Golden retriever standing on a path by the ocean and in front of a store in san diego.

San Diego, But Make It Dog-Friendly

A Pup-Approved Guide Inspired by @champaagnepupi
Apr 14, 2026
Two children play in the surf at a beach, with palm trees and a clear blue sky in the background.

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A Stop-by-Stop Guide to San Diego with Your Dog

Inspired by @champaagnepupi’s latest visit, this curated itinerary highlights off-leash beaches, scenic walks, dog-friendly patios and a stay that welcomes your pup at every turn.

Some destinations are dog friendly. San Diego is dog welcoming. Here, your pup isn’t stuck waiting back at the hotel; they’re right there with you, sprinting across the sand, tagging along for sunset views and casually posted up at breweries, no sad puppy dog eyes in sight. 

When @champaagnepupi came to San Diego, they built an itinerary around exactly that energy: places where dogs aren’t just allowed, they’re part of the experience. Think off-leash beaches with room to roam, coastal trails that practically demand a golden hour walk and patios where water bowls show up before you can order a beer. If your version of a perfect trip includes your four-legged friend in every plan, this is it.

 

Mission Bay Resort pool surrounded by palm trees and lounge chairs under a clear blue sky located in San Diego

Where to Stay

San Diego Mission Bay Resort

Where: 1775 E Mission Bay Dr., San Diego, CA 92109
Set right along the water, San Diego Mission Bay Resort offers the kind of laid-back coastal escape that works just as well for dogs as it does for their humans. Open green spaces, bayside walking paths and breezy outdoor areas make it easy to settle into vacation mode the moment you arrive. After a full day of exploring, it’s the perfect place to unwind, kick up your paws and recharge.

Two golden retrievers sit together on a cliff overlooking the ocean, smiling, in San Diego. In another scene, one retriever sniffs another dog while lounging on a picnic blanket at Petco Park.

Where to Stop

Ocean Beach Dog Beach

Where: Where: 5156 W. Point Loma Blvd., San Diego, CA 92107
Located in Ocean Beach, this iconic off-leash beach is a go-to for dogs that love to run, swim and socialize. Whether you’re tossing a ball, walking the shoreline or just taking it all in, this is a must for high-energy pups and ocean lovers alike.

Sunset Cliffs Natural Park

Where: Where: Sunset Cliffs Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92107 
Set along the Point Loma coastline, Sunset Cliffs offers a scenic, dog-friendly walking path with sweeping ocean views. It’s especially popular at golden hour, making it an ideal stop to slow down and take in the landscape with your pup.

Gravity Heights

Where: Where: 525 Camino De La Reina, San Diego, CA 92108 
Located in Mission Valley, Gravity Heights features a spacious outdoor patio that’s well-suited for dogs. The menu pairs elevated pub fare with a rotating craft beer selection, making it an easy stop to relax and refuel.

Eppig Brewing Waterfront Biergarten

Where: Where: 2817 Dickens St., San Diego, CA 92106 
Found along the waterfront in Point Loma, Eppig’s biergarten offers open-air seating with bay views and a casual, dog-friendly atmosphere. It’s a great place to unwind with a drink while your pup lounges nearby.

Petco Park – Bark at the Park

Where: Where: 100 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101 
A baseball game, with your dog? It sounds chaotic, and it kind of is, but it’s also one of the most fun, uniquely San Diego experiences you can have. Petco Park hosts Bark at the Park during select Padres games. This special event allows fans to bring their dogs along, creating a fun and uniquely local game-day experience. If you can time your trip around it, do it.