Enjoy the Dog Days of Summer at a Pet-Friendly Hotel in San Diego

San Diego is for the birds—and the cats and the dogs—by which we really mean: It’s a great city for pets. Consistently outstanding weather and outdoor lifestyle make it especially inviting to our four-legged friends. No wonder so many local hotels have made it their mission to welcome your favorite tail-waggers, including cats, birds, reptiles and even fish, in some cases, with open arms. Whether you’re traveling from out of town or looking for a sweet staycation, we’ve rounded up a range of perfect accommodations with special perks and programming for your VIPs, which, of course, means Very Important Pets. From luxurious beachside resorts to cozy boutique inns, here are 12 pet lovers’ paradises to book now—and why both you and your furry sidekick will enjoy a five-star stay.

Gaslamp Quarter
This boutique hotel serves as a vibrant urban oasis in the middle of all the action. The property pays homage to its hometown in every detail, showcasing murals created by local artists and textile patterns inspired by Mexican motifs, a nod to SD’s status as a border city, plus a nightly social hour from 5–6 pm, and rooftop yoga every Saturday at 9 am. But even better, while most hotel pet policies are limited to dogs, Kimpton Alma allows pets of all varieties, with no restrictions as to type, size, and number, so even your tabby cat is welcome to join.

Why you’ll love it: Celebrated chef Jason Neroni, who’s behind The Rose in Venice Beach, helms all of the hotel’s culinary concepts, so expect some of the best food in San Diego right under Kimpton Alma’s roof. The Desmond is a destination in its own right, showcasing flavorful, globally inspired food made with locally sourced ingredients. Meanwhile, Leave of Absence (LOA) crafts wood-fired fare on the rooftop pool deck, and The Cafe prepares an all-day menu full of quick bites and delicious dishes.
Why your pet will love it: Kimpton Alma’s posted pet policy is “If your pet fits through the door, we’ll welcome them in.” The team goes all out for your furry, feathered, of scaled friends, making sure your room is outfitted with water bowls, pet beds, and plenty of treats upon request. You’ll also enjoy complimentary access to Wag! Premium during your stay, which includes 10% off all services booked, waived booking fees, and 24/7 vet chat.
Pet fee: None

La Jolla
An iconic property in the heart of the upscale neighborhood of La Jolla, La Valencia isn’t just a nearly century old hotel, it’s an important piece of San Diego's history. Called The Pink Lady by locals because of its signature pink exterior, the landmark has long served as a retreat for celebrities, but it’s just as hospitable toward your furry companions too. It’s even got a resident pet ambassador, Lady Pepper, the Boston terrier. Come for the stunning coastal views, Mediterranean-style architecture, and relaxed beach town vibes.

Why you’ll love it: Treat yourself to La Valencia’s creative culinary experiences like sea-to-table dishes from the Mediterranean Room or relax with an afternoon aperitivo at the newly reopened Whaling Bar. The hotel also offers complimentary bike rentals to make it easier for you to explore the neighborhood, which is packed with art galleries, shops, and restaurants.
Why your pet will love it: Opt for the Pampered Pooches package to waive the nightly pet fee for up to two dogs. It includes a housemade welcome treat upon arrival, a plush dog bed and bowls placed in your room, a La Valencia-branded bandana and tennis ball, and $25 daily credit for your pup to enjoy the dog menu, served on Patio Sol or the Ocean View Terrace. Bone appetit!
Pet fee: $50 per pet with a maximum of two in each room

Mission Valley
Smack dab in the busy commercial hub of Mission Valley, this expansive resort feels like a blissful escape from it all, seamlessly blending mid-century modern design with California sensibilities (think: Palm Springs aesthetic). A gorgeous three-acre riverfront park made for walks or picnics with your pup is on the property line between the resort and Fashion Valley Mall. Plus, you'll never go hungry thanks to the indoor-outdoor restaurant ARLO and poolside sports bar Lapper Kitchen + Tap.

Why you’ll love it: This hotel’s sprawling 10,000-square-foot pool complex will keep little ones busy with a four-story twister waterslide, sand volleyball court, and children’s pool adjacent to the main pool. Meanwhile, you can lounge on the plush cabanas and daybeds for some much-needed poolside rest and relaxation. Summer programming includes a concert series, Friday night s’mores, and dive-in movies.
Why your pet will love it: Make sure to check out the weekly Wednesday Yappy Hour at Monkey Bar to mix and mingle with furry friends and indulge in special treats available for purchase. Nearby Balboa Park has two popular off-leash parks for cuddly canines with a case of the zoomies, and Mission Bay’s Fiesta Island is dog-friendly and off-leash.
Pet fee: $75 per stay (a portion of this fee is donated to Helen Woodward Animal Center) for a maximum of one dog that cannot exceed 30 pounds. Rottweilers, Dobermans, Chows, Akitas and Pit Bulls are not allowed.

Shelter Island
Located at the very tip of Shelter Island, Kona Kai San Diego offers a taste of Hawaii with breathtaking views of either the marina or San Diego Bay from every room, and loads of waterfront walking paths for puppies to roam. Once you check in, grab a s’mores kit from the front desk and make a beeline for the resort’s private beach to toss bean bags, build sandcastles, and cozy up to a bonfire.

Why you’ll love it: You’ll have the best of both worlds here, with a family-friendly pool where kiddos can splash to their heart’s content and an adults-only pool where you can down a boozy libation or two, plus upgrades like private cabanas available for rent with loungers, flat-screen TVs, and snacks.
Why your pet will love it: The Noble Paws program spoils your fur baby even more than you do. Highlights include a 25-minute Furry Flex muscle stretch massage or Pawroma Therapy from certified pet-massage therapists (yes, that’s a thing!), a dog bed and bowls for the duration of your stay, and a special whole-foods dog menu from Vessel Restaurant with delectable dishes like Pawnut Butter Crunch & Carrot Sticks or Plain Flat Iron Steak. Indulge your tail-wagger with special experiences, such as island-themed, pet-friendly Pupnic or puppy paddle boarding sessions. Even better, the resort has partnered with the San Diego Humane Society to donate 10% of all pet-related proceeds to pamper pups in need.
Pet fee: $100 for up to 3 nights or $150 for 4-7 nights for two dogs up to 65 pounds.

Little Italy
Floor-to-ceiling windows in each of the InterContinental’s 400 rooms guarantees an amazing view that overlooks sparkling San Diego Bay. The sleek, modern, and spacious hotel includes a rooftop pool and southern Italian-inspired alfresco restaurant Garibaldi, an ode to Sardinian and Sicilian fare that features local and responsibly sourced seafood.

Why you’ll love it: You can’t beat the InterContinental’s prime location, mere minutes from Petco Park, the Gaslamp Quarter, Seaport Village, the Convention Center, and all the buzzy nightlife and restaurant options in downtown San Diego. Plus, the hotel itself is part of BRIC, a new shopping, dining, and entertainment district along the waterfront.
Why your pet will love it: Your daily dog walks are about to get much more scenic. Hoof it over to North Harbor Drive, which runs parallel to the San Diego Bay and has magnificent views of the bay and city skyline. Your doggo will love meandering down the lively waterfront, stopping in at restaurants or cafes along the road, and sniffing everything in sight.
Pet fee: None

Oceanside
Mission Pacific is situated in one of San Diego’s most dog-friendly neighborhoods—one steeped in surf history with an exciting culinary and art scene to boot. The cool, contemporary oceanfront hotel conveys five-star hospitality but reflects the area’s laidback, unpretentious spirit at the same time. Your doggo will love adventuring across the street to check out Oceanside’s wooden pier, the 2.5-mile walkable strand that lines the Pacific, and the sun, sand, and surf. Plus, the hotel’s vintage beach Rambler provides guests with everything from sunscreen to surfboard rentals.

Why you’ll love it: Sure, the expansive ocean views at the rooftop pool and jacuzzi are sensational, but the food at Mission Pacific is on another level! Explore all three dining options by kicking your day off at High/Low for breakfast, brunch, and lunch classics. Then, toss back craft cocktails at the Rooftop Bar, which brings in DJs from Thursday to Sunday. For dinner, Michelin-starred Valle features a seasonal prix-fixe four-course El Sillón Bar Experience, an eight-course Valle Dining Experience tasting menu, or an indulgent Chef’s Table Experience from renowned Baja chef Roberto Alcocer, who’s worked in some of the world’s most prestigious kitchens, including Mexico City’s Pujol. And of course, a visit to the Top Gun House for HIGH-pie’s famous hand pies and other sweet treats is a can’t miss.
Why your pet will love it: Your pooch will receive a welcome gift bag brimming with treats, a mini frisbee, a bandana, and a guide to pet-friendly things to do in Oceanside, including a pet-friendly farmers market, beaches, trails, and restaurants with outdoor patios.
Pet fee: $200 per stay for a maximum of two dogs per room that may not exceed 50 pounds each or 75 pounds combined

Del Mar
Book the Del Mar Beach Hotel for a truly boutique hotel experience that’s not affiliated with any major hotel chain. This charming beachside haven has just 46 spotless guest rooms and suites, so you’ll avoid the crowds too. And while there aren’t any restaurants on site (just gourmet coffee service), it’s just a three minute walk to the excellent Poseidon Restaurant and Jake’s Del Mar, and a short stroll to the main village of Del Mar, replete with award-winning eateries.

Why you’ll love it: Larger groups might appreciate the hotel’s bungalow rentals—newly remodeled residences outfitted with upscale furnishings, fixtures, and amenities, such as luxury Frette linens and robes. The Beach House sleeps up to eight comfortably and has an outdoor shower and outdoor kitchen with a barbecue and grill. The six-person Beach Bungalow sports a hot tub and a professional chef’s kitchen with a Viking range.
Why your pet will love it: For a $100 pet fee per stay, your pampered pooch can come along for the ride. There’s a pet-friendly beach right outside the hotel, and amenities (like dog bowls, beds, and waste bags) are available upon request.
Pet fee: $100 per stay

Del Mar
Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this seaside retreat with a pool, tennis courts, and several excellent dining options is the perfect place to bring your best friend. Not only is the local beach just steps away and reachable via a private walking path, but dozens of scenic hiking trails and golf courses are also nearby. Pro tip: Request an ocean-view room for glorious sunset vistas at this classic coastal-style property. Even if you and your four-legged friend will be too busy at the beach to spend much time in your well-appointed quarters, it’s still a wonderful place to land at the end of the day.

Why you’ll love it: The hotel’s world-class Spa L’Auberge is a must with a range of holistic, marine-inspired treatments, such as a full-body exfoliation using salt crystals and red algae or a glow-up facial that applies seaside flower extracts. Enjoy the herbal-infused steam rooms and an open-air relaxation area before or after your pampering session.
Why your pet will love it: The Pooch Program welcomes your pup at check-in with branded bandanas to wear during their stay, dog hangers to hang on their door, L’Auberge dog bowls, and plenty of toys. The hotel is also happy to arrange dog-sitting and grooming services.
Pet fee: $200 per stay for up to two 75-pound dogs

Mission Bay
Get ready for an action-packed vacation at this sprawling 18-acre resort on the Mission Bay Park waterfront. There’s a seaside pool, a shallow wading pool for tots, beach access, and tennis courts, along with a private marina where guests can rent boats, jet skis, paddleboards, and kayaks.

Why you’ll love it: You’ll never have to leave the property If you don’t want to. The hotel boasts more than enough incredible culinary choices for its guests to enjoy variety every day, such as Covewood, an elegant yet understated restaurant that highlights fresh seafood and wood-fired vegetables, and Plaza del Sol, a lively patio that promises tapas and craft cocktails along with live music.
Why your pet will love it: Upon arrival, your pooch will see their names on a board in the lobby and enjoy a Yappy Hour at the resort with other furry guests. Plus, a slew of local dog beaches are nearby to while away the hours with your bestie.
Pet fee: $100 per dog per stay applied for up to 3 days (an additional $25 for every day after that) for up to two 75-pound dogs per room

Carlsbad
The Cassara evokes the feel of a European villa in the heart of Carlsbad, offering tastefully decorated rooms and an on-site restaurant with Mediterranean-inspired bites, along with a Karl Strauss Brewing Company & Restaurant. If you need a wellness recharge, the property has a quiet pool with lap lanes, and Peloton Wellness Rooms outfitted with a Peloton bike, TRX resistance bands, Theragun Elite, and Therabody Wave Roller for tension relief. If you’re traveling with the fam, set your sights on the family pool and kids’ splash pad—not to mention the nearby beaches and lagoon.

Why you’ll love it: The hotel overlooks the must-visit Carlsbad Flower Fields, and if you’re lucky, your room will have views of both the fields and the ocean. Conveniently located near the hotel is The Crossings at Carlsbad is an 18-hole championship golf course, designed by Greg Nash. The public coastal course features multiple options and terrain to challenge golfers of all skill levels, nestled among the natural habitat and wildlife. Guest can use Cassara’s complimentary shuttle to and from the course, which also features a clubhouse with a restaurant.
Why your pet will love it: Book the Pet-Cation package to ensure your favorite furball is set up with a goodie bag of treats, water, a toy ball, and a roll of scented potty bags. The hotel also has designated rooms and pet relief areas available throughout.
Pet fee: $85 per stay for a max of two animals with a combined weight that doesn’t exceed 25 pounds

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