Most of this large sandy island in Mission Bay is designated leash-free for dogs. Fiesta Island Off-Leash Dog Park has lots of sandy dunes to romp in, and the calm bay waters allow the more adventurous dogs take a quick dip. There is a designated off-leash location on the backside of the island as Sea World will be on your left, fenced-in front with signs. Bring water for your dogs.

Perhaps the most popular canine hotspot in San Diego is The Original Dog Beach located at the northern end of Ocean Beach. Here, dogs can roam off leash at any time of the day. Owners should take care to pick up after their pets. After a day at the beach, you may want to head over to the Dog Beach Dog Wash to give Fido a bath. Located at 4933 Voltaire Street, the Dog Wash is just two blocks away from the beach.

Coronado's Dog Beach is leash-free year-round on the western part of the beach. It's marked by signs that run along Ocean Blvd. from Sunset Park on Ocean Drive to the border of the U.S. Naval Station. For scenery, it doesn't get much better than this. On one side there's the beautiful Hotel del Coronado; the Point Loma skyline fills the view to the north. Parking is available along Ocean Boulevard, but it is a rather long walk to the beach from there, so be sure to keep your dog leashed until you reach the beach. Coronado Animal Patrol maintains a zero-tolerance policy with fines up to $500 for unleashed dogs. The dog beach is open 24 hours. Owners must monitor their dogs at all times and clean up after them. Dogs must have current licenses and be free from contagious diseases. Excessive barking and aggressive behavior are not permitted by dogs or humans. No food or pet treats allowed. There are no restrooms, but there is a foot shower south of the entrance on Ocean Blvd. The city provides free dog litter bags at the entrance to the run.

Long Beach is home to the only off-leash dog beach in L.A. County, CA. This 3-acre park is located at the waterfront between Roycroft and Argonne Avenues, a few blocks east of the Belmont Pier and Olympic pool. Ample paid parking is available along Ocean Boulevard. Free parking is available at the beachfront lot at the end of Granada Avenue daily after 5:00 p.m. Only one dog per adult is permitted, and no aggressive dogs are allowed. Please see the website for more dog beach rules.