Beaches, sunshine, hiking trails — if you’re a dog there’s plenty to love about Oceanside. (It’s pretty awesome for humans, too!) Our hometown is especially friendly to pets, with plenty of outdoor activities and businesses that welcome furry friends. In fact, The Seabird Resort is proud to have been selected by readers of USA Today as one of the top 10 best pet-friendly hotels in the U.S. We’d love to have your dogs stay with us; just let us know in advance (our dog policy allows up to two well-behaved pets per room for a $200 fee). To make everyone’s stay the most fun ever, we’ve rounded up a few of our favorite things to do with dogs around town.
Shop the Farmers Market
Just steps from our front door, the Oceanside Morning Farmers Market takes place every Thursday from 9 a.m to 1 p.m. and is open to on-leash dogs. Stroll between produce and food vendors (maybe pick up an apple or carrot — they make tasty pooch treats), shop local goods, and listen to live music right on Main Street. On Thursday evenings in December, the market transforms into a holiday gift market with plenty of souvenir gift options for your best furry friend… and all your other BFFs.
Take a Beachside Stroll
From the market, you can continue right onto The Strand, a mile-long stretch of road that parallels the shoreline. Dogs aren’t allowed on the beach itself (or the pier), so this is a great way for both people and pets to enjoy the stellar views (and fascinating smells) of the ocean without breaking any rules. You can even rent a two- or four-seater surrey bike from Wheel Fun Rentals and make Dog your co-pilot. Got a swimmer? Dog-friendly North Beach (aka Dog Beach) in Del Mar is just a short drive away. A bit further afield, Bluffs Beaches at San Onofre State Park has a couple of dog-friendly spots (Beaches 1 and 6 specifically) — though they require a bit of a hike.
Grab a Bite or a Sip
Most of Oceanside’s restaurants, cafés, and bars with outdoor seating are open to on-leash dogs, including our own Piper and Shelter Club. But the most lit event of the week — at least from a pup’s perspective —is Yappy Hour, every Friday night from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Shore Room. You can enjoy a craft cocktail featuring Tito’s (the vodka of discerning dog lovers everywhere) while your canine companion partakes in special treats made just for them. Other four-legged friend favorites around town include Pacific Coast Spirits, Pier View Coffee, Beach Break Cafe, and our brewery partner, Bagby. Parlor Doughnuts even offers a special doggie donut. No begging required!
Take Turns Caddying for Each Other
Oceanside is such a world-class dog destination — even some of our golf courses are dog-friendly. The Emerald Isle Golf Course, located off El Camino Real, is an 18-hole course with a chipping and putting green and an all-grass driving range. Arrowwood Golf Course is also an 18-hole course that boasts incredible views and a welcoming dog policy — in fact, some of the staff bring theirs to work.
Hit the Trail
The San Luis Rey Trail is already one of our favorite walks, whether or not you have a dog (it’s also great for biking). The full nine-mile length might be a bit tough on doggie paws, but even a short section offers glimpses of local plants and wildlife (squirrel!), not to mention plenty of exercise. Because as we pet doggie parents all know, a well exercised pup is a sleepy pup.
