Round of a-paws, please. From private membership canine country clubs like the Silver Bay Kennel Club of San Diego to spoiling your pup with royal treatments at the Hotel del Coronado, it makes sense that San Diego ranks among WalletHub’s “Most Pet-Friendly Cities.”
Whether you’re in need of a drinking paw-tner at a local brewery, for a shopping trip, or just dining out, well bone appétit. Get ready to dig into this guide for dog-friendly spots around America’s Finest City.
Pro tip: You can use BringFido to find more dog-friendly restaurants, pet-friendly hotels and events, too.
We’ll raise a glass to Second Chance Beer Company.
Photo via @secondchancebeer
🐾 Breweries
Second Chance Beer Co. | This brewery is the ultimutt dog-friendly spot. Its Carmel Valley and North Park tasting rooms have outdoor spaces, and the brand is built on a love for animals. Its “seize a pint, save a pup” initiative helps support animal rescues in California and Arizona. DYK: The Carmel Valley will host Pupapalooza on Saturday, May 20, and a portion of proceeds support The Animal Pad.
Societe Brewing Co. | Bring the pups to Kearny Mesa to enjoy this tasting room + beer garden. Dogs are welcome to accompany their owners and enjoy the spacious environment.
Ballast Point | This locally-founded brewery has multiple locations like the Little Italy and Miramar tasting rooms. Both offer roomy patios where visitors can soak up the sun, and yes, dogs are welcome.
OB Brewery | Ocean Beach’s first microbrewery has outdoor space, games, and a welcoming environment for dogs. Plus, it’s just down the street from Ocean Beach Dog Beach.
Mission Brewing | If your dog is a Padres fan, this East Village location is a great place to catch the game, grab a drink, and wag your tail for the Friars. You’re welcome to bring your own food here, so don’t forget to pack treats.
Watt a great place to bring your dog.
Photo via @kilowattbeer
Kilowatt Brewing | This small-batch brewery offers games, places to relax, and a dog-friendly environment. Your dog can visit any of the three locations, though the Oceanside taproom only allows pups on the patio.
Thorn Brewing Co. | This local brewery was founded in North Park and prides itself on its sense of community — including dogs. It has three tasting rooms, and well-behaved pups are welcome.
Belching Beaver Brewery | “Beaver” might be in the name, but dogs are welcome — including at the Oceanside brewhouse and North Park tasting room.
Burgeon Beer Company | In 2016, this local biz planted roots and has since branched out to four tasting rooms in San Diego County. Dogs are welcome at every location, and they might even be able to sniff out a treat behind the bar.
🐕 Pro tip: Want to bring your dog along? The San Diego Brewer’s Guild has compiled a list of dog-friendly breweries.
There’s no need to wine about leaving the dog behind.
Photo via @paliwineco
🐾 Wineries
Pali Wine Co. | This California winery loves dogs, and its Little Italy outpost is no exception. Enjoy a glass or tasting experience on the patio or rooftop deck as your pup keeps you company.
Woof’n Rose Winery | Head to Ramona to check out this winery that gets its grapes from vineyards in Ramona Valley. And with “woof” in its name, it’s no surprise that dogs are welcome at the Tasting Veranda.
The Wine Pub | With a large, enclosed patio and a menu with global and domestic wines, this Point Loma restaurant makes the perfect doggy date spot. Plus, we even peep a dog menu.
A glass of wine and cuddle time.
Photo via @carruthcellars
Carruth Cellars | This urban winery produces its wines in Oceanside and has four local tasting rooms — all of them welcome well-behaved dogs.
The Rose Wine Bar | After a day walking in South Park, this is a great spot to relax for a glass of wine on the dog-friendly patio.
This place as tail wags on tap.
Photo via @strider.and.granger
🐾 Restaurants
The Dog Society | This spot in Rolando Park is made for dogs before people, but don’t run away from all the fun that’s inside. You’ll find a cafe with a full menu, and The Hydrant, a bar offering alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. There are also TVs, games, and you can board your dog here when you head out of town.
Working Class | This North Park eatery is a great place to forget about work — but don’t forget the dog. You’ll find breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus, but your canine friends will have their eyes on the puppy chow menu, made especially for them.
Monkey Bar | This Mission Valley spot at the Town and Country San Diego hotel has plenty of outdoor space and food and drink specials. Include your pup in the fun by going to Yappy Hour.
isa.bella | Dog owners love this North Clairemont Italian restaurant, so much that it ranked No. 3 on Yelp’s “Top 100 Dog Places to Eat” in the US last year. It’s noted for its outdoor seating oasis and having a section of the menu dedicated to its furriest customers.
Anthony’s Fish Grotto | Head to La Mesa to get your fill of seafood and enjoy the large, outdoor dining area. Not only is there dedicated space for dogs, they have their own menu.
🐾 Hotels
Hotel del Coronado | Share local luxuries with your furry friends at this historic hotel — just a 20-minute walk from Coronado Dog Beach. Dogs will be greeted with treats and a bowl upon arrival, just be sure to read the dog policy before booking.
Bahia Hotel Resort | Beach vacations aren’t just for humans. This resort is perfect for pampering dogs, and you can even bring them to Yappy Hour. Plus, it’s on Mission Bay (hello, Fiesta Island) and close to Ocean Beach Dog Beach — and Mission and Pacific beaches that allow dogs in the morning and after sunset.
Hotel Z | This destination in the Gaslamp Quarter boasts that it’s dog obsessed. Extra fees may apply, but it offers a Pineapple Pup Package so your dog can get spoiled during its stay.
🐾 Shopping centers
Westfield UTC | Your dog can join you for some shopping and dining at this La Jolla shopping center. Individual retailers may not allow four-legged friends, but they’re welcome outside of the stores, especially at the bark park across from Tender Greens.
Otay Ranch Town Center | If you — or your dog — are a fashionista, this Chula Vista mall is a great place to window shop together. Pups are welcomed in public and common spaces, and there are waste disposal bags and stations throughout.
One Paseo | This outdoor retail space in Carmel Valley welcomes you to bring your dog for a walk. While furry friends may not be allowed in many of the stores, there’s plenty of outdoor seating and dining that let pooches join the fun.
Four paws walking in Civita Park.
Photo via @rosie619sd
🐾 Parks
Grape Street Dog Park | If your dog has lots of energy, this is the perfect spot. It’s the largest dog park in Balboa Park, and offers five acres of off-leash space. You’ll also find plenty of trees providing shade, plus obstacle and agility courses.
Nate’s Point Park | This 2.3-acre, double-fenced space in Balboa Park lets dogs get all of their energy out while off-leash.
Civita Dog Park | The Mission Valley park offers spaces were dogs can roam off-leash. Here, you’ll find two areas: one for larger dogs and one for smaller dogs.
Rancho Peñasquitos Park | Head to this 1-acre park for off-leash fun and turfed areas. The double-fenced, double-gated space offers separate zones for large and small dogs.
Poway Dog Park | Dogs will love running through this 1.75-acre, off-leash park and owners will appreciate the shade, benches, and disposal bags and stations.
Allied Gardens Dog Park | This new park is the first city-owned dog park in District 7 and features ~28,000-sqft of space with separate areas for large and small dogs.
🎾 Looking for other parks? We have more suggestions.
🐾 Trails
Fiesta Island Trail | This easy 4.2-mile loop is perfect for running, walking, and wagging your tail along Mission Bay.
Sunset Trail | As the name implies, this Mt. Laguna hike is all about the views. There’s plenty of shade and two hiking options: a 3.25-mile loop or a 9.2-mile there-and-back walk that connects to Big Laguna Trail.
San Dieguito Park Trail | This easy, 3.1-mile loop is great for a leisurely nature walk. All dogs must be on leashes, and the park offers tips for keeping them safe.
Sunset Cliffs Park Trail | You can complete this 1-mile, out-and-back trail in under 30 minutes, so it’s perfect for a less active dog who loves to take breaks. And, it will give you memorable sunset views over the Pacific Ocean — assuming you go at dusk.
Blue Sky Canyon Trail | Dogs love this 5.2-mile hike with plenty of shade and views of Lake Poway along the loop.
Cowles Mountain Trail | Head to San Carlos for this 3-mile, out-and-back hike. It’s moderately challenging with steady incline so make sure your furry friend is up for the task.
Elfin Forest Loop | Adventurous dogs and owners will like this 4.7-mile loop. It’s a bit more challenging, and all pups must be leashed.
🥾 Need more trails? Our hiking guide lets you know where dogs are welcome.
🐾 Beaches
Coronado Dog Beach | Dogs are welcome to dig and play in the sand then wash off in the waves at this beach and park. It’s open year-round for off-leash play, and there are plenty of bags to keep the area clean. You’ll know you’ve found the beach when you see the entry path — bonus, it keeps paws from getting hot on the sand.
Fiesta Island | This Mission Bay island is a dream come true for active dogs. It has plenty of beach areas where dogs can splash in the water, and there are ample trails where they can walk with their owners. The entire island — outside of the fenced areas — is dog-friendly and permits off-leash play.
Ocean Beach Dog Beach | Bring your dog and your surfboard to catch some waves together. This beach has been open to pups since 1972, and it welcomes dogs to have off-leash fun all year.
South Beach and North Beach | Del Mar welcomes dogs to relax in the sand all year, but regulations change depending on the season — so always have a leash handy. South Beach always requires leashes, but North Beach allows off-leash play from Labor Day through June 15. During the busier summer months, leashes will be required.
🐾Outfit your dog
Now that you know where you’re taking your furry friend, don’t forget to shop the best dog accessories and supplies to make your adventure a success.
- Collars + leashes | Give your dog a trendy makeover while keeping them comfy and safe on all your walks and adventures.
- Major Darling dog shampoo bar | After a long day of exploring, wash your pup with this bar for a fresh and outdoorsy-clean smell.
- Waste bag holders | Don’t forget this trusty sidekick, keeping things clean and hassle-free when your fur baby needs to go.
- Portable dog water bottle | A foldable water dispenser so you can keep your pup hydrated anywhere.
- Dog seat belt | Keep your dog safe and secure while driving around town with a seat belt that hooks into their collar.
- Collapsible food bowls with lids | Bring snacks or food for dogs in convenient collapsible bowls.
- Plant-based dog wipes | Keep a pack of these in your car for an emergency grooming sessions.
- Doggy Do Good waste bags | Stock up on our favorite brand of compostable waste bags.
