Whether you’re at the doggie spa in Newport Beach, camping on Catalina Island, or enjoying a day at Del Mar Dog Beach, it’s very obvious that Southern California is a dog lovers paradise! And Oceanside, the northernmost city of San Diego County, is no exception making it a perfect place to visit with your fur baby.
There are so many dog-friendly businesses and activities to do in Oceanside that you may feel like you are crashing your dog’s vacation instead of them tagging along for yours!
The best part about Oceanside is that nearly all restaurants and bars are dog-friendly with their outdoor patios or some even allowing them inside. But there are a few places that go above and beyond to outshine the rest. This dog-friendly guide to Oceanside, CA will point you to the best spots for both you and your pup to make sure you have the best time while visiting this beautiful city.
This post contains affiliate links to products. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I truly love 🙂
Side Note: This post was written by Ellen (with the help of her pup of course), a local of Oceanside, CA. This way you can ensure you are reading the BEST dog-friendly guide to Oceanside. Locals know best! Read more about Ellen and her pup at the end of this post!
Table of Contents
Dog-friendly Things to do in Oceanside
1. Stroll along The Strand or Oceanside Harbor
- Cost: Free
- Hours: Best for daylight hours and definitely for sunset
- Physical Address: both are long walking paths so you can start or stop anywhere along the way.
While Southern California doesn’t have crystal clear warm blue waters like the beaches in Greece, enjoying the coastline is still a must do activity anytime you visit!
Dogs are not allowed on the beach or the pier in Oceanside, however, there are still plenty of places to enjoy ocean views with them. Right along the beach, you will find the strand which has pedestrian walking paths where dogs are allowed. You can also head to the harbor for a stroll where you may even have the chance of seeing some harbor seals hanging out.
2. Take your dog golfing at Emerald Isle Golf Course
- Cost: Rates vary from $12-$35 but dogs are always free
- Hours: 6:30am – 7:30pm daily
- Physical Address: 660 S El Camino Real, Oceanside, CA 92057
You know a city loves dogs when even the golf courses allow them! If you want to get a round in without leaving your pup behind, head to Emerald Isle Golf Course.
Here you’re encouraged to bring your dog as your caddie so they can join in on the fun. They can ride in the cart with you or you can walk the course to help them get some energy out.
3. Take your pup for a bike ride
- Cost: Rates vary from $12-$35 but dogs are free
- Hours: 6:30am – 7:30pm daily
- Physical Address: 300 The Strand N Oceanside, California 92054
If you don’t feel like walking along The Strand, you can also rent a 4-wheel bike and instead take a leisurely ride along the strand with your dog.
Your dog can either sit next to you on the bike, or there are child seats/baskets on the front. If you bring a thicker blanket to put down in the basket and if your dog is small enough they can lay in front of you.
4. Head to the Farmers Market
- Cost: free to enter
- Hours: Every Thursday, the Farmers Market is from 9am-1pm, and the Oceanside Nightmarket is from 5pm-9pm (if there are high winds or rain, these may get canceled)
- Physical Address: Pierview Way in downtown Oceanside
Every Thursday the Oceanside Farmers Market takes place downtown Oceanside. This is a great place to spend the morning getting some fresh locally grown produce, do a bit of shopping, or even try some local food at one of the many food stands.
Then in the evening head to the other side of PCH as it turns into the weekly night market packed full of every type of cuisine you can imagine, more booths to buy goodies from, and live music.
Dog-friendly Retail/shops in Oceanside
1. Rising Co.
- Hours: 9am-5pm daily (Seaborne coffee has different hours)
- Physical Address: 332 S Coast Hwy, Oceanside, CA 92054
This 1930s service station turned co-operative retail shop is a great spot for finding locally made items. They often host a range of events including movie showings, craft markets, and clothing swaps which is a great way to to mingle with the locals.
Here you’ll also find Seabore coffee which makes my favorite coffee in the city, an oat milk vanilla mint latte. Always dog friendly, this is a great spot to shop.
2. Tremont Collective
- Hours: 7am – 9pm Saturday – Wednesday 7am – 10pm Thursday – Friday. (make sure to check the hours of each individual establishment since their opening hours vary)
- Physical Address: 602 S Tremont St, Oceanside, CA 92054
Whether you have a dog or not, Tremont Collective is a must visit place during any visit to Oceanside. This community space is made up of retail establishments, restaurants, and places to drink all with a shared back patio where they host lots of events throughout the year.
Make sure to check their event schedule to see what they have going on while you’re in town.
3. First Friday Art Walk
- Hours: Check their Instagram for current hours
- Physical Address: Artist Alley in Oceanside
If you are visiting on the first Friday of the month, you have the opportunity to visit the Artist Alley Art Walk. Come stroll along and browse handmade items from many of the local Oceanside artisans.
Make sure to check their Instagram page to make sure it’s going on since sometimes they close due to weather.
Dog-friendly Restaurants in Oceanside
1. The Shore Room
- Hours: Monday – Thursday 3 – 10pm, Friday – Saturday 12 – 11pm, Sunday 12 – 10pm
- Physical Address: 101 Mission Ave, Oceanside, CA 92054
Head to The Shore Room for one of the best spots for sunset and cocktails in town where dogs are always welcome.
They will even occasionally host dog-themed happy hours called “Yappy Hour” where $1 is donated to a dog-related non-profit for each signature cocktail purchased. However, even if it isn’t Yappy Hour while you are in town, this place should definitely be on your itinerary!
2. Communal Coffee
- Hours: 7am – 6pm daily
- Physical Address: 602 S Tremont St Suite 100, Oceanside, CA 92054
This is maybe the most dog-friendly coffee shop in Oceanside, it’s impossible to go here without seeing a least 3 dogs.
The best part is while you treat yourself to a fabulous coffee, meal, or natural wine you can treat your furry friend to a pup cup with a puppy treat topping as well. Dogs are welcome both inside and on their outdoor patio.
3. Parlor Doughnuts
- Hours: 6am – 7pm daily
- Physical Address: 331 N Cleveland St, Oceanside, CA 92054
Not only does Parlor Doughnuts have insane doughnuts for humans including vegan, keto, and gluten-free options, they also have a variety of dog doughnuts for your pup!
Go here for breakfast or an afternoon sweet treat and coffee to enjoy on their patio in the Southern California sun.
4. Handels Ice Cream
- Hours: Sunday – Thursday 11am-10pm, Friday – Saturday 11am-11pm
- Physical Address: 228 N Coast Hwy, Oceanside, CA 92054
A local favorite, any trip to Oceanside must include at least one visit to Handels Ice Cream. It’s all outdoors through a walk up window so it’s really easy to bring your dog.
The best part is that they even have a dog menu! Once you get your ice cream, head across the street to the Civic Center Plaza to enjoy your treat by the beautiful fountains.
5. Any restaurant with a patio
When I said Oceanside is a dog lover’s paradise I wasn’t kidding! Outside of these places that have special treats for your pup, pretty much any restaurant with a patio will let you bring your dog.
Some of my other favorite dog-friendly restaurants in Oceanside include:
- Craft Coast Tacos
- Switchboard
- Johnny Mañanas
- The Cup
- High/Low
- Privateer
- Orfila Vineyards Tasting Room & Kitchen
- Buccaneer Cafe
Dog-friendly Stays in Oceanside
1. The Green Room
- Address: 2020 South Coast Highway Oceanside, CA 92054
- Pet Policy: $75 non-refundable cleaning fee, only 1 dog per room allowed, must be small to medium-sized (can inquire for larger sized dogs), must be leashed at all times outside of the room, and not allowed to be left unattended.
This 1950s motel was renovated in 2021 into the most adorable boutique hotel. Not only is the place a great little escape, but they are also dog-friendly. Staying here really helps you feel like a local with its Southern California surf vibes and outdoor spaces.
Check prices and availability here!
2. Dog-Friendly Oceanside Bungalow by the Brick Hotel
- Address: 1218 S Pacific St, Oceanside, CA 92054
- Pet Policy: $55 pet fee per pet. Up to 2 dogs with a combined weight of 75lbs.
If you’re looking for a place with a yard to have as a home base for your visit, this is the spot! With 2 beds, 2 baths, and a kitchen, you will feel right at home at this adorable Oceanside bungalow. It’s also steps from the beach and Buccaneer Cafe making it a great location for early morning strolls to get coffee and watch the waves.
Check prices and availability here!
3. Seabird Hotel
- Address: 101 Mission Ave, Oceanside, CA 92054
- Pet Policy: $200 pet fee with a 45lb weight limit
If you’re looking for luxury, this is it. With sweeping ocean views and top-notch amenities, it’s no surprise that this hotel was voted No. 2 best hotel and spa in the country by USA Today.
And best of all, they love dogs as much as we do! Not only are their rooms dog friendly, but so are their restaurants and bars so you don’t have to worry about leaving your dog behind while you’re roaming the property.
Check prices and availability here!
4. Mission Pacific
- Address: 201 N Myers St, Oceanside, CA 92054
- Pet Policy: $200 pet fee, 2 dogs allowed per room not exceeding 50lbs or 75lbs combined weight
Oceanside doesn’t only have 1 luxury hotel, it actually has 2. Mission Pacific is located directly across the street from the Seabird and also boasts insane ocean views.
Whether you decide to stay here or not, make sure to check out the historic Top Gun house and grab a hand pie or check out their dog-friendly restaurants and bars at High/Low or The Rooftop Bar.
Check prices and availability here!
Dog-friendly Oceanside Map
Here’s a map to help you plan out your dog-friendly Oceanside getaway!
Psst: I also have a complete dog-friendly USA map (FO FREE) if you are wanting to start traveling more with your pup!
Is Oceanside, CA Dog-Friendly?!
Yes! Oceanside is a great dog-friendly city and an excellent place for you and your pup to explore. From pet-friendly restaurants with outdoor patios to cozy hotels that welcome furry friends to unique dog-friendly attractions, there are plenty of options available for those looking for an enjoyable day out in this quaint California city.
Dog-Friendly Guide to Oceanside Packing List
If you’re planning a trip to Oceanside with your furry friend, here are some essentials to include on your dog-friendly packing list to ensure you have the best trip!
- Dog food and treats: Bring enough food and treats for your dog to last the duration of the trip.
- Water and food bowls: Pack collapsible or portable bowls that are easy to transport.
- Leash and harness: Make sure to bring a sturdy leash and a well-fitting harness.
- Bedding: Bring your dog’s favorite bed or blanket to make them feel more comfortable in a new environment.—This is a great foldable travel bed!
- Toys: Pack a few of your dog’s favorite toys to keep them entertained during downtime.
- Medications: If your dog takes any medications, be sure to bring enough for the entire trip.
- Waste bags: Bring plenty of waste bags to clean up after your dog.
- Towels: Pack a few towels for wiping off muddy paws or drying off after a swim.
- Identification: Make sure your dog has up-to-date identification tags with your contact information.
- Copy of vaccination records: In case of an emergency, it’s always a good idea to have a copy of your dog’s vaccination records on hand.
About the Author!
Ellen is an Oceanside local and dog lover who has made it her personal mission to visit all of the best restaurants, bars, and retail stores in the area.
She is the founder of the blog Journeys In Focus where she shares travel inspiration, tips, and tricks with an earth-conscious perspective. You can also find her on Instagram to stay up to date on her most recent travels.
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