Ocean Beach Dog Beach

Ready to give your dog a fun-filled beach day? Visit Dog Beach at Ocean Beach for an off-leash swimming day. Watch the surfers do their thing at OB Jetty.
Todd Sarouhan
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Why you'll love this beach
Why you'll love this beach
Leave Your Dog's Leash at Home Year-round at Ocean Beach Dog Beach
Ocean Beach Dog Beach
Overview
Things to Do
Bundle & Save
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

Surfer on a Right Wave at  OB Jetty Series 1 of 2Plenty of Room at Ocean Beach Dog Beach

People who love the beach can also share that experience with their four-legged friends at Dog Beach, located in Ocean Beach in San Diego. Ocean Beach Dog Beach has been welcoming dogs and their families since 1972, and the beach community in the area is committed to keeping this sandy space clean and accessible to furry pals for as long as possible.

The designated dog beach is located at the northernmost end of San Diego's iconic Ocean Beach. It's north of the legendary Ocean Beach Pier and also home to another popular attraction for surfers, OB Jetty.

This beach for dogs is maintained by the Dog Beach Committee of Ocean Beach's Town Council. Caring for and keeping this beach pristine has been a labor of love for the committee and dog-lovers across San Diego.

Dog Beach is one of the few beach areas in the country that allow dogs to run, swim and play without leashes, all year long. Many places around the nation prohibit dogs from even stepping foot on the sands or have restrictive hours or regulations about leashes.

This beach tends to be incredibly popular with people from the region throughout the year since it was one of the first off-leash beaches for dogs in the country. The beach provides lifeguards during the busy season, restrooms and showers for people. Volleyball and surfing are also popular on this beach.

Things to Do

Running
Running
Sunbathing
Sunbathing
Swimming
Swimming

What Makes Ocean Beach Dog Beach One of the Best

This beach has earned a reputation as one of the best in the world for both people and dogs. The biggest reason to come here is to give dogs a place to experience the Pacific Ocean.

Large Clean Beach

The beach is vast and clean, partially due to the efforts of the local community, who come here once a month to do a beach clean-up. Visitors are asked to clean up after their pets to keep the beach clean and enjoyable for all. Trash cans and doggie waste bags are provided at the entrance to the beach.

Different Sections for Different Types of Dogs

On the right side of the beach is a calmer area for smaller pups and dogs that aren't as confident in their swimming abilities. The center of the beach features typical, big Pacific Ocean waves. Dogs that are larger and good swimmers can chase the waves and play here.

Local Tips
Did you Know?
There are only 4 off leash beaches for dogs and Ocean Beach Dog Beach is one of them!

A Beach for Dogs

For people who want to come here to lay out in the sun and swim without dogs, it's not really that kind of place. There are lots of groups of wet dogs constantly running around, playing fetch and goofing off, which makes it more of a spectator spot for humans.

For a break from the waves, dog owners can also take their pups for a walk along the pretty walking path trail that follows the beach and goes along the coastline south to other nice, sandy spots. Pets must be leashed once out of the Dog Beach area.

And Surfers

One activity that humans can enjoy in this spot is surfing the famous OB Jetty. It's one of the more challenging surfing breaks in San Diego, so only experienced surfers should attempt the waves here. The powerful, fast waves can get up to eight feet on the right swell.

Bundle and SAVE!

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Local Tips
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Popular Activities

The World Famous San Diego Zoo
The World Famous San Diego Zoo
Discounts Available
Learn More
Visit SeaWorld San Diego
Visit SeaWorld San Diego
Discounts Available
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La Jolla Stand Up Paddle Board Rental
La Jolla Stand Up Paddle Board Rental
$41 per person
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How to Get There & Parking

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

Getting to Ocean Beach Dog Beach

Accessing Ocean Beach Dog Beach is pretty simple. Visitors can take Interstate 8 all the way west to Sunset Cliffs Boulevard. From there, they can get off at West Point Loma Boulevard and follow the signs for Dog Beach's parking lot.

Parking at Ocean Beach Dog Beach

If it's hot, the parking lot tends to fill up pretty quickly. Ocean Beach has a few other parking lots that may be open, or drivers can park along the street and walk to the Dog Beach.

Featured Activity

Gray Whale during Whale Watching Tour in San Diego
Half Day Whale Watching Tour
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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
Shade
Shade
Trash Cans Available
Trash Cans Available

Things to Know about OB Dog Beach & OB Jetty

Before bringing dogs to Dog Beach or checking out the surf, know the following tips.

Dogs Must be Vaccinated

Dogs must be vaccinated and licensed in order to swim and play at the beach. They should wear their vaccination tags on their collar. Puppies who haven't received all of their vaccinations should not come to Dog Beach. Additionally, any pup that isn't current on vaccinations should stay home.

Put a Doggie Life Vest on your Dog

Dogs that aren't the best swimmers can wear a doggie life vest to help them stay safe.

Keep an Eye on your Dog

Watch out for aggressive behavior from other dogs and keep an eye on situations between pups before things get heated.

Best Time to Surf

The surfing is best enjoyed at low or mid-tide at OB Jetty. Be aware of all tides and ocean conditions before attempting to go out in the surf.

Enjoy the Beach

Bring the dogs and the family to experience the original off-leash beach park, Ocean Beach Dog Beach. Let the pups have the true Southern California Beach experience.

Ocean Beach Dog Beach
is Known For:
Dog Park
Dog Park
Know This:
Lifeguards
Lifeguards
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

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