Can I bring my dog to the beach in Encinitas? Where can dogs go off-leash?

City beaches: no dogs

Dogs aren't allowed on any beach or beach access operated by the City. That covers the beaches from north of San Elijo State Beach in Cardiff to the northern city limit ^[1]. The Municipal Code makes an exception for a dog accompanying a person who is blind or hearing impaired ^[2]. California State Parks' page for Moonlight State Beach also lists dogs as not allowed ^[3].

On-leash

Dogs on a leash up to 6 feet long are welcome in all Encinitas parks and on trails. They aren't allowed on artificial turf at athletic fields ^[1].

Off-leash

• Maggie Houlihan Memorial Dog Park, Encinitas Community Park, 425 Santa Fe Dr: about 2 acres, 8 a.m. to sunset daily, closed Thursdays 1 to 3 p.m. for maintenance ^[1]
• Olympus Park, Olympus St and Piraeus St: ¼-acre dog park, dawn to dusk ^[1]
• Encinitas Viewpoint Park, Cornish Dr and D St: off-leash hours Mon, Wed, Fri and Sun, 6 to 9 a.m. and 3 to 8 p.m. ^[1]
• Sun Vista Park (East), 2011 Avenida La Posta: same days and hours as Viewpoint Park ^[1]
• Orpheus Park, 482 Orpheus Dr: Mon, Wed and Fri 6 to 7:30 a.m.; Sun 6 to 9 a.m.; and Mon, Wed, Fri and Sun 3 to 8 p.m. ^[1]
• Trail Segment 72 (Mountain Vista): sunrise to sunset ^[1]

The main dog park closes for maintenance each spring and fall and may close in wet weather. Check the City page for current dates, or call 760-633-2761 ^[1].

Sources checked Oct 3, 2026. Rules and hours change, so confirm with the source before you act. This is general information, not legal, medical or financial advice.