Introduction
Del Mar Dog Beach is one of the most popular spots for dogs and their owners in San Diego. Located north of San Diego proper, this off-leash dog beach gives pups a chance to roam free and play in the sand and surf. However, the popularity of Del Mar Dog Beach also makes parking a challenge, especially on weekends and summer days when crowds flock to the shore.
In this guide, we’ll cover the various parking options near Del Mar Dog Beach, from street parking on Coast Blvd to free and paid lots within walking distance. We’ll provide tips on when to arrive to secure a spot, as well as some parking alternatives for days when the main lots are full. With the right approach, you can find parking and enjoy a fun day at the beach with your four-legged friend.
Street Parking on Coast Blvd
Coast Blvd runs parallel to the beach in Del Mar, providing street parking spots with views of the ocean. Metered parking is available along the west side of Coast Blvd from 15th Street to 29th Street. Parking spots are in high demand, especially during summer weekends.
The metered parking spots are limited to 1 or 2 hours during the day. Rates are $1-2 per hour depending on proximity to the beach. Parking enforcement is strict, so make sure to refill the meter. Your best bet is to drive north along Coast Blvd starting from 15th Street until you locate an open spot. Just be prepared to walk a bit if you have to park farther from the beach access points.
With its oceanside location, parking on Coast Blvd fills up quickly on warm weekends. Unless you arrive early, you’ll likely need to drive up and down the street searching for an open spot or head to one of the public parking lots.
15th Street Free Lot
One of the most popular free parking options for Dog Beach is the 15th Street Free Lot located at 15th Street and Camino Del Mar (Source). This parking lot has 72 free public parking spaces available on a first come, first served basis. There are no hourly limits, so you can park all day for free. The lot tends to fill up early, especially on weekends and summer days when the beach is busiest. To secure a parking spot, it’s recommended to arrive before 9 AM on weekends and before 10 AM on weekdays.
The 15th Street Free Lot is conveniently located one block away from the beach entrance at the end of 15th Street, making it a prime choice for beachgoers. Keep in mind there are no in-and-out privileges, so once you park you’ll need to walk or bike over to the beach. The lot has picnic tables, bike racks, and excellent accessibility
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Dog Beach Lots
Del Mar Dog Beach has two pay parking lots located right next to the off-leash area. The lots are located on either side of the beach entrance path off Via De La Valle. The north lot has 35 parking spots while the south lot has 67 spots (1). Parking costs $3 per hour or $12 for the entire day. Both lots accept credit cards and cash payment. There are also two parking kiosks on site to purchase tickets (2).
Due to the prime location right off the beach, the Dog Beach Lots tend to fill up quickly, especially on weekends and summer days. Arriving before 9 AM on a weekend offers the best chance to grab a spot. However, on less busy days, it’s sometimes possible to find open spaces even in the late morning. Checking both lots is advised if one appears full.
Solana Beach Street Parking
Parking along the streets of Solana Beach is a popular option for accessing the dog beach. There are multiple beach access points along Coast Highway 101 and Solana Vista Drive that provide direct access to the beach via stairways.
Parking along these streets is free but limited to 2 or 3 hours between 9am-5pm depending on location. Outside of those hours and limits, parking is unrestricted. Metered parking is also available along Coast Highway 101 ranging from $1-2 per hour. Always check posted signs since restrictions vary by block 1.
With the time limits in place, finding an open spot can be challenging especially on weekends and summer afternoons when beachgoers occupy most of the curbside parking. Arriving early in the morning on weekends or visiting on weekdays will yield the best chance at finding street parking.
Del Mar Heights Parking Lot
The Del Mar Heights parking lot is a pay parking lot located on Del Mar Heights Road near the intersection with Stratford Court (Parkopedia). This lot has over 500 parking spots and offers hourly, daily, and monthly parking rates. Payment options include pay station machines, mobile app payment, and monthly permit purchases.
The Del Mar Heights parking lot is about a 10-15 minute walk to the main beach access point at the end of 15th Street. The parking lot is uphill from the beach so the return walk is a bit longer. This parking lot can fill up on warm weekends but is a relatively affordable and convenient parking option for accessing Del Mar dog beach.
When to Arrive
The best time to arrive and find parking at Del Mar Dog Beach is early in the morning before 8am. According to the City of Del Mar’s website, off-leash dogs are permitted from dawn to 8am. Arriving between dawn and 7am will give you the highest chance of finding street parking near the beach.
Parking is most scarce during peak hours from about 8am to 5pm, especially on weekends and summer months when beach attendance is highest. According to the City’s dog beach regulations, dogs must be leashed from 8am onward, so parking demand jumps up at that time.
Special events like the Del Mar Races and Del Mar Fair can greatly affect parking as well. If visiting during major events, allow extra time or consider alternative transportation options.
Parking Alternatives
If you’re having trouble finding street parking near Del Mar Dog Beach, there are some alternatives to driving and parking yourself:
- Take an Uber or Lyft – Many people opt to take a rideshare service to avoid the parking hassle altogether. This can be a convenient option if you don’t want to waste time hunting for parking.
- Get dropped off – If possible, having a friend or family member drop you and your dog off can be a good alternative. This way you don’t have to worry about parking at all.
- Walk or bike – If you live nearby, walking or biking to Del Mar Dog Beach is a healthy and hassle-free option. This is a good idea if you’re close enough to avoid a long walk while carrying your beach gear.
Using alternatives to driving and parking yourself can save time and frustration when visiting Del Mar Dog Beach on busy days. Just make sure to plan ahead for options like Uber or getting dropped off.
Parking Tips
When visiting Del Mar Dog Beach, having a strategy for parking can make the experience less stressful. Here are some tips:
Check all the parking options – street parking, free lots, and paid lots. Be flexible and willing to park a bit further away from the beach if needed. Arrive early, especially on warm weekends, as spots fill up fast. According to the City of Del Mar, you may have the best luck finding street parking before 10am.
Consider carpooling with friends to cut down on parking needs and split costs if paid lots are required. Pack what you need in one car. Or use a rideshare service so you don’t have to worry about parking at all.
Have backup plans ready in case your first parking choice is full. Be patient and remember the parking struggle will be worth it once you’re enjoying the beautiful Del Mar shoreline with your pup.
Conclusion
After exploring the various parking options for accessing Del Mar Dog Beach, it’s clear there are several good choices depending on your priorities. Street parking along Coast Blvd allows you to park right near the beach, but spots fill up fast on sunny days. The free 15th Street lot is a good backup option just a short walk away. The two Del Mar Dog Beach lots provide easy access but require paid parking passes. If you don’t mind a slightly longer walk, Solana Beach street parking and Del Mar Heights Parking Lot are good free alternatives. Arriving early, having flexibility, and using parking apps can help. For additional resources on current parking conditions, check the City of Del Mar and City of Solana Beach websites. Most importantly, enjoy your time at the off-leash dog beach with your furry friend!