Why should you leave your precious pooch behind when you visit San Diego when he’d have just as much fun as you in the Sunny City? I live here so I’ve got the inside scoop on where you can give your dog his own vacation alongside yours.
Where to Stay
San Diegans love their dogs, and that means they’re welcome at a surprising number of hotels, including Sheraton La Jolla, Paradise Point Resort and Spa, and Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego. Many even include “spa-menities” for your pooch that make it a fun splurge just to see that smile on his face.
Where to Play
Dog Beach in Ocean Beach is just awesome. Dogs can chase one another, dig holes in the sand, or swim if so inclined (mine isn’t). On any given day, there are dozens of doggies ready to play. Bring your camera! There are tons of adorbs photo opps.
If you’re looking for some place that you can get your exercise on too, try Mission Trails. Dogs are welcome as long as they’re leashed, and there are poop bags at the trailheads. Note: not all trails in San Diego are dog-friendly. Torrey Pines, for one, doesn’t allow your four-legged friends.
Where to Eat
Because San Diego is so temperate year round, most restaurants have outdoor dining options, and many are dog friendly. But if Fido’s eyeing you from under the table, take him for dessert to Paw Pleasers, a dog bakery. NO, they don’t bake dogs! Many ice cream and frozen treat spots offer doggie versions. We like the Viva Pops Dog Pops in Normal Heights, and our pup, Apple, does too!
Where to Stay When YOU Play
If you’re not comfortable leaving your dog to tear up a hotel room, drop him at Pooch Hotel in Mission Valley. I seriously love this place. It’s like doggie daycare. Apple gets so excited when we pull into the parking lot because she knows she’s about to spend the day with new, energetic buddies. We always tease her about her new “boyfriends,” since the employees always tell us she was palling around with Remington, Stanley, and the like!
Next time you head to San Diego, don’t leave your dog at home! He’ll have a blast here.