Dog Beach


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Dog Beach (Ocean Beach)

LOCATION:
North end of Ocean Beach between the Voltaire Street parking lot and the South Mission Bay Channel Jetty [Map It]

HOURS:
Accessible 24 hours a day

PARKING:
Large free lot at foot of Voltaire; entrance is one-way with exit to Brighton Avenue

PHONE:
619/221-8899

FACILITIES: [Legend]


 Beach Information

Special Comments: Dog Beach is the only oceanfront off-leash dog area within the City of San Diego, making it a very popular destination for dog owners from all over the city. Dogs are permitted to be off-leash anywhere north of the bicycle path that terminates on the north edge of the Voltaire Street parking lot. This means that dogs have access to the large area of low sand dunes that extends back along the San Diego River.

There are strong rip currents on both ends of Dog Beach. At the north end of the beach on an outgoing tide, water can flow out of the mouth of the San Diego River at a high rate of speed. Watch your pets as closely as you would watch your children. Lifeguards have had to rescue dogs in this area on several occasions.

Street parking around Dog Beach is limited but the Voltaire parking lot only fills up on the busiest weekends. Overnight parking is prohibited. Keep your dog leashed transiting to and from the beach itself and be advised that the grassy areas around the parking lot are off limits to dogs between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.

As always, clean up after your pet. Plastic bags are usually provided in several locations along the beach but it is best to bring your own, as supplies are unreliable.

There are a few basic laws to remember when visiting Dog Beach:

1. Alcohol may be consumed but only between the hours of noon and 8 p.m.

2. Fires are permitted on the beach but must be contained either in a city-provided concrete fire square or in an approved container that keeps the fire high enough above the ground so the sand does not become dangerously hot.

3. Glass beverage containers are never permitted on any San Diego beach.

Food/dining: There are a few restaurants and liquor stores around Voltaire Street and Bacon Street. In addition, nearby Ocean Beach has a number of excellent and affordable restaurants, most of which are along Newport Avenue.

Some of the more popular establishments include South Beach Bar at the foot of Newport, which serves some of the best fish tacos in town. Quigg's behind the lifeguard station on Abbot Street is on the pricey side but has an incredible upstairs view of the beach and water. Demsey's just north of the parking lot at the foot of Santa Monica serves generous and inexpensive breakfasts. Finally, Poma's on Bacon and Niagara is a great place for sandwiches.

Restrooms: Public restrooms are located at the foot of Brighton Street at the south end of the Voltaire Street parking lot.

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