Del Mar Dog Beach

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Del Mar Dog Beach is located at the jetty of the San Dieguito River at the northern border of Del Mar. There is paid parking along Camino Del Mar just next to Dog Beach.
Dogs are welcome without a leash at Del Mar Dog Beach. This calm San Diego beach is dog heaven, with soft sand and shallow water to splash in.
Todd Sarouhan
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Why you'll love this beach
Why you'll love this beach
Bring Your Dog to the Shallow Waters of Del Mar Dog Beach
Del Mar Dog Beach
Overview
Things to Do
Save on Gear
Popular Activities
Get There & Parking
Featured Activity
Know Before You Go
Stay Nearby
Similar Beaches

Highlights

Things to Do
Tips
How to get there
Parking
Things to Do
Tips
How to get there
Parking

Overview

Dogs Enjoying the Beach at Del Mar Dog BeachCliffs and Ocean at Del Mar Dog Beach

For dog lovers, the perfect vacation getaway just isn’t the same without their pooch. After all, dogs are part of the family.

If you’re checking out San Diego destinations and wondering whether your dog can go along for the ride, you’ll be happy to know that Del Mar’s Dog Beach offers wide-open spaces where happy canines can run unleashed - literally.

Del Mar Dog Beach is also called North Beach. It extends from the north part of 29th Street in Del Mar all the way to the southern edge of Solana Beach. This means around half a mile of clean beaches and cool water for the whole family to enjoy.

With soft sand gradually leading into the ocean and gentle waves, even little kids can have a lot of fun splashing around and making sandcastles. Canines of all sizes and breeds are welcome to explore this wide stretch of beach, climbing on curious rock formations and prancing happily around the shallow waters. Dogs and owners can play around in the sand and surf, getting some exercise and having a blast.

All of the sand also makes North Beach ideal for laid-back beach sports. Toss a Frisbee with friends or throw a ball for your dog to retrieve. Sand volleyball is popular at Dog Beach, and you can find several areas to set up your own net for a friendly game.

Things to Do

Beach Volleyball
Beach Volleyball
Sunbathing
Sunbathing
Surfing
Surfing

Things to See at Dog Beach

Del Mar’s Dog Beach is a paradise for dogs, but their owners have a great time too. The clean, soft sand feels amazing whether you’re jogging alongside your pet or taking a calm evening stroll. Here are some awesome sights and activities for an unforgettable getaway:

Dogs Surfing

Something that makes Del Mar Dog Beach unique is that it’s one of the only places in California where dogs and owners can surf together. Grab your GoPro, surfboard and four-legged friend, and catch some waves.

The smooth waves here make it easy for dogs to stay stable on the nose of your board. The best places to surf at Dog Beach are at the bottom edge near 29th Street and the northernmost tip of the beach.

People Surfing

While everyone else is crowding around the reef breaks at 15th Street, savvy surfers can sneak off towards the north end of Dog Beach in search of sick swells. The sand bars offshore tend to shift with the currents, so perfect waves aren’t predictable, but they’re worth the visit.

If you spy the right conditions, you can enjoy a full morning of surfing almost completely to yourself. The smooth sand makes North Beach an ideal surf spot for beginners and pros alike.

Local Tips
Did you Know?
Del Mar Dog Beach is one of three dog off leash beaches in San Diego. The other two are in Ocean Beach and Coronado Island.

The River Mouth of the San Dieguito River

The River Mouth is part of an extensive 300-acre estuary where the San Dieguito River meets the Pacific Ocean. It offers spectacular ocean views and sightings of many species of wildlife. Kids, dogs and adventure-loving adults can climb on sand dunes or explore peaceful riverbanks.

This area is close to the entrance of the San Dieguito River Park, a massive wildlife preserve with miles of hiking trails and the breathtaking San Dieguito Lagoon. Dogs are welcome on most trials as long as they stay on a leash.

North Bluff Preserve

Just across the San Dieguito River Mouth, you can find North Bluff Preserve. Also known as Scripps Bluff Preserve, this wildlife conservation area offers elevated vistas of Pacific waves, shorebirds and migrating whales. Enjoy an up-close and personal look at California’s native shrubland flora, and take along your camera for unbelievable pictures of San Diego’s coastline.

Stay Nearby & Enjoy all of Del Mar

Hotel Indigo San Diego Del Mar is the perfect pet friendly hotel to stay at while visiting Del Mar. This 94 room hotel stays true to the hotel’s beachfront theme, rooms at Hotel Indigo San Diego Del Mar feel spacious and bright.

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La Jolla - Full Day Bike Rental
La Jolla - Full Day Bike Rental
When visiting beautiful La Jolla, one of the best ways to explore the area is with a bike tour. Using your Go Pass, head over and rent a bike and check out the most popular areas of town like La Jolla Cove, the boardwalk and Mission Bay.
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Local Tips
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Simply follow our link & use code GVSD5OFF to purchase your pass and begin saving!

How to Get There & Parking

Free Parking
Free Parking
Lot Parking
Lot Parking
Street Parking
Street Parking

Getting to Del Mar Dog Beach

North Beach is located on California’s iconic Highway 101, or Camino Del Mar. If you’re driving north through Torrey Pines State Reserve, stay on Camino Del Mar until you see 29th Street on your left. Dog Beach is on your left, running from this point to the other side of the bridge.

If you’re traveling on Interstate 5, you can reach Del Mar Dog Beach by taking exit 36 to Via De La Valle going west. Stay on Via De La Valle for about a mile, then turn left on Camino Del Mar (Highway 101). You’ll see Dog Beach on your right-hand side, just past the signs for North Bluff Preserve.

Parking at Del Mar Dog Beach

There are two options for parking at Dog Beach. First, metered parking is available on the street along the beach. Another option is to grab free parking on one the nearby cross streets. There are generally spots open from 22nd to 29th Streets.

To score a great parking spot, arrive as early as possible. During the summer peak season, most of the closest parking areas fill up by noon. You may need to bring along some walking shoes or comfy sandals if you end up parking further south.

Featured Activity

San Diego Harbor Cruise on San Diego Bay at Sunset
San Diego Harbor Cruise
Enjoy this ‘San Diego Top Pick Award’ winner as you set sail on a three level luxury ship providing 360-degree views of San Diego’s scenic beauty. Relax for a 1-2 hour narrated tour, learn about the city from the bay.
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Know Before You Go & Tips

Lifeguards
Lifeguards
No Alcohol
No Alcohol
No Camping
No Camping
No Glass Containers
No Glass Containers
No Motorized Vehicles
No Motorized Vehicles
No Smoking
No Smoking
No Trash Cans
No Trash Cans
Public Transportation
Public Transportation
Restrooms
Restrooms
Shade
Shade
Trash Cans Available
Trash Cans Available

Important Rules to Remember at North Beach

Leash Rules

Dogs are allowed without a leash at Del Mar Dog Beach during approximately nine months of the year, from the day after Labor Day until June 15th. During the peak summer months, pets are welcome, but they have to be on a leash that’s no longer than six feet.

There is an exception to this rule, however. If you go to Dog Beach early in the morning for a jog — from sunrise to 8 a.m. — your dog can run without a leash no matter what time of year it is.

Clean Up After your Dog

While you’re at the beach, it’s important to remember to clean up after your canine. Otherwise, you may receive a fine.

Waste bags are provided under the “Coastal Access” sign, but you may want to bring your own doggie bags just in case. In addition, all dogs visiting the beach need to have a license on their collar.

Del Mar Dog Beach
is Known For:
Dog Park
Dog Park
Know This:
Lifeguards
Lifeguards
Restrooms Available
Restrooms Available
Trash Cans Available
Trash Cans Available
This Month's Forecast
56°F / 73°F
Sunny in November
Dec
51°F / 68°F
Sunny in December
Jan
51°F / 67°F
Sunny in January
Feb
53°F / 68°F
Sunny in February

Stay Nearby

Hilton San Diego Del Mar
Family Friendly
3 Star Rating3 Star Rating3 Star Rating
Hilton San Diego Del Mar
from $155 / night
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San Diego Marriott Del Mar
Family Friendly
4 Star Rating4 Star Rating4 Star Rating4 Star Rating
San Diego Marriott Del Mar
from $179 / night
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Hotel Indigo San Diego Del Mar
Boutique Hotel
3 Star Rating3 Star Rating3 Star Rating
Hotel Indigo San Diego Del Mar
from $170 / night
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Best Western Premier Del Mar Inn Hotel
Near Torrey Pines
3 Star Rating3 Star Rating3 Star Rating
Best Western Premier Del Mar Inn Hotel
from $136 / night
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