The Lucky Dog Days of Summer

Why you should bring Fido and Rover on your next visit.

How interesting that the term, “dog days of summer” applies more to the night sky than the daytime, and it originated long before the names of the seasons.

Ancient people imagined pictures formed in the patterns of the stars’ positions. Among the animal images they saw were two dog-related examples, canis major and canis minor. Sirius is the brightest star in canis major, the big dog, and it is also the brightest star in the night sky of the northern hemisphere. 

In the summer, it rises and sets with the sun. The ancient people believed it was so hot that it added to the warmth of the sun, resulting in a period of especially hot weather. They called this time, “dog days,” after Sirius, the big dog star. (Information from Wikipedia.org and Wilstar.com)

Our local canines probably don’t care what we call those days, as long as their humans take them somewhere to enjoy them. Fortunately for San Diego’s lucky dogs and people, our county offers a variety of dog-special parks and beaches where Rover can romp, sans leash. Here’s a sampling. Pack a picnic for yourselves and a water bowl and treats for your canine star, then take off for some special fun together.

Beaches

Dog Beach, Ocean Beach

Opened in 1972, this is the original legal, off-leash dog beach. It boasts 38 acres of sand and surf, where the San Diego River meanders into the Pacific Ocean. Even if you don’t have a dog, it’s a great place to watch every breed and mutt run and play with amazingly few hostile encounters.  Dog Beach Dog Wash is just blocks away, at 4933 Voltaire Street, and open every day from 7am-9pm.

Dog Beach, Del Mar

This beautiful stretch of sand is a special treat for doggie romps, as it is only open to off-leashed pets in the summer months. Beware the assertive parking police and plan to arrive early to find a legal space for your car.

Dog Beach, Coronado

You’ll find this wide beach next to the Naval Air Station on Ocean Boulevard near Sunset Park.  Not only is it a lovely getaway, you’ll have the added bonus of the picturesque Hotel del Coronado in the background.

Parks

Nate's Point, Balboa Park

Just before you cross Cabrillo Bridge to the Prado at Balboa Park, you’ll spot the large lawn where dogs and their humans play Frisbee or catch at all hours of the day and night, too. 

Morley Field, Balboa Park

Although it’s technically part of Balboa Park, this mellow setting is across the canyon in the North Park neighborhood. You’ll see the locals and their pups enjoying their own version of sports, northwest of the tennis courts and swimming pool.

A Bit of Both

Fiesta Island, Mission Bay

Dogs get the run of this big ole sandy island in Mission Bay Park. Calm waters for dog-paddling on one side, big sand dunes for chasing tails on the other, what could be better? Enter from East Mission Bay Drive, near Sea World Drive.