Located approximately 25 miles north of San Diego and about 95 miles south of Los Angeles, Encinitas has been recognized by national publications as one of the most desirable cities in the Nation to live in. A large city with a laid back, beachy vibe, high-end taste and style that epitomizes Southern California cool. This is a city that takes it's health seriously, and offers a plethora of outdoor and pet-friendly activities.

Pet Friendly Activities in Encinitas

Seaside Bazaar

Location: 459 South Coast Highway 101 in Encinitas

This open-air market is the perfect place to take your pooch to spend the afternoon exploring vendor stalls, listening to music or grabbing a latte at the coffee bar.

Encinitas Ranch Trails

Location: You can download a map of the trail here

Open to hikers, equestrians, bicyclists and dogs on leashes, this trail offers sceanic views while in the heart of Encinitas. Don't forget to have your pup on current flea and tick prevention before you go!

Encinitas Dog Park

Location: 425 Santa Fe Dr, Encinitas, CA 92024

Located in the Encinitas Community Park, this approximately 2-acre dog park features areas for small dogs, timid or first time dogs, and a large lawn open to all.

Del Mar Dog Beach

Location: 3200 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, CA 92014

Nine months of the year, dogs are allowed along the entire two plus mile stretch of beach in addition to the City’s two major parks, Seagrove Park and Powerhouse Park. Be sure to check the Del Mar Dog Beach website for dog beach schedule and rules.

Cardiff State Beach

Location: The beach is located one mile south of Cardiff on Old Highway 101

Cardiff State Beach is a dog-friendly beach on the San Diego Coast. Fido can join you on the sand, as long as they are on a leash under 6 feet. The beach is open every day from 6am to sunset.

Naked Cafe

Location: 288 N El Camino Real, Encinitas, CA, 92024

A favorite of Dr. Michele Drake, Naked Cafe offers a variety of breakfast options and a number of infused dishes as well as smooties, juices, coffee, and teas. Dog-friendly tables are provided so you can enjoy a brunch with your favorite furry friend.

Beachside Bar and Grill

Location: 806 S Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA, 92024

A family-run restaurant serving burgers, tacos, pizza, and more while featuring two dog-friendly patios.

Pannikin Coffee & Tea

Location: 510 N Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA, 92024

Pannikin Coffee & Tea offers an impressive selection of teas and java, along with upbeat music and tasty food, and both you and your pup are welcome!

Encinitas Cafe

Location: 531 S. Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA, 92024

Encinitas Cafe offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner at great prices, a casual ambiance, and dog-friendly sidewalk tables.

Potato Shack Cafe

Location: 120 W I St, Encinitas, CA, 92024

Potato Shack Cafe serves hearty breakfast food and classic lunch favorites in a cozy setting with dog-friendly outdoor tables.

The Brewers Tap Room

Location: 1456 Encinitas Blvd. Encinitas, CA, 92024

A brewery tasting room with a rotating selection of craft beer sourced from breweries in San Diego County and Southern Califorina. And the best part: you can bring your dog!

The Besta Wan Pizza House

Location: 148 Aberdeen Drive, Cardiff By The Sea, CA, 92007

Serving their original pizza recipe and a variety of American, Mexican, and Italian dishes for over 50 years, this resturant is pet friendly and perfect for a delicious meal.

The Drake Center for Veterinary Care

Location: 195 N. El Camino Real, Encinitas, CA 92024

The Drake Center for Veterinary Care is a full-service AAHA-accredited veterinary hospital. Featuring a variety of pet services such as high-quality pet medical care, dentistry, boarding services, bathing, and more, The Drake Center is dedicated “to providing the best medical and surgical care in a compassionate environment for our patients and unsurpassed service for our clients.”

Take the Lead Canine Training

Contact: Cathy Mayer

Phone: (760) 917-5976 Email: [email protected]

Offering both private and group dog training classes in Escondido, Encinitas & San Diego, CA.

K9connection Dog Training

Contact: Nicole Andrews

Phone: (760) 487-5866 Email: [email protected]

Using only positive reinforcement, K9connection will teach you how to understand and read your dog’s behavior so you can work cooperatively as a team and enhance the relationship between you and your dog.

Pupologie

Location: 123 N. El Camino Real, Encinitas, CA 92024

Providing fresh, healthy, and unique food items and pet products.

PetSmart

Location: 1034 N El Camino Real, Encinitas, CA 92024

Located just down the way from The Drake Center and features a wide assortment of pet food, toys, and other pet products.

Petco

Location: 453 Encinitas Blvd, Encinintas, CA 92024

Providing pet food and products for all of your furry loved ones.

Muttropolis

Location: 227 S Cedros Ave, Solana Beach, CA 92075

Collars, comfy beds, soft toys, carriers, and more, Muttropolis is the one-stop-shop for all your dog needs.

Encinitas Oktoberfest

When: September

For over 20 years, the Encinitas Oktoberfest has been a staple in the Encinitas community. Featuring great food and brews, live entertainment, and local vendors, this outdoor event is pet friendly.

Paw Walk in the Park hosted by RCHS

When: February

Taking place at the San Diego Botanic Garden in benefit of Rancho Coastal Humane Society, this 5k event is the only day of the year where dogs are allowed in the San Diego Botanic Garden. Featuring dog-related vendors, contests and more, this event is the perfect way to spend a day with your pup.

Cardiff Dog Days of Summer

When: August

This free event features over 100 dog-related vendors, rescue groups, pet adoption agencies, and a carefully curated “Maker’s Market Row”. Activities include dog contests, live music, kids activities, beer & wine garden, food trucks, and more.

Encinitas, California's estimated population is 63,184 according to the most recent United States census estimates. The population density is 3358.76 people/mi² (1296.82 people/km²), with a household density of 540.22 people/km² (1399.18 people/mi²). You can find more in-depth demographics and econimic data here.

Good Dog! Autism Companions

A local non-profit dedicated to training and matching service dogs for families and their children with Autism. The Drake Center has been involved in supporting Good Dog! for over 7 years and has fundraised thousands of dollars through events and the generousity of our clients.

Rancho Coastal Humane Society

Rancho Coastal Humane Society (RCHS) is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue and care of homeless companion animals, the rehabilitation of wildlife and the promotion of humane education through community outreach.

Helen Woodword Animal Center

Helen Woodward Animal Center is a unique, private non-profit organization in San Diego County that has been committed to the philosophy of people helping animals and animals helping people for over 40 years.

In the year 1669, Gaspar de Portola named the area of Encinitas "Encina CAnada", meaning "hills of live oaks" in spanish. In 1881, Jabez Pitcher filed a claim for 160 acres where the Encinitas Civic Center is now located. In 1870 English spiritualists settled in North Encinitas and named it Leucadia. In 1875 the McKinnon family settled in the Cardiff area and in 1909, J. Frank Cullen bought a big part of San Elijo, established streets and lots and named it "Cardiff-by-the-Sea". Today, Encinitas consists of five communities with very distinct personalities. “Historic Encinitas” is the stretch of Highway 101 that runs parallel to the beaches and ocean. “New Encinitas” centers on El Camino Real. Lovely homes dot the hillside in “Cardiff-by-the-Sea”. “Leucadia” is famous for its giant eucalyptus trees along Coast Highway and “Olivenhain” offers some incredible open horse country, pastures, and a rural vibe just minutes from the Ocean.

Being a responsible pet-owning resident of Encinitas and abiding by San Diego County Animal Laws helps ensure that your pet is not distruptive to your neighbors. You can find more information on San Diego Animal Laws here.

The Drake Center has been a stable of the community and the top go-to-resource for local pet care for over 20 years. Located on the east side of El Camino Real, half way between Encinitas Blvd and Mountain Vista.