Dog friendly? So is La Jolla!

A Jack Russell Terrier with a white coat and brown patches standing on a sandy beach. The dog is wearing a bright blue collar and leash, looking directly at the camera. In the background, a person's bare feet and legs in a light-colored skirt are visible, walking along the sand.

Bring your canine companion with you to La Jolla and have a ball!

If your furry friend is your constant companion, we totally get it. And so does La Jolla – there are so many ways to enjoy a dog-friendly La Jolla outing, so sit and stay to read our roundup.

Dog days at the beach (and parks)

There is no official La Jolla dog beach; the city of San Diego has two on Fiesta Island and in Ocean Beach. However, our beaches are dog-friendly, whether you’re at La Jolla Shores, Windansea, Black’s Beach or one of our other amazing sandy spots.

The dog rules on the beach: your pup is welcome on the beach after 6 p.m. from April 1 to Oct. 31 or after 4 p.m. from Nov. 1 to March 31, overnight and in the early morning until 9 a.m. 

Dogs must be leashed and you must pick up after your pet.

At city parks within La Jolla, including Scripps Park at The Cove, are dog friendly but again, the doggos must be leashed.

La Jolla dog parks – approved off-leash areas – don’t exist, unfortunately. The closest one is Capehart Park at the corner of Felspar Street and Soledad Mountain Road.

There are “unofficial” dog parks in La Jolla but you didn’t hear it from us! The city will levy fines for not having your furry ones leashed.

Aside from the parks and beaches, get out and about with your dog in La Jolla! Try Coast Walk Trail for a fabulous view with your pet or stroll The Village or Bird Rock with your pup, where so many stores have water bowls and more set out. Find out how dog-friendly La Jolla is fur real!

Dog-friendly restaurants

While you’re out and about, you may need a refreshment. Let us paw you a drink at any one of a number of dog-friendly restaurants in La Jolla, like Barbarella, Flower Pot and Queenstown Village. There are so many dog-friendly cafes and eateries; check our blog here for a comprehensive list. Bone appetit!

Dog-friendly accommodations

Whether you’re a lazy bones or always chews-ing adventure, dog-friendly hotels in La Jolla are definitely a thing. Click here for the list of La Jolla places to park your pet, from budget to pawsh!

La Jolla pet stores and grooming

Looking ruff? In need of a new leash or toy or a treat that’s just your pup of tea? La Jolla dog grooming services and pet stores will have you giving a round of ap-paws!

Decker’s Dog + Cat has all you need to keep your furry friend happy, from toys and equipment to the best food and more. Local couple Cody and Kenzie Decker (and their many dogs!) have garnered top reviews for their customer service and knowledge.

For your small dog breed grooming needs, check out AAA Pet Pros for experience and expertise. Visit the shop for food, supplements and grooming supplies while you’re there.

Needing a one-stop shop for all your canine criteria? Quit hounding me! Bella Woof has you covered, from grooming and training to products and more.

And for a La Jolla dog grooming and daycare experience with luxury upgrades available, walk yourself over to La Jolla Grooming Company and its sister spot Doggie Beach Lounge a few doors down. You’ll feel right at home in either spot!

Doggone fun – and fundraising

Looking for fun events for you and your dog in La Jolla? The La Jolla Loves Pets Foundation organizes dog-friendly events throughout the year, like the annual Mutt Strut, Dog-O-Ween, Yappy Hours and more. These events always spotlight local dog rescue organizations and fundraise for pet patronage as well as creating a fun place to take your furry friends!

Looking for your own – or next – dog? Ark Antiques is a nonprofit organization selling consigned and donated merchandise, donating profits to animal shelters and other charities. They often host pet adoption events as well.

Il Giardino di Lilli is a terrific cafe for your next latte or pastry and will also occasionally host dog adoption events.

Find your next pet and enjoy dog-friendly La Jolla!

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Elisabeth Frausto

Elisabeth Frausto has been reporting on and writing about La Jolla since 2019. With dozens of local and state journalism awards to her name, Elisabeth knows the industry as well as she knows her community. When she’s not covering all things 92037, you’ll find her with coffee in hand staring at the sea.

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