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These Pet-Friendly San Diego Hotels Let Dogs Stay, Stress-Free

San Diego Epic Stays
by Hannah D. Cooper Aug 9, 2023

As one of the most dog-friendly cities in the United States, you’re less likely to find a hotel in San Diego that doesn’t roll out the red carpet treatment for canine guests. The Southern California city is abuzz with dog-friendly beaches, urban dog parks, and restaurants where your pup can join you for a bite. Adventurous four-legged explorers can even join you for paddle boarding and kayaking. Bring Fido (or Felix) along to one of these pawtastic pet-friendly hotels in San Diego and they’re guaranteed to get as much out of their SoCal sojourn as you.

Traveling to San Diego? Check out Matador’s San Diego accommodations guides:

We hope you love these pet-friendly San Diego hotels! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.

Hotel Indigo San Diego-Gaslamp Quarter, an IHG Hotel

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  • Address: 509 Ninth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, United States
  • Rates from: $202/night
  • Pet fee: None
  • Pet policy: Dogs and cats (no breed or weight restrictions)

“Enthusiastically pet-friendly”, the Hotel Indigo credits its four-legged patrons for its success among family and business travelers. For that reason, this is one of the few pet-friendly hotels in Downtown San Diego that lets dogs and cats stay for free. Boutique rooms are furnished with mid-century modern furniture and upholstered beds while windows peer over Petco Park or the Gaslamp Quarter.

In addition to receiving their own fluffy bed and scratch post, pooches are welcome in all dining areas. While Buddy might not be as impressed with the epic views from the rooftop bar, he’ll appreciate the pet terrace next door.

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Fairmont Grand Del Mar

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  • Address: 5300 Grand Del Mar Ct, San Diego, CA 92130, United States
  • Rates from: $356/night
  • Pet fee: $150 per room/per stay (up to two dogs)
  • Pet policy: Dogs only

A 5-star spa and golf resort, the Fairmont Grand Del Mar is the most luxurious dog-friendly hotel in San Diego. Two dogs weighing no more than 50 lbs each may sleep in rooms on the first floor where they’ll have easy access to the courtyard. Elegantly appointed guest rooms feature a marble bathroom with a soaking tub plus a pet bed and bowls.

Only service dogs are allowed in the pool area while pooches are permitted in select restaurants and bars. The Torrey Hills dog park and Del Mar dog beach are a short drive away. The Fairmont is always a blowout but Fido is woof-it.

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La Valencia Hotel

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  • Address: 1132 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037, United States
  • Rates from: $507/night
  • Pet Free: $50 per dog/per night
  • Pet policy: Dogs only

One of the most glamorous dog-friendly hotels in San Diego’s La Jolla Village, La Valencia has its own mascot – Pepper, the Boston Terrier. Two dogs per booking (up to 75 lbs) can partake in the Pampered Pooch package complete with a $25 daily credit towards the tail-waggingly good gourmet menu. The branded tennis ball will go down a treat on the local beaches.

This Mediterranean-inspired retreat consists of Classic and Vintage rooms appointed with designer furnishings and Icon suites overlooking the ocean. Spacious Villas have the perk of a fireplace, parlor, and private terrace. The “Pink Lady” experience is topped off with an outdoor pool bounded by palms and signature sips.

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Kimpton Alma San Diego, an IHG Hotel

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  • Address: 1047 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, United States
  • Rates from: $226/night
  • Pet fee: None
  • Pet policy: Dogs and cats (no breed or weight restrictions)

Right off Broadway, Kimpton Alma is another of Downtown San Diego’s pet-friendly hotels where felines and canines stay for free. Even better, the hotel has partnered with Wag! which provides professional dog walkers or cat sitters while you explore the few San Diego attractions where hounds aren’t permitted. This service comes in handy if you fancy cooling off in the rooftop pool.

Stylish rooms at this boutique hotel are accented by Art Deco furniture, tattoo-inspired artwork, and woven tapestries. Premier suites overlook the Coronado peninsula – a pawfect destination to take your dog for the day. Horton Plaza Park is the closest option for a pre-bedtime stretch.

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Kona Kai Resort and Spa

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  • Address: 1551 Shelter Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92106, United States
  • Rates from: $222/night
  • Pet fee: $100 (up to three nights) or $150 (four to seven nights) per room
  • Pet policy: Dogs and cats

There’s no need to feel guilty about ditching Rover while you hit the spa or pool: pooches get pampered too at Kona Kai. A fleet of onsite canine therapists (best job ever?) are at hand to provide massages. The waterfront resort on Shelter Island has a private beach for sunning, paddling, and s’mores. Rooms grant views of the bay or marina.

Kona Kai Resort is a pet-friendly hotel in San Diego with a conscience. Ten percent of every pet stay, meal, and spa will be donated to animals in need via the San Diego Humane Society. Two dogs weighing up to 65 lbs can stay per room – and you have even more incentive to treat them to a doggy spa day.

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The Dana on Mission Bay

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  • Address: 1710 W Mission Bay Dr, San Diego, CA 92109, United States
  • Rates from: $212/night
  • Pet fee: $40 + tax per room/per night
  • Pet policy: Dogs only

One of the best dog-friendly hotels in San Diego’s Mission Bay, this waterfront resort is a 10-minute drive to the Fiesta Island and Ocean Beach designated dog beaches. The hotel grounds themselves are nicely provisioned with walking trails to ensure you’re both dog-tired by lights out. Minutes from SeaWorld, the concierge can connect you with a dog sitter or you can use the park’s kennel service.

The Dana on Mission Bay is a winner for families with kids. There are two heated pools to choose from – one for tropical vibes, and another for infinity-edge sunsets. All guest rooms come with a coffee maker as standard while others have microwaves and fridges. Up to two pups with a combined weight of 80 lbs may stay.

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Loews Coronado Bay Resort

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  • Address: 4000 Coronado Bay Rd, Coronado, CA 92118, United States
  • Rates from: $294/night
  • Pet fee: $150 per room/per stay (two pets) + $150 pet deposit per stay
  • Pet policy: Dogs and cats

One of the most pet-friendly hotels in San Diego’s Coronado Cays, Loews Coronado Bay Resort lavishes dogs and cats with the luxury they deserve. Not only do they get a snuggly bed, but pets also receive scratching posts, toys, and room service on par with any Michelin restaurant. The front desk is armed with dog walking maps and lists of dog-friendly restaurants as well as contact details for reputable pet sitters.

Kids and teens under 18 stay for free at this family-friendly resort. The use of three swimming pools, seasonal pickleball courts, and shuttle services to local Coronado beaches is covered by the resort fee.

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Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego

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  • Address: 1 Market Pl, San Diego, CA 92101, United States
  • Rates from: $274/night
  • Pet fee: $100 per room for stays up to six nights
  • Pet policy: Dogs only

A stone’s throw from the pet-friendly Seaport Village and Embarcadero, it’s hard to find better views than those at the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego. Accepting up to two dogs with a combined weight of 50 lbs, the designated dog-friendly rooms are simply decorated yet well-stocked with amenities. Plus, there’s the option to request a microwave or fridge.

Dogs aren’t permitted at either of the two rooftop pools but they can accompany you to catch a flick at the “Wooftop” Cinema Club. SUPs, kayaks, and bikes are available right outside at Wheel Fun Rentals. An additional pet fee of $100 applies to stays over seven nights while stays over 30 days are subject to discussion.

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Ocean Villa Inn

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  • Address: 5142 W Point Loma Blvd, San Diego, CA 92107, United States
  • Rates from: $145/night
  • Pet fee: $30 (two dogs), $50 (three dogs), and $75 (four dogs) per room/per stay
  • Pet policy: Dogs only (no weight restrictions)

One of the most dog-friendly hotels near San Diego’s famous Ocean Beach’s Dog Beach, the off-leash haven is steps from the Ocean Villa Inn. Pet amenities on the premises include a dog run, grassy paddock, and a posh wash station stocked with shampoo and towels to clean up all that sand. For two-legged guests, a heated pool is available seasonally.

Pooch-friendly domains with private, fenced-in patios are located on the first floor. Decorated with a coastal theme, all units at this laid-back beach hotel come with a fridge, microwave, and coffee maker. Although there’s no bar on the premises, eateries and pubs are minutes away on foot.

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Hotel del Coronado, Curio Collection by Hilton

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  • Address: 1500 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118, United States
  • Rates from: $492/night
  • Pet fee: $125 (The Del) or $200 (Beach Village) per room/per stay
  • Pet policy: Dogs and cats (dog breed restrictions apply)

Twenty minutes on foot from Coronado Dog Beach, the historic Hotel del Coronado is just five miles from downtown. One of the top dog-friendly hotels in San Diego for families, the resort occupies two side-by-side complexes. Ocean-view suites at The Del accommodate up to six while the largest cottage at Beach Village lodges 14.

This Victorian-era seaside hotel curls around a pool and golf course while beach yoga, surfing lessons, and rental cruisers are there to get the full Californian experience. Dogs are welcome to join you and the Sun Deck and Taco Shack but aren’t allowed poolside. They can however have a paddle in the ocean while leashed.

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Hotel Republic San Diego, Autograph Collection

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  • Address: 421 W B St, San Diego, CA 92101, United States
  • Rates from: $281/night
  • Pet fee: $100 per room/per stay
  • Pet policy: Dogs and cats (dog breed restrictions apply)

Steps from the San Diego train station and Little Italy, Hotel Republic permits up to two pets per room with a maximum combined weight of 50 lbs. Upholstered beds centerpiece the rooms while window couches make it easy to soak up the downtown views. In keeping with the coastal setting, communal areas are accented by driftwood lighting fixtures and naval hues.

A destination fee adds a whole roster of perks including free bike hire, free morning yoga, and a daily dining credit. In addition to brunching and sampling local brews at the property’s roof terrace bar, in-room dining is made easy thanks to the hotel’s room service app.

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Is San Diego a pet-friendly city?

As suggested by the sheer volume of dog-friendly restaurants, dog beaches, and pet-friendly hotels, San Diego is wonderfully hospitable to jet-set pets. Hounds can even “embark” on activities such as paddle boarding and sailing. Professional pet walkers and sitters can care for your pet while you visit non-pet-friendly attractions.

Can you take dogs to San Diego Bay?

Leashed dogs are welcome on the Embarcadero, the San Diego Waterfront, and the Port of San Diego. A number of restaurants and stores at Seaport Village allow well-behaved dogs indoors as well as on the patio. Beyond the downtown bay area, Mission Bay, Ocean Beach, La Jolla, and parts of the Coronado peninsula offer seaside fun for pups.

What bay is dog-friendly in San Diego?

Open 24/7, Dog Beach at Ocean Park is the country’s landmark canine beach where dogs can run wild in the gentle surf and dig as many holes as they desire. Mission Bay is particularly dog-friendly with dogs allowed off-leash at Fiesta Island Dog Park. Last but not least, Coronado Beach and Dog Park is a 15-minute drive from pet-friendly hotels in San Diego’s downtown district.

Is La Jolla dog-friendly?

Awash with dog parks and paw-friendly restaurants, La Jolla is a dog-friendly destination in San Diego. Between 1 April and 31 October, pups are welcome on La Jolla Shores and Windansea beaches before 9 a.m. and after 6 p.m. During winter, they can play on the sand from 4 p.m. Due to the presence of sea lions, pooches must remain leashed and under control at all times.

Can dogs go to the zoo in San Diego?

Dogs – including all service and emotional support animals – are not permitted to go to San Diego Zoo. The best pet-friendly hotels in San Diego can set you up with a dog sitter while you visit the endangered creatures. Balboa Park itself is dog-friendly with three off-leash dog parks on the zoo’s perimeter.

Can dogs walk the beaches in California?

All beaches in California cities operate under local regulations regarding dogs on beaches. The vast majority of beaches in San Diego allow leashed dogs on the sand before 9 a.m. and after 6 p.m. (after 4 p.m. between November and March). The designated dog beaches at Ocean Park, Coronado Beach, and Mission Bay allow unleashed dogs.

Can dogs be left in a hotel room alone?

Generally speaking, hotels do not allow dogs to be left unattended in the guestrooms. Hotels that accept pets can usually share details of local dog walkers and doggy daycare centers. It’s always worth checking the hotel’s stance at the time of booking as this is sometimes at the discretion of management. Although, any damage caused by an unattended pet will be billed to your account.

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