Exclusive | Pet-friendly San Diego

 Where to Hang Your Leash
Pets are welcome at W San Diego (421 W. B St; 619-398-3100; $239+) (although dogs over 40lbs must be approved by management). The hotel charges a $25 fee daily, plus a non-refundable cleaning fee of $100, and provides welcome packets that include toy, treats, pet tag, pick-up bags, and information on local pet services. In-room amenities include food bowls, Custom W pet bed, and turndown treats. The concierge can arrange for dog sitting, walking, vet appointments, and grooming services. Leashes, food, wee pads, litter boxes, pet first-aid kits (Bow-ow and Meow-ow Boxes), and personalized birthday cakes are also available. Join P.A.W. Doggie Happy Hour (the last Tuesday of the month 5-7 p.m.) for PETicures (30 minute nail treatment and calming massages for $30.)

Ocean Villa Inn (5142 W. Point Loma Blvd; 619-224-3481 or 800-759-0012; $129+) claims to be San Diego?s most dog-friendly hotel and with the dog beach at their door offering 25 miles of leash-free shoreline, they have a strong case. Dogs are welcome in all downstairs rooms for a one time, non-refundable pet fee of $25 for up to two dogs, $50 for three, and $75 for four (the maximum allowed.) They provide pet treats, pet towels, and a dog wash shower.

Eye candy of all kinds can be found just south of La Jolla at the uber-stylish Tower23 Hotel (723 Felspar St; 858-270-2323; $179+), a luxury property on Pacific Beach. Dogs up to 25lbs are permitted. There?s a cleaning fee of $75 for a one-night stay, $150 for two or more nights.

Chow? dog-friendly spots to grab some kibble
Helmed by lesbian celeb chef Deborah Scott, Hillcrest?s Kemo Sabe (3958 Fifth Ave; 619-220-6802; $7-26) presents excellent, innovative globally inspired cooking with especially pronounced Southwest and Asian influences. Food is served in large, creative presentations. It's a real favorite among the locals. Dogs are allowed at any of the six outdoor tables.

Romantic and refined, Terra (3900 Vermont St; 619-293-7088; $15-30) ranks among Hillcrest's better "date" restaurants. The patio is dog friendly.

An excellent University Heights restaurant is Gulf Coast Grill (4130 Park Blvd; 619-295-2244; $12-24), specializing in both Southern-and Southwestern-inspired seafood. Dogs may dine with their people on the outside patio.

Run Dog, Run
There are two 24-hour leash-free areas in gay-popular Balboa Park, Nate?s Point (Balboa Drive at El Prado) and Morley Field (northwest of the tennis courts.)

In Ocean Beach, Dog Beach (foot of Voltaire Street) offers 24-hour beach and ocean access.

For more city-approved off-leash areas and a useful map, see the Park and Recreation site.

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