10 Dog-Friendly Hotels in San Diego
Californians love a few essential things: the sun, the surf, and their dogs. San Diego is a prime example of the West Coast’s affinity for dog-friendly hotels, restaurants, shops — heck, even their ballpark is open to fans and their dogs.
If you and your doggie sidekick are seeking the perfect fair-weather destination to play fetch year-round, it’s in San Diego. Southern California not only has sunshine in spades, but its canine culture welcomes four-legged tourists to take advantage of its parks, beaches, breweries, hip outdoor dining options and shopping plazas. Your dog can even live out their wildest California dreams with a surf competition, a paddleboard lesson, or a yoga class — yes, really [1].
Needless to say, visitors traveling with pups in tow will benefit from a wide range of dog-friendly hotels in San Diego that cater to pets and their parents.
Is San Diego Dog Friendly?
The City of San Diego elevates the idea of “dog friendly” closer to “dog obsessed.” Apart from simply allowing pets, there is plenty on the San Diego scene that specifically caters to your loveable pooch. Add the city’s first bark-worthy bakery, Original Paw Pleasers, to your agenda. Or treat Trixie to a blueberry facial treatment at the South Bark Dog Wash. Feeling restless? Zoomies are welcome any time of day at the 24-hour Nate’s Point, a popular off-leash dog park within Balboa Park.
When it’s time to rest your tired paws, there is no lack of hotels for dogs in San Diego. From low-cost motels that won’t charge for your fur babies to mid-range hotels in trendy neighborhoods and high-end Old Hollywood resorts, San Diego offers an impressive variety of pet-friendly accommodations to book for your next stay.
10 Dog-Friendly Hotels in San Diego
*Room rates, pet fees, and pet-friendly amenities are subject to change. Contact the hotel directly for current offerings and prices.
Kimpton Alma San Diego
Address: 1047 5th Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101
Kimpton hotels are known for being pet-friendly, and the Alma in San Diego is no exception. Pooches (and kitties, too) are welcomed free of charge with water bowls, pet beds, and plenty of treats. Pet parents can enjoy complimentary access to Wag! Premium, offering 10 percent off services including 24/7 vet telehealth calls and waived booking fees on dog walking, pet sitters, and more. Contemporary décor will make chic pups and their humans feel right at home. When you’re both in need of some fresh air the gorgeous Balboa Park is just a mile from the hotel. Nightly rates are an average of $250 but vary by seasonality.
The Dana on Mission Bay
Address: 1710 West Mission Bay Drive, San Diego, CA 92109
The Dana is so doggone friendly it offers a special package that includes a waived, per-night pet fee plus $25 in dining credit per day. Whether you use that credit for your own breakfast or snacks for your pup during the onsite bar’s Yappy Hour is up to you. Additionally, all incoming pets receive a custom keepsake water bowl, treats, disposable baggies, and a comprehensive list of pet hospitals and pet-friendly parks and restaurants in the area. Luckily there are plenty of each, including the Mission Bay Park for leashed, waterfront walks. Plus, Dana’s own Firefly restaurant not only welcomes dogs to its scenic outdoor dining area, it greets them with fresh water and a treat.
Two dogs are allowed during your stay, up to a combined 80 lbs. Be sure to request a pet-friendly room upon booking. Room rates bundling the $40 pet fee (up to a max of $100 per week) and dining credit start from $338 per night. There is a $32 daily resort fee, which includes shuttle service, nightly movies in the pool, and more.
Hotel del Coronado, Curio Collection By Hilton
Address: 1500 Orange Avenue, Coronado, CA 92118
The Hotel del Coronado was good enough for Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, and Jack Lemmon during the filming of “Some Like It Hot,” and we’re sure it will be a fit for you and your own pup. (After all, dogs are a girl’s best friend.) Behind its stunning Victorian wooden façade, the Del —as it’s referred to — greets each four-legged guest with a welcome amenity including treats and a bowl. Just one mile or a 20-minute walk along Ocean Boulevard will take guests to a dog beach for sandy fun at dusk. Back at the hotel, your leashed fur baby can join you at the Sun Deck or Taco Shack for a bite.
Each animal must weigh 40 lbs. or less and each room can accommodate up to two canines. Unfortunately, some breeds are restricted, including Pit Bulls, Dobermans, Rottweilers, and Chow Chows. Pet owners are required to sign a waiver upon arrival and pay an additional $125 per stay at the hotel or $200 for the Beach Village accommodations. Rates at the Del skew high and range from $450 to $700 per night, on average. That price includes internet access; yoga classes; streaming services; discount tickets to local attractions like the San Diego Zoo; and a $15 fee to the Historical Preservation Fund.
Staypineapple Hotel Z, Gaslamp Quarter
Address: 521 6th Avenue San Diego, CA 92101
All it takes are two magic words — Pineapple Pup (or promo code PUP online) — to secure the perfect hotel package for you and your canine companion in San Diego’s trendy Gaslamp Quarter. Hotel Z’s pet package includes half off its standard daily pet fee of $25, plus a suite of treats, a Staypineapple pet bed, souvenir water bowl, and baggies for their business. For the pet parents, this fun-loving hotel chain offers a complimentary welcome drink, afternoon coffee and snacks, and robes. Also included in the $20 daily amenity fee is Wi-Fi, streaming, bottled water, and use of cheery yellow beach cruisers (is Fido small enough to fit in the basket?)
Size and weight are not restricted at Hotel Z, as long as all four-legged guests are on their best behavior and leashed in public areas. Need to run out and leave your fur buddy to chill in the room? It’s not a problem; just hang the custom door tag that lets housekeeping know there is an unaccompanied dog inside. Average rates range from $200 to $350 per night, excluding any taxes or fees.
Motel 6 San Diego North
Address: 5592 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. San Diego, CA 92117
Looking for cheap, dog-friendly hotels? Pets always stay free at Motel 6, which is an added benefit to families with fur babies looking for an economical stay in San Diego. (Human kids also stay free!) The budget motel brand lists California as its top pet-friendly road trip destination, likely due to its mild, sunny weather and dog-obsessed residents.
Up to two dogs are allowed in each room, with rates from as low as $90 per night. Included in the price is Wi-Fi and free coffee — no amenity charge added. This Motel 6 location in northern San Diego is 7 miles from SeaWorld and 8 miles from the zoo. Among your options for dog-friendly motels in San Diego, the Motel 6 offers a great value and has other locations, including downtown and at the airport.
The Pendry Hotel San Diego
Address: 550 J Street, San Diego, CA 92101
Each location of luxury hotel brand Pendry is pet friendly. In San Diego, it’s within walking distance of Petco Park (yes, the Padres ballpark is dog friendly!) and plenty of hip bars and restaurants. If you don’t want to walk far, Nason’s Beer Hall is attached to the Pendry — one of six onsite restaurants — and is a casual option with an upscale twist that welcomes pups to its outdoor patio. Back at the room, your furball can stretch out on a plush dog bed while you treat yourself to a little bubbly from the hotel’s Moet & Chandon Champagne vending machine. Rooms begin in the $350 to $400 range, while suites stretch into four figures per night. One dog per room may stay for free but bring your own pet amenities.
Hotel Indigo, San Diego-Gaslamp Quarter
Address: 509 9th Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101
Make it a pet getaway to “America’s Finest City” at the Hotel Indigo (or rather, InDogGo as they cheekily refer to it on their website). From $284 per night (excluding taxes and fees) pet parents can stress less at this neighborhood-focused hotel chain with free parking and a welcome treat, dog bed and bowl for your pup royalty.
Two dogs are allowed per room without any additional deposit, but they must not be left unattended. Take them for a night out on the town; a six-minute walk away at 13th and Market Street is an urban park with a dog run as well as eateries, a beer garden, and an art space consisting of shipping containers. Upgrade your stay for $10 per night and a donation in that amount will be made to the Humane Society — what’s more pet friendly than that? If you care to splurge further, the Petco Park Terrace Suite has stunning views out over the city and the stadium.
Margaritaville Hotel (Solamar) San Diego
Address: 435 6th Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101
The former pet-friendly Solamar hotel in San Diego recently rebranded to become the island oasis-inspired Margaritaville Hotel. Luckily, the property is still welcoming to four-legged friends. Apart from a waiver accepting responsibility if Noodles throws a messy tantrum, pet parents are not beholden to any breed or size restrictions. Outside of the front entrance is a grass parkway for easy access to a pet relief area. Beyond the front doors, location doesn’t get better than this, nestled squarely between the East Village and Gaslamp Quarter and within five blocks of more than 100 dining options. Room rates vary widely depending on your date and length of stay; expect an average of $250 per night.
Fairmont Grand Del Mar
Address: 5300 Grand Del Mar Court, San Diego, CA 92130
Anyone would feel impressed with the sprawling pink palace that is Fairmont’s Grand Del Mar property — but especially your dog. Voted California’s top luxury hotel on TripAdvisor, the Fairmont has the best of everything from plush suites to a full-service spa and rolling golf course. It’s also a dog-friendly resort. In canine terms, the beds are comfortable, the room service is tasty, and first-floor rooms catering to pet parents provide quick access to the Grand Del Mar’s verdant grounds.
Two dogs up to 50 lbs. each are welcome during your stay for a set cleaning fee of $150. Posh pets and their humans can anticipate a standard nightly rate of $739 plus a $60 resort fee per day, which includes W-Fi, fitness classes, bottled water, and golf facilities.
Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa
Address: 9700 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037
Perched on the coast outside San Diego near Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is Estancia, La Jolla’s dazzling pet-friendly spa and hotel. Gaze at the rugged coastline clutching a loved one and/or your fur family. Estancia doesn’t just allow pets, it welcomes dogs regardless of their size, weight, and breed. The property not only offers treats, it sources Mutt Munchers made with organic peanut butter from local pet retailer Muttropolis. Still hungry? (We’re talking to your dog.) Estancia offers a special dog menu featuring grilled chicken, bacon and eggs, steak tartare or rice and veggies in the same romantic outdoor setting as their human’s dinner or happy hour. A $150 cleaning fee applies to any stay, which averages in the $400 per-night range. Your pup says not to sweat it, as you’re just a short drive from the leash-free Del Mar North Beach dog beach.
Travel Tips for Visiting San Diego With Your Dog
There are ample dog-welcoming hotels throughout San Diego, but it’s still important to make sure your pooch remains on their best behavior. Don’t leave your dog unattended in a hotel room unless it’s allowed by the property (and even then, do so in short increments). Have your dog always leashed or in a carrier in the hotel or resort’s public spaces. Consider setting up their food and water bowls in the bathroom to make it easier to clean. And even if bedding is provided, be sure to bring some toys or favorite blankets to comfort them and make them feel more at home while on the go.
It’s not just the hotels in San Diego that are dog friendly. Your pup will meet plenty of new furry friends at the city’s many dog parks, dog beaches, dog-friendly restaurants — not to mention the sidewalks. It’s vital to know how your dog will react to other dogs in various settings, so don’t let them off their leash unless you have a strong understanding of their behavior and can watch them at all times. Make sure you always have water on hand for your pet and can provide them with shade.
If you plan to play on any of San Diego’s beaches, make sure to locate dog-friendly locations and entry points ahead of your visit. Follow all dog-beach rules and consider packing gear like life vests and dog booties (for hot sand) to keep your pet safe.
Editorial credit: Janson George / Shutterstock.com
