The Original Dog Beach

Or call (619) 236-5555 or email info@originaldogbeachsandiego.com for more information.

• Poppy
  Jan. 2, 2023
  Could be beautiful but it’s grim

  There is more dog poop here and all the way to the beach than I have ever seen anywhere. It’s disgusting, owners looking at their dogs using the bathroom then leaving it. This is such an amazing beautiful resource that is pretty horrible due to the selfish nature of the dog owners. All to that the amount of unfixed dogs that the owners have no control over can make it kind of stressful. Finally as a certified positive behaviour trainer I am dismayed by how many prong / shock collars many of the dogs were wearing. Lazy owners who would rather cause pain to their four legged friends than take the time to actually understand the science of training and to understand how cruel and counter productive these methods are.. spent a whole month by this beach and would not want to return.

• B
  Jun. 3, 2022
  Disneyland for dogs

  My dog's eyes lit up the first time we went here. Dogs running every which way, all super happy! Some playing in the surf, some fetching a ball, some playing chase. Magical. Guaranteed to make you smile on a bad day. Large area of sand and beachline. Open ocean with waves as well as calmer / more protected inlet to the side. Some homeless individuals in the area (I've never had been approached let alone had a 'problem' with one), so give generously if you see one/some. A few kind words can go a long way. Back to the beach review - good sized parking area, but busy. No shade. Water and restroom at end of parking lot near exit (it's one way). Free parking. Dog wash business near by is about $15. However made this happen back in the 1970s should be thanked by all generations of animal lovers. Please respect it and be kind to others - let us never lose this place. Truly disneyland for dogs! <3

• Jane
  Jun. 3, 2022
  Great Time

  The beach was an easy walk from our hotel. Our midsize dog had a great time chasing the ball and swimming. The beach was clean - no dog poop or trash. we were there about 10:30am on a Friday and there was plenty of available parking in the adjacent lot. By the time we left at 11:45 there were still a few spots open. The parking lot is for both the Dog Beach and the humans only beach, so when the surf and or weather is good, the lot fills up. Bring your own water for your dog, or a bowl because the dog bowl part of the water fountain does not work.

• James
  Nov. 14, 2021
  Coco was scared of the bigger dogs

  One of the best dog parks in the country. Fun watching the dogs enjoy the water.
  Coco was a little scared of the larger dogs romping around. Must visit.

• Liz
  May. 31, 2021
  Best dog beach in San Diego

  We brought our dog here every year for his annual beach vacation for years and he absolutely loved it. It's a great place to play fetch with your dog. Just the right level of waves where they can run into the water a ways and it's still shallow. One of the best parts about this beach is its location in a pedestrian-friendly beach town with many restaurants and two dog-friendly hotels in walking distance. Come out early in the morning if you want to have most of the beach to yourself for a few hours.

• Hannah
  May. 4, 2021
  Great beach

  This is the perfect place to take your furry friend and children! One note of caution—not all dog parents are paying super close attention to their pets, so please keep that in mind while visiting and advocating for your animal. the sandy shoreline is perfect for sunbathing and the drop off is really, really far off the shoreline so there is no risk of your dog falling in deeper than they can handle accidentally.

• Sara
  Aug. 13, 2020
  Best Dog Beach!

  This is a huge dog beach that spans not only the ‘beach’ but an inlet with calmer and shallow water. Almost every dog is off leash, but were mostly well-watched by owners. The sand was clean and our dog had a blast - we will be back!

• Kris
  Jul. 28, 2020
  Gotta Try It!

  My dog is a desert dog, from Arizona. Was a little unsure of the big sandy beach and very unsure of the water coming toward her at the shoreline. however, had a great time and definitely had to check it out since we were here. it was late afternoon and not too crowded or crazy, but lots of dogs running free and enjoying the experience. People seemed pretty responsible and reasonably attentive to the dog action.

• Jay
  Jul. 25, 2020
  Capone’s Adventures

  first time at the beach and he loved it. every dog owner we met was awesome as well as their fury friends

• Shelby
  Jun. 13, 2020
  Great Dog Beach!

  we had such a nice morning here!

• Sandy
  Jun. 8, 2020
  Big Fun Beach!!

  A place where dogs can be dogs! Happy, wild and free!

• Chase
  Mar. 14, 2020
  Great Dog Beach, Lots Of Room Lots Of Fun!

  BIG dog beach with a lot of space for your fur baby to play. This can either be an all day or just a few hours of play type beach. Very clean and not many issues. This beach is a great place to take your dog for a walk and the owners seem to be more friendly due to the off leash and nature of random dogs coming to meet yours. Next time you’re in SD go here with your pet for a beach day you won’t regret it!

• Nicole
  Nov. 13, 2019
  Huge dog beach!

  Fantastic dog beach!! There aren't fenses, however...the beach is so big that they aren't really necessary unless you have a runner! Doggie fountain at the entrance, but I suggest to bring water so they don't drink the ocean water! Being from Chicago, my dog hasnt realized that salty water makes him have the runny poos if he drinks too much. Just be sure to hydrate!!

• Mp
  Oct. 4, 2019
  The Best Day Ever

  Great day for the Little Dog and me!

• Chase
  Aug. 1, 2019
  Happiest Place On Earth

  We loved bringing our two big dogs here.

• Holly
  Jul. 5, 2019
  Doggie heaven

  Iris thought she was in heaven. Most dogs obedient and well-behaved. There's always that one owner who is on their phone and not paying attention (eye roll) but other than that - everyone seemed to know it was a dog beach and yes, if you set up camp for the day expect some pooches to give you some smooches!

• Maria
  Jun. 17, 2019
  My favorite place in the world!

  Everybody here is my best friend! This whole neighborhood is all dog lovers. The inlet is nice calm shallow water so I can play... I'm scared of the ocean. Always clean and nice sand. Weather is always perfect. Lots of good brunch places nearby.

• Kassandra
  Mar. 1, 2019
  Awesome Beach

  My dog felt completely comfortable here and loved every second . Side note for anyone that plans on bringing a lunch to eat here , you lose any right to complain about any dogs coming up to you and stepping on your blanket . Don’t be that person that gets mad . It’s a dog beach. If you don’t like dogs go sulk somewhere else . We don’t have time for you.

• Kyle
  Jan. 23, 2019
  Awesome Spot !

  A must go in San Diego!

• Mike
  Dec. 31, 2018
  Best Dog Beach Ever

  Huge beach are with wet and dry sand. Current and calm water for swimming. Always great weather. Plenty of room to stretch the legs for a long sprint.

• Lily
  Mar. 1, 2018
  Bruno had an amazing time!

  I visited this place on a Sunday afternoon and it seemed the perfect time! My puppers was overly excited and had a great time meeting all the dogs. Great place to let your dog be and have fun.

• Alyssa
  More than a year ago
  Great dog beach

  Our dog had the time of her life here. The dog wash a couple blocks away was clutch for cleanup time!

• Kristy
  More than a year ago
  Disneyland for dogs

  This is truly the happiest place in San Diego. Smiling dogs, responsible dog owners (for the most part, no place is perfect), and family-friendly. We’ve been going here for years and our dog loves it, even recognizing when we turn onto W Pt Loma that this is where we’re going. Also love the do-it-yourself dog wash up the street on Voltaire.

• Brandy
  More than a year ago
  LOVED IT!!!

  We were visiting San Diego for vacation we took our three pups almost every day we were in town. We absolutely love how clean the beach is, and the freedom the dogs had on the beach. Everyone there were dog people so no real concerns regarding our dogs hyper tendencies.

• James
  More than a year ago
  simply the best

  The beach is much cleaner these days! They have special cleanup days twice a month. My dogs just love it here! Bags are stocked by the city and there are plenty of trash cans!

• Heather
  More than a year ago
  What a Lovely Day

  First, know that it is a HUGE struggle to find any parking close by. You will have to park on-street in the neighborhood area. But it is a beautiful place to visit. There was a lot of seaweed swept up on the beach the day we visited. However, there is a terrific view of Cabrillo from here.

• Janet
  More than a year ago
  Best Dog Beach

  I have been to dog beaches in Florida and California, this is the best beach for dogs by far. Dogs can run free, plenty of room for their humans to lay out and sun, or get in the water. Always a good time here.

• Kaylyn
  More than a year ago
  #petlove

  My heeler loved this place because she got to roam around leash free, what more could we ask for. There was a ton of people and their dogs enjoying the water and sun, so if your dog isn't very social I wouldn't recommend this beach. BUT if your k9 is friendly and energetic this is a great spot. (I didn't see any doggie bags so make sure you bring those)

• Janelle
  More than a year ago
  So much fun!

  We brought our 2 dogs here for their first trip to the beach and they had a blast! The other people there were friendly, as were most of the dogs. One of my favorite things is how shallow the it is for them to run in the ocean without going underwater and needing to swim. Our dogs had a blast and we'll definitely go back!

• Brittany
  More than a year ago
  BEST DOG BEACH/SPOT

  Every city in the U.S. Needs a place just like this beach. My dog, and my family had so much fun! This beach is super clean, all the dogs were super well behaved and not having the dogs on a leash was not an issue at all. I highly recommend stopping at this beach when visiting San Diego!

• Maddie
  More than a year ago
  Hot Dog Good Time

  We brought our 4 month old puppy to this beach for the first time and we all had a blast! The beach was clean, all the people were SO friendly, and didn't have any negative interactions with other dogs. Fun for our pup and us! We definitely recommend it!

• Cayla
  More than a year ago
  Great first beach experience!

  This was Peppers first ever trip to the beach and she loved it! She acted like she had grown up near the ocean and ran straight in and went as deep as she could without swimming. It was great and there was only one dog we were concerned about buy his owners quickly corralled him when he was playing a little too roughly. We didn't have any problems with people not picking up after their dogs but it was a very overcast day so wasn't as busy as it probably is sometimes. We love this beach and are stopping by again tomorrow before we head back to the desert!

• Amber
  More than a year ago
  great beach except dog owners

  Great beach !! The owners let the doggies run wild this is their temperament, they do not clean up after their poop. It kind of ruins the beach. I guess walking down this long stretch of beach they feel they don't need to be however it's needed and just disgusting everyone thinks the same and leaves it there. Pick up after your own Seabiscuit.

• Fio
  More than a year ago
  best time ever

  Sparky had never been to a beach, being a Colorado doggie. And he doesn't swim, just wades. But he had the best time ever last year (Sept. 2014), wading, trying out the waves, making doggie friends...

• Lauren
  More than a year ago
  fun, fun, fun!

  Going to dog beach is like going to a dog party. Lots of dogs having lots of fun!

• Rich
  More than a year ago
  Fun in the Sun

  This was our first time to this beach. It was awesome! Low tide made it easy for our dogs to get wet and learn the area. Lots of friendly dogs and people. Only concern was a few owners weren't watching their dogs rough play close enough.
  I would recommend this park to all. All family fun.

• Emily
  More than a year ago
  Kids and Dogs

  It's great when family pets or friends' pets get along with kids. But it's just unwise to bring children around strange dogs. If one is at a dog beach, it's to be expected that there is going to be rough play by dogs. If your kid gets knocked over at a dog park you took them to, whose fault is that really? All that aside, it's so nice to have a dog beach open all hours for us early risers and late night people. But it is nice when people are responsible and puck-up after their dogs!

• Andrea
  More than a year ago
  Dog owner

  Would probably be more like 3 1/2 bones as the beach itself was really dog friendly. Yesterday was our first time here with our 8 month old Border Collie mix. She and the kids loved the beach, small current and tons of friendly people. On the flip side, there was more dog poop on this beach than any other that I have been to.. We left our bag (nothing of much value) and took a stroll on the beach with kids and dog. When we returned someone had stolen our retractable leash and harness. Didn't run into other "kid unfriendly" people as others had noted, but being a Saturday late afternoon there were some inebriated and strung out individuals,. That doesn't really bother us, but may be worth noting for others. All being said, we probably would go back, but would keep our belongings within eyesight.

• Roxanne
  More than a year ago
  So Much Fun!

  We took our pup, Zack to the ocean for the first time, and he absolutely loved this place! All the other dogs were so playful. The other pet owners were all so friendly even giving Zack a good belly rub whenever he came their way! My pup was smiling the whole time! :) There's also a place a few minutes away where you can give your dog a good bath after! (Dog Beach Dog Wash)

• Samantha
  More than a year ago
  Do your dog a favor and take him here

  This was by far the best dog beach ever. The dog I was traveling with hates water. He wouldn't go near the ocean, but loved playing with all the dogs. This is an off-leash dog beach, so dogs do need to be well-behaved. This beach reminded me of going to the beach as a little kid. You are free to explore by yourself, but you always run back to your family to check in with them. Instead of kids, this is what all the dogs were doing. Make sure to check out the dog wash before heading back to the car.

• Que
  More than a year ago
  Locals do not like young children

  Disappointed with Dog Beach - San Diego this trip. Never have I seen such disgusting, irresponsible behavior by local adults towards children and their dogs. It was so bad I thought I was dreaming. Sadly, after going for so many years, we will not be going back. It was almost cult-like with people who hate children. Two-days in a row my 4-year old son was jumped on, knocked over (with the dog on top of him), and when my husband and I touched/pushed the dog to get him off, the owner's went off on us and said, "This is our beach...now get out of here." They then began cussing us out. We were in disbelief. To all parents, please be careful.

• Jennifer
  More than a year ago
  Great dog beach

  We took a weekend getaway from Los Angeles and traveled down to San Diego with with our "chiweenie" Rosie. Our first stop after the 2 1/2 car ride was the Ocean Beach Dog Beach. We have been to dog beaches in both Long Beach and Huntington Beach, and this beach seemed to have much more space for dogs to run around. Bags were available to use and owners and dogs seemed very respectful of others. Parking was bit of a challenge on the weekend, but locals might have a better idea of additional parking areas. All in all, a great spot to visit while traveling to San Diego with fido!

• Jerry
  More than a year ago
  Review

  Make sure to bring your own bags because the bag dispensers are usually empty.. And make sure to bring plenty of your own water... There isn't a nearby restroom!

• Leslie
  More than a year ago
  nice, but...

  Huntington Dog Beach is better. More responsible pet owners, so less poop to step in.

• Sals
  More than a year ago
  great first beach experience

  This was our dog Dexter's first beach experience and it couldn't have went any better! He made plenty of new friends and had a blast. After being a bit scared he got used to the water and waves and starting having a blast! The beach was packed, but very well maintained. All the owners seemed nice as well as the dogs.

• Lyn-z
  More than a year ago
  Tips

  A really great off the leash dog beach! Plenty off dogs, and only the occasional territorial dog. But 99% off the dogs are friendly and playful. Make sure to bring your own bags because the bag dispensers are usually empty.. And make sure to bring plenty of your own water... There isn't a nearby restroom!

• Gabrielle
  More than a year ago
  Fun in the sun

  We took our beagle here, lots of place for him to run and play. However a lot of owners do not seem to pick up after their pets, kinda messy. He had fun in the shallow water when the tide was out because he does not like to run in the waves.

We dug up 35 pictures of dogs at The Original Dog Beach.

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