Pet Friendly Travel Tips

San Diego is a pet paradise. With our near-perfect weather and plenty of wide-open spaces, dogs can have as much fun vacationing in San Diego as their human companions.

And getting here with your pet can be as easy as hopping aboard a train for a beautiful ride along the coast. Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner welcomes dogs and cats up to 20 pounds (the combined weight of pet and carrier) on this famously scenic route, for a fee of $29 or 1,000 Amtrak Guest Rewards points.

Once you're here, there are plenty of pet-friendly hotels that will pamper your pooch with the same hospitality they extend to you. And there are lots of excellent pet boutiques and spas as well. Search our site for "pet friendly" to find additional member businesses that will welcome your furry friends.

San Diego also has wonderful dog-friendly beaches, including sections of Ocean Beach, Fiesta Island at Mission Bay, Coronado North and Del Mar. Plus, the region boasts a variety of fun, leash-free parks, including two dog parks located within Balboa Park. For more details about these great options, read the Dog Beach and Off-leash Parks article. 

And if your dog is a social animal, City Cruises' Annual Pet Day on the Bay (in May) and the Unleashed Surf Dog competition in Imperial Beach (in the summer) are much-loved events. Or, if your pup would like to try out a new skill such as pup paddleboarding or doggie yoga, both are offered through The SUP Connection. 

We hope to see you and your pets in San Diego soon!

Browse through the articles below for ways to make the most out of your vacation with your four-legged friend.