SAN DIEGO, CA

Good Vibes and Awesomeness for You and Your Pet.

Step out of your comfort zone and explore adventures you and your furry traveler might never expect to discover. For starters, you and your pet can stay at a resort that will make you think you are in Hawaii. Kona Kai Resort and Spa is a destination unto itself. This historic resort features a beach, marina and spa and was built in the 1950’s. It was developed to create an Hawaiian experience, considered exotic in the 50’s and boasted guests such as John Wayne,

John F. Kennedy and many other high profile guests. Today, Kona Kai is super pet friendly and pays tasteful  homage to its Hawaiian architecture while offering contemporary amenities and gourmet cuisine. With the exception of indoor dining and the pool area, well -mannered leashed dogs are welcome everywhere. You and your fury friend can lounge in the lobby, dine on the outdoor patio overlooking the private marina, romp on the private beach, and your dog can enjoy a special pet massage in a beach cabana as part of the Spa experience.

The resort has a special pet ambassador, Chungus, the Bulldog, who inspired his dad, Chef Kyle,

to create a special, healthy pet menu so your pooch can dine with you on the patio of the Vessel restaurant. Of course, there are many grass-lined walking paths on the property.

Dogs are not allowed to swim on the resort’s private beach for safety reasons, but San Diego has Dog Beach,  a landmark in the community of Ocean Beach where dogs run freely in the ocean, surfers surf the Dog Beach Break, and people and dogs co-exist peacefully. After playing with your pup on Dog Beach head over to nearby Sunset Cliffs where the two of you can sit side by side and watch a magnificent San Diego Sunset.

What could be more unexpected than a Hawaiian inspired historic resort in San Diego? How about a naval base turned into an entertainment center? Liberty Station is a large development that sprawls across the grounds of a former naval training center. It’s home to stylish bars, an eclectic array of restaurants, boutiques, and Liberty Public Market, filled with a variety of ethnic gourmet eateries and shops. There are also art galleries and several small museums housed in Spanish Colonial Revival buildings. Along the waterfront of San Diego Bay, NTC Park has grassy lawns and bike paths. Much of Liberty Station is pet friendly, especially its outdoor venues, parks and Liberty Public Market. While dogs can’t go inside the many eateries, extensive patio areas outside enable you to dine with your pet.

Another surprise at Liberty Station’s waterfront is SUP Pups, a hands-on business run by a local and her dog.  Samantha will teach you and your dog how to paddle board. SUP Pups provides everything you need. All you have to do is make an appointment. And now, a one-of-a-kind experience you might never have thought possible: the Puppy Picnic company creates gourmet picnics ( or pupnics) for you, your canine companion and your friends and their dogs of all sizes.  Pupnics include elegant decorations and can include special doggie delights and food and beverages for humans. The biggest surprise is how well behaved the furry guests are. They seem to know the event is special for them. 

To find put more about pet friendly San Diego, check out sandiego.org