If staying inside has driven you stir crazy, you can bet your dog feels the same way too. However, if walks around the neighborhood just aren’t as exciting for you as they are for your furry friend Fido, then consider a trip to the beach! Finding one of the dog friendly beaches Encinitas has to offer is a decision that might leave you paralyzed by choices. After all, Encinitas might be one of the most dog-friendly places in southern California.
Don’t just wonder, “Is Encinitas Beach dog friendly?” because, as your local experts, Apex Appliance Service will do the legwork and narrow it down for you.
4 Best Dog Parks and Dog Friendly Beaches Encinitas Has to Offer
Unfortunately, if you’re wondering is Encinitas beach dog friendly, sadly, it isn’t. However, the dog friendly beaches Encinitas does have are wonderful, and that’s not even mentioning the dog parks in Encinitas either.
#1. Cardiff State Beach North
The question: “Are dogs allowed on Cardiff beach?” gets a resounding “Yes!” from this writer. Furry friends (on leashes) are welcome in the north section of this beach. Located south of the Encinitas community of Cardiff-by-the-Sea, Cardiff State Beach is a beautiful oasis of surf and sand for you or your pup to soak up some sun.
Features include:
- Bike Trails
- Restrooms/Showers
- Wheelchair Access
- Parking
Hours:
The park is day use, and is open from dawn until 10 p.m.
Rules:
- Day use fees apply and can be paid via an automated machine at the parking lot.
- Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times.

#2. Del Mar Dog Beach
Del Mar Dog Beach, more officially known as “Del Mar’s North Beach Area” is a stretch of the Del Mar city-owned coastline where, as long as it’s not the summertime, your dog can be off leash and on the beach (as long as they listen to their owner, that is!)
Additional features include:
- Beach Overlook
- Volleyball Courts
- Trails
Hours:
Dawn to Dusk
Rules:
- Dogs must be on a leash from 8 p.m. – Dusk.
- Off-leash dogs permitted from 29th Street to the Solana Beach border, from the day AFTER Labor Day until June 15th.
- Parking is metered next to the beach.
Location:
3200 Camino Del Mar
Del Mar, CA 92014

#3. Orpheus Park
While the list of dog parks in Encinitas may seem small, it is not. Rather, most parks in Encinitas welcome dogs, and some even have specific off leash hours for Fido to freely run his little heart out. Orpheus Park is one of those— and it’s pretty cool for parents and kids, too.
Features:
- Children’s Play Area
- Picnic Facilities
- No Restrooms
- On-Street Parking
- Beer & Wine Allowed
Hours:
All parks are open from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Off leash dog park hours are:
- 6:00 a.m. to 7:30 a.m., Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and on Sunday from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
- 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday
Rules:
- Dogs are allowed past off-leash hours, but they must stay on a leash.
Location:
482 Orpheus Ave
Encinitas, CA 92024
#4. Encinitas Viewpoint Park
Located next to the Encinitas library, the Encinitas Viewpoint park is another great option for dog owners of all stripes. The real beauty here is the namesake, an overlook viewpoint, perfect for a morning meditation or an afternoon sunset watch.
Features Include:
- Children’s Play Area
- Picnic Facilities
- No Restrooms
- On-Street Parking
Hours:
Park is open 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Off Leash dog park hours are:
- 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday
- 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday
Rules:
- No alcohol
Location:
56 E D St
Encinitas, CA 92024
We hope you and your four-legged friend find your new spot in one of the parks or dog friendly beaches Encinitas is known for.