Traveling With Your Dog: San Diego Edition

Friday, January 3, 2020 11:46:00 AM America/Los_Angeles

Maybel and I love to travel! Living in Los Angeles, nothing is better than a quick weekend trip to San Diego. We just hop in the car, roll the windows down, and arrive in sunny San Diego two hours later! If you happen to be a dog lover who can't imagine taking a trip without your best friend, San Diego is the perfect place for you! Whether you guys prefer dog parks, playing Frisbee on the beach, or hitting up happy hour together, America's Finest City is full of activities catering to you both.

The Original Dog Beach

While Ocean Beach is famous for its surfing and small-town charm, it is also home to one of the first off-leash beaches in the country! In fact, the Ocean Beach Town Council's Dog Beach Committee is committed to improving, maintaining, and preserving Dog Beach for future generations. On any day of the year, dogs can run freely along the beautiful coast line, (so no need for a Bark Potty here!), and make friends with fellow California pooches.

Coronado Surfing Academy

As if Coronado Island isn't stunning enough — and as if having a dog beach on Coronado Island isn't already ridiculously awesome — the Coronado Surfing Academy will teach your dog to surf! Yes, we said it! The guys at the Coronado Surfing Academy will teach your dog to "Hang 20" with a private surfing lesson for you and your pooch! (No refunds or apologies if your dog turns out to be a better surfer than you.) Maybel and I haven't tried it yet but it's on our list!

Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve

For those who enjoy hiking (Maybel and I do not), I've heard that Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve is among the most scenic. If the trail wasn't a seven mile loop, Maybel and I would consider checking it out because there is a supposedly a stunning waterfall along the trail (and Maybel loves to post pics for the insta). Hiking this breathtaking preserve is a great way for you and your dog get your exercise as well as take in the stunning views that San Diego has to offer.

Nate's Point Dog Park

Balboa Park is a great place to visit if you haven't already. It's full of museums, and there's a beautiful botanical garden, as well as the Globe Theater. Just west of the park you can find Nate's Point Off-Leash Dog Park. This park is a 2.3 acre haven for pups. As one of the most popular dog parks in San Diego since 1996, it boasts a drinking fountain, picnic tables, and is of course, completely fenced in.

SUP Pups Stand Up Paddle Board Tour & Playtime

For the more adventurous, SUP Pups is a Dog Stand Up Paddle Board Tour located in Liberty Station. The friendly staff will teach you the basics and safety of stand up paddle board, while putting your paddle buddy on the board. This hour-long tour takes you near the Navy Dolphin Training Facility where you can see the dolphins among the gorgeous San Diego sites! Dog treats, photos, and water, are some of the perks included to make your dog feel welcome on board.

Cody's La Jolla

Maybel and I love going to La Jolla. The walk along the sea wall at Children's Pool Beach, looking down at all of the seals and sea lions is incredible! It's a must-see spot if you haven't been there before. I wouldn't recommend bringing your dog down onto the section of the beach filled with the seals though. Take turns with a friend going down to get a closer look at the seals, while the other keeps their distance with your pup. My favorite spot for a mid-day pick me up is Cody's La Jolla. It's an adorable little cafe just a short walk up the hill from Children's Pool Beach. This is my favorite spot because they're not only dog friendly, but they have a separate menu just for your dog! Maybel ordered the grilled chicken breast, while I sipped on a blackberry sage sangria.

Palomar Hotel

Time for bed? The Palomar Hotel is the perfect pet friendly place to rest those tired paws.Part of the Kimpton chain of boutique hotels, their pet friendly hotel has all the accouterments to make your bff feel right at home. Although they don’t offer a place indoor for your dog to "go", like a Bark Potty, they do have amenities like food, water bowls and dog beds. To make sure you can sleep in the next day, make sure you bring along your potty pad- Bark Potty! As you can see, San Diego is full of pet friendly activities to enjoy with your pooch. Pack up your tennis balls, bathing suits, and Bark Pottys, and head to beautiful west coast shore line!
TAGS: San Diego attractions travel
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