Ocean spray and crashing waves create an inspiring backdrop for a run or walk. In San Diego, California, the view from the beach may include U.S. Navy ships, sailboats, hang gliders and surfers. An early evening beach workout offers you an opportunity to see the sun set over the Pacific Ocean. If your favorite running partner is canine--and leashed--you can run with him on most San Diego beaches in the morning and evening hours.
The Facts
Limitations apply to beach access for dogs on most San Diego city beaches. Both unleashed and leashed dogs may run and play in the surf at Dog Beach 24 hours every day. Dogs may run freely on most of Fiesta Island from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. All other beaches require leashes and limit the hours dogs can join their owners on the beach. Consider taking your dog to Dog Beach or Fiesta Island to play, but the distraction of dogs of all sizes and temperaments running off-leash make these two beaches a poor choice for a serious workout.
Dog owners may bring their leashed dogs to other San Diego city beaches beginning at 6 p.m. during the peak beach season from April 1 to October 31. The rest of the year, leashed dogs are permitted after 4 p.m. Dogs must leave the beach no later than 9 a.m. throughout the year.
Applications
The ordinance that controls the hours that leashed dogs may access San Diego city beaches applies to beaches from Black's Beach and La Jolla Shores on the north to Ocean Beach on the south. Well-known city beaches where leashed dogs are allowed during the night and early morning hours include those at Mission Bay, Pacific Beach, Mission Beach, La Jolla Shores, La Jolla Cove, Windansea and Ocean Beach.
Cautions
The Children's Pool area in La Jolla is home to seals and sea lions. Federal law protects these marine mammals and, as of June 2010, the San Diego City Council is considering a ban on dogs in this area.
Access to Black's Beach is challenging. The descent from the cliffs above can be dangerous for those who are unfamiliar with the area. The beach is also known as an unauthorized nude bathing area.
Rules
Dogs must have a valid license. Dog owners are required to immediately clean up after their dogs.
Exceptions
Assistance dogs may accompany their owners to the beach at any time. These dogs must meet the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Blind dog-owners are exempt from the clean-up requirements for their guide dogs.
Considerations
The state of California prohibits dogs on state beaches in the San Diego District. The state Department of Parks and Recreation manages Torrey Pines State Beach even though it is within the city of San Diego. This beach is just north of Black's Beach. No dogs are permitted on this beach.
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