The honest take
Dog Beach sits at the north end of Ocean Beach, where the San Diego River meets the ocean, and it is pure joy. Dogs sprint, dig, swim, steal each other’s tennis balls and roll in things their owners will regret later. It’s considered one of the first official leash-free beaches in the United States, and it’s open 24 hours.
You don’t need a dog to enjoy it. Grab a coffee on Newport Avenue, sit on the sand and watch a golden retriever have the best day of its life. It’s better than most paid attractions, and it’s free.
If you do bring a dog: the leash-free area ends at the bike path, and dogs aren’t allowed on the main beach between the path and the pier. There are showers by the parking lot, which your rental car will appreciate.
Worth it? Skip it?
Worth it if
You have a dog, love dogs, or need a cheap mood boost.
Skip it if
You’re nervous around big, wet, enthusiastic animals. They will find you.
Quick facts
| Area | Ocean Beach, foot of Voltaire St |
| Cost | Free |
| Hours | Open 24 hours |
| Parking | Free lot near W Point Loma Blvd and Voltaire St |
| Dogs | Leash-free 24 hours on Dog Beach; on the main beach, no dogs 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Apr to Oct) or 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Nov to Mar), leashed at other times |
Photo: Ronen Ackerman, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
