Look at any map of San Diego, and you’ll see vast green patches everywhere. Don’t be fooled…these aren’t Dog Parks, they are mostly lush golf courses. But fear not, San Diego is filled with dog-friendly “nude” parks and beaches. What I mean by “nude” is that your dog is allowed to run & revel around in their birthday furs without the confinement of that darn leash they dread when around other dogs.

Below are a few of my favorites in the Metro & Coastal areas. After moving to San Diego many moons ago, I discovered the challenges of finding a leash-free & friendly place to take my dogs. I was so accustomed to being able to walk my dog down the hill from my father’s home in Carmel to the sandy public beach at the foot of Ocean Avenue to find that the entire beach welcomes leash-free dogs (and their humans) to explore, sniff and ponder.

Let’s talk about Coronado. It’s a great spot for your dog (and you) to enjoy what San Diego is all about…warm sandy beaches and the surf. It’s located at the very north-west end of the beach just shy of the U.S. Naval Station. I find the beach here is a great place for my dog & I to socialize, in addition to getting a nice walk to the Naval Station border and back for my own exercise. There’s even a drinking fountain & hose to clean your dog available at the entrance. I give this beach 4 out of 4 paws!

If a sandy dog isn’t your bag, or you don’t have the time to head to Coronado, then let me recommend the 6^th Avenue @ Laurel Street Dog Park at the entrance of Balboa Park (just under the west side of the bridge). With the financial generosity of many locals, this park recently underwent a major improvement, with newly installed perimeter fencing, drinking fountains, poopy-bag stands, and picnic tables. This 1200-acre area is a great place to let your dog run free and socialize with others, without the fear of him running into the street or canyon. I give this park 4 out of 4 paws!

Another great Metro dog park is Morley Field, just below the tennis courts on the east side of the canyon across from San Diego Zoo. Unfortunately, this area isn’t fenced in so you have to keep a close eye on your pooch, but it’s a great place for dogs and their humans to socialize. It’s quite a bit smaller than the 6^th Avenue Park, but with the eucalyptus-lined edges it provides nice shade on those hot days. I give this park 3 out of 4 paws!

Lastly, one of my favorites is Fiesta Island. You’ll see just why they call this 1.5-mile-long island such. The island is located in Mission Bay, and easily found at the end of Mission Bay Drive off the I-5. The entire island is dedicated to “nude” dogs. They can frolic in the sand or bushes, or take a nice swim in the bay. The trail around the island is also a nice place for their humans to get in a good walk. The only downside is that dogs are only allowed before 9 AM or after 6 PM. I still give this bayside park 4 out of 4 paws!

Carolyn is the proud owner of two Pembroke Welsh Corgi, named Madison & Stella, and her belovedly missed Corgi named Lulu. She also is a Real Estate Broker, serving clients throughout San Diego County. Visit her web site at www.BowhayProperties.com