Ocean Beach Dog Beach “O.B. Dog Beach” as it’s known, is nationally famous and one of the first official leash-free beaches in the United States. On any given day, dogs run freely in the ocean, surfers surf the Dog Beach Break, and people and dogs co-exist peacefully, soaking up the sun and surf.

Location and hours: Ocean Beach Bike Path, Ocean Beach; 4 a.m.-2 a.m.

Coronado Beach Dog Park Coronado’s Dog Beach offers leash-free romps year-round and is set directly across from Sunset Park on Ocean Boulevard, bordering Coronado’s North Island U.S. Naval Station. Keep your pup safely on leash as you cross the road and then follow the pathway along the sand to the shore. For scenery, it doesn’t get much better — to the right is the Point Loma headland, to the left is the iconic Hotel del Coronado and all around are dogs having the time of their life!

Location and hours: 100 Ocean Boulevard, Coronado; 5 a.m.-11 p.m.

Del Mar North Beach The beach in Del Mar is one of the most beautiful beaches in southern California, with two plus miles of sandy beach to relax, walk or run. North Beach, affectionately called “Dog Beach” by dog owners, is located just north of 29th Street and stretches nearly one half mile to Solana Beach. On- and off-leash rules differ depending on the season, so be sure to check the website for more information.

Location and hours: 3200 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar; 24 hours

Fiesta Island Dog Park Located within Mission Bay, Fiesta Island is a super pup-ular place to run with Rover. There are also bonfire rings around the shore of the island and dogs are allowed off leash anywhere outside of the fenced areas. For a map of Fiesta Island and Dog Beach, click here.

Location and hours: 1750 Fiesta Island Road, Fiesta Island; 6 a.m.-10 p.m.

We know it goes without saying, but remember to leave only paw prints in the sand — in other words, please be sure to pick up after your pooch!