquitos Linear Dog ParkOff-leash
- Dog parkRb Dog ParkOff-leash
- Dog parkRohr Dog ParkOff-leash
- Dog parkSan Elijo Hills Dog ParkOff-leash
- Dog parkThe Society Dog ParkOff-leash
- Dog parkTorrey Hills Dog ParkOff-leash
- Dog parkTown Center Dog ParkOff-leash
- Dog parkUTC Mall Dog ParkOff-leash
- Dog parkWard Canyon Dog ParkOff-leash
- Dog parkWells Dog ParkOff-leash
- Dog parkWoodglen Dog ParkOff-leash
ParkAmici ParkLeash required
Photo by Visitor7, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
ParkBalboa ParkLeash required
Photo by Antoine Taveneaux, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
ParkBerry Street ParkLeash required
Photo by KurtM88, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
ParkBlack Mountain Open Space ParkLeash required
Photo by Ocatecir at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
BeachCardiff State BeachLeash required
Photo by Bovlb, Public domain, Wikimedia Commons
ParkChildrens ParkLeash required
Photo by Dietmar Rabich, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
ParkDoyle Community ParkLeash required
Photo by JiriMatejicek, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
ParkHeritage ParkLeash required
Photo by Lonnez, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
BeachLa Jolla CoveLeash required (hour limits)No dogs: Apr 1 – Oct 31, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; No dogs: Nov 1 – Mar 31, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Leash required: Other times
Photo by Invertzoo, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
TrailLake Poway TrailLeash required
Photo by Laurens R. Krol, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
ParkLos Peñasquitos Canyon PreserveLeash required
Photo by Wilson44691, Public domain, Wikimedia Commons
TrailMount Woodson TrailLeash required
Photo by chrisinphilly5448, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
ParkNorth Park Community ParkLeash required
BeachOcean BeachLeash required (hour limits)No dogs: Apr 1 – Oct 31, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; No dogs: Nov 1 – Mar 31, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Leash required: Other times
Photo by Alen Ištoković, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
ParkPacific Highlands Ranch Community ParkLeash required
Photo by RightCowLeftCoast, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
ParkPatriot ParkLeash required
Photo by Lonnez, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
ParkRancho Bernardo Community ParkLeash required
Photo by Lonnez, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
ParkScripps Ranch Community ParkLeash required
Photo by Lonnez, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
ParkSilverset ParkLeash required
Photo by Lonnez, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
ParkSouth Creek ParkLeash required
Photo by Rebeccamarie22, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
ParkWaterfront ParkLeash required
Photo by Roman Eugeniusz, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
BeachWindansea BeachLeash required (hour limits)No dogs: Apr 1 – Oct 31, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; No dogs: Nov 1 – Mar 31, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Leash required: Other times
Photo by RightCowLeftCoast, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
BeachWipeout BeachLeash required (hour limits)No dogs: Apr 1 – Oct 31, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; No dogs: Nov 1 – Mar 31, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Leash required: Other times
Photo by JiriMatejicek, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Trail"Tunnel" Trail 4Leash required
- Trail47th Street Canyon TrailLeash required
- TrailAdam's SongLeash required
- TrailAhwee TrailLeash required
- TrailAliens ExistLeash required
- TrailBarker Way TrailLeash required
- TrailBattle TrailLeash required
- TrailBayside WalkLeash required
- TrailBeach TrailLeash required
- TrailBeeler Canyon TrailLeash required
- TrailBeeler Connector TrailLeash required
- BeachBessemer BeachLeash required (hour limits)No dogs: Apr 1 – Oct 31, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; No dogs: Nov 1 – Mar 31, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Leash required: Other times
- TrailBide Your TimeLeash required
- TrailBig Rock TrailLeash required
- TrailBiltmore TrailLeash required
- TrailBird and Butterfly Garden PathLeash required
- TrailBlack WidowLeash required
- ParkBorrego Springs County ParkLeash required
- BeachBreakers BeachLeash required (hour limits)No dogs: Apr 1 – Oct 31, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; No dogs: Nov 1 – Mar 31, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Leash required: Other times
- TrailBridge to TerrabithiaLeash required
- TrailBridle TrailLeash required
- TrailCabaret - Rancho Mission Park pathLeash required
- TrailCalle del Sol Dirt ExtentionLeash required
- TrailCamino Ruiz TrailLeash required
- TrailCardiac HillLeash required
- TrailCardiac HillLeash required
- TrailCarmel Mission TrailLeash required
- ParkCarmel Mountain PreserveLeash required
- TrailCarouselLeash required
- TrailCedar TrailLeash required
- ParkCentrum ParkLeash required
- TrailChange of PaceLeash required
- ParkCharles Lewis III Memorial ParkLeash required
- TrailCherry HillLeash required
- TrailClapper Rail TrailLeash required
- TrailClimbers Loop TrailLeash required
- TrailCoast to Crest TrailLeash required
- TrailCoast to Crest TrailLeash required
- TrailCoast to Crest TrailLeash required
- TrailCoast TrailLeash required
- TrailCowles Mountain TrailLeash required
- TrailCrest Canyon TrailLeash required
- TrailCross TrailLeash required
- ParkCypress Canyon ParkLeash required
- TrailDairy Mart Loop TrailLeash required
- TrailDarkwood CanyonLeash required
- TrailDay LateLeash required
- TrailDeer Canyon TrailLeash required
- TrailDeer Creek Trail ("Tunnel" 1)Leash required
- TrailDeerfield Loop TrailLeash required
- TrailDel Dios Gorge TrailLeash required
- TrailDesert View TrailLeash required
- TrailDirt DevilLeash required
- TrailDiscovery Hike TrailLeash required
- TrailDoctors LoopLeash required
- TrailDon't WaitLeash required
- TrailDuck LipsLeash required
- TrailDuck Pond Connector EastLeash required
- TrailDust Devil TrailLeash required
- ParkDusty Rhodes ParkLeash required
- TrailE-Ticket Starter KitLeash required
- TrailEast Barker Spur TrailLeash required
- TrailEast Loop TrailLeash required
- TrailEl Cajon Mountain Summit TrailLeash required
- TrailEmoLeash required
- TrailEnthusedLeash required
- TrailErnie Pantoja Memorial TrailLeash required
- TrailFamosa Slough TrailsLeash required
- ParkFault Line ParkLeash required
- TrailFeeling ThisLeash required
- ParkFelicita County ParkLeash required
- TrailFirst DateLeash required
- TrailFive Oaks TrailLeash required
- TrailFlinn Springs Overlook TrailLeash required
- TrailFortuna Saddle TrailLeash required
- TrailFoster Truck TrailLeash required
- ParkFour Gee County ParkLeash required
- TrailGiant Grove TrailLeash required
- TrailGibson Canyon TrailLeash required
- ParkGird Valley PreserveLeash required
- TrailGlider Point TrailLeash required
- TrailGoat TrailLeash required
- ParkGompers ParkLeash required
- TrailGrasslands Crossing TrailLeash required
- TrailGrasslands Loop TrailLeash required
- TrailGreenbelt Canyon TrailLeash required
- TrailHellhole Canyon County PreserveLeash required
- TrailHemingway - Rancho Mission FootpathLeash required
- BeachHermosa Terrace ParkLeash required (hour limits)No dogs: Apr 1 – Oct 31, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; No dogs: Nov 1 – Mar 31, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Leash required: Other times
- TrailHillside LoopLeash required
- ParkHilltop Community ParkLeash required
- TrailHippo TrailLeash required
- TrailHodges OutbackLeash required
- TrailHosp Grove TrailLeash required
- TrailJosieLeash required
- TrailJuniper CanyoneLeash required
- TrailKanaka Loop TrailLeash required
- ParkKearny Mesa Recreation CenterLeash required
- TrailKroc TrailLeash required
- TrailKwaay Paay Peak TrailLeash required
- BeachLa Jolla Shores BeachLeash required (hour limits)No dogs: Apr 1 – Oct 31, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; No dogs: Nov 1 – Mar 31, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Leash required: Other times
- TrailLa Jolla TrailLeash required
- TrailLa Playa TrailLeash required
- TrailLagoon TrailLeash required
- TrailLake Hodges North Shore TrailLeash required
- TrailLake Hodges TrailLeash required
- TrailLake Loop TrailLeash required
- TrailLakeside Linkage Preserve TrailLeash required
- ParkLamar County ParkLeash required
- TrailLiesLeash required
- TrailLike Puppy MoreLeash required
- TrailLittle WaimeaLeash required
- TrailLopez Canyon TrailLeash required
- TrailLorrel PlaceLeash required
- TrailLower Creek TrailLeash required
- TrailLower Martha Grove TrailLeash required
- TrailLower North Shepherd CanyonLeash required
- TrailLower WycliffLeash required
- TrailLPCP CMP ConnectorLeash required
- ParkMaddox ParkLeash required
- TrailMan on a MissionLeash required
- TrailManzanita LoopLeash required
- TrailMarian Bear Park TrailLeash required
- TrailMarsh Spur TrailLeash required
- TrailMartha Grove TrailLeash required
- TrailMarvin Gerst TrailLeash required
- TrailMeadow LoopLeash required
- TrailMiner's Ridge LoopLeash required
- TrailMiner's Ridge Loop TrailLeash required
- BeachMission BeachLeash required (hour limits)No dogs: Apr 1 – Oct 31, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; No dogs: Nov 1 – Mar 31, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Leash required: Other times
- BeachMission BeachLeash required (hour limits)No dogs: Apr 1 – Oct 31, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; No dogs: Nov 1 – Mar 31, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Leash required: Other times
- TrailMonkey Flower TrailLeash required
- TrailMovin' OnLeash required
- TrailMule Hill TrailLeash required
- TrailMuttLeash required
- TrailN. Rim TrailLeash required
- TrailNasturtium RidgeLeash required
- TrailNative Plant GardenLeash required
- TrailNature Center Outer LoopLeash required
- TrailNature TrailLeash required
- TrailNature Trail LoopLeash required
- TrailNavajo - Rancho Mission PathLeash required
- TrailNavajo Canyon TrailLeash required
- TrailNavajo Canyon TrailLeash required
- TrailNighthawk TrailLeash required
- TrailNo TrustLeash required
- ParkNobel Athletic AreaLeash required
- TrailNorth Clevenger Canyon TrailLeash required
- TrailNorth Fortuna Perimeter TrailLeash required
- TrailNorth Fortuna Perimeter TrailLeash required
- TrailNorth Fortuna TrailLeash required
- TrailNorth Main TrailLeash required
- TrailNorth Main TrailLeash required
- TrailNorth McCoy TrailLeash required
- TrailNorth Side TrailLeash required
- TrailOak Canyon TrailLeash required
- TrailOak Grove Loop TrailLeash required
- TrailOak Riparian Loop TrailLeash required
- TrailOld El Camino RealLeash required
- ParkOptimist ParkLeash required
- TrailOtay Mountain Truck TrailLeash required
- TrailOverlook TrailLeash required
- BeachPacific BeachLeash required (hour limits)No dogs: Apr 1 – Oct 31, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; No dogs: Nov 1 – Mar 31, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Leash required: Other times
- ParkPark in Pacific SerenaLeash required
- ParkPark in VerrazanoLeash required
- TrailPark walkwayLeash required
- TrailPaula Oquita TrailLeash required
- ParkPeñasquitos Town Center Neighborhood ParkLeash required
- TrailPlease Take Me HomeLeash required
- TrailPowerhouse Canyon TrailLeash required
- TrailPowerlinesLeash required
- TrailPuma TrailLeash required
- TrailPyles Peak TrailLeash required
- TrailQuarry Loop TrailLeash required
- TrailQueen Anne TrailLeash required
- TrailRadio CanyonLeash required
- TrailRattlesnake TrailLeash required
- TrailReckless AbandonLeash required
- TrailRidge TrailLeash required
- TrailRidge TrailLeash required
- TrailRim TrailLeash required
- TrailRim TrailLeash required
- TrailRiver Mouth LoopLeash required
- TrailRoadrunner LoopLeash required
- TrailRock AvalancheLeash required
- TrailRock House TrailLeash required
- TrailRoller CoasterLeash required
- TrailRuffin Canyon TrailLeash required
- TrailRuffin TrailLeash required
- TrailRussian Alley TrailLeash required
- TrailSabre TrackLeash required
- TrailSaigon TrailLeash required
- TrailSan Diego Sea to Sea TrailLeash required
- TrailSanta Fe Valley TrailLeash required
- TrailSanta Ysabel Loop TrailLeash required
- BeachScripps Coastal ReserveLeash required (hour limits)No dogs: Apr 1 – Oct 31, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; No dogs: Nov 1 – Mar 31, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Leash required: Other times
- TrailSDG&E Service Road - North Fortuna Perimeter TrailLeash required
- TrailSeacoast TrailLeash required
- TrailSeda Nature TrailLeash required
- TrailSerpentine TrailLeash required
- TrailShawn TrailLeash required
- TrailShe SaidLeash required
Nearby counties
Towns in San Diego County
How we knowThe agencies that set dog rules here, and what each one says
- City of San DiegoLeash in city parks, no dogs on beaches by day, off leash at Dog Beach and Fiesta Island.177 places here
- California State ParksLeash 6 ft in campgrounds, picnic areas and lots. No dogs on beaches and trails unless posted.163 places here
- Cleveland National ForestDogs allowed on trails. Leashed at Three Sisters Falls and West Horsethief.85 places here
- County of San DiegoLeash up to 6 ft in County parks. Off leash in County dog parks.48 places here
- National wildlife refuges in Southern CaliforniaLeashed dogs at San Diego, Tijuana Slough and Salton Sea refuges. None at Sweetwater Marsh or Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes.13 places here
- City of CarlsbadNo dogs in city parks or on city beaches, except dog parks.12 places here
- City of OceansideNo dogs on the public beach at any time.4 places here
- Cabrillo National MonumentNo dogs except on the Coastal Trail (leash 6 ft). Not on the Bayside Trail or in the tidepools.3 places here
- City of EncinitasNo dogs on city beaches. Off-leash hours at Viewpoint Park.2 places here
- City of CoronadoNo dogs in parks or on beaches, except five leash parks and Dog Beach.1 place here
- City of Del MarSeasonal rules for North, Main and South Beach.1 place here
- City of El CajonLeash in city parks. Off leash at Wells Park's leash-free area.1 place here
- Helix Water DistrictOff leash at Canine Corners Dog Park.1 place here
- City of Imperial BeachLeash law. Off leash at Imperial Beach Dog Park.1 place here
- City of Lemon GroveLeash up to 6 ft in city parks.1 place here
- City of PowayOff leash at Poway Dog Park, sunrise to 10 p.m.1 place here
- City of SanteeOff leash in designated off-leash areas. Mast Dog Park dawn to dusk.1 place here
- OpenStreetMapWhere no agency rule is on file, the dog tags people add to the map.122 places here
- Inferred from the place's nameNo source states a rule; the place's name suggests one.6 places here
Rules that cover places here
- Fish and Wildlife lands (San Diego County)Leashed dogs (under 10 ft) on CDFW reserves and wildlife areas.1 place here
- City of Chula Vista dog rulesLeash law: dogs on a leash in public (no length set).12 places here
- City of Escondido dog rulesDogs only where a permit or sign allows, then leashed.1 place here
- City of National City dog rulesLeash law: up to 6 ft (not verified).1 place here
- City of San Marcos dog rulesLeash law: up to 6 ft.6 places here
- County of Riverside (RivCoParks) dog rulesLeash up to 6 ft in county regional parks and open space. No dogs on Santa Rosa Plateau reserve trails.1 place here
Check posted signs. They are the rule on site. This guide restates published rules and OpenStreetMap data, which can be out of date or incomplete. It is not legal advice.
County boundary: US Census Bureau, cartographic boundary file, 2025 (public domain). A place belongs to the county that holds its point on the map.