Dog parks around San Diego, California

A dog in Civita Park

Four paws walking in Civita Park.

Photo via @rosie619sd

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Dog parks are an important part of San Diego, providing a designated space for you + your furry friends to enjoy the outdoors. In WalletHub’s list of the most pet-friendly cities across the country, San Diego ranked No. 31.

If you’re looking for a way to safely explore the outdoors with your pup, our roundup of six local dog parks provides plenty of options with pet-friendly amenities like water taps, seasonal terrain, and double-fenced areas for all types of dogs. 🐾

Ward Canyon Neighborhood Park

3905 Adams Ave.

If you want to keep your dog off the grass, head to this tumbled wood chipped area with fenced spaces designated for smaller dogs and larger dogs. And, if you’re trying to keep yourself cool + dry, this park offers pergolas and park benches for pet parents to relax.

Kearny Mesa Park

3170 Armstrong St.

Does your pup have a need for speed? This flat, 1-acre area is open from 6 a.m.-10 p.m., perfect for a game of fetch under the lights or running around with other dogs. Enjoy chairs under shade, restrooms, water fountains + waste bags available on site. Pro Tip: Parking can be tricky when students are in session at Mesa College.

Nate’s Point Park

2500 Balboa Dr.

With an off-leash area spanning two acres, this completely fenced park with double-entry gates offers your pup plenty of space to play + a drinking fountain so they can stay hydrated. While your pets run around, you can sit at the picnic tables and take in the Balboa Park views.

Doyle Community Park

8175 Regents Rd.

Open 24 hours and situated behind Doyle Recreation Center, this fenced-in play area offers water fountains + two turfed areas — one designated for smaller dogs and one for larger dogs. Pro Tip: This area does not have lights and your dog must be leashed outside of the designated dog park.

Rancho Peñasquitos Park

13339 Salmon River Rd.

Enjoy this 1-acre turf area from dawn to dusk everyday + take advantage of the waste bag dispensers, water bowls, and two fenced-in play spaces designated for larger dogs and smaller dogs. There is ample seating for pet parents along with nearby parking.

Little Italy Dog Park

254 W. Date St.

This little park has some big amenities. Let your pup play on the special “K9Grass” by ForeverLawn while you join fellow pet owners under the shaded structures, and even walk around and enjoy the on-site art gallery. Pro Tip: This park will be closed until 10 a.m. on the first Tuesday of every month for deep cleaning. Otherwise, it’s open from sunrise to sunset everyday.

Check out this map created by the City of San Diego showcasing all off-leash parks around the city.

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