Dog-Friendly Activities in Lake San Marcos, CA

Maggie Houlihan Memorial Dog Park is located within Encinitas Community Park in Encinitas, CA. This 2-acre dog park features areas for small dogs, timid or first-time dogs, and a large lawn open to all. Dogs must be leashed when walking to and from the designated off-leash area. The park is closed for maintenance on Thursdays from 1:00 PM until 3:00 PM.

Emerald Isle Golf Course is a dog-friendly golf course in Oceanside, CA. This executive course welcomes dogs on the course with their owners for a rambling round, as long as they are leashed and well-behaved.

Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve is a dog-friendly preservation area in San Diego, CA. Leashed dogs are welcome on the trails on leashes no longer than 8-feet long. Scenery in the canyon includes waterfalls, streamside forest, sycamore trees, a freshwater marsh, and wildlife like mule deer, bobcat, coyote and, raccoons. All recreational activities within the Preserve are day-use only and camping is prohibited.

Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve is a dog-friendly area in Escondido, CA. Your leashed pup is welcome to join you on the 11 miles of trails through the reserve. Along the way, you can stop off at one of the picturesque picnic spots for a bite to eat and enjoy a scenic mountain view. Dogs must remain on a hand-held leash no longer than six feet.

North Beach is a dog-friendly beach in Del Mar, CA. Dogs are allowed off-leash during the off-season, between the day after Labor Day through June 15th. During the summer from June 16th through Labor Day, pups are only allowed off-leash from dawn until 8:00 AM. Otherwise, dogs are still welcome on the beach but must remain leashed. A dog license must be affixed to the collar, and leashes cannot exceed six feet.

Bring your pooch to play at Poinsettia Dog Park located at Poinsettia Community Park in Carlsbad, CA. The park features a 27,700-square-foot off-leash and fenced area with a natural grass surface. The park has separate areas for large dogs small dogs, and each section has agility equipment, drinking fountains, bag dispensers and picnic tables.Additional shaded picnic tables are located outside the dog park’s two sets of double-entry gates.

Leashed dogs are welcome on the beach at La Jolla Cove, in San Diego, CA before 9 a.m. and after 6 p.m. from April 1 to October 31, and before 9 AM and after 4 PM from November 1 to March 31. The beach is located at the northeast end of Ellen Browning Scripps Park. Take Fido for a walk above the bluffs on the La Jolla Coast Walk Trail, explore tide pools, or find a spot on the beach to relax. Always keep dogs away from wildlife.

Live Oak County Park in Fallbrook, CA is the city's first off-leash dog park. The area offers more than 3000 square feet of fenced in grassy areas for Fido to run, play and make new friends. The dog park at Live Oak County Park has plenty of shade from mature oak trees, benches, waste stations, water fountains and more. There is a fee for parking.

Westfield UTC is a fabulous open-air shopping area in San Diego, CA. Not all shops are dog-friendly so be sure to check with staff first before entering with Fido. Dogs are also welcome to visit the Bark Park located behind the Clock Tower in Palm Plaza. Take the hill going down between Tender Greens and Express to find the lush, fully fenced-in dog park for your dog to enjoy.

South Buena Vista Park is a large park offering dog-friendly off-leash hours in Vista, CA. The park has shaded areas for wandering in and out of the trees and open spaces for running. There is a doggie drinking fountain and several waste bag stations. For the humans, there are many benches, a basketball court and a fenced-in playground. Check their website for current off-leash hours.

Oceanside Harbor Walk offers a scenic, dog-friendly paved path perfect for leashed pups and their owners in Oceanside, CA. Enjoy a two-mile stroll around the harbor with ocean views, benches and picnic spots. Please note that your furry friend isn't allowed on the sand, pier or in the water. Parking includes free roadside and paid lots—check the harbor website for details.

The Rios (East) Trail is an easy 1.2-mile hike in the San Elijo Ecological Reserve in Solana Beach, CA. This dog-friendly trail runs close to the lagoon and allows one to enjoy wetland plants and birds. This beautiful area is still close to the highway, and parts of it can be muddy. Dogs must be leashed at all times. Find the trailhead at the end of Rios Ave, where you also find on-street parking.

Iron Mountain Trail is a dog-friendly, moderately easy, 5.75 mile hike in Poway, CA. This hike takes about 2.5 hours to complete with Fido. This is a very popular trail that is clearly marked. If your dog is used to trails it should be okay on his paws, if not you may want to work him up to it.

The Mount Woodson trail is a dog-friendly hike in Poway, CA. The trailhead is located on the east side of Lake Poway. The hike to the summit is considered extremely challenging as it contains a 2,000-foot climb in elevation. This eight-mile round-trip hike takes about 3 to 4 hours on average, so be sure to plan and pack accordingly. Fido must stay leashed while hiking.

Santa Margarita River Trail is a dog-friendly, 5-mile path in Fallbrook, CA. Enjoy varying terrain and beautiful views. Visitors are often surprised to see so many broad water impoundments along the river which are the work of the California golden beaver. Dogs must be leashed at all times.

Carlsbad Strawberry Company in Carlsbad, CA, is pet-friendly during pumpkin patch season in the fall. Bring Fido along to pick out the perfect pumpkins, take photos with curated displays, and on weekends you can enjoy games and food. Dogs are not allowed in the spring and summer strawberry patches.

Park is out away from main highway in a newer neighborhood. Had a walking trail around a duck pond. Nice morning walk. Only negative is small parking lot. Ended up parking a few blocks away but was a nice find.

San Elijo State Beach in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA, offers dog-friendly campgrounds, paved roads and trails. Dogs must be on a six-foot leash at all times. Dogs are not permitted on the beach.

Alga Norte Community Park in Carlsbad, CA, features an off-leash dog park divided into areas for larger and smaller dogs. Fido can play with his furry friends here while enjoying the obstacle course-type equipment on a mix of turf and decomposed granite surfaces. Ensure Fido is leashed in the community recreation area until the designated dog park.

Encinitas Viewpoint Park in Encinitas, CA, is a dog-friendly park that welcomes Fido to play off-leash during designated hours on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Visit the website for the current specified times.