Dog Lovers Guide to Coronado Island

During a summer filled with travel and adventure, we visited cities throughout California. On a list of favorite spots for our dog, Roro, pet friendly Coronado Island (just beyond San Diego) is a must see location for any travel bucket list.

From beaches, dog-friendly dining, wide sidewalks, and watering holes (for dogs), this spot in Southern California is an absolute treasure. We originally planned to spend an afternoon in pet friendly Coronado, but liked it so much we spent 2 days!

Keep reading to find out more about this dog friendly California travel destination and a suggestions of where to stay, eat, and play. We will definitely be going back!

Dog-Friendly Hotels in Coronado, CA

Option 1: Hotel Del Coronado

If you are traveling all the way to Coronado Island, a stay at the iconic Hotel Del Coronado is a must if you can afford it. Tap into your inner movie star, and enjoy a stay that pampers you and your pup.

Pet friendly Hotel Del Coronado welcomes dogs for a $150 surcharge. Here are additional points on the dog policy at Hotel Del Coronado:

• Bag of treats & food bowl provided

• Leashed dogs welcome on patio dining areas

• 40 lb. weight limit

• 4 breeds are prohibited (pit bulls, Rottweilers, Dobermans, and chow chows)

• Only 2 dogs allowed per room

Option 2: Coronado Inn

For more affordable dog-friendly accommodations on Coronado Island, check out Coronado Inn. This old school beach motel is in good condition and some rooms have kitchenettes. Coronado Inn is only a 6 minute drive from Coronado Dog Beach, where your dog can run off leash.

Dog-friendly Coronado Inn charges a refundable $250 deposit and non-refundable $25 fee per night per pet. Here are additional requirements noted on their pet agreement form.

• Only 2 dogs allowed per room

• 80 lbs. Weight limit

• Copy of vaccinations required

• Pet cannot be left alone in hotel room (even if kenneled)

• Pets not allowed inside lobby

Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Coronado, CA

Option 1: The Henry

The Henry was so good, we ate there twice! This bustling restaurant features a large, green and white awning that offers a pet-friendly, shaded patio area. Make your reservation online to save time waiting in line.

We selected brunch options and coffee, but they offer lunch and dinner menus. Importantly, gluten free options were clearly marked on the menu. Dogs on the patio were treated to water upon request.

More about The Henry

• Address: 1031 Orange Ave., Coronado CA 92118

• Phone: (619) 762-1022

• Reserve a Table HERE

• Open Sun-Thurs 8:00am-10:00pm, Fri & Sat 8:00am-11:00pm

Option 2: Blanco Cocina + Cantina

This festive restaurant recently made the Top 100 Under 100 Report for standout restaurant brands according to @nationrestaurantnews. In terms of taste, this was a solid meal with the fastest service we found in Coronado. My favorite item was the street tacos.

Blanco Cocina + Cantina offers a wide bar selection and drink menu for cocktails. We observed 2 dogs that were clearly pets (not service animals) on leash at the bar inside the restaurant. It may be an informal policy, but dogs were certainly welcome when we visited. The restaurant is open 7 days a week: Mon-Thurs 11:00am-9:00pm, Friday 11:00am-10:00pm, Saturday 10:00am-10:00pm, Sunday 10:00am-9:00pm.

Details:

• Address: 1301 Orange Ave., Coronado CA 92118

• Phone: 858-399-4040

• Reserve a table HERE

Dog-Friendly Activities in Coronado, CA

Option 1: Coronado Dog Beach

One of the top dog-friendly beaches in all of California is on Coronado Island. Coronado Dog Beach is a well-known playground for pups among locals and tourists.

Since the whole island is walkable, you can easily get here without a car. The beach is visible from Hotel Del Coronado and is located on Ocean Blvd. Leash laws are strict until you get to the actual beach, so don’t forget to pack your leash, poop bags for cleanup, and a portable water bowl. Be sure to have a collar with ID tags on your dog in case they get away from you.

Option 2: IB Pet

If you visit Coronado, you will stroll Orange Avenue. Wide sidewalks, dog water bowls, and patio seating welcome all dog lovers places to sit and stay with your pet. After you visit Coronado Dog Beach, head to IB Pet located at 945 Orange Ave., Coronado CA.

Here you can wash your dog, stock up on treats, and get nutrition advice is travelling has upset your pup's stomach. Another convenient service they offer is delivery of purchases to you, anywhere on the island. IB Pet is open Mon-Sat 9:00am-7:00pm, and Sundays 10:00am-6:00pm.

Option 3: Coronado Ferry Landing

Another easy, walkable activity is vising Coronado Ferry Landing. There are restaurants, stores, and community seasonal activities. Only service animals are allowed on the Ferry itself, but guests and dog owners can stroll the landing and shops. If your dog likes the water, you can rent a kayak at the Ferry Landing.

Dogs must be leashed while visiting the Ferry Landing, but water is available for pets as you walk. Don't forget to take lots of post worthy pics of your pup as you enjoy the year round beautiful weather.

Surprise Find! Moo Time Creamery

Moo Time Creamery is an old-school ice cream shop. The line was out the door every time we walked by!

Mile high ice cream cones, toppings, and flavors abound.

Listed as a dog-friendly restaurant with limited outdoor seating, this is a great place to satisfy your sweet tooth.