Dog Parks & Walks in San Diego

Off-leash zone: The whole fenced enclosure, 24 hours a day, all year

💡 It is the closest off-leash park to the Balboa Park museums, so it is the natural place to let a dog run before or after a leashed walk along El Prado. Peak crowding is 17:00 to 19:00 on weekdays; go mid-morning for a calmer session.

Off-leash zone: Whole field during posted hours: 07:30-21:00 Monday to Friday, 09:00-21:00 weekends and holidays

💡 The park is not fenced, so it suits dogs with reliable recall rather than a puppy or a new rescue. Outside the posted off-leash hours the 8-foot leash rule applies here like any other city park.

Off-leash zone: All shoreline and interior spaces except the Youth Aquatic Center and Camp, closed to dogs year-round, and the least tern nesting sites, permanently locked with two buffer zones closed 15 April to 15 September

💡 There are no restrooms anywhere on the island and very little shade, so bring water for both of you. The city lists the island as open 04:00 to 22:00 and the leash-free area from 06:00 to 22:00, so check the posted signs at the entrance.