Top dog beaches in San Diego

For four-legged friends, San Diego has a few great dog-friendly beaches; Just make sure you clean up after him.

Dog Beach - Ocean Beach

At the west end of Voltaire Street in Ocean Beach, this off-leash dog zone touts itself as the original, and also, one of the most popular. It’s actually one of the first official leash-free beaches in the United States. Dogs can play for 24 hours.

North Beach Dog Run - Coronado

Let your four-pawed pal run through the sand at Coronado’s dog beach, on Ocean Blvd. near Sunset Park at the northern end of the stretch. It’s one of the most pristine beaches with unbeatable views, plus a foot shower and doggie litter bags at the entrance. Dogs can play here for 24 hours.

Del Mar Dog Beach - Del Mar

On Via de la Valle and Highway 101, dogs can run free north of 29th Street. Nine months of the year - between Labor Day and June 15 - unleashed pups are permitted to go wild in the waves. The area for them to roam includes the mouth of the San Dieguito River and a stretch of coastal bluff.

Fiesta Island - Mission Bay

In Mission Bay Park, pups can wander through most areas unleashed here (except for the Youth Campground and Least Tern nesting sites). The sandy island is perfect for sprinting dogs, and calm bay waters work well for the less-adventurous ones. This beach is open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. only.