About Ocean Beach Dog Beach: Ocean Beach Dog Beach is open to canines any time. This small beach has plenty of sand for the dogs to run on, and waves for them to run through. On weekends there can be up to 100 dogs here, so be sure you can control your dog, use a muzzle if there's any chance of trouble and keep vaccinations up to date. Bring along your dog's favorite outdoor toys, and to keep the sand from getting full of unpleasant surprises, bring something to clean up with. Not only is it polite, it's the law. Ocean Beach Dog Beach Fees: None Entrance Fee: None Parking Fee: None

With 38 acres, Dog Beach is the second largest leash-free beach for dogs in the country. According to San Diego Park and Recreation, during San Diego's warmest months an estimated 10,000 dogs visit each week.

As always, dog owners are required to pick up after their pets. However, City police officers, park rangers, and lifeguards will be monitoring dog owners who visit Dog Beach to be sure that they are picking up after their dogs. Owners who do not may be charged with a misdemeanor or an infraction, and may be required to pay a $250 to $1.000 fine according to Municipal Code 12.0201 Criminal Violations - Misdemeanors 44.0304.1 Committing Nuisance.

Plastic bag dispensers have been installed along the beach and trash cans have been added to walking areas. It is important that all dog owners make the commitment to take care of their pet's waste by picking it up!

Members of the Mayor's Clean Water Task Force and Friends of Dog Beach want to create a cleaner and a safer Dog Beach for the many people and pets who enjoy recreating here. Ultimately it is the community's responsibility because if Dog Beach is closed, the community suffers.

Human Creature Comforts at Ocean Beach Dog Beach:

· Restrooms
· Picnic tables
· Summer lifegaurd service
· The paved walking path is accessible to anyone
· Consumption of alcohol is permitted on the beach from 12:00 noon to 8:00 p.m., but prohibited at all times in parking lots, adjacent walkways, and grassy parks adjacent to the beach.

Ocean Beach Dog Beach Activities:

Activities at Ocean Beach Dog Beach center around the canine set. Bring a ball or a frisbee for your dog to run after. Many visitors bring their beach chairs and settle in, talking to other dog owners and watching their animals enjoy themselves. For a more sedate time, you can also walk with your pet along the paved path that runs beside the water.
Highs and Lows at Ocean Beach Dog Beach:

· Dogs are allowed to run free on the beach, but must be leashed as you take them to and from your car.
· Unfortunately, your fellow dog owners don't always clean up after their pets. Watch where you step.
· In summer, San Diego beaches are subject to red tides.

Beachgoer Beware:

It's just as well that this part of Ocean Beach is set aside for the dogs. Dangerous rip tides make it unsafe to swim here.