A dog stands in the wet sand at the beach.

This Sunday, August 13th, Cardiff 101 Main Street and the City of Encinitas will be hosting the Dog Days of Summer, a free event featuring dog-related vendors, rescue groups, adoptions, dog contests, live music, kids activities, food trucks, and a beer and wine garden! The event will be held at Encinitas Community Park in Cardiff, next to the Maggie Houlihan Dog Park.

WHEN: Sunday, August 13, 2017, 12-6PM
WHERE: Encinitas Community Park (425 Santa Fe Dr., Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA 92007)

More info about the event here.

Not in town for Dog Days, but still coming to stay at the Bungalows with your favorite pup in tow? Here are some tips for dog owners in Cardiff, so you and your four-legged friend(s) can make the most of your vacation!

A man throws a ball for a group of dogs as they take off down the wet sand of the beach.

Cardiff and Encinitas Dog Policies

The City of Encinitas welcomes dogs on a 6-foot leash in all its’ neighborhoods and community parks. Leashed dogs are also allowed at Cardiff State Parks, including Seaside State Beach and Cardiff State Beach.

All Off-Leash, All the Time

San Diego has some awesome dog parks where your pups can run free! In addition to these off-leash areas, many local parks have seasonal or weekly off-leash hours, check out a full list here. Some in Encinitas include Viewpoint Park, Sun Vista Park East, and Orpheus Park.

Carlsbad

Ann D. L’Heureux Memorial Dog Park (2700 Carlsbad Village Dr.)
Bressi Ranch Dog Park (2565 Dogwood Rd.)
Alga Norte Community Park Dog Park (6565 Alicante Rd.)

Encinitas

Village Park Trail and Off-Leash Area (between Encinitas Boulevard and Mountain Vista along El Camino Real)
Maggie Houlihan Memorial Dog Park (425 Santa Fe Dr.)
Trail Segment 72 (1679 Mountain Vista Dr.)

Del Mar

Del Mar Dog Beach* (29th St. to Solana Beach Border)
*This one’s technically not all off-leash, but it’s one of the best dog hangouts in the area. According to the City of Del Mar, “dogs must be leashed June 16th through Labor Day,” and “dogs able to run under voice control of owner from the day after Labor Day through June 15th.”

Carmel Valley

Torrey Hills Dog Park / Dirty Dogs Dog Park (4639 Carmel Mountain Rd.)

Escondido

Mayflower Dog Park (3420 Valley Center Rd.)

Dog-Friendly Establishments

Many local businesses welcome dogs on their premises! Here are a few we’ve found to be dog-friendly, but remember to always double-check with the staff!

Besta Wan Pizza
Best Pizza & Brew
Biergarden
Claire’s on Cedros
The Crack Shack
East Coast Pizza
French Corner
Haggos
Lofty Coffee Co.
The Confessional by the Lost Abbey
Moto Deli
The Taco Stand

Dogs Not Permitted

Some local beaches are closed to dogs at all times because they have been designated wildlife habitats and breading grounds for various coastal animals, migratory birds, and plants (some of which are threatened or endangered). These beaches include:

Torrey Pines State Beach
Torrey Pines State Reserve
San Elijo State Beach (from Swami’s to the San Elijo Lagoon mouth)
South Carlsbad State Beach (from La Costa Ave. to Palomar Airport Rd., including North and South Ponto)
Carlsbad State Beach / Frazee State Beach (Pine St. south to Cannon Rd., including Tamarack)

When in doubt, refer to the City websites…
Encinitas
Solana Beach
Del Mar
Carlsbad (parks and beaches)

Dog Days in Cardiff