Del Mar has a reputation for horse racing, fairs and live music plus fabulous shopping and delicious dining, but did you know that Del Mar’s beautiful beaches are dog-friendly? In fact, most of Del Mar is dog-friendly and a great city to visit with your pup!
North Beach – 3200 Camino Del Mar
North Beach in Del Mar is also known as “Dog Beach”, as it is the only city beach in Del Mar that allows dogs off leash the majority of the year (the day after Labor Day through June 15th). From June 16th to Labor Day, dogs must be on a leash from 8am to dawn. The beach stretches from 29th Street all the way to Solana Beach. Set up shop on the wide flat beach north of the San Dieguito River Lagoon. You will find plenty of room to walk especially along the rocks and cliffs towards Solana Beach. This is a dog loving crowd, so both humans and pups are likely to make new friends.
South Beach – Strattford Court & 11th Street
While South Beach in Del Mar is much narrower than North Beach, it is a great place to exercise with your furry BFF. Starting south of Powerhouse Park, leashed dogs are allowed all the way to 6th Street at the north end of Torrey Pines State Beach. Cooper and I love to take long morning strolls when in town and dip our paws in the ocean.
Powerhouse Park – 1658 Coast Blvd.
Overlooking part of South Beach and Main Beach, Powerhouse Park is the perfect spot to relax after strolling along South Beach. Leashed dogs are allowed in the park, and you can’t beat the view. Right next door is Seagrove Park which offers another grassy area for you and your pooch. Both parks are ideal for picnics, reading and napping. Not in the mood to picnic? Walk just 5 minutes to downtown Del Mar and try one of their dog-friendly dining establishments like Sbicca.
While North and South Beaches are dog-friendly year-round, leashed dogs are only allowed on Main Beach the day after Labor Day through June 15th. No dogs are allowed on Main Beach in the summer months.
For more information on Del Mar beaches:
https://www.delmar.ca.us/206/Dog-Friendly-Beaches
What to Know to Not Stress Before You Go
Parking
North Beach – Metered street parking is available on Camino Del Mar. You can find free street parking from 22nd Street North to 29th Street and on surrounding cross streets. You might need a little patience, but spots open up pretty quickly.
South Beach/Powerhouse Park – There are public parking lots near Powerhouse Park and metered spots along Coast Blvd. Parking is steep here. I paid $30 for 4 hours in one of the lots. Free street parking is available in the surrounding neighborhoods on a first come, first serve basis.
Restrooms
North Beach – Porta-potties only.
South Beach and Powerhouse Park – Public restrooms and drinking fountains can be found in the building at the north end of the park.
Food and Drinks
Alcohol is not permitted on Del Mar beaches.
Brigantine is walking distance from North Beach and dog-friendly. Quick-Korner-Deli-Grocery is a few blocks from North Beach in the Mercado Del Sol Shopping Center (actually Solana Beach) and has amazing sandwiches for a picnic.
As mentioned above, there are an abundance of dog-friendly restaurants to walk to from Powerhouse Park in Del Mar.
If you are bringing food to the dog beach, keep in mind you will attract many curious dogs as your are eating. Be prepared to fend off a few pooches.
Don’t forget to bring water and a water bowl for your pooch.
Bring those poop bags to clean up after your pup.