Dining with the dog
- James
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
A Dog-Friendly Day in Ocean Beach: Coffee, Beach, and Bites from Sunrise to Sunset
Ocean Beach is a slice of SoCal heaven — laid-back, sun-soaked, and totally dog-friendly. Whether you’re a local planning your weekend routine or visiting with your pup, OB makes it easy to spend an entire day eating, exploring, and relaxing together. From sunrise coffee runs to dinner under the stars, here’s how to plan your dog-friendly day, OB-style.
Morning: Coffee, Paws, and the First Waves
Start your morning the OB way — with caffeine, sand, and salty air.
Grab coffee at OB Beans Coffee Roasters or Newbreak Coffee & Café. Both spots have outdoor seating where pups are welcome. OB Beans roasts in-house and is just up from the beach; Newbreak sits right on the Voltaire Street end, so it’s a quick stroll to the sand.
Head to Dog Beach — one of the best off-leash beaches in Southern California. Located at the end of Voltaire Street, this stretch of sand is paradise for dogs who love to run, splash, and chase tennis balls.
Fuel up with breakfast at Benedict’s — a local favorite known for its hearty plates and friendly outdoor patio. Order their classic eggs benedict or French toast, and let your dog relax nearby.
💡 Morning Tip: Bring a towel for sandy paws and some water for your pup — after a beach run, everyone’s going to need a refill!
Afternoon: Chill, Snack, and Explore
Once the morning rush settles, OB’s easygoing energy kicks in — perfect for grabbing lunch or hanging out at one of its many dog-friendly patios.
Stop by Pizza Port OB for pizza and craft beer in a casual, dog-welcoming setting. There’s outdoor seating and plenty of people-watching.
Blue Water Seafood OB (on Santa Monica Ave) serves up fresh local fish and has an inviting patio for you and your pup.
Hodad’s is an iconic OB burger stop — while the inside can get crowded, you can grab your meal to go and eat on the grass near the lifeguard tower or along the seawall.
After lunch, take a leisurely walk through the OB Farmers Market (Wednesdays, 4–8 pm) where dogs are welcome and you’ll often find treats just for them!
💡 Afternoon Tip: If it’s warm, give your pup some shade and water breaks — OB’s charm is its sunshine, but it can heat up fast.
Evening: Dinner, Sunset & Coastal Strolls
End the day on a high note with a dog-friendly dinner and one of the most beautiful sunsets in San Diego.
OB Surf Lodge is ideal for an ocean-view dinner. Their coastal menu and casual patio make it easy to unwind while your pup lounges beside you.
Mike’s Taco Club offers beachside tacos to-go — perfect for an impromptu picnic near the seawall or the Voltaire Street dunes.
Kilowatt Brewing OB or The Holding Company (street-level patio) are great for post-dinner drinks with your dog.
When the sun starts to dip, head to Sunset Cliffs Natural Park for the finale. Dogs on leash are welcome along the walking paths — the cliffs glow gold as the sun melts into the Pacific.
💡 Evening Tip: Bring a blanket or light jacket for the breeze. The cliffs get cool and cozy once the sun goes down.
A Perfect Day in OB (for You and Your Pup)
From morning walks to evening waves, Ocean Beach is one of the most dog-loving communities in San Diego. You can fill an entire day here without ever needing to leave your furry friend behind — just great food, ocean air, and a community that treats dogs like family.
