Perhaps it’s the casual lifestyle and year-round beach weather, but dogs are often spotted all over San Diego, dining on restaurant patios, shopping, and socializing with their families.
If our dog could type, here is what I’m sure would be his list of things to do around La Jolla with dogs.
1. Go to the Beach
Leashed dogs are allowed on the beach before 9 a.m. and after 4 p.m. from November 1 – March 31 and after 6 p.m. from April 1 through October 31.
We typically go to La Jolla Shores Beach in the morning (one of our favorite free things to do in La Jolla), which has plenty of flat sand for us to run around and socialize with other dogs when we feel like it, and avoid when we don’t. He love, love, loves little dogs and I think it freaks their owners out sometimes because, well, he’s huge.
Plus, sniffing seaweed is oh-so-fun. Our dog is still unsure of the ocean, especially when it’s cold. It’s taken three years to get him to occasionally go in up to his elbows without freaking out. We also hung out near the playground at Kellogg Park while my daughter played on the swings and climbed on the structure.
2. Shop at Decker’s Dog + Cat
If you need to grab treats, a new toy, or high-quality food, Decker’s Dog + Cat is your stop. With two La Jolla locations (in The Village on Ivanhoe Ave and in Bird Rock on La Jolla Blvd), this boutique is a perfect, dog-friendly spot to browse for gear and supplies.
3. Barbarella Restaurant
In addition to a lovely outdoor patio that is totally over-the-top decked out for Halloween and Christmas, Barbarella restaurant in La Jolla Shores has a dedicated doggie menu with human and canine favorites such as organic scrambled eggs, cut-up chicken breast, and a “cold-nosed treat” which is—wait for it—your doggie’s own scoop of vanilla ice cream.
An ideal dog adventure might be ending an evening walk on La Jolla Shores Beach with dinner at Barbarella, since it’s only a few blocks away. A number of La Jolla restaurant patios are dog-friendly, but this is the only one I know of that offers a special menu like this.
5. Mt. Soledad Veterans Memorial
There are a lot of wildlife scents to sniff in the native vegetation around the perimeter of the memorial. My daughter loved to do cartwheels and run around the grassy area in front of the memorial when she was little.
We walk the dogs around the Mt. Soledad Veterans Memorial to learn about the people who fought for our freedom. Bunnies hang out on the grass in the evening, and it’s an excellent spot to watch the sun rise or set.
6. Go Shopping in La Jolla
While my dogs’ out-of-control wagging tail keeps me from taking him into stores with fragile items below waist-level, I’ve seen little and chill big dogs pretty much everywhere in downtown La Jolla.
We often walk down there—and I do take him into a couple of places—but it’s a great way to window shop, grab coffee, and get some exercise outside of the house.
7. Stroll the La Jolla Coast Walk Trail & Scripps Park
This is the quintessential La Jolla photo-op with your dog. Start at Ellen Browning Scripps Park (the grassy park overlooking La Jolla Cove) and head north along the scenic Coast Walk Trail.
Leashed dogs are welcome on the trail and in the park, where you’ll enjoy stunning ocean views. Just keep a firm grip on the leash, as the trail has steep cliffs, and you will pass by other walkers.
Not Technically in La Jolla, but Close Enough
Kate Sessions Park
With a lovely view over Mission Bay to downtown San Diego, Kate Sessions Park is an excellent place to walk or run with your dog. Though dogs are supposed to be leashed, many owners do not obey this rule, which means that there might be the occasional dog that runs up to your leashed dog. It can be annoying to owners, but my dog thinks these unlawful meet-and-greets are awesome.
Capeheart Park
Yay for off-leash fun! With a separate, enclosed dog park for small dogs and another for big dogs, here’s a great place to give your dog freedom to socialize with other dogs, with bench seating for you. Find Capeheart Park on the Pacific Beach side of Mt. Soledad, on Soledad Mountain Road just before Garnet Street. Bring a tennis ball.
Pacific Beach Fish Shop
My dog also loves this place. We usually sit at the low fire pit table in the corner, which is at his level. Staff often bring him a bowl of water and some treats. He can watch people and dogs through the glass windows—a lot happens on Garnet Street. We don’t take him during busy times as he gets easily overwhelmed.
And, we get to eat some of the best seafood in San Diego. Pick your fresh fish, choose your marinade, and then choose your style (salad, taco, or sandwich plate). I highly recommend the ceviche, too.
Where is your favorite place for a dog adventure in La Jolla?
Katie Dillon
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